TRAVEL LOCAL: A WEEKEND TRIP

Everybody loves to travel. We want to see new places and experience new things. However, busy schedules get in the way of trips longer than a weekend. In this article, you will find great weekend destinations perfect for those who want to get away but may only have a day or two to do it.

Mentone, Alabama

Montgomery, Alabama

Sitting high atop of Lookout Mountain lies the quiet town of Mentone. With lookouts, waterfalls, canyons, and views for miles. Mentone is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway if you are looking for something outdoors and out of the city. Mentone is approximately 100 miles from Birmingham, making it one of the closest of the weekend trips. Here are some of the things to see and do in Mentone.

Where to stay: Winston Place Bed and Breakfast. Located right down the mountain in Valley Head this Antebellum mansion offers lawn gardens, a large dining room, and a game room.

Where to eat: Green Leaf Grill. The Green Leaf Grill serves award-winning catfish and many other delicious options. Another popular place is the Wildflower Café, with its famous chicken salad. For something more casual, check out the Mentone Market or Little River Hardware for an amazing low-key lunch.

Things to do: DeSoto Falls and Brow park. Check out DeSoto to see a beautiful natural waterfall and go to Brow Park for scenic views. Mentone is also home to The Little River Canyon National Preserve which houses waterfalls, hikes, mountains, and the perfect picnic places.

Where to stay: The Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa is the perfect hotel. for a relaxing getaway. The hotel also has a beautiful spa that will be sure to help you relax from your busy life back home.

Where to eat: To stick with a classy weekend trip check out Central. It is a little more expensive with a dinner around $30 a person. However, it is really great food.. With its high end yet cozy atmosphere, Central is rated #1 restaurant in Montgomery on Trip Advisor and it won the Open Table Diners’ Choice Award in 2018 for its fourth year in a row . Martin’s Restaurant is less expensive, but still delicious. Martin’s is one of the oldest restaurants in Montgomery. It has been serving since the 1930’s. They serve traditional Southern food and make especially great fried chicken.

What to do: Montgomery is a city full of history. Visit the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, the old home of the famous author, who wrote many books including The Great Gatsby, and his wife. Also visit the Rosa Parks Museum which homes exhibits on the Montgomery Bus Boycott. You can also visit the Old Alabama Town which is a collection of restored buildings from the 19th and 20th century to show how those who settled and developed Alabama lived. There is so much more to do in Montgomery, make sure you give them a visit to enjoy the rich history of the city.

Atlanta, Georgia

Where to stay: Atlanta, being one of the biggest cities in the southeast, has many places to stay for every budget or every taste. Looking at downtown specifically there are so many. The Hilton Atlanta is a centrally located hotel surrounded by some of the most famous attractions and world class dining. If you like more boutique hotels that are unique, the award winning and eco friendly Ellis Hotel, or the historic Glenn Hotel, which is part of the Autograph Collection by Marriot might be for you. These hotels are close to everything and within walking distance to most of the famous attractions.

Where to eat: Like hotels, there is an abundance of amazing restaurants in Atlanta for every taste. The Varsity is an Atlanta classic. Established in 1928, it has been a staple in the city. Make sure you stop by and get an F.O. (or a Frozen Orange Drink) that you can only find here and some onion rings. Another good place to eat is Eclipse di Luna located in Buckhead or Dunwoody. This Spanish tapas restaurant is a local favorite with a constantly changing menu but consistently great taste. The Buckhead location has live music every night and room to dance. This restaurant is not only delicious but it is a fun experience. For a special occasion dinner, go to Chops Lobster Bar and enjoy one of the best meals of your life. Known for its exceptional food and service, the food is served in the beautiful ambiance of the dark wood dining room.

What to do: There is so much to do in this city that most locals haven’t even done it all yet. The Georgia Aquarium is the second largest aquarium in the world and the largest in the U.S. This is a must-see in the city. The Aquarium is home to fish, whale sharks, and a brand new shark exhibit set to open fall of 2020. Guests can enjoy seven galleries that home fish and sea animals from different habitats. The Aquarium also has dolphin and sea lion education shows where the audience gets to interact and watch the animals perform training techniques and tricks. The World of Coke is the place for you if you are a soda fan. Atlanta, being the home to Coca-Cola holds a museum dedicated to the soda’s history and impact. This is a fun experience for everyone, especially children. Enjoy a tasting room where guests can try every Coke product from around the world. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is also an amazing museum that is dedicated to the U.S. Ccivil Rrights movement and worldwide human rights. There is also the SEC Hall of Fame, the Swan House, the home of Martin Luther King Jr. Zoo Atlanta, Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and Underground Atlanta. There is so much more to do in Atlanta, so check it out and find some amazing places.

Mentone photo credit: Sarah Watlington, Montgomery photo credit: Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta photo credit: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

THE LOCAL

VOLUME THREE | ISSUE ONE