Welcoming Fall's First whisper

The "dog days of summer" are upon us, and the air still hangs heavy with heat. Yet, as the chimney sweep cleans the fireplace today and the order of seasoned firewood is placed, a different season begins to stir in my mind. The anticipation of fall, with its cooler air, vibrant colors, and comforting scents, is a feeling that's hard to ignore, even when the thermometer reads 90+ degrees.

This time of year brings a beautiful sense of melancholy. It's the feeling of another summer behind us and the quiet preparation for the fall and winter ahead. Everything green seems to be taking on a new life, transitioning to hues of yellow, orange, and brown. I can't help but wonder how someone like Henry David Thoreau would have viewed this transformation. Perhaps he'd see it as necessary rest and then renewal. The roses are taking a breath before their final magnificent bloom, and even the relentless growth of the summer lawn begins to slow.

Nature's Rhythm

As we prepare for the busy season of welcoming guests to Hitherside Cottage and Claudia's Caboose, I find myself thinking about the local wildlife. Are they also feeling the shift? Are they busy prepping for the cooler weather to come? What drives their seasonal rhythm? It's an innate, ancient instinct that pushes them to gather, migrate, and prepare for the inevitable change. They are our wild neighbors, moving in sync with the same seasonal cues that we, in our own way, are also responding to.

The Allure of Mentone in October

Fall in Mentone is nothing short of magical. The oppressive heat, the ticks, the bugs and the constant threat of thunderstorms are replaced by cool, crisp air perfect for hiking. Our guests, many of whom travel from the south, are drawn by the glorious cornucopia of color that blankets our mountainsides. At Hitherside, we'll swap out the lighter duvet for a warmer one, transforming the cottage from its summery feel to a cozy autumnal retreat.  The wood will be stacked and ready to be used in the fireplace for cooler nights. We stock the goodie jars with hot-chocolate and popcorn. You can almost smell the hint of Pumpkin-spice in the air…

We have so much to look forward to—the vibrant scenery of the falls and trails, the lively Mentone Fall Festival, and the warm welcomes we give to both new and returning guests. The cottage and its surroundings are constantly evolving, just like the seasons. The woods grow more prolific each year, offering new discoveries around every turn. It’s a joy to share this special place with others as we embrace this beautiful transition.

"This morning, the sun endures past dawn. I realize that it is August: the summer's last stand." We welcome this last stand, for it signals the quiet arrival of a season we cherish so deeply.

Enjoy Fall with Midseason Rates

You can experience the beauty of fall in Mentone and at our cottages without the high-season price tag. We offer midweek rates that make a cozy fall getaway even more inviting. At Hitherside Cottage, midweek rates (Sunday-Thursday) are $129.00/night, while weekends (Friday-Saturday) are $135.00-$139.00/night. Claudia's Caboose offers even more value with midweek rates at $119.00/night and weekends at $126.00/night. (look for special packages!) Remember, book direct with us so you won’t pay those “booking fees” that VRBO and Airbnb charge. Come enjoy the crisp weather, vibrant foliage, and peaceful surroundings at a reduced rate. Book your stay and make a memory with us this fall.

"Autumn is the year's last, loveliest smile, and we wait for it all year, knowing it will bring us back to ourselves and the quiet moments we cherish."

Why a Historic Train Caboose is your next dream stay!

Twightlight at the Caboose - Picture by guest

Ever dreamt of stepping back in time, of waking up somewhere truly unique and steeped in history? Forget the cookie-cutter hotel rooms – it's time to consider a stay in a real, historic train caboose, just like Claudia's caboose!

But why choose a caboose for your next getaway? Here's why these charming, vintage, midcentury accommodations offer an experience you won't find anywhere else:

A Whiff of History and Nostalgia

Imagine the stories these cabooses could tell!  Each one has a past, having once traveled countless miles on the rails, carrying conductors and brakemen. Staying in a historic caboose connects you directly to that rich railway heritage. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in a bygone era, sparking your imagination and offering a sense of nostalgia even if you weren't around during their heyday.

But what exactly is a “caboose”?

A caboose is a crewed railcar coupled at the end of a freight train. It provides a shelter for the train crew (conductor and brakemen) and serves as an office for the conductor. Cabooses were equipped with features like bunks, a stove for heating, and cupolas (elevated sections with windows) or bay windows for observing the train and tracks.

Uniquely Charming and Cozy, with Modern Comforts

Cabooses are inherently adorable. Their compact size and distinctive architecture make them incredibly charming. Inside, you'll often find clever uses of space, original features, and unique decor that reflect their railway origins. It's a cozy, intimate setting, perfect for a romantic escape, a quiet solo retreat, or a memorable family adventure.

And at Claudia's caboose, you don't have to sacrifice modern comforts for that historic charm! Imagine this:

• Staying Cool or Warm: Enjoy the perfect temperature no matter the season with air conditioning and heating. 🌬️

• Home Away From Home: Prepare your own meals in a convenient kitchenette, complete with a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker. ☕

• Entertainment on Demand: Unwind with your favorite shows on the television, perhaps even watching a train-themed movie! 📺

• Refreshing Amenities: A private bathroom with a shower ensures you have all the conveniences of a traditional stay. 🚿

• Sleep in Style: Drift off to sleep in a comfortable queen-sized bed, or the full size sleep sofa in the main living area. 🛏️

• Everything you need: All towels, linens, pillows, plates, cups, bowls, drinkware and utensils are provided. (we have a dishwasher that sanitizes everything)

• Outdoor Relaxation: Many cabooses, including Claudia's, boast a private deck or patio – perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or an evening sunset. 🌅

  
  

A Departure from the Ordinary

Let's face it, standard hotel rooms can be a bit…boring. A caboose stay is anything but! It's an experience that stands out, a conversation starter, and a memory-maker. Whether it's the cupola offering panoramic views, the authentic railway details, or simply the novelty of sleeping in a train car, a caboose guarantees a stay far from the ordinary.

Caboose interior living/kitchen area

Support a Piece of the Past

When you choose to stay in a historic caboose like Claudia's, you're not just booking a room – you're often supporting the preservation of these magnificent pieces of railway history. Many owners pour their hearts into restoring and maintaining these unique structures, ensuring they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

So, if you're looking for an unforgettable getaway that combines history, charm, and a whole lot of unique character, complete with all the modern comforts, it's time to punch your ticket for a stay in a historic train caboose. You might just find it's the best adventure you've ever had! 🚂

Claudiascaboose.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/334820905073746

What the guests say…

“We are here, This is William on Deborah's phone, we are amazed at how nice this luxury caboose has been built!!!  Everything is perfectly done and should be featured in a magazine!!! I've been in construction 55 years and this place tops any rebuild I've ever seen!!! The craftsmanship that was done here is astronomical!!! I'm so proud for y'all!!! There is not one thing that I would change even if I could!!!”

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“This is the most unique  place to stay.  There is a train track close by and you can hear the trains and horn as it goes by.  The decor is awesome.  My husband and I just loved this place. Claudia is so informative and such a joy to talk to.  We will definitely be telling all our friends and family.  This is a once in a lifetime place to definitely put on your bucket list of places to stay.  The area has some really nice unique places to eat like the Wildflower Cafe and The Hatter Cafe. I can't say enough good things about Claudia and Robert's caboose other than we definitely want to come back and stay again.  Thanks again for everything and making our 36th anniversary so special.”

From peaks to creeks: Explore mentone and fort payne's diverse outdoor adventures!

LIttle River Falls Preserve

The Mentone and Fort Payne area, nestled atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama, is a haven for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts. With two major natural attractions, DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon National Preserve, along with other unique spots, there's a wide array of activities to enjoy.

Here's a breakdown of the outdoor and adventure offerings:

1. Hiking and Backpacking:

• DeSoto State Park: This park boasts over 35 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging treks.

  • Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail: An ADA-accessible boardwalk trail offering views of Azalea Cascades.

  • DeSoto Scout Trail (DST): A historic and more challenging trail that winds through the state park and into Little River Canyon National Preserve. Sections may be overgrown in places.

  • White Trail, Blue Trail, Orange Trail, Aqua Trail, Silver Trail: Various trails offering different lengths, elevation changes, and views of rock formations, ravines, and streams.

  • Waterfalls: Many trails lead to or pass by smaller waterfalls within the park, in addition to the prominent DeSoto Falls.

• Little River Canyon National Preserve: Offers numerous hiking opportunities with stunning canyon views. (Also dog friendly!)

  • Trails like the Canyon Mouth Trail, Powell Trail, Bridge Trail, and Little Falls Trail.

  • The backcountry area of the preserve also has roads suitable for hiking.

    
    

    

2. Waterfalls and Scenic Views:

• DeSoto Falls: Located within DeSoto State Park (about 7 miles north of the main park entrance near Mentone), this is one of Alabama's tallest and most visited waterfalls, cascading over 100 feet into a gorge. An ADA-accessible paved path leads to an overlook of the main falls, and a historic dam and upper falls are also accessible.

• Little River Canyon National Preserve: The preserve itself is defined by the Little River, which flows atop Lookout Mountain for most of its length before plunging into the canyon.

  • Little River Falls: The main waterfall at the beginning of the canyon.

  • Graces High Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls in Alabama, visible from an overlook along the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway (best viewed after significant rain).

  • Numerous other seasonal waterfalls and cascades can be found throughout the canyon, especially after rainfall.

  • Scenic Drives: The 11-mile Little River Canyon Rim Parkway (Highway 176) offers several overlooks with breathtaking views of the canyon, rock walls, and the river below. Popular overlooks include Lynn Overlook, Hawk's Glide, Canyon View, Wolf

    Creek, and Crow Point.

    
    

    

    
    

3. Rock Climbing and Rappelling:

• Little River Canyon National Preserve: This area is a popular destination for rock climbing and bouldering, with challenging routes on the sandstone cliffs. The Citadel Boulders, with over 150 unique boulder problems, are a notable spot.

• True Adventure Sports: This outfitter provides guided rock climbing and rappelling adventures in the Little River Canyon area, suitable for all experience levels.

  
  

4. Caving:

• Manitou Cave of Alabama (Fort Payne): A historic cave with a rich past, including use by the Cherokee, saltpeter mining during the Civil War, and a former ballroom. Guided tours offer a glimpse into its geological formations, unique ecosystem (home to a rare snail), and historical significance (including Cherokee syllabary inscriptions). Visitors need to bring flashlights and wear appropriate footwear as the paths are natural and not ADA accessible.

• Cathedral Caverns State Park (near Grant, a short drive from Fort Payne): While not directly in the Mentone/Fort Payne area, Cathedral Caverns is a popular commercial show cave worth considering. It boasts a massive entrance, impressive formations like "Goliath" (a giant stalagmite), and a consistent 60-degree temperature year-round.

  
  

  

  Cathedral Caverns State Park

  
  

5. Mountain Biking:

• DeSoto State Park: Offers over 11 miles of mountain biking trails in addition to its hiking trails.

  
  

6. Water Activities:

• Kayaking and Canoeing: The Little River in Little River Canyon National Preserve offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, particularly during winter and spring when water levels are higher.

• Swimming:

  • DeSoto State Park: Features an Olympic-size swimming pool (seasonal).

  • Little River Canyon National Preserve: Blue Hole is a family-friendly swimming hole in a calm area of the Little River, near Little River Falls. Canyon Mouth Park also offers river access for swimming.

    
    

7. Other Activities:

• Ziplining: DeSoto State Park offers zipline aerial adventures. Screaming Eagle Zipline.

• Fishing: Available in various bodies of water within the state park and national preserve.  Dekalb County Lake is a 120 acre lake in Sylvania, Alabama

• Golf:  Lil’ Mole Run Golf Course in Mentone, 18 or 9 holes. 

• Skiing (seasonal): Cloudmont Ski Resort offers two beginner-intermediate slopes with snowmaking capabilities during winter cold snaps.

• Nature Programs: DeSoto State Park often has interpretive programs, guided hikes, and events at its Benefield Interpretive Center.

• Photography: The area's stunning natural beauty, especially its waterfalls and canyon vistas, makes it a prime location for outdoor photography.

• Hang Gliding:  Lookout Mountain Flight Park in Rising Fawn, Ga.  Just a short trip to experience the thrill of hang gliding or just watch hang gliders fly off the “runway”.

  
  

  

  Screaming Eagle Arial Adventures

  
  

So, as you gear up for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Mentone and Fort Payne, always remember to consult the official websites for DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon National Preserve. They're your ultimate guide to current conditions, trail closures, operating hours, and all the essential regulations. Be prepared for an epic experience!