The Secret Bed & Breakfast Lodge
Table Of Contents
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Perched atop Lookout Mountain lies the secret Bed & Breakfast Lodge - the best kept (secret) in the south! Spectacular view by day! Enchanting view by night! Spectacular and breathtaking only begin to describe the more than 180 degree panoramic view of the foothills, valleys, and beautiful Weiss Lake below.
From Gothic rock formations one can see Rome, Georgia to the east and Weisner Mountain in Piedmont, Alabama to the south. Spreading majestically behind Weisner Mountain, lies the Cheaha Mountain range. Mount Cheaha, the highest point in Alabama, looks like a silver-wrapped candy kiss atop the mountain range. To the west the town of Gadsden, Alabama sparkles brilliantly when darkness falls. The view is as spectacular by day as it is enchanting at night. The secret is the perfect setting for making dreams come true or celebrating special moments or anniversaries.
The secret features four guest rooms which are located on the 2nd floor above the Main Lodge. Two rooms are located on the view side (Tranquility and Serenity) and two rooms are located on the wooded side (Remembrance and Enchantment). Each of these rooms may be entered from the main upstairs hallway which also leads to the unique roof top pool and suspended deck. The patio and balcony area offer one of the most impressive views in the south!All rooms and cottages have balconies and private baths. Direct TV is available in all rooms/cottages except Remembrance. DVD and VCR's are available in all rooms/cottages. Guests may select from over 400 courtesy movies for their watching pleasure or bring their own DVD's or videos. A hearty breakfast is served daily at 9:00 a.m.
Looking for something more private? Discover four of the most unique cottages in the state of Alabama. These cottages offer the best of both worlds - a bed and breakfast experience with the ultimate privacy. Enjoy the main lodge area which features two TVs, a large fireplace and a spectacular view from windows towering three stories in height. Then, you may return to your hide-a-way to enjoy your personal view of the surroundings.
The ceiling in the main gathering room at the lodge is over 2 stories tall. In the morning guests may enjoy a full country breakfast or pancakes around a 10' revolving dining table. In this charmingly secluded and privately owned location guests discover "the secret". No one leaves the same as he came. It is truly the secret awaiting your discovery.Large rock outcroppings abound on the property and in nearby areas. Cherokee Rock Village is about 7 miles from the secret. It was one of the sites selected for filming the 2006 movie, Failure to Launch, starring Matthew McConaughey & Sarah Jessica Parker. Visitors discover rock formations over 100 feet high that form unusual observation decks. Rock climbers from surrounding states may always be found scaling the rocks. This area is located on an old pioneer road and Indian trail that is today called the Lookout Mountain Trail. This trail is known to have existed during the Civil War.
Also near the secret is Yellow Creek Falls which drops 100 feet into Weiss Lake. Nearby DeSoto State Park (1-800-568-8840) and DeSoto Falls are nature lover's paradises. Walking and hiking trails, streams, and the beauty of nature abounds. Activities include: fishing, swimming, rock climbing, hiking, nature walks and "critter" watching.
Golfers may enjoy a day at either Silver Lakes Golf Course, a part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (1-800-949-4444) which is approximately 45 minutes away. Twin Bridges Golf Course is also an excellent choice and only twenty five minutes away (in Gadsden) www.twinbridgesgolf.com (256-549-4866). Stonebridge Golf Course (1-800-336-5046) in Rome Georgia is also available and less than an hour away. The Cherokee County Country Club golf course is located within a 10 minute drive. The Huntsville Space and Rocket Center is also located within 1 1/2 hours of the secret.
The secret is located near the Lookout Mountain Parkway and just 9 miles Interstate 59. It is 80 miles northeast of Birmingham, Alabama, 70 miles southwest of Chattanooga, Tennessee and 90 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia. For this reason, the secret is an excellent pivotal point from which one can discover some of the best secrets in the south.
The secret has been featured in the The Atlanta Journal & Constitution and on the front page of the Birmingham New Travel Section. The secret has also been featured in The Country Register, The Lookout Mountain Discoverer, the Times Daily, Alabama Magazine, Prime Times Magazine, the North Alabama Traveler, AAA's Travel Magazine, Going Places, Southern Lady Magazine and Southern Living Magazine. Also, we are honored to have been selected as one of twelve bed and breakfasts in Alabama to be featured on the Alabama Public Television Network.
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The lodge features a 22' tongue and groove vaulted ceiling, fireplace,
satellite T.V. and an entertainment center. -
Discover why we feel it is the best kept secret in the South atop the scenic roof-top pool.
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There are new "keepers of the Inn"!! On June 27th Charlie and Kris Thomas took over as Innkeepers of The Secret Bed and Breakfast. In June of 2010, Kris shut down her mortgage business in which she had been part owner for 10 years. The following February, Charlie was laid off from his job of 22 years as a Golf Pro. With few options in their fields, they decided it was time for a radical change in their lives. A few years back, after staying at a Bed and Breakfast in north Georgia, they had discussed owning one when they retired. Little did they know that retirement would come at the age of 47.It is said that when God closes a door he opens a window. In this case, he opened the window and basically pushed! After looking at several Bed and Breakfasts in the southeast they had almost given up. The places were either too small to profit, did not have enough land to grow, had owner's quarters that would not accommodate ants, or were located so close to a railroad that the house shook three times a night! Then came The Secret! Upon stepping out of the car, walking into the massive lodge, then seeing the most amazing view, God said "It is done"!
The chill bumps are still coming each time Kris shares their story and both she and Charlie look forward to sharing their little piece of heaven with many future guests! So come on up to the mountain and feel the peace and tranquility that everyone deserves at least every once in a while
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The Kissing Tree
"Don't forget your camera!"
(especially if it's a birthday or an anniversary)We know we should not favor any particular guests, but we do. These two gracious Southern ladies (pictured above left) graced our mountain last fall. Mrs. Marion Rollins (left) and her life-long friend, Mrs. Robbie Sessions from Enterprise, Alabama have been friends since the age of three. They still cherish a picture of Ms. Robbie at age 3 standing beside a stroller the day Ms. Marion was born. This November each of these girls will celebrate birthdays--Ms. Marion will be 94 and Ms. Robbie will be 97. As these two enchanting ladies were having their pictures made I commented to Ms. Robbie that I would like for her to visit us on her 100th birthday and have her picture made in the BIG chair again. She remarked, with a twinkle in her eye, "Oh, that's a great idea. I always like to have something to look forward to!" Our mountain seemed to lose some stardust when they left.
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We are often asked, "Which season is the prettiest?" We haven't decided. Maybe you can.
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
As spectacular as the view is by day ~
it is even more enchanting at night.
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If using a GPS, please enter the address as:
2356 AL Hwy 68 West
Leesburg, Alabama 35983
Within 1/8 mile, your GPS may have us all over the road. Please call us at 256.523.3825 if you need assistance.
From Birmingham, Alabama traveling North on I-59
Estimated driving time from Trussville Exit is 1 hour, 15 minutes
Option 1 from Birmingham:
(15 minute longer route, all interstate except 9 miles)
1. Take Exit 205 - Collinsville Exit
2. Turn RIGHT, following Highway 68 East all the way (8.9 miles) to the sign (the secret Bed & Breakfast Lodge) on the LEFT side of the road.
3. Turn LEFT in front of the sign onto Cruickshank Lane.
4. Follow Cruickshank Lane 2/10 mile to the top of the mountain and ...behold!
(Note: Watch road signs carefully. After you exit I-59 you will travel 1.2 miles and turn RIGHT at the traffic light in the town of Collinsville. You will then go to the next traffic light and turn LEFT. You will now travel 7 miles. This can be tricky if you are not watching the road signs carefully.)
Option 2 from Birmingham:
(15 minutes shorter, two-lane state highway all but 4 miles)
1. Take Exit 182 onto Highway 759
2. On 759, take Exit 4B (The exit ramp clover leafs onto Hwy 411 North).
3. Follow Hwy 411 North about 20 miles.
4. Turn LEFT at the traffic light in Leesburg onto Hwy 68 West.
5. Travel 2.4 miles.
6. Turn RIGHT at the sign, the secret Bed & Breakfast Lodge, onto Cruickshank Lane.
(Note: Upon approaching the sign you will see a chain link fence on a small hill on the right side of the road. You will turn right when the chain link fence ends onto Cruickshank Lane.)
7. Follow Cruickshank Lane 2/10 mile to the top of the mountain and ... behold!
From Chattanooga, Tennessee on I-59 headed South
(Estimated driving time - 1 hour, 15 minutes.
1. Take Exit 205 - Collinsville Exit
2. Turn LEFT at end of Exit ramp.
3. Follow Highway 68 East all the way (8.9 miles) to the sign the secret Bed & Breakfast Lodge on the LEFT side of the road.
4. Turn LEFT in front of the sign onto Cruickshank Lane.
5. Follow Cruickshank Lane 2/10 mile to the top of the mountain and ...behold!
(Note: Watch road signs carefully. After you exit I-59 you will travel 1.2 miles and turn RIGHT at the traffic light in the town of Collinsville. You will then go to the next traffic light and turn LEFT. You will now travel 7 miles. This can be tricky if you are not watching the road signs carefully.)
From Atlanta, Georgia via 75 North*
1. Take Exit 290 - Rome/Canton Exit.
2. Follow 20 West.
3. For a while you will be on 20 West and 411 South.
4. Follow 411 South to Cave Springs, Georgia; Centre, Alabama and Leesburg, Alabama.
5. At the traffic light in Leesburg turn RIGHT onto Hwy 68 West.
6. Travel 2.4 miles.
7. Turn RIGHT at the sign, the secret Bed & Breakfast Lodge, onto Cruickshank Lane.
(Note: Upon approaching the sign you will see a chain link fence on a small hill on the right side of the road. You will turn right when the chain link fence ends onto Cruickshank Lane.)
8. Follow Cruickshank Lane 2/10 mile to the top of the mountain and ... behold!
We recommend traveling through Cave Springs rather than Hwy 20 (GA)/Hwy (AL). Cave Springs to Centre is a pretty drive, no traffic lights or city traffic.
From Atlanta Airport (Georgia)
(Estimated traveling time - 2 1/4 - 2 1/2 hours
1. From the terminal take Camp Creek Parkway/Return to Terminal.
2. Follow Camp Creek Parkway.
3. Travel about 15 miles - Take 20 West
4. In Alabama take Exit 199 (Hefling/Hollis). This is the 2nd Heflin exit).
5. Follow Hwy 9 North to Piedmont then to Centre.
6. In Centre, turn LEFT onto Hwy 411 South.
7. Travel about 5 miles to Leesburg.
8. At traffic light in Leesburg turn RIGHT onto Hwy 68 West.
9. Travel 2.4 miles.
10. Turn RIGHT at the sign, the secret Bed & Breakfast Lodge, onto Cruickshank Lane.
(Note: Upon approaching the sign you will see a chain link fence on a small hill on the right side of the road. You will turn right when the chain link fence ends onto Cruickshank Lane.)
11. Follow Cruickshank Lane 2/10 mile to the top of the mountain and ... behold!
From Huntsville, Alabama
1. Travel south from Huntsville on 431 through Guntersville and Albertville.
2. In Boaz turn left on Hwy 168E. Travel approximately 7 miles.
3. The road comes to a "T". Turn right onto Hwy 68 E.
4. You will follow 68 E for approximately 23 miles traveling through the little towns of Crossville and Collinsville.
5. Our driveway (on the left) is located in a curve and can be pretty tricky. Most guests miss it. Just before the turn into drive is a silver fence erected by the state. If you miss the turn you'll drop off the mountain (only about a mile).
6. Turn around and travel back up 68. You will see a sign, "Welcome to the Town of Sand Rock." We'll be the next drive on your right. Turn, travel up the mountain and prepare to see an unforgettable view of Alabama, the beautiful! -
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Local Attractions (0-30 minutes)
- 411 Midway Drive In Theater - Call for Shows and Time: 256.927.2855 www.drive-ins.com/detail/alt411d
- Akins "Dog Town" Furniture Store 256.845.2057 www.akinsfurniture.com
- Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce 256.927.8455 www.cherokee-chamber.org
- Cherokee Historical Museum 256.927.7835 www.cherokeecountyhistory.com
- Cherokee Rock Village (formally known as Little Rock City) -Location of 2006 movie, Failure to Launch, starring Matthew McConaughey & Sarah Jessica Parker www.cherokee-chamber.org Then search for Cherokee Rock Village
- Chief Ladiga's Trail (bikes and hiking) www.chiefladiga.com
- www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM43DD_Cornwall_Furnace_Cedar_Bluff_AL
- Cultural Arts Center Gadsden's Phone: 256.543.2787 www.culturalarts.com
- Famous Collinsville Trade Day (Saturdays 4:00 am - 1:00 pm) www.collinsvilletradeday.com
- Fort Payne's Big Mill Antique Mall & Deli 256.845.3380 www.discoverlookoutmountain.com search for shopping
- Gadsden Museum of Art 256.546.7365 gadsdenmuseum.com
- Harris Furniture and Auction (1st and 3rd Saturdays) 256.927.7487 www.donharrisauction.8m.com
- Historic Cornwall Furnace www.cherokeecountyhistory.com/cornwall-furnace
- Hubs Mercantile 256.523.3892 - 24012 Al. Hwy. 176 Collinsville, AL 35961
- Jet Ski Rentals 256.484.9999 (Seasonal - Call for reservations) 10 minutes away
- Jules J. Berta Vineyards 256.891.5115 www.julesjbertavineyards.com
- Leesburg Landing (Public Boat & Fishing Dock)
- Little River Canyon National Preserve 256.845.9605 www.nps.gov/archive/liri/home/home.htm
- Orbix Hot Glass 256.523.3188 www.orbixhotglass.com
- " ADD: Rome Sail Club (Call us for more information - private excursions)
- Terrapin Outdoor Center Canoe Shop, Accessories and Rentals 256.447.6666 www.canoeshop.net
- The Odyssey Health Spa and Fitness 256.927.2772 (Call for appointment.) Eight miles from the secret
- Twin Bridges Golf Course 256.549.4866 www.twinbridgesgolf.com
- Untamed Mountain (over 30 large carnivores)256.524.4150 www.tigersfortomorrow.org
- Weiss Lake Dam www.lakeweiss.inf
- Weiss Lake, The Crappie Capital of the South! www.cherokee-chamber.org
- Wills Creek Vineyards 256.538.5452 www.willscreekvineyards.com
- World's Longest Yard Sale (Yearly in August, 7 miles from the secret) www.discoverlookoutmountain.com Then search for shopping
- Yellow Creek Falls www.cherokeecountyhistory.com/yellow-creek-falls.html
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Nearby Attractions (30-60 minutes)
- Alabama Band Fan Club and Museum 1.800.557.8223 http://thealabamaband.com
- Boaz Outlet Malls 1.800.4.TANGER www.tangeroutlet.com
- Cloudmont Ski, Golf and Horseback Riding 256.634.4344 www.cloudmont.com
- DeSoto State Park 1.800.ALA.PARK www.desotostatepark.com
- Mentone Rhododendron Festival (once a year)
- Mountain Top Flea Market (Sundays) 1.800.535.2286
- Noccalula Falls 1.888.565.0411 www.cityofgadsden.com
- Robert Trent Jones-Hampton Cove Golf Course - Call for Tee Time256.551.1818
- Robert Trent Jones-Silver Lakes Golf Course - Call for Tee Time 256.892.3268 www.silverlakesregion.com
- Sally Howard Memorial Chapel
- Sequoyah Caverns 1.800.843.5098 www.sequoyahcaverns.com
- Stonebridge Golf Club (Rome, Ga) 40 minute drive 1.800.336.5046
- Unclaimed Baggage (Boaz and Scottsboro)
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Within One and one-half Hour:
- Ava Maria Grotto "Little Jerusalem" 256.734.4110 www.avemariagrotto.com
- Burritt's Living Museum 1.800.772.2348 www.burrittmuseum.com
- Huntsville Museum of Art 1.800.786.9095 www.hsvmuseum.org
- Motor Sports Hall of Fame 256.362.5002 www.motorsportshalloffame.com
- The State of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame 205.323.6665 www.alasports.org
- U.S. Space and Rocket Center 256.837.3400 www.huntsville.org
- Vulcan Park 205.933.1409 www.vulcanpark.org
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Recommended Local Restaurants (5-10 minutes)
- 411 Drive In Movie Theater 256.927.2855 (Homemade hamburgers!)
- The Bar-B-Que Place 256.927.3793
- Beans and Greens (Country Buffet) 256.492.3276
- Burger King, McDonald's, Jacks, Subway, Hardee's, KFC and more
- City Buffet 256.927.6669 (Chinese)
- Lanny's Barbeque 256.927.2400
- Mama J's (Buffet)
- Pizza Hut (Take out only)
- Sageberry's Restaurant 256.475.3398
- The Mountain Parkway Grill 256.523.5555
- Tony's Steak Barn 256.927.2844
- Three Style Pizza 256.523.3336
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Recommended Nearby Restaurants (Approx. 25-45 minutes)
- Applebee's
- Courtyard Café 256.547.1066 (Local entertainment occasionally)
- Logan's Steak House
- Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant
- Red Lobster
- Ruby Tuesday
- The Fish Market
- The Log Cabin Deli 256.634.4560
- Top-of-the-River Seafood 256.547.9817
- The Wildflower Café 256.634.0066 (reservations recommended)
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Articles:
http://wtcitv.org/watch-online/southern-accents/season-20-episode-4/
http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120326/STYLE/12032984
Festivals:
http://www.gadsdenriverfest.com/
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=scco8igab&v=001YqL8bqhr7N6ui2DWUH8W_RNYfsfSFi65SDSfAn8QL7S3pGKk3oAKrKA-vJVCALg4wENimgDeQpe10j8FQofFiNsYVrqCt42pm8SpHDAoV_c%3D
