Downtown boutique hotels, state park lodges, tree houses and glamping tents are all part of the mix
NORTH ALABAMA–MAY 2025–The diversity of North Alabama encompasses vast outdoor recreational areas, small towns filled with charm and downtowns that beckon those who love a city vibe. There are waterfalls, wineries and covered bridges. A legacy of music history stands alongside the best of contemporary performance venues. And there are scenic lakes, rivers and mountaintop views. This remarkable combination means the 16-county North Alabama region draws visitors with an assortment of interests. While here, they find that unique lodging options add to the enjoyment of any vacation stay.
Just an hour south of Nashville, at the Alabama state line, the region spans the width of the state and has a wide range of lodging options, including boutique hotels, state park lodges, camping, glamping and unique bed and breakfast inns.
AC Hotel Huntsville Downtown (435 Williams Avenue Southwest, Huntsville, Alabama 35801; 256-836-7776), with its floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, modern essentials and the local charm and exquisitely appointed rooms of 106 Jefferson (106 Jefferson Street South, Huntsville, Alabama 35801; 256-288-0128) offer an exceptional experience, outstanding amenities and opportunities to connect to the downtown charisma of Huntsville. In the Shoals area, the GunRunner Boutique Hotel (310 East Tennessee Street, Florence, Alabama 35630; 855-269-4724) in downtown Florence features 10 spacious luxury suites with themes that celebrate the world-class music, fashion, art and history of the Northwest corner of Alabama. The Stricklin Hotel (317 North Court Street, Florence, Alabama 35630; 256-248-9982) sits amid the rich history and beauty of downtown Florence. Guests enjoy Southern charm and hospitality as well as an atmosphere of timeless elegance in this boutique hotel which features 24 guest rooms, each with a comfortable king-sized bed.
Bed and breakfast options are as varied as the landscape across the region. The Mentone Inn (6139 Alabama Highway 117, Mentone, Alabama 35984; 256-634-4836) is a favorite, with its big porch, rocking chairs and Southern-style breakfast. Its 12 rooms each have a private bath with claw foot tub or shower. The majestic Secret Bed & Breakfast Lodge (2356 Highway, 68 West, Leesburg, Alabama 35983; 256-523-3825), along with four themed cottages (The Sugar Shack, The 1850s Jail, The Treehouse and the Nautical Cottage) are all located atop the Lookout Mountain Range. The property boasts a spectacular view by day, enchanting view by night. Amenities include Jacuzzis, roof-top pool, fireplaces, kitchens and a full breakfast
ReTreet (5843 Scottsboro Highway, Scottsboro, Alabama 35769; 256-273-3174) offers the height of glamping luxury on 40 private, wooded acres. The resort features 21 thoughtfully designed options including elevated treehouses, themed glamping tents with private hot tubs, cozy tiny cottages and two-bedroom cabins with sweeping lake views. At Fire Tower Camp (230 County Road 353, Crane Hill, Alabama 35053; 256-202-4841) there are tiny homes and a treehouse perched on 380 acres on the shores of beautiful Smith Lake. Guests enjoy boating, swimming, kayaking or canoeing in a quiet cove as well as hiking trails and bluff views.
Indian Mountain ATV Park (11620 County Road 8, Piedmont, Alabama 36272; 256-300-1223) is one of the largest private off-road parks in the South, with 4,700 acres at the foot of the Appalachian Mountain range to explore, including a stretch of the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail. Cabins and campsites are available for those who want to get the most out of their off-road adventure and wake up to the fresh mountain air.
Grain silos, cabins and campsites are all available at Seven Springs Lodge (1292 Mount Mills Road, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674; 256-370-7218). Located in northwest Alabama at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, guests can explore 20,000 acres of picturesque natural woodland. There are trails and stables for horseback riders as well as routes for hikers to enjoy. This is also home to the famed Rattlesnake Saloon, known as the watering hole under the rock, which is located in a mountainside cave.
There are seven unique Alabama State Parks in beautiful settings across the region. Park lodging options include combinations of camping, cabins and chalets and glamping is also an option at Monte Sano (5105 Nolen Avenue, Huntsville, Alabama 35801; 256-534-3757) and Lake Guntersville (1155 Lodge Drive, Guntersville, Alabama 35976; 256-571-5440), which, along with Joe Wheeler also has a lodge with lake views.
Tourism ALL-a-Bama is a lodging program intended to serve individuals and traveling families with diagnosed sensory sensitivities or who are on the autism spectrum. The number of participating North Alabama hotels continues to grow.