The Lodge has six guest rooms in the main house. Every room has a balcony with a view and a rocking chair or two. These rooms are delux; fireplaces that turn on with the flick of a switch, surround-sound radios, giant comfortable beds, and Jacuzzi bathtubs with silky bath salts. It was so comfortable in my room, with the rain falling outside and the fire roaring in the fireplace, I relaxed for hours.

Breakfast is, of course, included, but there is a resident chef who cooks up gourmet dinners. My favorite touch was the piano player who plays during dinner. While I was there, the other guests included a women's church group who go there every year. They were obviously having a great time, and I got some funny stories about finds from the Unclaimed Baggage Center from them while we were all sipping coffee on the couch after breakfast.

The Unclaimed Baggage Center is in nearby Scottsboro. I still regret not buying that perfect summer dress - a brand new $300 dress for $30. I had just been enjoying too many fabulous breakfasts and the dress was a little snug. I also found the craziest shoes but not in my size - bright pink mules with a green suede butterfly on the toe, and orange wooden heels. You never know what wacky treasures you'll find there.

Fort Payne

Finally, the sun came out and I was able explore the outside a bit. I drove to the Fort Payne area and went for a hike in DeSoto State Park. This park is on Lookout Mountain in the Appalachian foothills. Early May, when the wildflowers bloom, is the best time to come here but it was pretty great in April, too. I was so happy to be outside walking, after all the sweet tea, grits, and biscuits that make up southern meals! There are cabins and rooms to stay in here, but I just stopped by for the afternoon.

Nearby, also on Lookout Mountain, is Little River Canyon. Kayakers and rock climbers test their skills in this area but I only had time for a drive-by. When I stopped to look at the waterfall, I met up with a group of boy scouts who had just been rock climbing and were on to more adventures. I tried, but they wouldn't take me with them. Oh well.

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