A cabin for creators
The lookout
at mentone
Where creativity is fostered by nature, relaxation, and solitude
The creative process
“Creativity is a process,” said singer/songwriter Anya Hinkle. She was reflecting on her art while surrounded by the exposed 200-year-old beams that make up the walls of The Lookout. The log cabin was rescued in Tennessee three decades ago, disassembled, hauled south, and meticulously put back together in the small mountain hamlet of Mentone, Alabama.
sitting on top of the world
The cabin is perched on the edge of Lookout Mountain, its deck an observation platform connecting you with nature. From this perch some 900 feet above the valley floor, you can:
… witness the breathtaking scene as a variety of tree species display their fall color
… see portions of three states
… watch as mists roll into the sprawling valley on special mornings
… catch a glimpse of eagles in flight
… watch rain clouds move across the opposing plateau
… hear a variety of songbirds, such as warblers, vireos, and chickadees
… listen to the train rumble through the valley along the Norfolk Southern RailwayThese encounters combine to weave a tapestry that balances and stills the soul. It’s the ideal backdrop for the creative process.
appointed to inspire
To further foster this spirit, The Lookout is appointed with engaging art. Many pieces have regional connections or were fashioned by local artists. An antique writing desk greets you near the front door. A bookcase is stocked with Southern literature, and a basket near the turntable includes vinyl from the likes of Emmylou, June & Johnny, and homegrown Country Music Hall of Famers Alabama (from nearby Fort Payne) and The Louvin Brothers (from Henagar atop Sand Mountain, viewed across the valley from the deck).
Infused with the arts
Mentone is an artist community, and the creator venturing outside The Lookout will find plenty to inspire. Pottery. Crafts. Handblown glass. An authentic log cabin village of artists. Master crafters in a converted historic school campus. Pop-up art shows. Music festivals. An art center filled with eclectic finds.
Creation surrounds us
There’s no better inspiration than nature itself. A short drive from The Lookout, you will find miles of hiking trails and wilderness solitude to immerse yourself in creation. Sandstone bluffs. Waterfalls. Breathtaking overlooks. Nearby DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon National Preserve offer unmatched outdoor experiences — including the only river in North America that forms and flows almost its entire length on the top of a mountain.
Artist in residency
Plans are underway to create an artist in residency program at The Lookout. Features being discussed include a week-long stay at the cabin, a public performance, educational components, and promotional opportunities for participating artists. Add your name to our list below for updates.
The Lookout sessions
Watch the video for our new project, The Lookout Sessions. The first installment features Anya Hinkle and Finn Magill. Anya began touring in early 2024 in support of her new album Oceania. This award-winning songwriter is steeped in folk and bluegrass, taking her unique style and stirring compositions across the U.S., Japan, and Europe. Finn, an acclaimed fiddler, Fulbright fellow, and composer, joined her for the tour. One of their first stops was The Mentone Arts Center in the mountain hamlet of Mentone, Ala.After a wonderful evening of music shared with a full house, Anya and Finn began the following morning within the 200-year-old exposed beam walls of The Lookout, a charming cabin on the edge of Lookout Mountain that welcomes visitors with local art, Southern literature, music, and breathtaking views of three states.Anya and Finn shared three songs with us that day:
• Bound Away - This song is from Anya's new album Oceania, produced by Kevin Moloney (U2, Sinead O'Connor) and featuring legendary Irish guitarist John Doyle and slide guitar master Billy Cardine.
• The Hills of Swannanoa - This song was a runner-up in the International Acoustic Music Awards in 2022.
• Devil Chasin' Me - This "story of a girl on the run" is also from the album Oceania.
connect with us
Stay connected with The Lookout, availability, and upcoming artist residency opportunities.
Stay at the lookout
You don't have to be an artist or creator to stay at The Lookout. We love to share our special cabin with travelers, adventurers, couples, entrepreneurs, and others from across the Southeast and beyond. Our amazing property manager Holly will take care of your every need!
—
Stephen & Michele Smith, Owners
The Lookout at Mentone
© The Lookout Media Group 2025