Mentone’s creative life is part of the place—not filler between waterfalls
The mountain attracts people who make things, teach things and preserve the odd, handmade character that generic resort towns usually lose.
On this page
Mentone Arts Center
The community-supported Arts Center exists to preserve and strengthen the artistic, musical and cultural heritage of Mentone and greater Lookout Mountain. Its gallery includes painting, pottery, glass, jewelry, textiles and sculpture, while workshops range from photography and printmaking to music and beadwork. Check the current program rather than assuming a class is offered during your stay.
Moon Lake Campus
The former Moon Lake School has become a civic and creative campus with galleries, shops, food, public art and the Shigley Amphitheater. That reuse matters: Mentone did not erase a community institution to manufacture an arts district. It adapted the building and kept public life at the center.
The general-store layer
Mentone Market combines its practical role—food, fuel and provisions—with local art and handmade goods. Wildflower Cafe’s country-store side also carries work by local makers. Buying directly is more useful than treating every handmade object as interchangeable “mountain craft.” Ask who made it and where.
How to spend a creative half-day
Start at the Arts Center, continue to Moon Lake Campus and finish with the village shops or market. Do it when the weather closes the long views—or when culture is the point. Confirm hours first; several creative businesses keep limited weekday schedules.
Choose browsing or making before setting out
| Experience | What to expect | Decision before leaving |
|---|---|---|
| Arts Center gallery | A concentrated look at work made locally; a good first introduction. | Published hours Mon and Thu–Sun 10–4; Tue–Wed closed. |
| Moon Lake Campus | A reused school campus with different businesses and community activities. | Confirm the particular shop or program; the campus is not one attraction with one opening time. |
| A workshop | Participation rather than a drop-in gallery visit. | Book the seat and check age, materials and cancellation terms. |
The Arts Center lists 5951 AL-117 and 256-674-3366. Its hours were checked October 9, 2026. Use the class calendar for a specific session; examples of previous classes are not a schedule for your visit.
A better creative afternoon
Allow an unhurried gallery visit, a conversation with a maker when available, and a meal. Ask about the material, process and local connection of the piece you like. For a purchase, ask about shipping, breakage and whether it is an original or a reproduction. These questions turn browsing into understanding without pretending every maker is offering a free studio tour.
Skip the circuit if the only confirmed opening is one shop. One meaningful stop is enough. Pair it with the school and resort histories or a quiet village afternoon.