Feb 27, 2024

DeSoto State Park

Desoto State Park located on beautiful Lookout Mountain between Fort Payne and Mentone, Alabama, is named after the Spanish explorer, Hernando de Soto. According to legend, he passed through the area in 1541, while many authorities on the matter believe he passed through further south. Before becoming Desoto State Park, the area was home to the Cherokee Nation, until their removal in the 1830's.

The park is located near the majestic Little River Canyon National Preserve, also known as the, "Grand Canyon of the East." The west fork of Little River passes through the park. Many of the park's buildings are from the 1930's when the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) undertook construction projects within the park, that included the main lodge and visitor structures. The stone used on these structures was mined from a quarry on the park property, which can be reached from the White Trail at the end of the parking lot, next to the store. The park's 3,502 acres offer mountain streams, rushing waterfalls, unusual rock formations, thickets of rhododendron, mountain laurel, and glades of wildflowers, a multitude of birds, mammals, and reptiles.

DeSoto State Park has plenty to do to keep you and your family entertained. Whether you are in to kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, cycling, rappelling, picnicking, wildflower expeditions, or just want to explore nature, they have it all!

The park's amenities include 30 miles of hiking and bike trails, a campground with 94 full hook-up sites, a primitive camping area with 16 individual sites, showers, picnic areas, a playground, swimming pool, an interpretive nature center, and much more. Come commune with Mother Nature as DeSoto State Park offers a family-friendly atmosphere that holds wonders for people of all ages!

Feb 19, 2024

The Ole Gin Steakhouse: A True Gem On The Mountain

During a recent visit to Section, Alabama, we found ourselves drawn to the Ole Gin Steakhouse, where for the last three years, owners Morgan and Kim Thomas have served some of the best steaks, seafood, and sides on Sand Mountain. As we pulled into the property around 4:00 pm, the parking lot was already full. We were greeted by Morgan, also known as Ole Gin's official "picture-taker." He welcomed us inside the 1940's cotton gin and led us to our table, then grabbed a picture of our family for their Facebook page.

While dining at the Ole Gin, guests can enjoy choice cut, certified Angus beef steaks, fresh seafood, and delicious sides every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, starting at 4:00 pm. When talking with Morgan, he spoke of how important the relationships they have with their customers are. He said that their customers, "do not come to Ole Gin as a second thought." I think they come to be treated like family.

Morgan and Kim have built a solid business on these relationships, serving good food, and by creating a unique atmosphere. A trip to Ole Gin is one worth taking and everyone who comes by for a good meal, makes the trip because the destination is worth it. Ole Gin Steakhouse is so good, that they even ranked fourth in the Top Beef Steak Restaurants in Alabama, by the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. And in our eyes, (and our taste buds), we believe they have earned their spot among the best.

Find Them at:
5900 Co Rd 38
Section, AL 35771
256.228.3493

Nov 13, 2023

Date Night Idea: Scavenger Hunt For Couples In Love

Self-guided, scavenger hunt, with fun digital activities along the way!

Everyone loves a good scavenger hunt! It is exhilarating and just plain fun and the City LOVE Scavenger hunt has taken the classic idea of a hunt and turned it into an interactive scavenger hunt date night that includes love-building challenges that you and your spouse will love! Uses a scavenger hunt app to give you a list of fun and crazy tasks to complete, as well as some cool things to look for and find around the city. There are even bonus challenges for more points! You could even stumble upon a romantic spot or restaurant to hang out along the way or cool spots where you can have your next date at!

Since the hunt is self-guided feel free to stop for a drink, browse a boutique, or pop in a fun exhibit along the way to really crank up the fun! All you need is your own mobile device and an Internet connection to access your Digital Date Nite Box. The following types of activities are included in your digital date night box, which we send over with your registration, to create a date to remember!!

Our date nights are based on the 10 love styles, which has expanded on not just how we feel love in our relationship, but also how we can build a relationship we love! So in addition to these we also include fun challenges in your digital date centered around wellness, faith, communication, finances, and empowerment.

TIME: See your city through heart-eyes on a scavenger hunt that is designed to have you connecting with your partner more, with this quality time together.
SERVICE: Fun tasks to complete based on acts of service for your partner.
GIVING: Give a gift that is sweeter than chocolate with this memorable date experience, that also has GIVING activities for you and your partner.
TOUCH: Keep the romance going with physical touch games to complete in your city
AFFIRMATION: This scavenger hunt date includes affirming activities for you and your partner's quest throughout the city!

Be sure to take some fun photos along the way, that will last forever. Our hunts are packed with funny, cute moments you'll want to capture. Date-themed challenges, that are crafted to bring you together, as a pair, in fun, meaningful ways. Gift your partner a memorable date experience that will build your bond, and be a date you won't soon forget!

Donation Ticket Info: Our digital date night box event ticket is valued over $20 so we appreciate all couples that able to support that amount - as it allows us to continue to bring creative fun outdoor dates for couples and ALL donations help us to keep this mission going! (ONE TICKET PER COUPLE) So tickets for our event are available to all couples for a donation of your choice. Have Fun!!

Parking and/or park fees, meals, drinks, etc., for the locations you choose, are not included in the ticket price.

Want more??

You can also select our fun add-on option: A Love Note Challenge. This digital challenge is for couples, getting them to send loo love notes to each other, in 100 days! Join couples around the world writing one love note for their partner every day, for 100 days in a row. Get daily inspiration, and fun tips to keep it exciting - and share daily pics of them in our love note feed! Grow your relationship, spice it up and send love daily with this unique challenge for couples. Get a certificate on completion and a FREE digital book of you and your partner's 100 love notes as a timeless keepsake from the challenge. Get 50% off by adding to your event tickets.

Huntsville LOVE Scavenger Hunt for Couples Date Night Info:
When: Ongoing 10am – 5pm
Where: Recommended starting point is 3323 Redeye Rd, Huntsville, AL 35805

To purchase tickets, search for “LOVE Scavenger Hunt” on https://allevents.in/huntsville/ and choose a date!

Sep 20, 2023

Visitor’s Guide: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

With unique attractions, incredible dining experiences, fantastic lodging options, adventures on and off the water, and festivals and events all year long, this is the place to be.

With its 32 miles of sugary white sand beaches, amazing food, nature trails, and wildlife sanctuaries, Alabama's gulf coast has something for everyone. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets, where memories last a lifetime. Here are 5 amazing ways to shop, play, and stay at Alabama's gulf coast.

1. The Wharf

Visit The Wharf in Orange Beach on Canal road.

Located at The Wharf is one of the tallest ferris wheels in the southeast. After taking a spin on the big wheel, your family can enjoy the arcade, miniature golf, do some shopping, grab a meal, or catch a concert at the amphitheater.

For more details, visit: alwharf.com

2. Doc’s Seafood

Dig in for one of the best meals on the Gulf Coast at Doc's Seafood located on Canal road in Orange Beach. Doc's claims to have "The Best Fried Shrimp in the Entire Civilized World." If you are traveling to the coast during the week, you can get a great deal with one of Doc's excellent blue plate specials. Great food, for a great deal.

For more details, visit: docsseafoodshack.com

3. The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival

The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival is a family favorite for many, each October. The 50th annual Shrimp Festival will be October 12th-15th 2023 and will have plenty of food, music, art, and fun! When you are at the Shrimp Festival make sure to get a Cajun Pistol from Fish River Grill.

For more details, visit: myshrimpfest.com

4. Waterville USA

Make a splash at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores. The kids will thank-you later! Waterville USA has something for the entire family, including the shrimp village for small kiddos, a wave pool, family raft style slides, and thrill slides for those who dare. Plan for an entire day at Waterville.

For more details, visit: watervilleusa.com

5. Lodge at Gulf State Park

Stay at the Lodge at Gulf State Park, a collaboration between the State of Alabama and Hilton Hotel. The rooms are very clean, affordable, and suitable for ALL beach-goers. The Lodge also has a mat that allows persons with a disability to access the beach via a wheelchair.

For more details, visit: lodgeatgulfstatepark.com

Sep 11, 2023

Planning a vacation? Why not stay in one of our Tiny Homes?

Peach and Pine Hosting offers a home styling service where homeowners hire us to decorate their homes and have it completely rental ready. This was one of our latest jobs. We decorate each home with budget in mind, adding unique and cohesive touches through the home, and adding details that stand out among other vacation rentals when potential guests are scrolling through booking platforms.

The following are a few of the properties we have worked with:

Mountain Fether

Welcome to Mountain Fether, which is named after the owner's last name, Fetherolf, is a mid-century tiny home, located at the highest point in Mentone, Alabama. It has 4 feature walls that have been painted in mid-century, modern and eye-catching colors. Keeping the colors cohesive through the home also helps the home feel larger, which is important when decorating a tiny home.

The Whimsical Waterfall Cottage

The Whimsical Waterfall Cottage is an eclectic tiny home located above a small waterfall (Blueberry Falls) at Blueberry Falls Farm, in Mentone, Alabama. This was the first home ever decorated by Peach & Pine, on almost a non-existent budget, as it was our first rental we personally owned. It was originally named Blueberry Bungalow, to pay homage to the farm and neighboring 431 blueberry bushes that came with the property. After 2 years of the Blueberry Bungalow earning its keep and making $50k the second year, we decided to redo the interior to add a little whimsy! We are very proud of the improvements made this year. It has been so much fun being able to give this home its own brand and story. A true escape from reality where guests of all ages can relax and have child-like joy. There are still some minor touches we will be making, but the transformation has been pretty crazy.

A Lil' Bit Of Heaven

A Lil' Bit Of Heaven is one of our newest tiny home listings on the Georgia side of Lookout Mountain. LBOH is located in a tiny home community, Little River Escape, with access to the community pool, club house, tiny gym, river access to the East Fork of the Little River, paddle boats, swimming hole, hiking trails throughout the community and along the Little River, a dog park, and a trail along the river and to the pool located right off the back porch. LBOH is one of our pet friendly tiny homes and guests love being able to bring their pets to a home with plenty to do at their doorstep for themselves and for their furry friends.

Where The Little River Runs

Where The Little River Runs is one of our top performing tiny homes and vacation rentals in Mentone, Alabama. WTLRR is located on the East Fork of the Little River with a hiking trail down to the river where you can swim, kayak out to Lake Lahusage, or enjoy the wood burning fire pit.

Bella Vista

Last but not least, we wanted to show you that we are more than just our tiny homes. As of last year, we are now hosting other unique types of properties. Our first "real house" was Bella Vista, an A-frame with beautiful views, located on Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, Georgia. Bella Vista is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, with a loft area with a queen bed home. The on-site amenities include a swimming pool with views of the valley below, large porches, and fire pit. Most of our guests say they have a hard time leaving once they get to Bella Vista and end up staying in most nights. This is our top performing vacation home rental.

Visit Peach & Pine Hosting for more information or to book one of these lovely cabins