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Cloudland
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature’s autumnal beauty or just longing for a break from your usual day-to-day, fall is the perfect season for a weekend getaway. And if you’re looking for a peaceful escape with jaw-dropping views showcasing the great outdoors in all its glory, look no further than Cloudland at McLemore Resort. Just over a 2-hour drive from Nashville, it’s an easy weekend getaway that truly feels like paradise in the sky.
From romantic couples’ getaways to adventures for the whole family, this lavish mountaintop resort offers something for everyone. Perched high in the clouds atop Lookout Mountain in Rising Fawn, Georgia, Cloudland boasts breathtaking views and comfortable elegance that invite you to relax and enjoy the beauty around you. Before you even check in, the drive up to the resort sets the tone for your stay with grandiose mountain views surrounding the sprawling property. Walk through the stately wooden doors and you’ll find plenty of cozy seating, plush couches, fireplaces, and natural materials throughout the hotel that feel reminiscent of a high-end ski lodge out West (without the flight it takes to get there). There’s even a charming communal library space with comfortable couches, an impressive selection of books to choose from, and board games that guests are welcome to use throughout the property.
The 245-room hotel offers 14 different options, ranging from intimate guest rooms to suites that can accommodate parties of all sizes. Whichever abode you choose, you’re in for an unbeatable night’s sleep with beds that feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud, tasteful natural touches, including leather headboards and a custom-made desk and chair, luxe amenities, and, of course, breathtaking mountain views.
Beyond the rooms, you’ll find plenty of vignettes throughout the resort thoughtfully designed for quiet, cozy moments. Curl up with a good book next to the large windows, enjoy coffee on the balcony overlooking the mountains, sip wine by the fireplace, or have a family game night on one of the large leather couches. And for the ultimate dose of R&R, visit the Selah Spa with offerings including deep-cleansing facials, therapeutic massages, restorative body treatments, nail care, a sauna, and more.
There are plenty of delicious dining options on the property, too. For rustic charm and a laid-back feel, Croft serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a side of unbeatable views. If you’re looking for a more elevated dinner, Auld Alliance is not to be missed. Scottish heritage meets French Country cuisine at this remarkable restaurant, which just so happens to be the first Scottish/French fine dining restaurant in the country. (Editor’s note: the Laphroaig-washed bone-in Ribeye, dry-aged for 28 days, is well worth the splurge.) There are plenty of casual dining options as well, including the quaint coffee shop, The Pocket Café, and the open-air pool-side lounge, Skyside; perfect for sipping cocktails among the clouds. And just steps from the hotel (or a complementary golf cart ride away) is the Creag, located inside the McLemore Clubhouse. Inspired by the area’s Scottish heritage and natural landscape, the restaurant serves elevated comfort food 2,300 feet above sea level.
But the real star of the show is Cloudland’s outdoor offerings. Take a dip in the stunning infinity edge pool and soak up panoramic mountain views as far as the eye can see. Open year round, the pool is not only great for cooling off on hot summer days, but even better heated on a crisp fall day. There’s ample seating surrounding the pool where you can relax while enjoying tasty bites and beverages from Skyside while taking in the scenery.
Interested in a more active stay? Golf lovers rejoice, because Cloudland is your personal paradise. A premiere golf destination in the Southeast, there are multiple courses expertly designed to be both challenging and enjoyable with views that feel as though you’re teeing off above the clouds. You’ll also find a plethora of activities and trails to fill your stay. Grab a bike and cruise around the property or explore picture-perfect trails that put the extraordinary landscape of Cloudland Canyon State Park on full display.
The hotel also serves as the ultimate home base for nearby attractions such as Ruby Falls, Lula Lake Land Trust, the Civil War historic site Point Park, Desoto Falls, Incline Railway, Rock City Gardens, and so much more. And for the thrill seekers, activities like rock climbing, hang gliding, and skydiving are just a short drive away.
From leisurely getaways to outdoor adventures, Cloudland is well equipped to accommodate every traveler. Unwind, explore, and bask in the unparalleled beauty of this mountaintop oasis. (243 Cloudland Dr., Rising Fawn, GA, 888-391-1148; staycloudland.com)