Weekend in Wedowee
Wedowee is a beautiful small town filled with wonderful people and great experiences for all ages. Nestled at the base of the Appalachian Mountains and famous for its nearly 11,000-acre lake, it has no stoplights and a major US Highway running right through the heart of downtown. This place can be easily overlooked, but we promise Wedowee is a must-visit town to add to your road trip itinerary. Explore these delightful shops and eateries that truly reflect Wedowee’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.
🛍 The Crow’s Nest
📍 9 Main Street South
Owned by Shasta Jarrett, this delightful boutique is where modern style meets vintage charm, offering an eclectic mix of boutique clothing, jewelry, gifts, and beautiful home decor that delight every preference.
Step inside, and you'll be wrapped in a cozy atmosphere that screams, "You belong here!" The friendly crew is on a mission to help you discover that perfect outfit or decor gem, turning your shopping trip into a joyful experience.
This boutique isn't just about looking good—it’s about doing good! Brands like Anju, Simply Southern, Good Works, and Rescued Wine are here to make a difference, letting you shop with a side of heart.
And if you're on the hunt for something truly special, The Crow’s Nest proudly showcases local artists, offering one-of-a-kind decor pieces that bring personality to your space. Trust us, you’ll find treasures that speak to your soul!
Prefer to shop in your PJs? No problem! The Crow’s Nest also has an online store, making it easy to snag your favorites from the comfort of your couch.
So, whether you're on the lookout for the latest fashion, unique home accents, or a gift that’ll wow, The Crow’s Nest is your go-to spot for a delightful shopping experience that captures the spirit of small-town charm and community love!
🍷 Lake Wedowee Winery and Brewery
📍 29 Main Street South
Lake Wedowee Winery is a top choice for wine and beer lovers. Founded by Scott and Brooke Bayliss, this winery showcases a wide array of artisanal wines and craft beers, all produced, bottled, and sold right on the premises.
The winery boasts an impressive menu of wines that includes both classic varietals and innovative fruit blends. Some of their standout selections are:
🍑 Tallapoosa Sunset: A sweet Moscato featuring hints of honeysuckle, peach, and nectarine.
🍇 Drunk Monkey Red: A full-bodied Muscadine wine, representing a true Southern tradition.
🍏 Frog Level Kiss: A refreshing green apple wine that brings to mind the flavor of Jolly Rancher candy.
🍒 Bikini Dropper: A sweet cherry wine, ideal for summer festivities.
🌸 Fuzzy Flat Rock: A popular peach wine known for its delightful sweetness.
They also have seasonal wines that you absolutely need in your wine selection!
Alongside their wine selections, Lake Wedowee Winery has also expanded with an on-site brewery. They create and serve their own beers, with a rotating selection available each week. Guests can enjoy these fresh brews in the tap room or take home a growler for later enjoyment.
The winery regularly hosts live music events, mostly on Friday nights, fostering a vibrant and enjoyable setting for visitors.
Additionally, food trucks are present on most weekends, offering a variety of delicious options to pair with their beverages. For those looking to host private events, the newly opened upstairs, with a boat as a bar, provides ample space and a warm ambiance.
🍖 Boondocks BBQ and Creamery
📍 20201 HWY 431
Renowned for its mouthwatering barbecue dishes and creamy, award-winning homemade ice cream, this laid-back and welcoming eatery makes a perfect spot for the locals and visitors! The owners, Tracy Berry and Kim Hicks, along with the staff are friendly and always have smiling faces. You can expect incredible service every time you visit.
If you were to ask people about their favorite dish at Boondocks, many would likely mention the tender pulled pork and the mouthwatering brisket, both of which are truly amazing! Others might argue that the 1/2 BBQ chicken takes the crown, boasting a juicy texture and perfectly balanced flavor! Either way, I’m sure any dish that you decide on will be flavorful and delicious.
Let me tell you about the sides! They have creamy coleslaw, just like Grandma used to make, delicious corn on the cob, and perfectly seasoned, crispy French fries, and more!
Now, let's dive into the crème de la crème... their award-winning, house-made ice cream. This irresistibly creamy treat is available in a diverse range of flavors. From classic Vanilla to the beloved Lavender Honey, the ice cream flavor selection is always changing, so you never know what amazing flavor they will have. Ice cream isn’t the only sweet treat they have either, they also offer ice cream cakes, milkshakes and more.
Pro Tip: The Strawberry Ice Cream is mentioned on the 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama list created by the Alabama Tourism Department.
🕯 The Peaceful Porch at Parker House
📍 18 Main Street South
The Peaceful Porch is a unique candle and bath & body company, as well as a charming boutique brimming with one-of-a-kind vendors offering stylish boutique clothing, handcrafted goods, tasty dip mixes, and the recently added freezer meals and Amish Market. But above all, it's the candles that stand out. Their signature dough bowl candles, wax melts, and jar candles fill the air with a delightful and sweet fragrance.
But the greatest gift of all is the desire they have to give back to the community. They recently opened a “gently used room” in their space, offering quality boutique clothing at a discounted price. Wendy Moore and her daughters’ primary mission is to teach others to love God by helping them through the tough times. They also donate 25% of all profits to families battling cancer or other catastrophic events.
Throughout the year, The Peaceful Porch organizes a variety of events, including pop-up shows and seasonal celebrations, engaging the community and providing a distinctive shopping experience for everyone.
🍩 Wake and Shake Donut Shop
📍 108 Main Street South
Whether you're shopping downtown or returning from a day at the lake, if you're in the mood for a delicious treat, Dawn Timmons at Wake and Shake will hook you up! They offer fully customizable donuts, freshly baked throughout the day, with more than 30 toppings available and various icings and drizzles — your choices are endless.
If you're struggling to decide, don’t worry! They have popular options on their menu, such as the apple pie donut, which is coated in cinnamon sugar, topped with apple pie filling, and finished with a caramel drizzle. Another favorite is the maple bacon donut, a delightful blend of sweet and savory, featuring maple icing and crispy bacon bits.
The list goes on! Soft-serve ice cream is on their menu as well, perfect for milkshakes or a waffle cone. Need an energy boost to kickstart your day? Try a breakfast donut with sausage or bacon, egg, and cheese, paired with your favorite coffee, latte, or energy drink.
Whether you are in the mood for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon sweet treat, Wake and Shake Donut Shop provides a welcoming environment to satisfy any sweet craving you have… And don’t forget to capture a fun selfie on their couch with the donut cushions or the donut mural in the courtyard!
🏡 Old Water’s Inn
📍 121 Main Street South
Originally built as a motel in 1956 and then expanded in the 1980s, this property was restored in 2021 by its owners, Gene and Ramonda Crouch and Greg and Kim Frandsen, transforming it into the beautiful inn you see today in the heart of town. It now offers guests an upscale lodging experience, featuring modern amenities while preserving its historic charm.
Old Water’s Inn features a variety of unique themed rooms and suites, all with fun names inspired by the lake, crafted for both comfort and style. Guests can experience restful nights on Presidential Serta mattresses fitted with luxury linens, enjoy flat-screen Smart TVs with cable access, free Wi-Fi in every room, and relax in private bathrooms equipped with oversized showers. Some rooms include kitchenettes for added convenience.
Situated in the middle of Randolph County, Old Water’s Inn is conveniently located 90 miles from both Atlanta and Birmingham, 50 minutes from I-85 and just 30 minutes from I-20. So if you are looking for something a little quieter and more unique than a standard hotel, and are willing to drive a little further to your destination, the inn is a great alternative.
By Emily Warren
