A Quick Stop at Highway 65/Exit 361

This weekend we took a quick trip to see my parents that live on the Tennessee/Alabama line.  For lunch we decided to head a few miles down the road to Elkmont, AL and I thought I'd share a couple of great photos from three worth-the-stop local spots.

​Our first stop was for lunch at The Red Caboose Cafe and everything was delicious Southern cooking.  Our waitress was very kind and helpful (dining with a 15-month-old is always an adventure, right?) and the sweet tea was just as it should be.  The cafe itself was adorable, and kiddos will love being able to see an actual red caboose just across the street.  You can check them out on their Facebook Page where they post daily specials and menus.  

Next we headed across the street to Fromagerie Belle Chevre, a goat-milk creamery.  We stopped in their tasting room and picked up some fantastic goat-milk hand cream and were amazed at all the ice-cream & cheese products available to taste and purchase.  While we didn't have time to do the tour (which includes getting to meet and pet some of their herd of goats), it's definitely on our list to go back and do that soon. (see more info in the yellow box below)

Last but not least, right next door was Paper Trail Antiques. Peggy and her husband who run the shop (open on Fridays and Saturdays only) were truly delightful and I was so excited to find an adorable wooden kid-sized chair to refinish for my little girl's playroom. I also bought a sweet children's book and was glad to learn that they donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of children's books to a local program that provides weekend meals for local children who qualify for the public school's free lunch program.

At an hour and 20 minutes from The Carriage House, it’s a little far for a day trip for guests. However, if you’re a Nashville local, or if you're traveling on Highway 65 either North on your way to Nashville or South on your way home, we definitely recommend that instead of stopping off at a fast-food joint, take the Elkmont Exit 361 and get yourself a good country meal followed by some goat-cheese ice cream across the street. And if it's the weekend, pop in Paper Trail and tell Peggy that I sent you.

Hwy 65 Exit 361 - Elkmont, AL

The Red Caboose Cafe

​25483 Railroad St
Elkmont, Alabama 35620
(256) 732-7000

Mon-Fri: 10am-9pm
Sat: 8am-9pm
Sun: closed

Fromagerie Belle Chevre

18849 Upper Fort Hampton Rd
Elkmont, Alabama 35620
256-732-3577

Cheese Shop Hours:
Tues-Fri: ​10am – 3pm
Sat: 10am – 5pm
Sun-Mon: Closed

Creamery Hours & Tours*: 
Fri:  9 am – 3 pm
(tours 10 am, 1 pm)
Sat: 11 am – 5 pm
​(tours 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm)
Sun-Thurs: Closed

*reservations required for tours $14 per person - kids 4 and under are free!

Paper Trail Antiques

18849 Upper Fort Hampton Road, Elkmont, AL
(256) 777-4458

Fri-Sat: 11am-3pm
Sun-Thurs: closed