Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the town of Mentone, Alabama — a mountain village atop the west brow of Lookout Mountain, for a two-day event paying tribute to rhododendrons. This year’s dates are May 18 and 19, 2019.

The showy flowers bloom all around the community during the annual Rhododendron Festival, which includes an arts and crafts show and live music from local musicians. It’s sponsored by the Mentone Area Preservation Association.

The Rhododendron Festival kicks off a day early with a 5:30 p.m. May 17 fish fry (plus fried pies) served at the Mentone Inn, followed by a free concert by Will Dooley and Company at 7 p.m.

The next two days, starting at 9 a.m., more than 70 artists and craftsmen offering their handmade creations will fill Brow Park and the old Mentone Springs Hotel site. Best of all for Road Trips Gardeners, the Mentone Area Preservation Association will be selling rhododendrons to take home.

In addition to art and music, scenic boat rides will be offered on Little River (weather permitting).

Master herbalist Darryl Patton will lead two plant identification walks at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. May 19, 2019. Known for his easy-going approach towards teaching the identification and uses of medicinal plants, Darryl has been called a walking encyclopedia of herbal folklore. He studied for 12 years under the late A. L. “Tommie” Bass, one of the last of the “old mountain herb doctors”.

(Photo courtesy of Rhododendron Festival)