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May 29 - June 1, 2006  For our Fourth Anniversary, Kevin and I stayed at The Secret Bed and Breakfast Lodge. Located in Leesburg, AL and perched atop Lookout Mountain, The Secret offers spacious cabins, spectacular views, and a delicious country breakfast every morning!
Our cabin, which was decorated with lighthouses, sailboats, and all things relating to the sea, was appropriately named the Nautical Cottage. The Nautical Cottage made a wonderful “home away from home” as it offered all the comforts of home: a king sized bed, spacious living room (complete with plug in fireplace.. :) ), full kitchen, charming breakfast nook, and a large jacuzzi! But it also came with a wonderful homemade breakfast every morning and a maid to clean up every afternoon! Okay, maybe the Nautical Cottage is BETTER than home!! ;)
We could’ve spent a whole afternoon never leaving the cabin, just admiring at all its unique decorations.
I especially liked the shadow boxes demonstrating the different kinds of knots you can tie, and explaining the different types of lighthouses.
Outside the cabin, we had our own personal mini-light house, wishing well, and picnic table.  The lodge was only a few quick steps from our cabin, and is where we ate breakfast every morning.  Breakfast was served at a large round table, with a huge lazy susan right in the middle! Every morning it was filled with all the delicious country breakfast necessities: eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy, waffles, and more.
If I thought the cottage had a lot to look at the lodge had even more!! There were so many quaint knick-knacks inside the lodge; it was like wandering through an antique store. I especially liked the floral arrangements with peacock feather accents. More on the peacock feathers later… ;)
One of the best parts about the lodge was the unique rooftop pool! We swam there every afternoon and laid out in the warm sun while enjoying the amazing view from the pool deck.
Other features of the lodge’s grounds, besides the beautiful views and charming lawn ornaments, were a rope swing and Sarge…
Sarge is a gorgeous peacock who is not afraid of humans! He’s just walk right up to you! Sarge loved to hang out on our deck and wake us up very early with his LOUD cry. :)  We did actually venture outside of the lodge grounds, although there was so much to do there, you wouldn’t have to! Our first day out, we went to Noccalula Falls, in Gadsden, AL. Noccalula Falls cascades over 90 feet into a scenic ravine below.
A historic gorge trail leads you from the top of the falls all the way to the base.
The trail goes all the way around the falls, and offers views from all sides.  Behind the falls was the best place to be on the hot, scorching day that we went. There was plenty of shade and a cool mist coming from the falls.
The Noccalula Falls Park also had a botanical gardens and miniature train with stops at all the must-see sites.
Our second day in paradise, we went back to Little River Canyon, the site of our anniversary trip two years ago.
It was just as beautiful as we remembered it.
When we came two years ago, we didn’t know that at the base of the falls, there was a large, deep pool, perfect for swimming!! This year, we came prepared. :) There was also a huge, angled rock right in the middle of the pool that was perfect for jumping. :)  Little River Canyon is less than two hours away from our home, and would make the perfect day trip. Now that we know how fun it is to swim there, we'll definitely have to come back! :)
On our last day at The Secret, there were no other guests in the other three cabins around the lodge, so we got to sneak a peek and see what the insides looked like. :) First we went to the Treehouse, which was right next door to our cottage. The Treehouse was soo cute, and even has a small refrigerator and breakfast area!
But look out! The Treehouse has no standing shower, and what’s behind that quilt?? Yep, that’s the toilet!! :) Recommended for non-modest couples only. ;) Hehe. :) But the Treehouse does have a spacious deck, suspended right amongst the treetops! :) There’s even a rope ladder leading from the deck to the ground if you don’t want to use the stairs! ;)
Next is the Sugar Shack. Located on the opposite side of the lodge from the Nautical cottage, this is where we almost stayed, but again… No standing shower! :-O Jacuzzi only! :) However, The Sugar Shack does have its own private deck with an incredible mountain overlook, which almost makes up for the no shower thing. ;)
Right next to the Sugar Shack is the Jail! The Jail offers the chance to “Spend a night in Jail!” and comes complete with a sheriff, pillory, and barred door. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Secret and hated to leave. I am already looking forward to the next time we can go back!! Thanks for having us!
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