Guests come here frazzled from the real world and leave relaxed.”Kris Thomas, innkeeper
LEESBURG – While the school children are out for summer vacation, their parents will be super busy with all the extra activity around the house. June, July and August can get mighty wild at times. This time of year it’s the grown-ups who could use a break from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Just a day or two can make all the difference in the world. Thankfully, there are lots of places right here in Alabama where people can go to relax and unwind, but there is one special place that is simply one of the best!
Tucked neatly away atop Lookout Mountain Parkway in Leesburg, Alabama rests a lovely bed and breakfast with a view that will simply take your breath away. The Secret Bed & Breakfast offers its visitors spectacular views by day and enchanting ones by night. Stunning and beautiful only begin to describe the more than 180-degree panoramic view of the foothills, valleys and beautiful Weiss Lake below.
The Secret has four rather unique guest cottages, as well as guest rooms in the main lodge. The picturesque scenery that surrounds the place provides an amazing background for weddings, honeymoons, family reunions and business retreats. But please be warned, once you visit The Secret Bed & Breakfast, you won’t want to leave!
The Secret Bed & Breakfast is proudly owned by Charlie and Kris Thomas who purchased the property in 2011. After Kris Thomas closed her mortgage company in June 2010, in February the following year, Charlie Thomas was laid off from his job of 22 years as a golf pro. Owning and operating a bed and breakfast had once been their ‘retirement’ plan, but before they knew it, they were considered ‘retired’ and the proud new owners of a beautiful home and business.
“It is said that when God closes a door he opens a window,” Kris Thomas said. “In this case, he opened the window and basically pushed! After looking at several bed and breakfasts in the southeast we had almost given up. The places were either too small to profit, did not have enough land to grow, had owner’s quarters that would not accommodate ants or were located so close to a railroad that the house shook three times a night! Then came The Secret! Upon stepping out of the car, walking into the massive lodge, then seeing the most amazing view, God said ‘It is done!’”
Besides standing in awe of the beautiful surroundings there are lots of great things to do while staying at The Secret. You can go for a swim in the rooftop pool, have a cookout on the lodge’s suspended deck and go hiking all over the property. If you want a little change of scenery you can hop in the car and visit some of the many area attractions, such as Cherokee Rock Village, Yellow Creek Falls, DeSoto State Park and DeSoto Falls, Noccalula Falls and Weiss Lake. Note: The Secret overlooks the 30,000 acre Weiss Lake which is fed by both the Coosa River and Little River. Keep in mind, Weiss Lake is known as the “Crappie Capital of the World.”
“To me I think our attraction is not only the spectacular view we have off the bluff, but the peace and tranquility that our guests feel when they are here,” Kris Thomas explained. “Many tell me that they like coming here because it feels like home without all the hustle and bustle. Guests come here frazzled from the real world and leave relaxed. Many times they leave having made new friends after only a day or two as well. There is plenty to do here for entertainment as well so that is also a plus.”
The Secret Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place to get lost for a while. They offer great rates, great hosts and great breakfasts! If you are looking for something a little different but want to stay close to home, why not go check out the best-kept secret of the South?
The Secret Bed & Breakfast is located at 2356 Alabama Highway 68 W, Leesburg, AL 35983. For more information, contact the innkeepers, Charlie and Kris Thomas at 256-523-3825 or email them at secret@tds.net. Check out their website at www.secretbedandbreakfastlodge.com and be sure to follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesecretbedandbreakfast.
