Short on time and longing for adventure? Set out on a weekend road trip in Northeast Alabama for a taste of food, nature, and shopping that will mix it up just enough. Think sunsets, space exploration, waterfalls, wildflowers, comfort food, hiking, swimming, one-of-a-kind finds, and more.

While offering "something for everyone" is kind of impossible, these picks cover a lot of bases in just one loop of about five hours of driving time. Give this weekend adventure plan a spin for some of the best things Alabama has to offer.

Early Morning Jet Fuel At Java Jaay In Decatur, AL

Save the homemade coffee for another day. This is an adventure, remember? Even your coffee should be a little different for this impromptu vacation. Kickstart your trip with steaming, flavorful latte at Java Jaay in Decatur. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere or pick it up at the drive through for the road.

Exploration Inspiration At The U.S. Space & Rocket Center In Huntsville, AL

You'll have just enough time to finish your cup on your 30-minute drive northeast to Huntsville's famous U.S. Space and Rocket Center. It's the world's largest space museum, so plan to spend your morning exploring the interactive exhibits indoors and out.

Southern Comfort Food Lunch At The Blue Plate Cafe In Huntsville, AL

By this time, you will have worked up an appetite, so scoot into a longtime local favorite, The Blue Plate Cafe in Huntsville. The toughest choice for me at this classic dinner is whether to dig into breakfast food like biscuits and gravy or the comforting Southern meat-and-three-vegetables special. Remember you can always add a biscuit if you opt for the latter.

Find Lost Treasures At Unclaimed Baggage In Scottsboro, Alabama

Your next stop is about 45 miles east over in Scottsboro, home to the one-of-a-kind shopping destination, Unclaimed Baggage. Now world-famous, the store sells a variety of goods lost in transit, including lost luggage pieces. The adventure here is knowing you literally never know what you will find.

Rest Your Head In The Clouds At Mentone Inn Bed And Breakfast In Mentone, AL

Load up those newfound treasures for another 45-mile drive further east to the lovely little town of Mentone, located on the west brow of Lookout Mountain. Check in and then settle into the pretty Mentone Inn Bed & Breakfast, rest and refresh before dinner.

Feast In The Forest At Wildflower Cafe In Mentone, Alabama

There's no better way to end your day than a relaxing dinner at Mentone's Wildflower Cafe, which has an eclectic menu of fresh, seasonal dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

Start Your Day With Big Views At Brow Park & Little River Falls

While breakfast is included in your hotel stay, you may instead choose for a little early morning picnic in nature at Brow Park in Mentone, which has the best view in town. Next you'll drive about 30 miles south to Little River Falls for easy access to view one of the state's best-known and most beautiful waterfalls.

Check In And Check Out The Lodge At Lake Guntersville State Park In Guntersville, Alabama

Next up is about an hour's drive southwest to Lake Guntersville State Park, where you can spend the day hiking, fishing, swimming or simply soaking up the sun. While the pool at the lodge is a summertime highlight, this park is a beauty year-round.

Sunset Your Trip With Dinner At Top O' The River In Guntersville, AL

As your road trip comes to a close, enjoy dinner at Top o' the River in Guntersville, which specializes in seafood, catfish, and other Southern fare. What better inspiration before resting your head than watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon of woods and water?

Before you depart, be sure to use our road trip essentials packing list so you will have everything you need for your adventure. We hope you'll share with us your favorite stops along this fantastic weekend road trip in Northeast Alabama.