Above the Clouds: A Weekend Getaway to Cloudland at McLemore Resort

by Melissa Teutsch on June 26, 2025 in Travels,
Exterior view of Cloudland at McLemore Resort showing the main lodge building with stone and wood architecture nestled among trees on Lookout Mountain, with rolling green hills visible in the background.
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Sometimes, the best way to reset is to rise above it all — literally. 

Perched 2,300 feet above sea level on Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia, Cloudland at McLemore Resort offers an escape that feels almost otherworldly. Named after a local Scottish landowner, McLemore sits high enough to give you expansive mountain views and beautiful sunsets that stretch for miles — truly a place above the clouds.

The Highlands Course

Golf green with flag on the Highlands Course at McLemore Resort, featuring expansive mountain valley views under a blue sky with white clouds and trees.
The famous cliffside 18th hole of The Highlands Course at McLemore. Photo Matthew Teutsch.

My husband and I arrived on a Friday afternoon, ready for a weekend of rest, reconnection, and just the right amount of exploring. Before even unpacking, we hopped in one of the resort’s golf carts to make our way to its famous cliffside 18th hole. We’re not really golfers, but I’ll admit — it’s a showstopper. The Highlands Course, ranked among Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses to Play, has a dramatic finish you have to see to believe, even if you’ve never picked up a club. And if that wasn’t enough, there is a new course, The Keep, that is open for Preview Play now — with not one, but five cliffside holes. Talk about elevating your game. (Do golfers even say that?)

Comfort Food

Cast iron skillet containing golden-brown baked mac and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and fresh herbs, served on a white plate at a restaurant table.
The Smoky Mac & Cheese appetizer at Croft restaurant consists of cavatappi pasta, nueske’s bacon, white cheddar, and mornay sauce with a smoked blue cheese crust. Photo Melissa Teutsch.

After freshening up, we headed to Croft, one of the resort’s four dining options. The vibe was casual but upscale, and our meal hit all the comfort notes. We started with the Smoky Mac & Cheese as an appetizer, then I ordered the Roasted Scottish Salmon while my husband chose the Bucatini. (Why, yes, my husband had pasta for both an appetizer and his entree…carbs don’t count above the clouds). Both were flavorful and beautifully presented. For dessert, we couldn’t decide on which one to share, so we each ordered our own — Chocolate Ice Cream Bar for me and Strawberry Shortcake for my husband. If day one was any indication, this trip was off to a delicious start.

Exploring the Lookout Mountain Area

The next morning, we grabbed coffee and breakfast sandwiches at The Pocket Café, the resort’s coffee shop and grab-and-go spot. With caffeine in hand, we set off for a full day of exploring beyond the property — because as relaxing as McLemore is, the surrounding area is filled with gems worth the drive.

Close-up of a friendly Highland cow with long reddish-brown hair and curved horns looking directly at the camera over a metal fence, with green pasture visible in the background.
One of the adorable Highland cows at Blessing Creek Farms in LaFayette, Georgia. Photo Melissa Teutsch.

Our first stop was Blessing Creek Farms in LaFayette, Georgia, about 30 minutes down the mountain. I have a soft spot for Highland cows (and love a good theme), so a visit to this family-owned farm felt like a sweet nod to the Scottish roots of McLemore. Guests can choose from a variety of offerings at the farm, including private tours, cow cuddle sessions, bottle feeding experiences, picnics at the animal barn, and even a romantic date night complete with a calf companion, charcuterie board, and sunset views of Pigeon Mountain. We opted for a private farm tour and got to meet the entire gang — from Cocoa, their newest calf, to Merlin, whose hair looks like he’s ready to join a metal band.

A scenic waterfall cascading over layered rock formations into a clear green swimming hole, surrounded by lush forest vegetation and sunlight filtering through the trees.
The stunning falls at Lula Lake Land Trust, reached via an easy 4-mile out-and-back trail on their special Open Gate Days. Photo Melissa Teutsch.

From there, we made our way to Lula Lake Land Trust for one of their Open Gate Days. It’s important to know that Lula Lake isn’t open all the time — you’ll need a reservation, and they only open to the public on the first and last weekends of each month. We opted for the 4-mile out-and-back trail to the falls, an easy “hike” on a gravel path. There are longer, more challenging trails if that’s your thing.

Dramatic cliff face at Rock City showing massive rock formations with a waterfall, stone bridge, and visitors visible on the viewing platform, overlooking a sweeping valley vista below.
Lover’s Leap at Rock City, where on clear days you can supposedly see seven states. Photo Melissa Teutsch.

Just a short drive away was our next stop: Rock City. It’s the kind of place you’ve probably seen on a billboard and wondered if it lives up to the hype. It does. Rock City owes much of its fame to one of the most iconic advertising campaigns in American history — at its peak, more than 900 barns were painted with the black-and-white “See Rock City” message across 19 states, including Texas. We spent the afternoon wandering through narrow stone paths, squeezing through crevices, and spotting gnomes tucked into corners — all of it giving the place a fairytale feel. The path eventually led us to the top, where we crossed a suspension bridge and made our way to Lover’s Leap, where — on a clear day — you can supposedly see seven states. I can’t confirm the count, but the sweeping panorama alone was worth following the enchanted path to the top.

Close-up of purple lavender flowers in bloom with a large bumblebee collecting nectar, surrounded by green lavender stems and additional flower spikes in soft focus.
The culinary lavender in full bloom at Lookout Lavender Farm, buzzing with bumblebees. Photo Melissa Teutsch.

Our last stop of the day was Lookout Lavender Farm. We were a little early for U-Pick season, which kicks off in mid-June, but the culinary lavender was already in full, bright-purple bloom, buzzing with bumblebees.Their Lav Shack (I love a good play on words) was open and full of lavender-infused finds. We picked up some blueberry lavender jam, lavender shortbread cookies, and lavender focaccia bread mix, among other bath and body items. They’re only open on Saturdays during the summer — or by appointment the rest of the year — so if you’re in the area, definitely plan a visit.

A Relaxing Evening 

A wide shot of a cozy hotel library. On the right, tall, dark wood built-in bookshelves filled with books are illuminated by integrated lighting. In front of the bookshelves are several brown leather sofas and coffee tables. To the left, more seating areas with armchairs and couches are visible, and in the background, large windows offer a view of mountains and sky. The ceiling is made of warm-toned wood planks, and the floor is also wood.
The curated library at McLemore Resort is a cozy haven where guests can borrow from a broad array of genres. Photo Matthew Teutsch.

Back at the resort, we took it slow. My husband had found a book in the impressively curated library the day before, and he took off to settle back in by the fireplace and keep reading. The library alone deserves a shoutout with its cozy chairs and couches, giant windows with mountain vistas, and rows of books in a broad array of genres that make you want to stay a while.

Dinner that night was at Auld Alliance, the resort’s fine dining restaurant blending Scottish and French cuisine. Being Louisianan, we couldn’t resist the Boudin Blanc appetizer, as we were curious about their crab-filled take on it. It wasn’t what we are used to, but it surprised us in a good way. For entrees, I had the Foie Gras Ravioli and my husband raved about his Angus Filet Mignon. We ended with a decadent Butterscotch Crème Brulee.

Spa Day and Slow Goodbyes

With a late checkout on Sunday, we had just enough time for one last indulgence — a couples massage at Selah, their full-service spa. It was the best kind of ending. Selah has everything you’d expect from a luxury spa (steam room, sauna, relaxation lounge) and a few surprises, like cold deluge showers and thermotherapy zones. After our massages, we lingered a little longer, not quite ready to go back down the mountain.

When we finally packed up and headed home, we both felt noticeably lighter. Refreshed. Reconnected. It’s what happens when you spend a weekend above the clouds.

Crystal blue infinity pool at McLemore Resort with dramatic mountain valley views stretching to the horizon under a bright blue sky dotted with white clouds.
The infinity pool at McLemore Resort with convenient poolside service available from Skyside lounge. Photo Matthew Teutsch.

Travel Tips

  • The nearest airport is Atlanta, about a 2-hour drive away.
  • Besides the three restaurants mentioned, there is also Skyside, a poolside lounge.
  • The resort has an infinity pool, electric bikes to borrow, and a hiking trail on the property.
  • McLemore hosts a busy events calendar: lavender pop-up shops, axe throwing, paint and sip nights, guided hikes, animal visits, live music, and more. The monthly schedule is posted next to the check-in desk.
  • Every Saturday, group yoga happens poolside, and Sundays include interdenominational chapel services at the pavilion.
  • Chattanooga, Tennessee, is only about 35 minutes from McLemore, and offers plenty more to explore, such as Ruby Falls, Tennessee Aquarium, and Chattanooga Zoo.

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Cover photo Melissa Teutsch

A native of Louisiana, Melissa Teutsch enjoys hiking, reading, baking, dabbling in home improvement on her 106-year-old home, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two kids. When she’s not working full-time in the publishing industry, she’s planning trips to new places for her family or taking day trips to explore the North Georgia and North Carolina mountains.