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North Alabama retreat is ideal for families

Indian theme, modern cabins add to wilderness escape

by Milton Fullman
Text by Lynn Grisard Fullman

Traditions begun by a strong-willing Cherokee Indian today provide a comfortable retreat at North Alabama's Doublehead Resort.

According to legend, Chief Doublehead, surely a man of two minds, gained fame representing the Cherokee nation to President George Washington.

Some say that the chief begrudged the white man's poor treatment of the Cherokee nation. Other lore is that the chief liked the comforts and conveniences of the white man's way of life.

In time, Chief Doublehead built himself a log house near what is today Town Creek. He outfitted his story-and-a-half house with� elaborate furnishings, providing evidence that he relished life's finer things.

Today, Doublehead Resort continues the tradition of comfort amidst an Indian motif.

The resort's planners chose to decorate many of the complex's elements -- from gates to lampposts -- with ironwork creations by a commissioned artist.

As soon as guests drive into the retreat, a symphony of cricket sounds and cawing birds squelch memories of big-city life.

A family place

What began as a quail-hunting retreat has evolved into a cottage-filled haven with places to hike, horseback ride, swim, jet ski, boat, fish and rest in hammocks.

For the family wanting adventure without sacrificing luxuries -- microwaves, VCRs and cable television -- these 1,100 secluded acres on Wilson Lake are the place to be.

Children savor the recreational options (some of which cost additionally), and adults find comfort in one of the 35 cedar, three-bedroom, two-bath cottages.�

Shaded by towering pine trees, cottages include fully equipped kitchens with full-size appliances, microwaves and stacked washer/dryer. Each cabin has its own pier, hammock, charcoal grill, picnic table and lake-front porch with rockers.

An on-property general store offers a wide selection of goods, including movie rentals which are popular on rainy days.

(Cottages have VCRs.) Adjoining the store is a game room with� air hockey, video games and a pool table.

Secluded and well-manicured, the resort offers guests plenty to do, including a newly added softball field and a 2.5-mile walking trail.

In addition, there are tennis courts, a basketball court, sporting clays, horseback riding, watercraft rentals, two playgrounds and a white-sand beach with lounge chairs and beach volleyball.

Several teepees (one with concessions and one with a restroom) have been erected beside the resort's swimming pool with its cascading stream and a kiddie pool with spraying fountains.

Quail hunts

One of the resort's most popular fall offerings are guided quail hunts, which begin Oct. 1 and continue through March. Hunts cater to guests' specific needs, with instructions available for beginners.

Popular both with corporate groups, couples and fathers with their sons, hunts begin with a hearty breakfast followed by a session shooting clays at a state-of-the-art, five-stand course which includes electronically controlled traps and towers.

Following the practice session, professional guides, along with trained, registered pointers, lead hunters through the 1,100-acre private hunting preserve.

(Half-day hunts are $250 per gun and include a limit of 12 birds. Full-day hunts, which are $375 per gun for a party of two, allow 24 birds. Additional birds are $6 each. A required preserve license is $10. Cleaning and packing of birds is included.)

To escape to the land of Indian lore and whippoorwills, plan an� escape to Doublehead Resort for an adventure your family won't soon forget.

IF YOU GO

What: Doublehead Resort

Where: In the northwest Alabama town of Town Creek

Rates: Rates begin at $150 nightly.

Other costs: Jet skis, horses, pontoon boats, paddle boats, canoes and bicycles are available for rent.

No cost: With a refundable deposit, tennis equipment may be borrowed. Use of the beach, swimming pool, playground, hiking trail, tennis courts, game room, hammocks and piers are free to cottage guests.

Handicap accessibility: Two cabins and the main lodge (used usually for group events) are handicap accessible.

New twist: The resort is increasingly popular as a setting for family reunions, weddings and meetings. Catering is available.

Information: Call 1-800-685-9267 or 256-685-9267, visit� www.Doublehead.com or write to info@doublehead.com.

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