Fred Hunter's Alabama

When I sat down to chat with Colleen Duffley of Andiamo Lodge, I knew we were in for a special conversation. Colleen, with her vibrant energy and captivating stories, is the kind of person who thrives on adventure. And now the town of Mentone is a new chapter in her fascinating story.

Colleen discovered Mentone in an unconventional way — on a bicycle. Back in the early ’90s, she was training for the Olympic trials and would ride from Birmingham to Mentone. “We’d get a cold drink at the market and then ride back to Birmingham. The landscape here was so similar to the terrain in Barcelona, where I was preparing for the Olympics,” she recalls. That’s how Mentone first landed on her radar. As life circled back, it felt only natural to return to this magical place.

Fast forward a few years, and Colleen and her husband, Steve — better known to some as “Crabby Steve” from his restaurant on the Florida coast — were on another bike ride when they stumbled upon what would become Andiamo Lodge. “We were on our bikes, riding through town, and saw this dilapidated old lodge with a ‘for sale’ sign. I was still working as a commercial photographer, but during the pandemic, everything slowed down, and we just thought, ‘Why not?’” she shares with a grin.

That spontaneous decision turned into a beautiful project — an experiential retreat where guests come not just to rest but to create, learn, and connect with their surroundings. “We wanted Andiamo Lodge to be more than a place to sleep. We want people to leave with memories and new skills, whether it’s cooking with a James Beard chef or attending a writing workshop,” Colleen explains. The word “Andiamo” means “let’s go” in Italian, and it perfectly captures the spirit of her lodge: let’s go create, let’s go explore, let’s go experience.

Speaking of experiences, Andiamo Lodge is gearing up for some exciting fall events. Heather Webber, the talented author, will return to Mentone in early October for a dinner inspired by her latest book, A Certain Kind of Starlight. As if that’s not enough, Colleen has also convinced her long-time friend India Hicks, goddaughter to King Charles, to make a stop at Mentone during her book tour for Lady Pamela, a deeply personal account of her mother’s life as Queen Elizabeth’s lady-in-waiting. “India’s schedule is tight, and she’s only making a few stops, so we feel incredibly lucky to host her,” Colleen says with excitement.

Those attending these events can expect more than just a meet-and-greet. “It’s intimate,” Colleen emphasizes. “Our dinners are for 12 people, max. You get to sit down with these incredible individuals and ask them anything — how they got where they are, what inspires them. It’s like the best dinner party you’ve ever attended.”

With Andiamo Lodge, Colleen is curating a blend of creativity, culinary mastery, and personal connection, all tucked away in the mountains of Mentone. Her ability to bring in world-class talent while keeping the experience personal and deeply connected to Alabama is nothing short of remarkable. As we wrapped up, Colleen invited everyone to come see for themselves. “You can go to a hotel anywhere, but here, you’ll leave with stories, memories, and new friends.”

Andiamo — let’s go!