Day 1: Scenic Views and a Thunderstorm Welcome
Perched atop Lookout Mountain in Rising Fawn, GA at 2,300 feet above sea level, Cloudland at McLemore Resort offers a mountain escape that feels both elevated and grounded in comfort. Our three-night stay began with a mix of travel chaos, culinary highlights, and the soothing drama of a summer storm.
Getting There (A Time Zone Surprise)
We hit the road right on schedule—feeling good about our punctuality until we were almost at the Cloudland at McLemore Resort and realized we’d forgotten to factor in the time zone change coming from Alabama to Georgia. Oops. That meant we were suddenly an hour late for our lunch reservation. A quick call to the resort sorted things out with no problem.
Lunch at The Croft
We kicked off our visit with lunch at The Croft, one of three on-site restaurants at Cloudland Hilton. (The others are Auld Alliance, fine dining, and Skyside, a casual poolside bar and restaurant.)
The standout from our first meal? Without question, the Grouper Bites. Perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a drizzle of chargrilled lemon and creamy remoulade that took it over the top. The smoked salmon Reuben and BLFGT (bacon, lettuce, fried green tomato) were solid lunch options, but neither held a candle to that first bite of grouper.
Exploring the Resort
Cloudland is a sprawling, four-story Hilton Curio Collection property with golf course views, spa services, and valley vistas in every direction. After lunch, we wandered the grounds, scoping out the spa, pool deck, and the Skyside Bar, where we paused for a refreshing round of spritz cocktails. We ordered the “Skyside” (light and citrusy), and the “Bramble” (a berry-infused gin cocktail). We sipped and watched a hawk glide through the trees, circling lazily toward home.
A Storm Rolls In
As we waited for our room to be ready (check-in begins at 4:00 p.m.), we relaxed in the cozy library lounge, where I discovered a copy of Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie. With my spritz in hand and Poirot sunning himself on the page, I soaked in the moment—until lightning cracked across the sky.
The resort grew hushed as the storm rolled in. Guests scattered from the pool. Thunder rumbled through the valley. Adele crooned over the sound system while the wind rustled the blueberry bushes outside. Watching the lightning dance below the bluff felt like front-row seats to a private show.
Room with a View
Room 446 was worth the wait. Our balcony offered a sweeping view of the green, the pool deck, and the wide-open valley beyond. It was the kind of view you want to bottle up and take home.
Happy Hour
Each evening, Cloudland at McLemore Resort hosts a complimentary cocktail hour from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in The Pocket Cafe. We tried the drink of the month—a potent Paloma—and carried it to the Fireside Lounge, where a crackling fire made it feel almost autumnal despite the July heat. Sitting by the fire, watching the rain roll in, we imagined what it would be like if this place were ours—just us and the rain and a handful of lucky strangers staying with us.
Dinner at The Creag
That evening’s dinner was at The Creag, the resort’s upscale dining spot at the McLemore Golf Club. Rather than getting our vehicle pulled around, the valet staff use golf carts to shuttle guests up the hill to the clubhouse.
The Creag is a lovely restaurant, with its pitched roof, wooden beams, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows making the space feel warm, inviting, yet open.
A see-through fireplace crackles in the middle of the main dining room, and the menu has something for everyone. It’s also an ideal spot to enjoy a mountaintop sunset.
Day 2: Golf with a View at The Keep & Dinner at Canyon Grill
Our second day at Cloudland at McLemore Resort began bright and clear—the kind of morning that practically begs for golf.
Golf Logistics at Cloudland
The hotel valet team made things simple with a club storage service upon our arrival, and when we were ready to play, they helped us retrieve the gear and arranged transport via golf cart to the McLemore Clubhouse, where we had dined the night before at The Creag.
We arrived about an hour early to warm up at the driving range and then took a short tram ride to the course itself. Our round included a caddie, which we highly recommend—not only did he assist with club selection and course navigation, but he also made the experience feel more personalized and enjoyable.
Golf at The Keep – Preview Play with a View
Cloudland is home to two world-class golf courses: The Highlands and The Keep. While both offer dramatic mountain settings, we opted to experience The Keep, perched along the eastern edge of Lookout Mountain. With five cliff-edge holes and sweeping views, it’s already gaining a reputation for unforgettable play.
As of our visit in July 2025, The Keep is in its “Preview Play” stage—still under construction, but fully playable. Though it doesn’t have a permanent clubhouse yet, the resort has thoughtfully set up an air-conditioned mobile check-in trailer where golfers can grab complimentary water and sports drinks before teeing off.
Mid-Round Refreshments
Halfway through the course, players are greeted by another temporary setup: a climate-controlled food trailer with restrooms, where complimentary sandwiches and soft drinks are offered. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, and a drinks cart also makes regular rounds.
While not inexpensive, The Keep delivers something unique. The elevated terrain, thoughtful design, and spectacular views add intangible value that may justify the high cost for many players.
Casual Fine Dining at Canyon Grill
That evening, we ventured off-property for dinner based on a recommendation from a local we met on the golf course. Just a short drive away, Canyon Grill is a well-loved restaurant that has served the area since 1996. It blends casual vibes with fine-dining flavor, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Even on a Wednesday night, the Canyon Grill was bustling—reservations highly recommended. We ordered the Olive Oil Pasta, which was light, well-seasoned, and topped with savory shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano, along with the Sautéed Triggerfish encrusted with almonds, paired with fried Gulf shrimp and crispy potatoes—a satisfying Southern-style seafood plate. We skipped dessert, but the coconut cake is apparently their standout.
Rainbow Sunsets
Back at the resort, the day closed with a dramatic sunset over Lookout Mountain, which ended in a picture-perfect rainbow. It felt like a punctuation mark to a day filled with scenic highs and flavorful discoveries. Rainbows are a common occurrence at Cloudland at McLemore Resort, so keep an eye out.
Day 3: Poolside Relaxation and Scenic Views at Cloudland McLemore Resort
Early Morning Above the Clouds
On the morning of Day 3, I finally got to see firsthand why they call it Cloudland. Wispy tufts of fog hovered over the valley like gauze, and the sky turned soft shades of rose and coral as the sun climbed higher. Eventually, the warmth of the day began to burn off the cloud layer, and the magical moment passed.
Infinity Pool with a View
We’d been eyeing the resort’s stunning infinity pool from our balcony since the moment we arrived, and today was the day to experience it for ourselves. Pool loungers and chairs are first-come, first-served, but we had no trouble finding a great spot when we headed down around 9:30 a.m., just as the attendant was setting up the umbrellas.
The loungers are comfortable, and for especially hot summer days, there are even in-pool loungers to keep cool while catching rays. For cooler seasons, a hot tub is available nearby.
Casual Dining at Skyside
By 11:00, Skyside—the resort’s open-air poolside bar and grill—was open. We grabbed a table along the railing, where panoramic views of the lush valley made it the perfect spot to relax and unwind. We ordered two of the bar’s signature cocktails: the “Birdie in Paradise” and the “Mulligan’s Isle.” Both were fun, tropical, and refreshingly cold.
When it came time to eat, we ordered the crispy grouper sandwich served on a Cuban roll with a side of crinkle-cut fries along with the Skyside burger on a brioche bun, also served with fries.
Both were excellent choices. The food was satisfying and flavorful, and the convenience couldn’t be beat.
We could have easily spent the entire afternoon by the pool, alternating between reading and dozing, but the weather had other plans. A distant rumble of thunder rolled through the air, and we decided to pack up and head back to the room before the storm rolled in.
Final Thoughts on the Stay
Cloudland at McLemore Resort is a relaxing and picturesque retreat with just the right mix of natural beauty and thoughtful amenities. From its stunning views to its easygoing poolside atmosphere, the resort made it easy to unwind.
On my next visit, I hope to explore more of what Cloudland at McLemore Resort has to offer—like the spa, the hiking trails (if the weather is cooler), and The Highlands golf course. Three days were just enough to discover what “Life Above the Clouds” is all about—and I’d happily return for more.
Quick Guide: Cloudland at McLemore Resort by Hilton Restaurants
- The Croft – Casual, upscale breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring Southern-inspired dishes and seafood
- Skyside – Casual poolside bar serving fresh salads, bowls, handhelds, and cocktails
- The Pocket Cafe – Coffee shop offering light bites and snacks with wine and cocktails from 4:00 – 7:00
- Auld Alliance – Fine Dining $$$$ (dinner only) with a fusion of Scottish and French influences
- The Creag – Elevated dining serving breakfast, lunch, & dinner located inside the golf clubhouse with panoramic mountain views
