Hanging at the Rattlesnake
Before we get into Hanging at the Rattlesnake, I want to provide some context. So, to fully understand the Rattlesnake, you must understand the lodge where we stayed. The Seven Spring Lodge is deep within the hills of northern Alabama. But, to call it a “lodge” is a bit of a misnomer. There is no lodge. Regrettably, their lodge burned down a couple years ago. What’s left is more of a RV park/horse dude ranch/rodeo venue combo. They do have a couple small cabins. And, they even have two rooms within converted grain silos. Most of the guests are driving dually pick up trucks or campers. In addition, most guests brought their own horses. Our Audi with no horse trailer was a bit of a stand out…
Hitching posts for our Audi… 
and, our corral 
Dead animals everywhere
Our humble cabin came with a hitching post for our Audi. Plus, we also got a horse corral out yonder, as well as our own stall in the main stable. Furthermore, the décor of the cabin consisted of many dead animals. Now, as impressive as that sounds, there is still the crowning jewel of the lodge. Of course, that would be the Rattlesnake Saloon. The fun of the Rattlesnake Saloon begins with the shuttle. Due to the perilous location of the Rattlesnake, they prefer that you take the short shuttle ride down to the saloon. Not surprisingly, in Alabama, a shuttle ride means climbing into the back of the pick up truck.
Alabama shuttle 
and, the path down
Arrival at the Rattlesnake 
and, the preferred parking
To put it simply, the Rattlesnake Saloon is actually in a cave that is underneath the lodge property. Yes, I said that the saloon is a cave. The “shuttle” takes you down a narrow road through the woods. Then, at the bottom, you see a large cave that is party ready. Let the hanging at the Rattlesnake begin…
The Rattlesnake Saloon
As the story goes, the Rattlesnake was originally a hog pen for the farmer that owned the land before the lodge. His farm was on the upper portion of the above photo. The farmer managed to drill a hole through to the cave below. Then, he used that hole to pour hog slop down to his pigs. When the hog pen became a saloon, that hole bought all the power and communication cables down to the cave. Depending on the recent rain, there is usually a running waterfall adorning the front of the saloon.
Beer and wine service starts at 5pm 
but, sadly, NO PBR
Ledge above the Rattlesnake 
Rattlesnake on a wetter day
Well, I feel like I should wrap this up with a bit of transparency. Although my writing style tends to be sarcastic with a bit of mockery, this was a wonderful place. I can not think of a more unique “fine” dining experience in my recent lifetime. Now, I only ate the nachos. So, I give no high end food guarantees to my “foodie” readers. But, who cares! This place is about ambiance, relaxing, and enjoying some Alabama hospitality. Although we were clearly not of the rodeo culture, the people at the lodge and saloon treated us great. I give this place the highest PugsleyTonks evaluation. Its right up there with Hillbilly Hotdogs. I doubt that I will ever get back to this place. But, if I ever get within an hour of Tuscumbia again…I will absolutely plan another evening hanging at the Rattlesnake. PT
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If you need to plan your trip to the Rattlesnake… https://www.rattlesnakesaloon.net/
Interesting. A real tourist attraction. Wasn’t expecting to see that many people.