I’ve been meaning to write about our quick drive down to Rock City since early fall. Little Buddy is taking a nap, and I’m enjoying the quiet, so I thought it would be a great time to tell y’all about it.
In 2016, I posted about our Valentine’s Day trip to Chattanooga. We stayed in an old train car at the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel and visited the Tennessee Aquarium and Ruby Falls. This time, we visited Rock City.
Have you heard of Rock City? It’s an attraction that everyone in Tennessee knows about because they do an incredible job of advertising. On the two-hour drive from Nashville to Chattanooga, you’ll see dozens of “See Rock City” signs painted onto barn roofs. The owners have used this advertising method since 1936. According to a sign inside the park, in the 1950s, “See Rock City” was emblazoned on more than 800 barns across several states (as far away as Michigan and Texas).
The rock garden features a one-way path created by founders Garnet and Frieda Carter in the late 1920s. The current owner is a third-generation descendant.
Located at the top of Lookout Mountain, Rock City not only boasts unique rock formations, but also incredible views.
It’s an outdoor attraction, which was perfect for social distancing. Guests wore masks and stayed well more than six feet apart, and entrance numbers were limited, so we felt very safe.
We were grateful to be able to support a family-owned business that is committed to following health guidelines and providing a safe experience for guests.
My favorite part of Rock City was Fairyland Caverns, a large, drafty cavern with miniature displays from popular fairy tales. The bright, larger than life colors made it truly magical! Entrance was controlled, masks were worn, and social distancing was followed by all.
I’ve been to Rock City! It was really cool.
Oh wow! My husband and I just went to Ruby Falls and Rock City in December. Rock City during Christmas, AKA Enchanted Gardens, was AMAZING!!!
I would LOVE to go during Christmas! Did you like Ruby Falls or Rock City better?
Rock City for sure!
BEAUTIFUL!! Sounds like such a neat place 🙂
What a gorgeous place to visit. And beautiful photos. How wonderful to be able to safely visit and enjoy these wonders.
That looks like a fun place to visit. Thanks for sharing Ellie!
I’ve been to Tennessee a few times, but never heard of Rock City, and it looks like a wonderful place to visit.🙂 Hag.Md.
You find all types of interesting places I’ve never heard of. This looks amazing!
We live in Illinois and love vacationing in Tennessee. We went to Ruby Falls many years ago when our children were young. After reading this post, I know we’ll definitely want to visit Rock City next time we’re in that area. It looks beautiful!
Ellie, Thank you again for your informative travelog, and gorgeous photos. I know I have asked before and just am not remembering. What kind of camera do you use? I just purchased an iPhone 12 Pro for the camera. I debated on spending the money on an actual camera, but I saw many positive reviews praising this phones camera that I thought I would get the new iPhone so I don’t have to carry 2 things around. But your photos are always so incredibly clear. Maybe it has to do weigh the eye of the person taking the photo. By the way, I have seen so many Rock City signs that I thought it would just be a tourist trap. I can see by your photos that I was wrong. It looks lovely. Thanks.
Hi Barb. I’m glad you like my photos. 🙂 I completely understand not wanting to carry around a phone AND a camera. I just use my iPhone SE for all my photos. I have heard wonderful things about the iPhone 12 cameras. Sounds like the quality is better than my SE, so it should be able to take great photos. Have you experimented yet?
Ellie
I haven’t heard of it, but I have been to TN many times . We have been to Dollywood a few times .
I love Chattanooga. Many years ago, before I was married, my best friend and I drove to Tennessee (from New Brunswick, Canada – it was a looong drive but we wanted an adventure.) We spent a few days in Chattanooga and I loved Rock City! The magnet is still on my fridge. 🙂 So nice to support family run businesses.
I would love to visit this place!!! It has got to be one of the most majestic places I have ever seen in your pictures. I’m going to have to show this to my husband and we will have to plan a trip there. Thank you for sharing your pictures with us.