JUNE/JULY 2013 MACON MAGAZINE I 23
CHATTANOOGA AN ADVENTUROUS
ALTERNATIVE TO THE BEACH
Between a rock and a not-so-hard-to-love place
sits Chattanooga, the eco-friendly artistic, cultural
and culinary hub of east Tennessee. Travelers
looking for an adventurous alternative to the
beach this summer can find boatloads of authentic
experiences just three hours north of Macon in the
foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
At least 50 barns, birdhouses and billboards implore drivers to "See Rock
City, located just 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga." The meticulously
manicured Rock City Gardens are spectacular with beautiful botanicals,
whimsical garden gnomes and vast mountain vistas. A perfectly positioned
vantage point offers panoramic views of seven states and guests can enjoy
al fresco dining at the new Café 7. Curiosity seekers can also venture deep
below the earth's surface to Ruby Falls, another nearby natural wonder.
Walk through ancient caverns on a half-mile trek to marvel at the 145-foot
underground waterfall, a geological treasure that was accidentally discovered
in 1923 by Ruby Lambert's husband while searching for an abandoned cave.
For more information:
MoonPies & Blue Skies
Chattanooga Convention
& Visitors Bureau
www.chattanoogafun.com
423-424-4430
Rock City Gardens,
Lookout Mountain
www.seerockcity.com 800-854-0675
Ruby Falls
1720 South Scenic Highway, Chattanooga
www.rubyfalls.com 423-821-2544