A trip to Rock City with its lookout over seven states — so they claim — and the windy gardens sporting garden gnomes throughout its mountainous property is a lively experience any time of the year. But during the holiday season, the attraction atop Lookout Mountain turns into a fairy wonderland, which was the intention of the Carter family in the 1930s who named it Fairyland for Frieda Carter’s fascination with European folklore. Frieda Carter developed their property into elaborate gardens around giant rock formations complemented by fairy tale creations. In 1932, they changed the name and opened Rock City, now a landmark Southern travel destination.
See
Don’t miss Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights, one of the attraction’s top events of the year. Naturally the famous park lights up for the holidays, but it enhances the experience with massive light displays. Nighttime visitors will enjoy Yule Town, the Arctic Kingdom, the Magic Forest and the 40-foot Christmas tree, not to mention the exquisite lighting of Rock City’s dramatic waterfall. In addition, there will be special activities, such as gingerbread decorating with Mrs. Claus and the Old Man himself at North Pole Village. Visitors must reserve an entry time in advance on Rock City’s website; no walk-ins are allowed during the holiday event which continues until Jan. 6.
Stay
All 10 guest rooms with balconies at the RiverView Inn on Lookout Mountain provide a dramatic view of the Tennessee River and Chattanooga. The rooms offer cozy comfort in a cottage-style setting but also modern amenities, including the essential microwave and fridge for families. A fire pit exists just outside your door and is a favorite spot for guests to gather over a glass of wine, a hot chocolate or to roast s’mores. RiverView is a quick drive to both the Lookout Mountain attractions, dining options on the mountain and downtown Chattanooga.
Dine
Naturally, Chattanooga offers numerous dining options, but Massey’s Kitchen at the top of Lookout Mountain serves up fresh, delicious Mediterranean entrees and you don’t have to make the steep drive into town. Pop in and you’ll notice it’s a favorite among locals, and that’s what the owners had in mind. Massey’s replaced the general store that existed on the corner, once a place for the community to congregate. Next door is Canopy Coffee and Wine Bar and the Market on the Mountain.
Go Underground
In 1928, Leo Lambert discovered a Lookout Mountain cave that sported a 145-foot waterfall. He opened Ruby Falls the following year and it’s been a part of the mountain experience ever since. Visitors take an elevator deep into the mountain and follow a trail through the limestone cave to the falls that descend into a pool. Lights are extinguished — it’s pretty dark in that cave! — but the massive waterfalls are then lighted in colors. It’s a dramatic finish to the tour. In addition, Ruby Falls offers zip lines, special events and a spectacular view of the Chattanooga and the Cumberland Plateau.
Sunset Rock
It’s a lovely short hike to Sunset Rock on the west side of Lookout Mountain. There’s history here involving the Civil War Battle of Wauhatchie, but most visitors come for the nightly tilting of the Earth and the exquisite sunsets over the Tennessee River. This time of year, the trees are bare so the views are even more breathtaking. Some label this 10-minute hike “sometimes challenging” but our middle-aged group had no issues.
