Hidden worlds lie within the mountains around Chattanooga—geological wonders on an unfathomable scale. Underground streams, waterfalls, cliffs, and even an entire fairytale village can be found within the subterranean realm.  Perhaps it is curiosity, or the thrill of exploration, that draws visitors to Chattanooga’s caves. In Rock City’s Fairyland Caverns, suspension of disbelief makes the experience even more magical. Here, the Enchanted Trail descends […]

America’s 250th birthday is shaping up to be the nation’s biggest celebration yet. Here in Chattanooga, patriotic festivities will fill the holiday weekend, from riverfront fireworks and drone shows to family activities and morning foot races, there is an event for everyone to celebrate.  The best place to view fireworks is at Rock City during Red White, & Wonder, July 3-4, until midnight. Lover’s Leap provides a front-row, panoramic view of area fireworks—perched from a quieter vantage point. The distance makes for a quieter […]

It’s fitting that Rock City celebrates its anniversary in spring, when the gardens are lush. On May 21, 1932, Garnet and Frieda Carter opened the gates to their fantastical backyard garden.  On Founder’s Day, we salute Rock City’s first gardener, Frieda.  Can you believe that Rock City began as a simple backyard garden project? It’s true—Frieda marked a winding trail with string through narrow crevices and across incredible […]

When Garnet and Frieda Carter wanted to spread the word out about their whimsical mountaintop garden, they hired Clark Byers to paint “SEE ROCK CITY” and similar messages on barn roofs near and far. This kicked off one of the most iconic advertising campaigns in American history.  Author Judith Hill Garrison reflects on the legendary roadside barns that put Rock City on the map in her newly released book, “See […]

In 1969, television news legend Walter Cronkite reported that Chattanooga was the dirtiest city in America. Since then, the city has made tremendous efforts to clean up its image and is now North America’s first National Park City.   This Earth Day, that green spirit will be on full display as grassroots efforts take shape to keep the Scenic City, well, scenic.  What is Earth […]

The beloved Garden Gnome is a treasured figure found in yards around the world, with origins older, and stranger than you might expect. Its story draws from religious imagery, European fairy tales, and statuary traditions dating back to ancient Rome.   Early gnome statues were fine works of art, hand-carved and painted by artisans in Germany. Freida Carter, one of Rock City’s founders, had a fondness for these characters thanks to her German heritage, and […]

For all of Rock City’s incredible features—towering rock formations, sweeping views and fairytale charm—the gardens themselves are perhaps its most humble treasure.   Located in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth, Rock City boasts over 500 species of native plants across its 14 acres. What began as an ambitious backyard project has thrived for over 90 years as a living […]