Ever seen one of these? I did, once, on my way from Atlanta to Chattanooga years ago. It was my first time witnessing a “See Rock City” barn in person. Since they’re in lots of places east of the Mississippi, I guess that shows that I really didn’t grow up around here.
The signs are for a roadside attraction called Rock City, which is somehow near Chattanooga, Tennessee, but actually in Georgia.
I love that Rock City started out as the Carter family’s garden at the top of a mountain, where they started welcoming visitors in May of 1932. And while a lot has been added, much of the atmosphere appears to remain the same: beautiful gardens, a “Lover’s Leap” lookout where legend has it that you can see seven states, and ancient rock formations. Still family-owned, Rock City is a beautiful destination for families.
Rock City is one of those places that I’ve wanted to visit for a while, but just haven’t had the opportunity. But I think that will change this summer. From Atlanta, it is a pretty easy day or weekend trip. So we’ll probably try to visit once before school starts again for the fall. And this year Rock City is celebrating its 80th birthday. If you live in this region, that makes it the perfect year for a visit.
So I’m excited to offer a giveaway here on The Red Clay Diaries: a family pass for Rock City!
For me, the closest I’ve come to a good old-fashioned roadside attraction is Cracker Barrel (a kitschy – but delicious – imitation). Rock City seems to offer an authentic combination of beautiful scenery, modern amenities, and old-fashioned charm.
To win the family pack of tickets to Rock City, all you need to do is comment here on this post. On May 11 I’ll choose a commenter at random as the winner. Be sure you include your email address with your comment, so I can contact you.
7 responses so far ↓
1 Lianne // May 7, 2012 at 10:12 am
I have driven past Rock City on my way to the Smokies or Chattanooga several times. I’ve always wanted to stop, at least so I could say I’d seen Rock City…and maybe buy a birdhouse that advised birds to also see Rock City. I’d love to take my family on a day trip there this summer.
2 Jamie C. // May 7, 2012 at 11:57 am
What a fun giveaway! My husband works every day except Sunday, so I’m always looking for fun day trips we can take as a family…family time is so important. I can remember how much I loved Rock City as a child, my parents took me several times, but I have never taken my own children and haven’t been myself in over 20 years!! Thanks so much for the chance to win and highlighting such a great place for families!!
3 kara // May 8, 2012 at 10:35 am
went to Rock City as a kid with my grandfather…
4 Devon // May 8, 2012 at 10:53 am
I love Rock City! I haven’t been in years and I’ve never taken my girls— I bet they would love to see such a beautiful place! It’s always nice to have something different to do with them, so even if I’m not the lucky winner, I may just have to make a trip there!
5 Annette Pentecost // May 8, 2012 at 10:54 am
Yes, I have seen the sign on barns saying, “See Rock City”. I saw them many years ago when my parents took may and my siblings to see Rock City and the other tourist activities in Chatanooga TN. I would love to be able to take my grandsons to see Rock City. Unfortunately, I was never able to take my own children there. The one time we tried we ended up in a blizzard on our way back from Florida when we were going to stop in. That was back in March of 1993.
6 Ashley Sims // May 8, 2012 at 10:57 am
Rock City is one of my favorite places to go (I’ve currently been 4 times) but I haven’t yet gotten my SO there! It would be so wonderful to go back and share it with him.
7 Kellie Conrad // Mar 25, 2013 at 7:34 pm
I would love to go there!
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