Look out! Mountain! and Ribs to Butts!

Friday arrives but I am not saying TGIF.  I just do not want the day to rush by while I am on vacation.  Anyway, coffee in hand.  My mug for today says "Just Bring Me My Coffee and A Doughnut and Then Slowly Back Away."  A chuckle just emerged and a smile came upon my face before I had my first cup.  It is a sunny and beautiful day!  I am so happy!  Happy dance, happy dance!

After an omelet breakfast, Kel, Hugh and I headed to Lookout Mountain/Rock City around noon.  Things that we noticed along the way - photo speed enforcement (car on side of the road taking photos and sending speeding tickets).

We drove along into Chattanooga to Lookout Mountain/Rock City River Garden.  We crossed the state line into Georgia!  Cool.  It is great that we had a small car because we got a great parking spot.  After paying the entry fee, we wandered all around the rock trails - down into caverns and out onto lookouts around into the gardens and gazing at the spectacular waterfall and scenery.

You had to watch where you walked and make sure that you lowered your head and move sideways through the tight squeezes.  They had gnomes everywhere doing all sorts of activities. At the Lookout, how many states can you see from Lover's Leap that has a 100-foot waterfall underneath?  Seven - Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Kentucky, Virginia!  It is so hard to describe as it is just wonderful and beyond words.

1928 – Frieda Carter spent four years forging a path through the wilderness among the rock formations with only a string to mark her trail. Garnet Carter introduced her unique gardens to the public as Rock City Gardens in 1932.  See the history of Rock City Gardens - http://www.seerockcity.com/pages/Our-Story/  

We stumbled across a bird show.  The first bird that we saw was a vulture that has its purpose and the next one was a stunning bald eagle.  I never saw one that close.  It was so beautiful. The bald eagle had been injured (lost a wing) because he was hit by a car about 22 years ago and he still resides there. I will have photos later.

Summary from their website:  Rock City will amaze you...it's in our nature! Located atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking "See 7 States" panoramic views. Take an unforgettable journey along the Enchanted Trail where each step reveals natural beauty and wonders along the woodland path. Experience the magic of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, visit one of our regional gift shops and dine at the Big Rock Grill. Rock City is splendid year-round - "Each season there's a new reason to visit!" 

Our next stop on this beautiful sunny day was Point Park that is a part of our military history with great vistas as well cannons and monument built in conjunction with New York State (The memorial had been built to commemorate the historic “Battle Above the Clouds” on Lookout Mountain in November 1863, a successful victory for the Union led by Gen. Joe Hooker) and museum at the bottom of a great deal of stairs.  There were great photographs back in the civil war.  Men were just sitting on the edge of the rocks with no fear.  Photos to come later!

After making our way down the winding roads about 3:30 p.m., we headed into downtown Chattanooga for a really late lunch/early dinner.  Where did we go?  Sugar's Ribs!  You want to know about a great place to go?  I would recommend this restaurant.  No question if what you want is a sampling of Tennessee delights.  Here is what we shared called Ribs to Butts = Chips and queso, Butts (jalapenos with cheese and pork with queso), slaw with vinegar, slaw with mayo, potato salad, pulled pork, chicken, pinto beans, beef brisket, grilled onions, grilled okra and topped off with banana pudding!

Our journey ended for the day so we are back home thinking about our adventure into downtown Chattanooga tomorrow!

I hope everyone else had a great day!  Sweet dreams!



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