CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE, USA -- Ever since I was a kid spending my summers on endless road trips criss-crossing the country with my family of circus performers (and those who liked to go and visit the family members who were circus performers), I remember longing, neigh aching, to go and actually "See Rock City" for myself.

I had no idea what great marvels would actually await my hungry childhood eyes, had we ever slowed down enough to actually visit this roadside Americana mecca of tourism. Whatever it was had to be pretty darn good, or so my youthful mind reasoned, otherwise why would there be so many billboards along the highway and so many barns prominently painted with the legend "See Rock City" across their roofs? So enterprising and insidious was the Rock City advertising campaign that "See Rock City" birdhouses fed the fine feathered friends outside local motels, restaurants and businesses throughout the South. As I went to bed at night and woke up in the morning -- even the birds were extolling the virtues of this wondrous place.

Alas, despite the deafening siren call of countless See Rock City billboards, barns and birdhouses, the adults in my car never stopped. I was certain I had indeed missed out on something monumental. After all, it's not every day you can see 7 states from one vantagepoint. Mystical fairytale grottos just don't grow on trees. And the rock formations…well….they didn't call it "Rock City" for nothing.

Somehow I managed to limp through life, despite missing out on all the glorious wonders a place like Rock City undoubtedly held in store. But finally, at no less than the age of 44, my chance had finally arrived. There were no naysaying adults who could thwart my plans to actually get inside the gates of this grand dame of American roadside tourist attractions. No, I was the adult now and I was going to finally See Rock City!

And even as a jaded adult, I liked what I saw. Very much.

Part of it is the quality of the Rock City attraction itself -- breathtaking views, wondrous rock formations (this is a the MOTHER of all rock gardens), beautiful tress and gardens with over 400 different species of native wildflowers, shrubs and trees, suspension bridges and just a touch of kitsch and childlike wonder thrown in for good measure. The trail through the property winds through countless rock formations, tight spots like "Fat Man's Squeeze" and "Needles Eye", natural oddities like the 1000 ton balanced rock, and culminates at a giant outcropping called "Lover's Leap", where on a clear day, you can see seven states!

For a road trip junkie like myself, the fact that places like Rock City and Ruby Falls (and Wall Drug and South of the Border, etc., etc) still exist is a comfort. Still more astounding, these are family run attractions, a rarity worthy of note in a country that's quickly turning into one giant corporate shopping mall.

The See Rock City barns evoke a sense of nostalgia in many people, including David B. Jenkins, author of a gorgeous, full color coffee table photography book on the subject, and the thousands of tourists who purchase what, in this travel writer's humble opinion is the ultimate vacation souvenir -- the official See Rock City birdhouse. The birdhouses come in two sizes and look like just like the ones posted outside motel courts in the 40s, 50s and 60s. Don't have a place to hang a birdhouse? They make a delightful Christmas Tree ornament sized version.

No one can match the enthusiasm and nostalgia for this classic destination more than Bill Chapin, current owner of Rock City and nephew of Rock City founder Garnet Carter, who coincidentally also invented the game of miniature golf. Anyone who talks to Bill immediately recognizes his love and passion for his family's legacy. Rock City is constantly being improved and upgraded under Bill's watchful eye and he seems to have a hands-on presence in every aspect of the enterprise. It is this kind of care that has kept Rock City thriving since 1923.

In addition to touring the amazing property, Rock City offers a variety of food and gift shops, fairyland caverns and Mother Goose village for the kids, and catering facilities for private functions, parties and weddings.

For more information visit www.SeeRockCity.com or call 706-820-2531.

Despite the Georgia address, Rock City is closest to Chattanooga, Tennessee, which makes a great base to See Rock City and other area attractions. Rock City Gardens is located at 1400 Patten Road Lookout Mountain, GA. Call 706-820-2531.

Lookout Mountain Attraction Discounts!
Visitors wanting to visit Rock City Gardens, Ruby Falls and ride the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway can get discounts to all three -- ask at any of the attractions' box offices or visit www.LookoutMountainAttractions.com for more details.

For additional information about visiting Chattanooga contact the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-322-3344 or 423-756-8687 or visit www.ChattanoogaFun.com .

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Cheri Sicard, in addition to being the editor of FabulousTravel.com and its sister site, Fabulous Foods.com is the author of The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do For Your Country Today and Every Day. To learn more about Cheri, click here. Chattanooga Top 10 See Rock City Ruby Falls Aquarium Arts District Hang Gliding Carousel Railroad Museums Weekend Market Southside Grill