Birthday Date at Rock City Gardens

For my birthday a couple of weeks ago, my husband and I took a wonderful drive up Lookout Mountain to visit Rock City Gardens in Georgia. The trees had just started to turn, and the sights were, in a word, glorious.

The weather was chilly but the sky was blue with just enough sun, the wind was blowing but not icy. I had been to the attraction three times previously, always at Christmas time when they have their famous Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights. A night time attraction with thousands of Christmas lights ablaze, it's truly a magical place. But I have always wanted to see the actual gardens during the day time, and I was not disappointed.

The place is famous for many reasons, and gnomes is one of them. There are dozens of little gnome statues that populate the gardens, each one hard at work.

The second thing it is famous for are the iconic red and black barns painted with the phrase "See Rock City." Used in an advertising campaign starting in 1935, the now-famous slogan could be found painted on barns all the way from Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. And though the barns are disappearing, the iconic painted slogan continues to grace birdhouses and Christmas ornaments (we've even got one for our Christmas tree!). (You can learn more about the Rock City Barn History here.)

Ain't my husband a tall glass of water? ;)

The most famous thing Rock City is known for are its incredible views. It is said that one can "See 7 States" from the top of the overlook.

A rainbow found in the trees. The beauty of God's creation took our breath away.

Gnome!

I have to say, you've got a pretty awesome view, little gnome fella.

The view of downtown Chattanooga, TN is jaw dropping.

Inside one of the caverns, there's an homage to dozens of fairy tales, done in neon. So cute!

After our delightful walk around Rock City, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at a local restaurant that specializes in Southern-style cuisine. With a bottle of white wine, it was a perfect end of a perfect day spent with the love of my life.