The popular Southern attraction on top of Lookout Mountain debuts a nightly spring experience, one full of wining, dining and song.
We have always loved to "See Rock City," that long-standing Southern attraction on top of Lookout Mountain outside Chattanooga. The combination of ancient rock formations, elaborate gardens (which are blooming right now), the incredible view from Lover's Leap and the Fairyland beneath it all—it never gets old.
Now there's Rock City Nights: Flora Luna, Rock City’s inaugural evening experience that runs nightly through May 12, 2024. Visitors may wine and dine among the low-light lanterns illuminating the garden and local art creations. Locally sourced small-plate food from regional farms and producers, along with drinks, will be available.
“Flora Luna invites guests to discover Rock City in a whole new way while enjoying small bites and drinks in an artful and inspiring environment,” said Kim Jackson, Flora Luna storyteller and curator, in a press release. “One-of-a-kind sculptural installations, an original musical score and poetic story stitches are woven together to invite guests to engage, reflect and contemplate what inspires them.”
"We are excited to collaborate with so many amazing artists across a variety of media to create this unique experience,” said Will Jackson, senior manager of innovation at See Rock City Inc.
Flora Luna highlights Rock City’s natural environment and tells the story of the Enchanted Trail’s beginnings. Follow the path that Rock City founder Frieda Carter first marked with red string more than 90 years ago and be one of the first to cross the Swing-A-Long Bridge at night! Hear an original musical composition by composer Tim Hinck blend with the natural sounds of water, wind and cicadas.
According to See Rock City's press release, here's what visitors will find in the way of sustenance at Flora Luna:
Seasonal fruit and cheese skewers featuring Sequatchie Cove Creamery cheese and locally sourced fruits and mint.
Café 7's slow-smoked brisket, fresh-braised greens and twice-fried Mediterranean wings with regional craft beers or Italian wines.
Drink selections at Perch, to be enjoyed in a sittable sculpture installation and suspended woven papasan chairs in an avian-inspired location.
Hearth's cast-iron-grilled red wine-braised short ribs on French potatoes and poached chicken thighs on artichokes.
For dessert, both Hearth and Café 7 will be serving Clumpies’ Brownie a la mode and seasonal ice cream with fudge sauce.
Flora Luna hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available online only at www.seerockcity.com/floraluna. Guests can purchase a sip and savor pass with their ticket purchase to receive all food and beverage offerings at a discount. Gem members receive free admission and a free food item or non-alcoholic beverage at Parterre at The Garden Party.
Where to Stay at Rock City
Right across the street from Rock City lies the Chanticleer Inn Bed and Breakfast with 20 guest room choices, from rooms in the original circa-1927 home or one of the many cabins located on the property. The inn resonates with a European vibe, from the French accents, the roaring fireplace in the living area and the lush gardens gracing the two-acre grounds. Visitors may enjoy the swimming pool, fire pit, Bocce court and gift shop.
Overlooking the Tennessee River and a short drive from Rock City is RiverView Inn. The 10 guest rooms in a cottage-style setting feature balconies that offer a dramatic view of the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga. The property includes a fire pit, swimming pool, gift shop and gathering room for breakfast.
Both Chanticleer and RiverView are a quick drive to dining options on the mountain and downtown Chattanooga.
Weird, Wacky & Wild South is written by Cheré Dastugue Coen who always enjoys a trip to Rock City. Her first vacation was at this Lookout Mountain attraction.