Atop Lookout Mountain, Rock City Gardens features seasonal events with specialty foods, activities and entertainment. Wind your way through colossal rock formations, dare to pass over the Swing-A-Long Bridge and see seven states from iconic Lover’s Leap! Sip a fresh-squeezed lemonade as you look over the guide map to plan your adventure…
On the weekends you can enjoy toe-tapping, live bluegrass, folk and country music during Rock City’s Summer Music Weekends. The event runs Memorial Day through Labor Day including daily June 28 – July 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., featuring live entertainment by The Old Time Traveler Matt Downer (daily), NBC’s The Voice Finalist Amber Carrington (Fridays), Tarryn Aimee Smith (Saturdays) and the Highbeams (Sundays).
Matt Downer is known for his high-energy brand of old tunes while rotating through the fiddle, banjo, guitar and vocals. Amber Carrington has performed at the Grand Ole Opry after gaining her initial fame on “The Voice.” She is one of the show’s top five performers and has landed in the top 10 on iTunes charts. Tarryn Aimee Smith is an Americana singer-songwriter whose music is a unique blend of folk, bluegrass, jazz and country. She is based out of Nashville and plays several instruments during her performances. Highbeams is made up of brothers Adam and Ian Pendlington and bass player Stephen Quinn. The “adventure rock” trio have traveled across the country maintaining a busy tour schedule since 2013. Rock City Gardens is continuing its conservation partnership with Lula Lake Land Trust during this event and is committed to ongoing co-advocacy efforts with local community organizations.
Rock City Raptors shows hosted by Wings to Soar return for their 15th season. Their weekend shows feature rescued birds of prey. Meet a vulture, bald eagle and screech owl in these inspirational, interactive presentations. Watch a variety of birds fly overhead and enjoy up-close encounters with them after the shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily.
Midway through your trek you’ll find Rock City’s full-service outdoor restaurant Café 7. Delicious new menu items are available every Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 7 p.m. Discover southern cuisine with a modern twist with items like smoked brisket tacos, fried green tomatoes paired with pimento cheese and tomato jam, shrimp and cheese grits and the Sweet Home Alabama chicken sandwich. There’s a full wine and craft beer menu, a kids’ menu and a brand-new pet menu! Go to www.seerockcity.com/cafe-7 for the seasonal specials!
After you’ve dined at Café 7, make your way down Fat Man’s Squeeze, through Rainbow Hall and snap a photo in front of the High Falls. The walk through Hall of the Mountain King leads you to Fairyland Caverns. This retro section of the trail colors each visit with glow-in-the-dark vintage whimsy. It’s no wonder guests have been visiting from all over the world since 1932. Stop at the Fudge Kitchen on your way out for a free sample of the housemade treat, pack up a few slices for the road in a Rock City birdhouse box! Leashed pets are always welcome.
Insider tip: Buy a VIP annual pass for discounts on food and gifts, and unlimited admission for a full year from date of purchase, including Rock City’s award-winning Enchanted Garden of Lights – a spectacular wonderland of live entertainment, hot cocoa, over a million LED lights and Santa! Visit: SeeRockCity.com.
