See Rock City: The History of Rock City Gardens

by Tim Hollis

Around two hundred million years ago, geological forces produced an expansive grove of rocky caverns and outcroppings atop Lookout Mountain. It was not until the twentieth century, however, that this awe-inspiring citadel evolved into a nationally recognized tourist attraction when Garnet Carter and his wife, Frieda, developed the natural marvel into the Rock City Gardens we know today, an enchanted tribute to fairytales and a breathtaking homage to nature. Join Rock City expert Tim Hollis as he guides you through the origins of the site's most fascinating spots, including Fairyland Caverns, See Seven States and Lover's Leap. Also learn the story behind the world-famous 'See Rock City' marketing campaign, as well as the steep challenges the landmark has faced in an often volatile tourism industry. Perhaps the only aspect of Rock City more enchanting than its physical beauty is the fairytale story that surrounds it.

Genres: History, Travel, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jon Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book in the gift store at the Rock City attraction in Chattanooga, TN in July of this year. My wife and I had just finished touring the place and had enjoyed our visit. Rock City has been around as a tourist attraction for almost a hundred years now and it definitely has a quaint, old-fashioned, stuck-in-time flavor - a unique yet head-scratching mix of natural beauty and childrens' bedtime stories depicted in statuary. So when I spotted the book in the gift shop I was primed to learn how this intriguing place came to be. The book is a brief 160 pages long and makes for a brisk read. The story of the attraction's jumbled beginnings in the 1920's as a housing development and golf course, the brainchild of eccentric entreprenuer Garnet Carter, is told with wit, and the tale follows Rock City's up-and-down fortunes decade by decade as the US tourism industry grew and receded and tastes changed. The book satisfied my curiosity but I am not sure it would hold the interest of a reader who has not actually visited Rock City. Four out of five stars.

[Anthony McDowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As part of my training to be a tour guide at Rock City, I had to read the history of the company. From being the world's first obstacle mini golf course, to the use of fairytale characters, to the marketing ideas, to problems with the government, to failed ideas, there are tons of information packed into this little book. I will read it again at some point, and it makes me want to read about Disney World and Six Flags

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wonderful Journey From Start To Finish

I always have fun and enjoy reading Tim Hollis' books and others like it. I thought this was a fascinating, well researched, book about Rock City and learned quite a bit about it. Tim offers a unique glimpse into history. This book is perfect for anyone interested in the history of roadside attractions and travel in the United States. I have to admit I felt a twinge of sadness when I read about a twinge of sadness when I read about the barns with the old advertising decaying. But I like how Tim implores the reader to See Rock City at the end. Reading this book makes me want to visit.

[Mark Bunch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Very simple, easy one day read. Good for history buff Explains the role of outdoor advertising and how the attractions, car, and motel industry grew together.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book after our recent visit to Chattanooga. I had always wanted to go to Rock City and have been fascinated by the different styles of advertising that this attraction has used over the years. This is an interesting look at tourism,advertising and pop culture in the mid to late 1900's. Carter Garnet the founder of Rock City was a very creative man who took lots of risks that paid off. One thing I didn't know was that he created the first mini golf course on Lookout Mountain near Rock City and started a craze that people still enjoy today. He promised the new housing development a golf course , but due to the rocky terrain he created a miniature version instead. Walt Disney also visited Rock City several times before he opened his tourist attraction- Disneyland.