Discover the legendary love story at the heart of Ruby Falls’ history with a special after-hours date night

Hidden 1,120 feet below the summit of Lookout Mountain, Romance at Ruby offers an adventurous twist on celebrating Valentine’s Day. During this unforgettable date night, an expert guide will share tales of local legendary romances, including the love story that led to the discovery and naming of Ruby Falls.

Limited to only 10 couples per tour, you and your honey will stroll along the cavern trail, seeing the beauty of the waterfall and ancient stone formations with only the soft glow of hand-held lanterns. Romance at Ruby is a reservation-only event, available on select dates in February and includes a professional photo and sweet surprises.

Expert tips: Arrive 30 minutes early and enjoy the sweeping moon-lit view of the Cumberland Plateau from historic Lookout Mountain Tower. Take a photo by the iconic “My Trip Thru Ruby Falls” arch, which is decked out for Valentine’s Day with flowers, lights and handcrafted hearts before cozying up by the stone fireplace in Ruby Falls Castle until it’s time for your reservation. (For greatest availability, purchase tickets early as reservations fill quickly.)

Share the love this Valentine’s Day

Cuddling up and play with the sweet pets at McKamey Animal Center. With the center open Tuesdays – Sundays, you and your date can enjoy a day of pure puppy love. Nothing says “I Love you” more than two people creating friendships with furry friends waiting to find their forever families.  Teach them new tricks, shower them with affection, or snuggle them close until your heart’s content.

Not only is the attention a welcomed treat for the animals, the playdate is also a great way to bring awareness to adoption and all the wonderful work the center does on a daily basis. Instead of gathering around a candle-lit dinner for two on Valentine’s Day, happily sit around a water bowl and let your new furry friends entertain you and your beloved with their excitement.

You Don’t Have to Spend Big Bucks to Enjoy a Romantic Date

Thanks to the beautiful and pristine mountains just minutes from Chattanooga, there are oodles of hiking trails to explore and many breathtaking views to soak in.  The opportunity to connect with one another and nature is fantastic in the Scenic City.

Bring along warm coats and local sweet treats from Chattanooga favorites. The incredible chocolate covered strawberries from The Hot Chocolatier and a divine charcuterie board to-go from the Bleu Fox Cheese Shop create a picturesque afternoon picnic. What’s not to love about enjoying the company of your favorite person while sharing a delicious spread in the great outdoors for Valentine’s Day in Chattanooga?

There you have it! Valentine’s Day in Chattanooga is anything but ordinary.  The only hard decision is narrowing down the options to one or two (or three for the overachievers)! 

The post Think Outside the Chocolate Box: Valentine’s Day in Chattanooga appeared first on Ruby Falls.

Planning a special evening for your sweetie can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but no worries – we’ve got the inside scoop on unconventional date night ideas right here in Chattanooga. Break free from the clichés and give Cupid a run for his money with these unique adventures that will make your heart skip a beat. Say goodbye to the same old candlelit dinner and hello to a Valentine’s Day in Chattanooga that’s as extraordinary as your love!

Discover the legendary love story at the heart of Ruby Falls’ history with a special after-hours date night

Hidden 1,120 feet below the summit of Lookout Mountain, Romance at Ruby offers an adventurous twist on celebrating Valentine’s Day. During this unforgettable date night, an expert guide will share tales of local legendary romances, including the love story that led to the discovery and naming of Ruby Falls.

Limited to only 10 couples per tour, you and your honey will stroll along the cavern trail, seeing the beauty of the waterfall and ancient stone formations with only the soft glow of hand-held lanterns. Romance at Ruby is a reservation-only event, available on select dates in February and includes a professional photo and sweet surprises.

Expert tips: Arrive 30 minutes early and enjoy the sweeping moon-lit view of the Cumberland Plateau from historic Lookout Mountain Tower. Take a photo by the iconic “My Trip Thru Ruby Falls” arch, which is decked out for Valentine’s Day with flowers, lights and handcrafted hearts before cozying up by the stone fireplace in Ruby Falls Castle until it’s time for your reservation. (For greatest availability, purchase tickets early as reservations fill quickly.)

Share the love this Valentine’s Day

Cuddling up and play with the sweet pets at McKamey Animal Center. With the center open Tuesdays – Sundays, you and your date can enjoy a day of pure puppy love. Nothing says “I Love you” more than two people creating friendships with furry friends waiting to find their forever families.  Teach them new tricks, shower them with affection, or snuggle them close until your heart’s content.

Not only is the attention a welcomed treat for the animals, the playdate is also a great way to bring awareness to adoption and all the wonderful work the center does on a daily basis. Instead of gathering around a candle-lit dinner for two on Valentine’s Day, happily sit around a water bowl and let your new furry friends entertain you and your beloved with their excitement.

You Don’t Have to Spend Big Bucks to Enjoy a Romantic Date

Thanks to the beautiful and pristine mountains just minutes from Chattanooga, there are oodles of hiking trails to explore and many breathtaking views to soak in. From Sunset Rock to Edward’s Point, you and your date will not be disappointed with the journey as the joy of discovery will provide an opportunity to connect with one another and with nature.

Bring along local sweet treats from Chattanooga favorites. The incredible chocolate covered strawberries from The Hot Chocolatier and a divine charcuterie board to-go from the Bleu Fox Cheese Shop create a picturesque afternoon picnic. What’s not to love about enjoying the company of your favorite person while sharing a delicious spread in the great outdoors for Valentine’s Day in Chattanooga?

There you have it! Valentine’s Day in Chattanooga is anything but ordinary.  The only hard decision is narrowing down the options to one or two (or three for the overachievers)! 

The post Valentine’s Day Reinvented: <br>3 Extraordinary Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Chattanooga appeared first on Ruby Falls.

This summer, discover the extraordinary life and achievements of Horace Brazelton (1877-1956) at the exhibit titled “Through the Lens: The Life and Legacy of Horace Brazelton.”  This free exhibition, curated by historian Stefanie Haire and hosted by Ruby Falls, showcases Brazelton’s pioneering career and inspiring leadership in the Chattanooga community. The exhibit is free, and Ruby Falls tickets are not required. Open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, 7 days a week, the exhibit runs through September 15, 2023.

Who Was Horace Brazelton?

As the first African American to open a professional photography studio in Chattanooga, Brazelton’s camera lens captured countless portraits of middle-class Black communities during the first half of the 20th century. His extensive list of clients included individuals, families, church groups, professional gatherings, and civic clubs. His work embodied the humanity of the people he depicted at a time when access to photography was limited and mass media frequently portrayed African Americans unfavorably and inaccurately.

Anyone who adores finding long-lost family photos or scouring genealogy websites will find kinship with Brazelton’s photography.

During the era of Jim Crow laws, Brazelton not only successfully launched and expanded his photography business but also contributed to the growth, well-being, and economic stability of the local Black community through a range of initiatives. He was dedicated to empowering the Black community. By championing home and property ownership, organizing voter registration drives, and advocating for recognition of Black history and economic growth through small business development, Brazelton actively encouraged and invested in Black Chattanoogans. His efforts supported the growth of commerce in the Black business district of the East 9th Street area (currently known as MLK Blvd) and Black Chattanoogans economic mobility.

Despite being a talented artist, remarkable entrepreneur, and committed community leader, Brazelton’s story is largely unknown. His forgotten artistic and civic contributions hint at an erasure of African American history. Black history is American history.

After several years of researching Horace Brazelton, historian Stefanie Haire created the exhibit Through the Lens: The Life and Legacy of Horace Brazelton.

About the Exhibit

Exhibit visitors have the opportunity to view a portrait gallery of Mr. Brazelton’s work and see early 20th-century photo enlarging equipment along with a re-creation of his photography studio, and listen to a reading of the 1917 speech Brazelton gave at the annual conference of the National Negro Business League held in Chattanooga. The exhibit includes informative, thought-provoking panels providing historical context of Jim Crow laws, which powerfully connect the viewer to this pivotal era.

“These photos capture more than just simple moments in time, but rather represent hundreds of lives who helped build Chattanooga and the memory of their legacies,” says Stefanie Haire, historian and curator of the exhibit.

Visit the Exhibition

Exhibit admission is free and open to the public June 7 – Sept 15, 2023 at Ruby Falls in the circa 1929 castle. Ruby Falls tickets are not required to visit the exhibit. The exhibition is open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Include a visit to “Through the Lens: The Life and Legacy of Horace Brazelton” in your summer plans. You’ll learn about an incredible and inspiring Chattanoogan and discover free educational activities! It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

This exhibit is made possible through the support from the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University, Picnooga (Chattanooga Historical Society), and Ruby Falls, with contributions by Bessie Smith Cultural Center, the Library of Congress, the African American Cemetery Preservation Fund, Presbyterian Historical Society, Walden’s Ridge Civic League, Dr. Earnestine Jenkins, River City Company, Emory University, the Chattanooga Public Library, and the Southeast Tennessee Development District.

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