Tribute to the Roadside Art

The Fun of Billboards

I like billboards. Billboards are Americana. However, I fear for the decline of the billboard. Shockingly, four states actually ban billboards because they are “ugly.” Furthermore, with the age of the internet, all information can be available to you in your car. But, I still read most of the billboards while driving the interstate. On more than one occasion, my wife, Carol, has yelled at me to stop reading them and actually watch the road. I can not help it. While not as important as they once were, billboard content is good driving entertainment. Therefore, this is my small tribute to the roadside art.

Compelled by Billboards

So, whether it’s religious education, trucker entertainment, or key public service messages, billboards have important messages. Beyond being educated by billboards, I was once actually “compelled” by billboards. From 100 miles away, on any interstate approaching the Chattanooga, Tennessee, area, there is a billboard bombardment. I knew nothing about the subject matter. But, the roadside message was so frequent and compelling, my son and I had no choice but to make a stop at this tourist trap.

Drawn into Rock City

As it turns out, my comments on the billboard bombardment are actually the origins of Rock City. Rock City became a noteworthy tourist trap starting in 1935. The owners of the property kicked off their business venture by having 900 barns painted with “See Rock City” throughout 19 states. Barns tend to deteriorate, so this approach eventually transitioned to billboards. But, what is Rock City? Basically, Rock City is a concentration of rocky trails, crevasses, overlooks and gardens centered on Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia. Frankly, if billboards are going to take over your mind and compel you to visit a tourist trap, Rock City is an excellent option.

As the pictures reveal, Rock City is not the place for those bothered by heights. The views are breath taking. The High Falls pictures above are taken from the precarious platform shown in the picture below. Additionally, you can supposedly see 7 U.S. states from the top of High Falls. However, I do not think this is true anymore. In the early days of Rock City, seeing certain high points in 7 states MAY have been possible. But, decades of air pollution and particulate accumulation make this claim questionable today.

Beyond the Heights

Beyond views of Lookout Mountain, the walking paths within Rock City are worth the visit. Here are just a few other photos as my son trekked through Rock City

Check out the Surrounding Area too

Needless to say, my son and I liked Rock City. I am glad that I was compelled by the billboards to visit this place. In fact, the whole Lookout Mountain area is quite interesting. Lookout Mountain is like a giant plateau sticking out of the far northwest corner of Georgia. The mountain overlooks Chattanooga, TN, and the Tennessee River. It is is rich in Civil War history. Visit Point Park on the top of the mountain for great views and Civil War history. There is a small, but very nice community, on top of the mountain (Jeff, that’s you). We got lunch there after Rock City. We also visited Ruby Falls another tourist trap featured on the billboard barrage.

Wrap it up

Anyway, based on absolutely no research or knowledge, I get the impression that billboards are a declining advertising tool. If that is true, it is regrettable. Billboards entertain me. Further, billboards are Americana. So, by this post, I give my tribute to the roadside art that is billboards. Billboards have the power to compel you to visit wonderful places like Rock City. However, BEWARE, billboards may also compel you to visit Cherokee Guns…where they “lubricate their guns with liberal tears.” Have a wonderful day. PT

I hope you have enjoyed reading “Tribute to the Roadside Art” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.

If you enjoyed that post, check this one out https://travelingwithpt.com/declassifying-project-greek-island/

Here is a bit more on Rock City https://www.seerockcity.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic