Earlier this year, I went on a 4-day road trip with my friends to Tennessee. We chose this state because it would be a different experience compared to the city-life we were all accustomed to. I didn’t know what to expect besides the fact that we were going to visit caverns and travel in a bus for several days.
When we arrived at Ruby Falls Cave near Chattanooga, Tennessee, the sight inside the cavern was amazing. The beautiful waterfall is lit up by neon lights that constantly change colors. It reminded me of an artificial waterfall that can be found in Chelsea Market in NYC. There are times when NYC tries to emulate various aspects of nature and place them in an urban environment (i.e. the waterfall in Chelsea Market). However, Ruby Falls is so much more natural. The sound of water splashing against the caves, the eroding of rocks, and the smell of the air in the cave is so unique that it’s unlikely that NYC would be able to replicate it.
What made this trip more interesting was how we had to travel through various passageways of different sizes in order to get to this destination. For example, there were paths where we found ourselves slowly inching sideways as our backs lied against the walls of the cave because they were very narrow. During the entire trip, I tried to think of times when I would be able to experience the same thing in NYC, but I never thought of one example.
This tourist attraction may be simple because everything is natural. The only artificial part of it may be the lights that were fixed to brighten the paths. At the same time, the beauty of this cave is different from what NYC has to offer. The cultural difference between NYC and this town in Tennessee is very apparent. While NYC fosters a fast-paced environment and new, breathtaking discoveries through technology, the excitement behind this cave is tracking how Mother Nature erodes and shifts it.
- chelsea market
Ruby Falls
I love the pictures you attached in this post. Moreover, this piece underlines the differences between artificial art and natural beauty. Great contrast!
Wow. Out of all the places, you chose to go to Tennessee? That is very original.
Ruby Falls looks interesting. So it is also an artificial waterfall? Then why is the title so misleading?
It looks as if Tennessee is copying New York. Or maybe we are copying them?
I have been meaning to go to the South. From what I got from your encounter, it is a very relaxed place with Nature doing all of the leg work. Great post!
I agree with Sifan! The contrast here bewteen artificial art and natural beauty is really interesting. If you recall, we also had several artificial waterfalls at the bridges on Hudson River. They were beautiful on its own and imitated a waterfall really well, however, it just seemed so out of place. Great idea for a cultural encounter post!
I’m always been a fan of caves and waterfalls. It must be something about being underground. In Missouri, we have the Meramec Caverns. It’s a huge expansive set of caves and tunnels. It is very cold and wet, but what can you expect from a cave!
Great Post!