If you're looking for a quick getaway, with the kids or without, consider popping up to check out Chattanooga's Ruby Falls. If you haven't been there in awhile it's worth a return visit for both family trips and romantic escapes. It's only a few hours' drive from Atlanta, but you will feel as though you have visited another world.
For Families:
Ruby Falls is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the caves. There are package deals available online to combine the underground tour with visits to nearby attractions like Rock City or the Civil War battlegrounds, or even a local ziplining tour. You can even purchase an annual pass which allows you unlimited visits to the falls for a one-time price, and with the ease of the drive from Atlanta, this option is worth consideration.
For Adults:
If you think the falls are just for kids, think again! There is an evening lantern tour which allows you to see the caves and the falls in a smaller group, with the tour lit only by flashlight lanterns. It's a bit pricier, but it's worth it for the peaceful, eerie experience. Children between the ages of 5 and 12 are technically allowed, but the evening timing of the tour keeps most of them out and makes for a more mature experience where you can enjoy holding your loved one's hand without fear of shrieks and squeals from little ones. The view of the lights on the falls is stunning and it is wonderful to have that experience pure and unspoiled.
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