On my most recent trip, I had the pleasure of a tiny layover in Tennessee. I honestly had never given much thought to Tennessee, and the most notable thing I saw in the airport was a giant taxidermied bald eagle. Still, Tennessee is famous for a lot of things like Jack Daniels whiskey and Dolly Parton, so I thought I would research the other things it has to offer and I stumbled upon Ruby Falls.
Besides looking like an acid trip from the 70’s, Ruby Falls is the deepest commercial limestone cave in the United States. It is also the most-visited underground waterfall in the country, with more than 400,000 visitors per year.
The 145 foot waterfall has the distinction of being an environmentally friendly tourist attraction that focuses on producing renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, recycling/waste reduction, and land use planning. Even the system that lights the falls uses LED technology to make it more eco-friendly. It was named after Ruby Lambert, the wife of the man who discovered it. The water contains high levels of magnesium, which means if you drink enough of it, you might find yourself on the toilet for a few days (magnesium is a natural laxative).
If you find yourself in Chattanooga, Tennessee, you might consider taking a guided tour of the falls, or a weekend lantern tour.
Unless you are seriously stopped up though, you should remember not to drink the water.
