We'd originally planned to stick around Atlanta for two days, not only touring Disney's Christmas Carol Train and eating at The Varsity, but I'd also hoped to visit The High Museum of Art once more to see the new Leonardo da Vinci exhibit. Surprisingly, I was not the only person in the family looking forward to the exhibit, but I knew we'd have to place this attraction on the back burner after my computer crashed last week. I could see da Vinci or get a new computer. Hmmm... what would you choose?
With a bit more time on our hands, we decided to head back to Huntsville in hopes that our camper would be ready to pick up from the repair shop and we'd be able to spend the night in our home and not in another hotel room. Along the way we decided to stop at Lookout Mountain and tour Point Park. My GPS must have taken us the most scenic route so it seemed like we drove up and up and around, over and over again. When we finally arrived at the top the fog was so dense, it was as though I’d driven directly into a cloud and I nearly ran through a stop sign.
Lookout Mountain Battlefield and Point Park is part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga Battlefield. The impressive castle-like entrance gate was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is now the world's largest replica of the Corps insignia. The park contains walking trails, artillery batteries and the New York Peace Memorial. A granite and marble structure, the top of the monument shows a Union and Confederate soldier shaking hands under the flag signifying peace.
The trails are beautiful even for those who are not history lovers. You'll be amazed at the rock formations and stunning views of the city below that are visible along the trail. I really wish we had planned to make this trip; I would have been better prepared and dressed for the outing. At the very least, I certainly would have replaced my chunky sandals with more practical tennis shoes.
The Visitors Center across the street from the entrance will familiarize you with the battle that was fought here and contains a small museum, gift shop and offer visitors an opportunity to view a short film. There are also Ranger led walks throughout the year. Cost to enter Point Park is $3 per adult and children 15 and under are permitted free of charge.
© 2009 Tonya Prater/Live the Adventure
Comments
Oct. 17, 2009 - lucky u!
Posted by Anonymous
I love the idea of a full time feild trip.(i know it's really not but just let me think that please). i would love to live in my camper and go go go. we have been to the battle feild and we had fun we just live about 3 hours north in lafayette tn.