Rock/Creek Celebrates 27 Years: Fun Speculations on Next Chattanooga Outdoor Store
Rock/Creek marked its 27th year in business by opening a new store in Cleveland, TN. With six local shops and a robust online presence, they've nearly exhausted prime spots for more outdoor stores in Chattanooga.
Note: The ideas below are purely for fun—Rock/Creek will reveal their next location soon. Stay tuned! Join their text list by texting CATT to 33233 (data & message rates may apply; text STOP to end).
Rumors swirl of a seventh store in 2016. We eavesdropped on a brainstorming session at their Riverside Drive ski and paddling shop, capturing these seven creative (and whimsical) location ideas:
Rock/Creek at Ruby Falls
The new store would nestle next to the Ruby Falls gift shop. With constant 60°F temps inside, grab a fleece! Tickets rise to $117.95, including your choice of Patagonia fleece. Weekly after-hours runs use nearby trails from the lower parking lot.
Rock/Creek at Moccasin Bend
As a new national park plan enhances the area, this running-focused shop could partner with Fast Break, per events director Brian Costilow. Runners and cyclists love “the Bend” for training, bypassing crowded North Shore lots.
Rock/Creek at Rock City
Tourism leader Bill Chapin convinced them to settle in. “Next to the white deer or gnome section?” ponders buyer Chad Wykle. Construction starts post-Enchanted Garden of Lights.
Rock/Creek on MLK
Inspired over Gneiss beer at climber-owned Hutton & Smith, they eyed adjacent space. “Southside's hot; MLK's rising,” says Marketing Director Mark McKnight, an MLK resident.
Rock/Creek at Stone Fort
A climbing-and-disc-golf shop at Montlake Golf Club, home to Stone Fort bouldering and the Triple Crown. “Like The Block by High Point, plus disc golf,” notes owner Dawson Wheeler.
Rock/Creek at Rock Creek
Lula Lake Land Trust protects the watershed—now with a store! “Iconic Lula Falls makes it perfect,” says Board Chair Brad Cobb.
Rock/Creek “Down Under 27”
Reviving the old Coolidge Park vibe near the proposed Olgiati bike park. Ideal for tourists, boaters, and cyclists, with riverwalk access and drain spouts for dry-top testing.
Note: All the above is tongue-in-cheek fun. Rock/Creek announces their real next shop soon. Text CATT to 33233 for updates (rates may apply; STOP to unsubscribe).
