On Nov. 1, the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) announced Ruby Falls as the “Escape to the Southeast Travel Attraction of the Year.”

Hugh Morrow, president of Ruby Falls, accepted the award. Some of the notable achievements required for the award were substantial growth in revenue, attendance and special outreach, according to a media release.

Morrow thanked STSfor their contribution to tourism and tourism education. He said that all of the employees over the span of the attraction’s 83-year history have made a tremendous and tireless contribution to superb customer service. He also thanked members of the management team for leading Ruby Falls and offering exciting new additions, such as ZIPstream Aerial Adventure.

Ruby Falls has been recertified by Green Globe International, Inc. this year. Just two years ago, Green Globe announced Ruby Falls as the first U.S. attraction to receive this certification for tourism businesses. Other recent accolades include Ruby Falls being named the “#2 Cave Waterfall on Earth” by WorldReviewer.com. The attraction’s annual haunt, the Haunted Cavern, has also been ranked #6 on Rand McNally’s national haunted house list in 2010, and listed as a “Top 10 Haunt” on Yahoo!News in 2011.

Ruby Falls is home to America’s deepest commercial cave and largest underground waterfall open for public viewing. It features a 145-foot waterfall that is 1,120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga. Go to rubyfalls.com for more.