Wedding Guest Activities in Apison, Tennessee
Planning a wedding in Apison, Tennessee? You're in for a beautiful, peaceful setting surrounded by rolling hills, southern charm, and genuine hospitality. But if you're inviting out-of-town guests, you may be wondering — what is there to do around here? Turns out, plenty.
As a local wedding venue right here in Apison, TN, we’ve welcomed hundreds of guests from near and far. Many are surprised at how much they fall in love with the area, not just for the weddings, but for the small-town adventures, local eats, and relaxing pace of life.
So, whether you’re planning your big day or just looking to share ideas with your guests, here’s a list of wedding guest activities in Apison, Tennessee and the surrounding area to keep everyone happy, entertained, and feeling the southern hospitality we’re known for.
1. Visit a Local Winery or Vineyard
Just a short drive from most Apison wedding venues, guests can enjoy wine tastings with a view. Georgia Winery, only about 20 minutes away, is a guest favorite. This family-run spot offers free tastings, southern wines like muscadine and peach, and a cozy shop with local gifts.
If your wedding falls in spring or fall, this makes for a lovely afternoon outing. Encourage your guests to grab a bottle for their Airbnb porch or take one home as a wedding weekend souvenir.
2. Explore Southern Farms & Markets
One of the most charming things about this area is the connection to local farms. Apison and surrounding areas like Ooltewah and Collegedale are full of small markets, u-pick farms, and roadside stands.
Depending on the season, guests can:
Pick their own strawberries or blueberries
Stroll through sunflower fields
Grab homemade jams and fresh produce
Visit a pumpkin patch or corn maze in the fall
Smith-Perry Berries in nearby Ooltewah is a summer favorite, and Crabtree Farms in Chattanooga often hosts seasonal events and tours.
3. Go for a Scenic Hike or Nature Walk
Apison is just far enough out to feel peaceful but close enough to nature spots for some casual outdoor fun. Not everyone wants to do a hardcore hike during a wedding weekend and that’s okay. There are lots of laid-back trails perfect for families or groups of friends.
Volkswagen Drive Trailhead, just 15 minutes away, offers an easy walk with pretty views and is great for stretching your legs. For something a little more scenic, Enterprise South Nature Park has shaded trails and even paved paths for strollers or wheelchairs.
If your guests want a true mountain experience, Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are under an hour away and offer views that are well worth the drive.
4. Take a Day Trip to Chattanooga
Let’s be honest, not everyone’s going to want to stay just in Apison the whole weekend. But that’s the beauty of this location. We’re less than 30 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, one of the best little cities in the South.
Tell your guests to check out:
Tennessee Aquarium (great for kids!)
Walnut Street Bridge (for sunset walks and photos)
Chattanooga Choo Choo (a historic hotel and entertainment complex)
Coolidge Park (with a classic carousel and splash pad)
And don’t sleep on the local food scene. Chattanooga has everything from rooftop bars to hole in the wall taco joints perfect for a night out before or after the wedding.
5. Hang Out in Apison Itself
While Apison is small, that's part of its charm. Guests who are looking to unplug and enjoy some downtime will love it here. Encourage them to take a stroll, sip coffee on a porch swing, and enjoy a slower pace.
If you’re hosting a wedding weekend at a local Apison venue, many places offer more than just the ceremony and reception, think fire pits, lawn games, trails, and even farm animals. Many wedding venues in Apison, TN are designed to create a whole weekend experience, not just a few hours. Our venue, Hidden Springs Venue, has 6 onsite accommodations with fire pits and beautiful porches for a relaxing weekend.
6. Try Local Eats & Coffee Shops
No wedding guest guide would be complete without talking about food. While Apison itself is small, nearby towns like Ooltewah, Collegedale, and East Brainerd are full of local spots.
Some guest-approved picks:
Broken Horseshoe Vineyard (vineyard and winery)
The Feed Co. Table & Tavern (Chattanooga)
Downtown Creamery (12 minutes from Hidden Springs Venue)
Wired Coffee Bar (for caffeine and cozy vibes)
7. Group-Friendly Fun for All Ages
Have a mix of guests from toddlers to grandparents? No problem.
Here are a few ideas that appeal to a wide range of ages:
Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center: nature, wildlife, and views
Creative Discovery Museum (Chattanooga): great for kids
Incline Railway to Lookout Mountain: history and views
Mini golf or bowling in East Brainerd
Many guests also enjoy simple downtime together think board games at the Airbnb, wine by the firepit, or a morning walk before the wedding chaos begins.
8. Relax and Enjoy the Wedding Weekend
Sometimes, the best activity is no activity at all.
One of the biggest surprises for city guests is how refreshing it is to do nothing in Apison. The clean air, open skies, and gentle pace make it perfect for relaxing. Encourage your guests to slow down, take in the views, and really soak in the joy of the wedding weekend.
Whether it’s sipping sweet tea on a rocking chair, wandering a local trail, or just watching the stars after the reception there's something magical about this corner of Tennessee.
Final Thoughts: Make It Easy for Your Guests
To help your guests enjoy all that Apison and the surrounding area has to offer, consider:
Including a list of activities in your wedding welcome bags
Sharing a custom Google Map with your favorite local spots
Hosting a casual pre-wedding bonfire or brunch to give everyone a chance to connect
Remember, the best part of a wedding is bringing people together and there’s no better place for that than a beautiful spot in the Tennessee countryside.
If you’re still looking for the perfect wedding venue in Apison, TN, or just need help planning a guest-friendly weekend, we’d love to hear from you.