Five Fun Things to do while in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area.
Things to Do While You’re in the Chattanooga Area
If you’re planning a spring, summer, or fall wedding at The Barn at Drewia Hill wedding venue or even just planning to attend one here—we already know you’ve got great taste! Our beautiful locally owned Chattanooga area wedding venue is tucked away in the charming little town of Sale Creek, Tennessee, which is just 30 minutes north of downtown Chattanooga. One of the many reasons our couples love hosting their wedding here at our Chattanooga venue is how perfectly situated our location is to so many fun things to do! Your guests can easily explore all the charm, adventure, and natural beauty that Chattanooga & East Tennessee has to offer. From the vibrant energy & amazing restaurants of downtown Chattanooga to the serene trails of our favorite state parks. Whether you’re planning a long weekend celebration or just want to give your out-of-town guests a few fun ideas, here are some must-see spots to explore while visiting the Chattanooga, Tennessee area:
1. Rock City Gardens (~48 minutes away)
This one is a true Chattanooga classic & great for all your guests, family & friends of any age! Rock City sits atop Lookout Mountain & offers breathtaking panoramic views… you can literally see seven states on a clear day! Your guests will love the winding trails, whimsical rock formations & their beautiful, enchanted gardens. This place is a great outing for pretty much anyone & an especially dreamy location for couple’s photos. You could also consider Rock City a PRIME location for engagement photos & proposals 😉 http://www.seerockcity.com
~Check our vendor list for some AMAZING photographers, experienced in capturing these types of photos!
2. Coolidge Park & Walnut Street Bridge (~44 minutes away)
Located in Chattanooga’s trendy North Shore district, Coolidge Park is a favorite for families and couples alike. Stroll across the iconic Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, grab a coffee, browse tons of local one of a kind shops & boutiques, or enjoy the splash fountains and carousel. Coolidge park is the perfect destination for a laid-back afternoon by the beautiful Tennessee River.
🔗 Coolidge Park
3. Ruby Falls (~48 minutes away)
Looking for a cool indoor adventure? Checkout this literally “cool” underground destination! Ruby Falls is a stunning 145-foot waterfall hidden deep inside the infamous Lookout Mountain. It’s a beautiful Chattanooga icon that’s family-friendly, fun, and an unforgettable way to escape the summer heat.
🔗 Ruby Falls
4. Tennessee Aquarium (~42 minutes away)
Ranked among the best in the country, the Tennessee Aquarium offers two huge & immersive buildings, full of all kinds of amazing aquatic life.. From the penguins and otters that inhabit the “River Journey” building, to sharks and jellyfish that live in “Ocean Journey.” The Tennessee Aquarium is a great option for rainy day adventures or relaxed downtime with wedding guests & family members.
🔗 Tennessee Aquarium
5. Chickamauga Lake (~25 minutes away)
Just a short drive from the barn, Chickamauga Lake is a beautiful spot for swimming, fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Rent a boat, pack a cooler, and soak in some sun and fresh air before or after the big celebration.
🔗 Chickamauga Lake Info
6. Fall Creek Falls State Park (~54 minutes away)
A favorite of ours and a definite must-see! Fall Creek Falls State Park features Tennessee’s tallest waterfall (256 feet!), dramatic overlooks, swinging suspension bridges, and miles of scenic trails that burst into vibrant color in the fall. It’s a breathtaking day trip perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and families alike.
🔗 Fall Creek Falls
7. Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee River (~50 minutes away) Rafting the Ocoee River is a seasonal adventure, only about 50 minutes west of The Barn at Drewia Hill. This particular adventure offers thrilling Class III–IV rapids, beautiful mountain scenery, and even an Olympic course! It’s a perfect group outing & also great for just couples, or smaller groups with just a few friends. The Ocoee River runs seasonally from March to October. The minimum age for this adventure is 12 years of age, with no prior experience necessary. Guided trips are available for all experience levels, with half-day or full-day options.
Most companies will offer group discounts with rates typically running $45–$60/person for half day trips & around $90–$120/person for full-day trips. Group discounts usually available for parties of 10+ to 25+ people.
~Here is a list of some of the TOP RATED, locally owned, Ocoee River rafting companies.
Ocoee River Cabins, Campground & Bus Bar https://share.google/LM7jC27SwipecNKHY
Ocoee Rafting https://share.google/osuSCCyo13q4RYWWs
A Local Tip from The Barn~ We absolutely love it when our destination couples turn their wedding into a weekend getaway—for themselves and their guests! If you’re creating welcome bags or a weekend itinerary, consider adding a few of these local gems so your guests can experience the best of what our area has to offer.
Because at The Barn at Drewia Hill, we’re not just about weddings… we’re about your whole experience. From “Yes!” to “I do,” & every memory in between.
~If you’re ready to start planning your unforgettable wedding weekend, we’d love to help you make it magical~ Click our contact link for more information!
Thank you so much for reading this & you can always look to us to support other locally owned venues across this country & to recommend & support our locally owned Chattanooga area small businesses!
~Special shout out here to some of our favorite venue friends, across the U.S!