Congratulations on choosing The Lofton for your wedding weekend! From Thursday evening to Sunday morning, you’ll have a beautiful venue to celebrate your love. Let’s explore how you can make the most of your time and incorporate local attractions into your wedding weekend itinerary.

Thursday Evening: Welcome to The Lofton

As your guests arrive and settle into their accommodations, consider hosting a casual welcome gathering. This is a great time to distribute welcome bags that could include:

  • A schedule of the weekend’s events
  • Maps of the local area
  • Information about nearby attractions
  • Local treats like artisanal snacks or mini bottles from Southern Pride Distillery

The welcome event sets the tone for the weekend, allowing guests to mingle and relax after their travels. You might want to have some light appetizers and drinks available, perhaps featuring local specialties to give everyone a taste of Tennessee hospitality.

Friday: Exploration and Adventure

baby deer at the lofton hiking

With the wedding day still ahead, Friday is perfect for exploring the area or relaxing at The Lofton. Here are some ideas to offer your guests:

Take a Nature Walk

Start the day with a refreshing hike at Wolf Gap Nature Preserve in Elkton, only 20 minutes from the venue. The preserve offers beautiful trails suitable for various fitness levels. It’s a great way for your guests to stretch their legs and enjoy the local scenery. Consider arranging a group hike, or provide information for guests who prefer to explore on their own.

Wolf Gap: 2718 Tarpley Shop Rd, Pulaski, TN 38478

Check out their trails here.

Wolf Gap’s campus, with walking trails and picnic areas, is open to the public daily from dawn-dusk.

wine tasting

Afternoon Options

  1. Historical Excursion History buffs in your group might enjoy a visit to the Lairland Farm House & Civil War Site. This attraction offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history and could be an educational experience for guests of all ages.
  2. Relaxation at The Lofton For those preferring to stay close, remind them of The Lofton’s amenities. They could enjoy the grounds, play games, or simply relax before the big day.
  3. For Outdoor Enthusiasts: If your group includes hunters, they might be interested in Limestone Hunting Preserve. While it might not fit into most guests’ weekend plans, it could be an option for those extending their stay in the area.
    1. Address: Limestone Hunting Preserve, 28755 Coggins Rd, Ardmore, AL 35739
  4. Winery Visits: For wine enthusiasts willing to venture a bit further, both Lynchburg Winery and Big Creek Winery offer on-site tastings and tours. These could be good options for guests planning to spend extra time in the area before or after your wedding weekend.
    1. Lynchburg Winery: 34 Hiles St, Lynchburg, TN 37352Big Creek Winery: 1900 Crescentview Rd, Pulaski, TN 38478
  5. The Jack Daniel’s Experience About an hour’s drive from The Lofton, the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg is a popular attraction. While it might be too far for a group excursion during your wedding weekend, it’s worth mentioning to guests who might be exploring the broader area. Tours are on daily from 9 am – 4:30pm.

jack daniels

Evening Options

Rehearsal Dinner and Local Flavors

After your wedding rehearsal, host your rehearsal dinner at The Lofton. Consider incorporating a tasting of local wines and spirits. You could arrange for samples from Lynchburg Winery, Big Creek Winery, and Southern Pride Distillery to be brought in, giving your guests a taste of local flavors without having to travel.

smores

Saturday: Your Wedding Day

While Saturday will primarily focus on your wedding festivities, you might want to offer a morning activity for early risers or guests not involved in pre-ceremony preparations.

Morning Option: Hike or Walk in Nature

  1. For guests looking to relax before the wedding’s excitement, suggest a morning picnic at Wells Hill Park in Fayetteville. You could even arrange for picnic baskets to be prepared, filled with local treats and snacks. If you are not an early riser, you can opt for a morning walk in our forest at our property. Our property has lots of wildlife: birds, deer, and other cute critters, and they are usually out at dawn and dusk.
  2. Antiquing Adventure For guests who love treasure hunting, suggest a trip to Dog Days Flea Market in Ardmore. This market is a goldmine for antique enthusiasts and bargain seekers. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure 🤣 And who knows? They might find a unique item to commemorate your wedding weekend.
    1. Dog Days Flea Market: 30444 Gowan Rd, Ardmore, TN 38449
  3. The rest of the day will be dedicated to your beautiful ceremony and reception at The Lofton! From getting ready with your wedding party to your first look, from the heartfelt ceremony to the joyous reception, and finally to your grand send-off, every moment will be filled with love and celebration.

dog days flea market

Sunday: Farewell and Fond Memories

Before guests depart, host a farewell breakfast or brunch at The Lofton. This is a great time to share memories from the weekend and enjoy each other’s company one last time. For guests leaving the area later in the day, you might suggest these options:

  1. Southern Spirit Tasting Arrange for a special tasting session with Southern Pride Distillery right at The Lofton. This could be a fun way to cap off the weekend and give guests a “spirited” send-off. Just don’t let them drive if they tried the moonshine!
  2. Last-Minute Shopping For any guests who missed out on Friday’s antiquing, remind them about Dog Days Flea Market. Sunday might be their last chance to snag a unique souvenir from your wedding weekend 😉

7 serenity at the lofton venue lodging onsite

Tips for Incorporating Local Attractions

  1. Create an Information Packet
    1. Compile details about these attractions, including operating hours, directions from The Lofton, and any special instructions. Include this in your welcome bags or on your wedding website.
  2. Arrange Transportation
    1. For any group activities, consider arranging transportation. This can make it easier for guests to participate and ensures everyone’s safety.
  3. Local Flavor Welcome Bags
    1. Include local products in your welcome bags. Think mini bottles from Southern Pride Distillery, snacks from local producers, or even small artisanal items from Dog Days Flea Market.
  4. Activity Sign-Ups
    1. Set up a system where guests can sign up for different activities. This can help you gauge interest and make necessary arrangements.
  5. Personalized Recommendations
    1. If you know your guests well, consider making personalized suggestions. Does Uncle Joe love fishing? Point him towards local fishing spots. Is Cousin Sarah a history buff? Make sure she knows about the Lairland Farm House.

Remember, while offering these options can enhance your guests’ experience, don’t feel pressured to plan every moment. Many guests will appreciate having free time to explore on their own or simply relax at The Lofton.

Your wedding weekend at The Lofton is about celebrating your love with family and friends. By incorporating some of these local attractions, you’re not just hosting a wedding – you’re creating a rich, memorable experience that showcases the best of what the area has to offer. From the natural beauty of Wolf Gap Nature Preserve to the local flavors of Southern Pride Distillery, your guests will leave with fond memories of not just your special day, but of the entire weekend.

Here’s to a wonderful wedding weekend at The Lofton, filled with love, laughter, and a taste of local Tennessee charm!