The King of Rockabilly & Legend of Southwest Tennessee
Notefromthe Director
Appetitefor Adventure PremieresFirst Episode CarlPerkins:The KingofRockabilly andaLegendof Southwest Tennessee Southwest Tennessee DestinationsShine inTennessee Magazine'sBestof TennesseeReaders' ChoiceAwards UPCOMINGEVENTS
MaryBethHopper
As we welcome July, there is an undeniable sense of excitement building across Southwest Tennessee
In just a few short days, we will gather at The Lodge at Pickwick Landing for our Annual Meeting and the inaugural IMPACT Awards. With more than 60 nominations submitted from across our eight-county region, one thing is crystal clear—we truly have the best of the best in Southwest Tennessee. The incredible individuals, businesses, attractions, events, and organizations that make our region shine are worthy of recognition, and we look forward to celebrating them on July 8th.
We're also excited to see our Appetite for Adventure video series come to life. The first videos are now running, and filming has officially wrapped on the final episode. These stories beautifully showcase the people, places, flavors, and experiences that make Southwest Tennessee a destination worth exploring. Together, we are telling the story of our region and positioning Southwest Tennessee as THE ultimate vacation destination. July also marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for the Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association. Membership information is now being distributed, and we encourage everyone who believes in the power of tourism to join us. Tourism is one of the strongest economic drivers in our region, and your membership helps us continue promoting our communities, supporting our partners, and growing visitation. Simply put you can't afford not to be a member. If you have questions about membership, contact Marty Marbry at Marty@VisitSWTenn.com.
As we celebrate Independence Day this month, we are also looking ahead to America's 250th birthday celebration in 2026. It's a wonderful reminder of our nation's rich history and the role communities like ours play in preserving and sharing those stories with future generations. Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Fourth of July filled with fireworks, friends, and fun. Most of all, I hope you enjoy plenty of lazy summer days discovering our Small Towns, creating lasting memories, and writing your own Big Stories. See you on the road.
Warm regards,
Mary Beth Hopper
The Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association has partnered with B3 Marketing to launch Appetite for Adventure, a new video series celebrating the people, places, and flavors that make Southwest Tennessee a destination worth exploring. Inspired by the region's Small Towns. Big Stories. brand, each episode pairs local chefs and restaurant owners with unforgettable adventures, showcasing not only exceptional food but also the outdoor recreation, rich heritage, and welcoming communities that define Southwest Tennessee.
The series premiered in June with its first episode filmed at Middle Fork Bottoms State Park. Viewers join ComeUnity Café Head Chef Austin Brown and West Tennessee River Basin Authority Executive Director David Blackwood as they spend the day fishing and kayaking before finishing their adventure with a delicious meal at ComeUnity Café. Appetite for Adventure offers more than great food, it tells the stories of the people who make Southwest Tennessee unique and invites visitors to experience the authentic charm found throughout the region.
Watch the premiere episode of Appetite for Adventure HERE!
Be sure to stay tuned for future episodes as Appetite for Adventure continues to introduce viewers to the people, places, and unforgettable flavors that make Southwest Tennessee a true hidden gem.
Forty Cannons Winery, in Chester County, will be OPEN this growing season on the first Sunday of each month from Noon – 4pm, every month through October! Come on out, enjoy the beautiful vistas, unique smallbatch wines, and good company.
L E G E N D O F S O U T H W E S T T E N N E S S E E
When the story of American music is told, few names carry the influence and legacy of Carl Perkins. Known around the world as the "King of Rockabilly," Perkins helped shape the sound that would become rock and roll, leaving a lasting mark on music history while proudly carrying his Tennessee roots wherever he went. Born in Tiptonville, Tennessee, Carl Perkins grew up in a sharecropping family and developed his musical style from a blend of country, blues, and gospel influences. Those humble beginnings would eventually lead him to Sun Records in Memphis, where he became one of the pioneering artists who helped launch the rockabilly movement alongside Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Perkins is best remembered for writing and recording the rockabilly anthem "Blue Suede Shoes," a song that became Sun Records' first million-selling record and one of the most influential songs in rock and roll history. Its unique fusion of country, blues, and rhythm and blues helped define a new musical genre and inspired generations of artists, including The Beatles, Eric Clapton, and countless others.
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Southwest Tennessee also played a unique role in Perkins' story. Future rockabilly icon Carl Perkins met a virtual unknown Elvis Presley for the first time at Bethel Springs High School in Bethel Springs, Tennessee, in late 1954. Neither man could have imagined the impact they would soon have on popular music. That chance meeting connected two future legends whose careers would forever be intertwined. Just two years later, Perkins and Presley would become part of the historic "Million Dollar Quartet" alongside fellow Sun Records stars Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis an unforgettable gathering of talent that symbolized the birth of rock and roll.
Though his career experienced setbacks, including a devastating automobile accident at the height of "Blue Suede Shoes" success, Perkins never stopped creating music. His songwriting and guitar work continued to influence artists across multiple generations, earning him recognition in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and securing his place as one of the true architects of American music.
Today, Carl Perkins remains one of Southwest Tennessee's greatest musical ambassadors. His story is a reminder that world-changing talent can emerge from small towns and rural communities. From the cotton fields of Tennessee to stages around the globe, Perkins helped create a sound that continues to inspire musicians and music lovers nearly seventy years later.
Though Carl Perkins passed away in 1998, his influence continues to echo through every rockabilly riff, every rock-and-roll stage, and every artist inspired by the sound he helped create. From the fields of Tennessee to music history itself, the King of Rockabilly remains one of Southwest Tennessee's greatest legends
Southwest Tennessee continues to prove that some of the state's best experiences can be found right here at home. Each year, the Tennessee Magazine invites readers from across the state to vote for their favorites in the publication's highly anticipated Best of Tennessee Readers' Choice Awards. This year's competition featured categories including Best Hamburger, Best Museum/Art Gallery, Best Place for Dessert, Best State Park, Best Tennessee Festival and Best Local Bakery, with winners selected in East, Middle and West Tennessee. When the votes were counted, several outstanding Southwest Tennessee destinations earned top honors, showcasing the region's incredible food, attractions and hometown hospitality. Leading the way was Smokey Joe's BBQ in Selmer, which captured the title of Best Hamburger in West Tennessee. While Smokey Joe's has long been celebrated for its slowsmoked ribs, barbecue, brisket and chicken, readers recognized that its fresh ground beef burgers are equally deserving of statewide acclaim. Tennessee Magazine praised the familyowned restaurant, writing in part: "Smokey Joe's BBQ is where family-owned meets a hometown crowd and maybe some barbecue sauce on your chin. This Selmer favorite specializes in ribs, barbecue, brisket and chicken but is also well known and now award-winning for fresh ground beef hamburgers. Even though Smokey Joe's is in a small community, the family and joy continue to grow with every relationship built and plate shared with everyday customers" The honors didn't stop there. Jackson's beloved Dumplins Bistro & Bakery was named Best Place for Dessert in West Tennessee, continuing a tradition of excellence that has delighted customers since 1990. Known for its warm hospitality and unforgettable desserts, Dumplins has become a favorite destination for anyone with a sweet tooth. From homemade pies and cakes to seasonal specialties, it's the perfect place to finish a memorable meal.
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Adding to Jackson's success, Two Sisters Bakery earned the title of Best Local Bakery in West Tennessee. Built on more than 80 years of baking tradition, the family-owned bakery prepares approximately 50 made-from-scratch products each day. Guests travel from across the region for its signature buttercream icing, famous petit fours, homemade pies, seven flavors of chess squares, cake balls, beautifully decorated cookies and custom cakes for every occasion.
These honors highlight not only exceptional businesses but also the quality experiences waiting to be discovered throughout Southwest Tennessee. Whether you're craving an award-winning burger, indulging in a slice of homemade pie or picking up fresh baked treats, these destinations represent the very best of what our region has to offer
Congratulations to all of the 2026 Tennessee Magazine Readers' Choice winners, and especially to our outstanding Southwest Tennessee businesses that continue to make the region a must-visit destination.
2026 West Tennessee Winners:
Best Hamburger: Smokey Joe's BBQ – Selmer
Best Museum/Art Gallery: Discovery Park of America – Union City
Best Place for Dessert: Dumplins Bistro & Bakery – Jackson
Best State Park: Reelfoot Lake State Park – Tiptonville
Best Tennessee Festival: West Tennessee Strawberry Festival – Humboldt
Best Local Bakery: Two Sisters Bakery – Jackson
For the complete list of the 2026 Best of Tennessee Readers' Choice Awards winners, visit: https://www.tnmagazine.org/2026-best-of-tennessee-readers-choice-awards/.
Visit Jackson has a pleothra of events coming up. Check out their event page to keep up with it all!
Step into the rhythm of West Tennessee at the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum, where the stories behind some of America's most influential musicians come to life. Housed inside the historic Carnegie Center for Arts and History, the museum features more than 500 artifacts celebrating legendary artists including Carl Perkins, Eddy Arnold, Sonny Boy Williamson, W.S. Holland, Denise LaSalle, and many others who helped shape the soundtrack of America. Through engaging exhibits, knowledgeable storytellers, and unforgettable memorabilia, visitors discover how West Tennessee's rich musical heritage influenced generations of artists around the world. Whether you're a lifelong music fan or simply exploring Jackson, the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum offers an inspiring journey through the people, places, and songs that made Tennessee a music legend.
The Southwest Tourism Association spotlights Visit Jackson. From its legendary musical roots to its vibrant arts, dining, and outdoor experiences, Visit Jackson invites travelers to discover why Jackson is known as the Hub City of West Tennessee. As the birthplace of rockabilly and home to rich cultural attractions, live entertainment, unique shopping, and exceptional hospitality, Jackson offers something for every visitor. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or exploring the region, Visit Jackson is your guide to authentic experiences that celebrate the city's history, creativity, and welcoming spirit. Thank you Visit Jackson for being a vital part of Southwest Tennessee.
You’re always a winner when you plan your adventures in West Tennessee
HISTORY,CULTURE HISTORY, CULTURE & &
SELMER, TENNESSEE SELMER, TENNESSEE
Visit these great Chamber & Tourism organizations
Visit these great Chamber & Tourism organizations
Visit these great Chamber & Tourism organizations
