BILLY TRIPP’S BILLY TRIPP’S BILLY TRIPP’S BILLY TRIPP’S BILLY TRIPP’S BILLY TRIPP’S
Notefromthe Director
BillyTrippSouthwest TennesseeLegend LegislativePicnic held Appetitefor Adventurecoming soon!
MemberspotlightHaywoodCounty UPCOMINGEVENTS
From the Executive Director
MaryBethHopper
As we welcome the summer travel season, there is so much excitement happening across Southwest Tennessee! Our recent Legislative Picnic was a tremendous success, with a wonderful crowd gathered at the beautiful Lone Oaks Farm. We appreciated the opportunity to hear from Rep. Chris Todd and Rep. Johnny Shaw during a meaningful discussion about our region, and it was especially rewarding to recognize Rep. Shaw for 25 years of dedicated service to Southwest Tennessee.
We are really looking forward to our upcoming workshop, Trailblazing for the Future, at The National, in Lexington. It promises to be a great day of learning, hearing from tourism experts, and networking with colleagues and partners from across the region.
This summer, we are excited to launch our new campaign, Appetite for Adventure, highlighting the authentic people, experiences, and flavors that define Southwest Tennessee and make our communities so special. And the excitement continues as we prepare for our Annual Meeting at Pickwick Landing State Park Lodge on beautiful Pickwick Lake. This re-imagined event will feature not only our annual meeting, but also guest speaker Tami Reist, President and CEO of AL Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and the inaugural IMPACT Awards, where we will recognize the best and brightest in Southwest Tennessee’s hospitality industry.
Summer is just getting started, and there is no doubt Southwest Tennessee is already HOT! We invite everyone to take the time to visit and experience why our “Small Towns. Big Stories.” truly are the best
Warm regards, Mary Beth Hopper
LEGENDS OF SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE
Billy Tripp:
Architect of
Emotion,
Steel, and Story
Southwest Tennessee is a region defined not just by its landscapes, but by the people whose stories have shaped its identity. Across Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, McNairy, and Madison counties, artists, visionaries, and everyday individuals have contributed to the cultural fabric of the region. Among them stands one of the most unique and thought-provoking creators of all—Billy Tripp, a true legend whose life’s work rises from the ground in steel and symbolism.
A Self-Made Artist with a Vision
Born in 1955 in Jackson, Tennessee, William “Billy” Tripp grew up in nearby Brownsville, where his journey into creativity began in unconventional ways The son of Charles and Mabel Blevins Tripp, Billy spent his early years working alongside his father at Tripp Country Hams. Though he briefly attended welding school and studied art at both Jackson State Community College and the University of Memphis, Tripp ultimately chose a different path—one of selfinstruction, experimentation, and relentless curiosity.
He became a welder, painter, sculptor, writer, and poet—not through formal credentials, but through instinct and determination. That independence would define not only his career, but his most ambitious undertaking.
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The Mindfield: A Monument to Life
In 1989, Tripp began constructing what would become his life’s work: The Mindfield. Rising above downtown Brownsville, the structure resembles a towering industrial labyrinth part electrical substation, part roller coaster, part cathedral of steel. Built from salvaged materials such as bridge trusses, railroad rails, and industrial remnants, it now stretches across an acre and climbs more than 125 feet into the sky.
But The Mindfield is more than a sculpture it is a living autobiography Every beam, platform, and welded joint represents moments from Tripp’s life: grief, love, growth, and reflection Cryptic phrases embedded in metal throughout the structure invite interpretation, offering glimpses into the artist’s inner dialogue.
Tripp once described it as an “outdoor church,” not rooted in religion, but in the sacredness of experience. It is also deeply personal; a memorial to his parents, a place shaped by loss and healing, and ultimately, the place where he intends to be laid to rest.
A Structure That Tells a Story
Over the decades, The Mindfield has evolved into a towering narrative. One of its most striking additions a water tower installed after his father’s passing symbolizes both grief and transformation The process of raising it became part of Tripp’s extensive journals, later published in his Mindfield Years series, where he documents not only the physical construction but his emotional journey
Hidden within the structure are deeply personal elements:
A tribute formed from drawings of his father’s hands
Symbols representing family and remembrance
A suspended canoe honoring a journey shared with author William Least Heat-Moon
Industrial relics transformed into meaningful artifacts
Each detail adds another layer to a story that is never finished.
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A Living Landmark of Southwest Tennessee
What began as a personal project has grown into one of the most recognizable landmarks in West Tennessee. The Mindfield is now considered the largest sculpture of its kind in the state, drawing visitors from across the country. Though it remains private property, its presence dominates the Brownsville skyline and invites curiosity from all who pass by Over time, the community has embraced the structure as a symbol of local identity, proof that creativity, even in its most unconventional form, has a place in small-town America.
Creativity Without Limits
At the heart of Billy Tripp’s story is a simple but powerful message: creativity belongs to everyone. He believes art does not require expensive tools or formal training only a willingness to begin. From coat hangers to colossal steel towers, his work demonstrates that inspiration can come from whatever is at hand. His philosophy resonates deeply: “What I have to make, be it through what is here… What I have to share, be it through my work.”
A Legacy Still Rising
More than three decades after it began, The Mindfield continues to grow. Tripp adds to it piece by piece, shaping not just metal, but meaning. He has arranged for its preservation, ensuring that future generations will experience the story embedded within its towering frame In a region known for its rich history and enduring spirit, Billy Tripp stands as a reminder that legends are not only born—they are built, one piece at a time.
ElPalomino
MexicanRestaurant
It doesn’t matter if it’s Manic Mondays, Terrible Tuesdays, Whacked Out Wednesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, Freaky Fridays Sensational Saturdays, or Soulful Sundays, El Palomino has the perfect Margarita and full bar menu for you!
780 MULBERRY AVENUE SELMER, TENNESSEE
SOUTHWEST TN TOURISM ASSOCIATION
LEGISLATIVE PICNIC
Our first Legislative Picnic at Lone Oaks Farm was a total success. We are so thankful to our hosts and everyone who participated and for being a part of this and the greatest region in our state. State Representatives Chris Todd and Johnny Shaw took part in a panel led by Marty Mabry, each sharing their commitment and passion for the region. Prior to the end of the event, Marty and SWTN Executive Director Mary Beth Hopper presented Representative Shaw with a proclamation honoring him for his decades of service to the region.
A thank you to Simon’s on the Square and Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store; the food was amazing! We also want to thank the following partners for making the event possible: Southwest TN Development District
Greater Jackson Chamber
Chester County
Decatur County
Hardeman County
Hardin County
Henderson County
Visit Brownsville TN
McNairy County Tourism
Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store
Simon’s on the Square
We are already excited for next year’s event.
Southwest Tennessee is filled with small towns, big stories, unforgettable flavors, and adventures waiting to be discovered.
Appetite for Adventure is a new video series that pairs local chefs, restaurant owners, and culinary personalities with unique experiences across Southwest Tennessee From paddling scenic waterways and casting a line on legendary lakes to cycling backroads and exploring hidden natural treasures, each episode highlights the people, places, and traditions that make our region special.
The journey begins outdoors, where our guests experience some of the best recreation Southwest Tennessee has to offer. Then the adventure continues around the table, where conversations about food, culture, community, and local heritage bring each story to life.
Season One Adventures Include:
Fishing on some of Tennessee's most scenic waters
Kayaking rivers, lakes, and outdoor destinations
Cycling through beautiful Southwest Tennessee landscapes
Exploring parks, trails, and natural attractions
Meeting the local restaurants and culinary creators that help define our communities
More than a travel series, Appetite for Adventure is a celebration of the people who make Southwest Tennessee unique and the experiences that connect us all. Whether you're looking for your next weekend getaway, your next favorite restaurant, or simply a great story, you'll find it here
Subscribe to our channel at https://www.youtube.com/@DiscoverSouthwestTennessee to follow along.
EVENTS &
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.
Y’all come hungry because Big D’s Q is firing up the food truck for the 2nd Annual Old Monterey Trail Heritage Festival! We’ll be serving up:
BBQ Sandwiches
Loaded BBQ Nachos
Fresh Hand-Squeezed Lemonade
Visit Jackson has a pleothra of events coming up. Check out their event page to keep up with it all!
ReimagineHealth RediscoverYou
The Southwest Tourism Association spotlights Haywood County. Discover the heart and soul of West Tennessee in Haywood County—where rich heritage, natural beauty, and unforgettable flavors come together. Centered around the welcoming communities of Brownsville and Stanton, Haywood County invites you to experience generations of musical legacy, explore fascinating historical landmarks, and unwind in the scenic beauty of the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge. Whether you're tracing the roots of legendary sounds, diving into stories that shaped the region, or savoring some of the South’s most talked-about cuisine, Haywood County delivers an authentic Tennessee experience you won’t soon forget. Thank you Haywood County for being a vital part of Southwest Tennessee.
Hangout
on the Hatchie
Trails
Returns June 13, 2026 for a Morning of Outdoor Adventure & Community
Get ready to hit the trails and celebrate community, history, and the great outdoors at Hangout on the Hatchie Trails, happening Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 8 AM to 12 PM on the scenic Rockin’ Roll Hatchie Trails in Brownsville, Tennessee.
Hosted by Main Street Brownsville, Visit Brownsville, Haywood County, Haywood Heritage Foundation, Brownsville Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, and the Tennessee Trails Association, this family-friendly event invites participants of all ages to run, bike, or hike at their own pace while enjoying one of West Tennessee’s most unique outdoor experiences.
Set against the backdrop of Haywood County’s natural beauty, the event also serves as a local celebration of America 250, honoring the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Participants will experience six miles of beautiful single-track trails, ideal for biking, hiking, and running. The morning will include group hikes, group runs, and plenty of opportunities for memorable photos along the trail.
To keep things cool and festive, attendees can enjoy watermelon, popsicles, and refreshing treats, along with a complimentary box lunch and event t-shirt for registered participants.
Event Schedule:
8:00 AM – Bikers begin
9:00 AM – Runners & Hikers begin
11:00 AM – America 250 Commemoration
Organizers encourage attendees to make a full day of it by exploring more of what Brownsville has to offer. After the event, visitors can venture out to the nearby Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge for a scenic 20-mile gravel loop ride or a peaceful visit to O’Neal Lake. Downtown Brownsville also offers a variety of shopping, local dining, coffee shops, and sweet treats to round out the day. Pre-registration is encouraged to guarantee an event t-shirt
Deadline to pre-register: June 10, 2026
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
You’re always a winner when you plan your adventures in West Tennessee
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damsville
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
