SOUTHWEST TN TOURISM ASSOCIATION
IMPACT
IMPACT
SMALL TOWNS. BIG STORIES
NOVEMBER 2026
Byron Conaway’s Byron Conaway’s Museum Brings Museum Brings Aviation History Aviation History to to Life Life
INSIDE: INSIDE: MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT -- DISCOVERY DISCOVERY PARK PARK OF OF AMERICA AMERICA SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE TOURISM TOURISM ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION PARTICIPATES IN PARTICIPATES IN ALABAMA-MISSISSIPPI-TENNESSEE ALABAMA-MISSISSIPPI-TENNESSEE RURAL TOURISM RURAL TOURISM CONFERENCE CONFERENCE VISITSWTENN.COM
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
DISCOVERY PARK OF AMERICA
The Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association (SWTN) extends a special thank-you to Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tennessee, for renewing its annual membership! Discovery Park is a wonderful example of how tourism partnerships can extend beyond regional boundaries. Although located in Northwest Tennessee, Discovery Park recognizes the value of working together to promote attractions, events, and experiences that encourage visitors to explore all of West Tennessee. Located at 830 Everett Boulevard in Union City, Discovery Park of America is a world-class attraction dedicated to inspiring children and adults to "see beyond." Featuring a 100,000-square-foot museum and a 50-acre heritage park, the destination offers interactive exhibits, educational experiences, outdoor attractions, and special events for visitors of all ages. Thank you, Discovery Park of America, for your continued partnership and commitment to strengthening tourism throughout West Tennessee! For upcoming events, exhibits, and visitor information, visit https://discoveryparkofamerica.com/.
Note from the Director Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association Participates in AlabamaMississippiTennessee Rural Tourism Conference Discovering Southwest Tennessee’s Native American Heritage: A Journey Through History Madison County Toys and Le Bonheur Children's Hospital Toy Run Set for November 7 Historic Savannah Theatre to Celebrate 95th Anniversary with Special Broadway Performance A Passion Worth Sharing: Byron Conaway’s Museum Brings Aviation History to Life
A November Message from the Executive Director As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on just how much we have to be thankful for here in Southwest Tennessee. First and foremost, I am thankful for each of our members and the contributions you make to our region. Whether you are welcoming visitors, preserving our history, creating memorable experiences, serving a wonderful meal, or simply sharing the story of your community, you are an important part of what makes Southwest Tennessee special. Our work is stronger because of you, and I am grateful for the trust, support, and enthusiasm you bring to our organization. I am equally thankful for a team that works so hard behind the scenes and out in our communities to promote this eight-county region. It takes commitment, creativity, and a genuine love for what we do to tell our story, and I am proud of the work we are accomplishing together. And, of course, I am thankful for the incredible assets the Lord has blessed us with right here in Southwest Tennessee. From our beautiful waterways and outdoor recreation to our rich history, unique attractions, local flavors, and, most importantly, the people who make our communities special, we have so much to enjoy and share with others. Sometimes it takes stepping back to realize just how fortunate we are. I am also grateful for the Southwest Tennessee members who joined us in Greenwood, Mississippi, for the AL MS TN Rural Tourism Conference. The opportunity to connect with colleagues, make new friends, exchange ideas, and learn from tourism professionals who truly understand the opportunities and challenges of rural communities is invaluable. There is something special about being in a room with people who share a common passion for making their hometowns and regions better. I came away encouraged by the relationships built and the ideas we can bring home. As we look toward 2027, I am excited about the opportunities ahead. I look forward to growing our influence, expanding our work, and increasing our contributions to the communities we proudly represent. There is more to do, more stories to tell, and more opportunities to show visitors why Southwest Tennessee is worth discovering. My hope is that each of us will take just a moment this season to reflect—not only on what we have accomplished, but also on all that the Lord has done for us. We have been given much, and we have much to be thankful for. From all of us at Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association, I wish you and your families a blessed Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season. Together, we are making an IMPACT! All my best! Marty Marbry Executive Director
Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association Participates in Alabama-Mississippi-Tennessee Rural Tourism Conference Tourism professionals and community leaders gathered in Greenwood, Mississippi, October 20–21, for a two day conference focused on strengthening rural tourism through innovative marketing, community revitalization, storytelling, and economic development. The Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association was a proud sponsor and participant in the event, which provided an excellent opportunity for representatives of similarly situated rural communities to network, exchange ideas, and share successful processes and strategies for promoting their respective destinations, attractions, businesses, and events. The conference featured industry professionals and community development experts who shared practical approaches to increasing tourism visibility and generating economic impact. The first day focused on marketing, media relations, and visual storytelling. Sessions explored strategies for securing national media coverage, revitalizing downtown districts through grants and partnerships, promoting culinary tourism, and using compelling photography to attract visitors. The second day emphasized festivals, revitalization, and economic impact. Presentations highlighted lessons learned from the World Catfish Festival, the importance of authentic storytelling in destination marketing, and methods for demonstrating the economic value of downtown revitalization. For the Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association, the conference reinforced the importance of collaboration among rural destinations facing similar opportunities and challenges. By exchanging ideas, sharing resources, and learning from successful initiatives in other communities, tourism professionals can strengthen their individual destinations while contributing to the overall growth of rural tourism. The Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association remains committed to building partnerships, identifying innovative promotional opportunities, and supporting the communities, attractions, and events that make Southwest Tennessee a unique and inviting destination.
November’s Native American Heritage Month offers an opportunity to explore the region’s rich history, ancient landmarks and enduring cultural legacy. Long before Southwest Tennessee became known for its charming communities, scenic landscapes and historic attractions, Native American civilizations called this region home. Their stories are woven into the land, preserved in ancient ceremonial mounds, archaeological discoveries and the waters of the Tennessee River. November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the history, cultures, traditions and contributions of Native Americans while reflecting on the challenges and injustices they have endured. Throughout Southwest Tennessee, several remarkable destinations offer visitors an opportunity to connect with this important chapter of American history. From towering prehistoric earthworks to exhibits documenting the tragic Trail of Tears, these attractions provide meaningful experiences that educate, inspire and encourage a deeper appreciation of the region's heritage. Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park: A Monument to an Ancient Civilization Located in Madison County, Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park is one of Tennessee's most extraordinary archaeological treasures. Spanning more than 1,600 acres, the park protects the largest pre-contact Native American mound complex in Tennessee, with approximately 15 to 17 preserved earthen mounds. The most impressive of these is Sauls Mound, which rises an astonishing 72 feet above the surrounding landscape, making it one of the tallest prehistoric Native American mounds in the United States. Continue reading......................
Constructed by Indigenous peoples approximately 2,000 years ago during the Middle Woodland period, the earthworks offer fascinating evidence of the engineering abilities, ceremonial practices and cultural sophistication of the people who built them. Visitors can explore the grounds and discover a landscape that once served as an important gathering and ceremonial location. The park's museum, itself designed to resemble a Native American mound, adds another dimension to the experience. Featuring approximately 4,500 square feet of exhibit space, an archaeological library, an 80-seat theater and an interactive Discovery Room, the museum provides opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn about the people who shaped this ancient landscape. Pinson Mounds is more than an archaeological site. It is a reminder that Southwest Tennessee's history stretches back thousands of years. Shiloh Indian Mounds: A Forgotten Town Along the Tennessee River While Shiloh National Military Park is internationally recognized for its Civil War history, the grounds also preserve evidence of a much older civilization. Approximately 800 years ago, a thriving Native American town stood along the high bluffs overlooking the Tennessee River on the eastern edge of the Shiloh plateau. Situated between two steep ravines, the settlement was protected by a wooden palisade and included seven earthen mounds and dozens of homes. Six of the mounds were rectangular with flat tops and likely supported important community structures, including council houses, religious buildings and residences belonging to the town's leaders. The southernmost mound, oval-shaped with a rounded top, served as a burial place for community leaders or other individuals of importance. Today, the Shiloh Indian Mounds offer visitors an opportunity to discover a lesser-known chapter of the park's history. The site provides a powerful reminder that the Tennessee River was a center of Native American settlement, transportation, trade and community life centuries before European settlement and the American Civil War. For visitors exploring Shiloh, the Indian Mounds add another remarkable layer to an already historically significant destination. Tennessee River Museum and Savannah: Remembering the Trail of Tears Not all of Southwest Tennessee's Native American history is found in ancient earthworks. Some of its most important stories are preserved through accounts of hardship, displacement and resilience. In downtown Savannah, the Tennessee River Museum helps tell one of the most heartbreaking chapters in American history through its Trail of Tears exhibit. Continue reading.................
In 1838, the United States government began the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation from its ancestral homelands in the southeastern United States. Thousands of Cherokee men, women and children were compelled to travel west to Indian Territory, in present-day Oklahoma, along several routes. The forced removal became known as the Trail of Tears, a journey marked by suffering, illness and death. Southwest Tennessee played a role in this tragic chapter. One group, known as the Bell or Treaty Party, traveled along Savannah's main street before crossing the Tennessee River. Another group traveled by water along the Tennessee River, making Savannah an important location along the removal routes. The Tennessee River Museum preserves this history through an exhibit featuring historical documents and a timeline that traces Native American experiences from early contact with Europeans through modern times. Savannah Expands Its Trail of Tears Heritage Experience In addition to the museum's exhibits, the City of Savannah has recently completed two projects designed to further preserve and share the community's connection to the Trail of Tears. In October 2026, the city completed an update featuring a new Trail of Tears exhibit at Wayne Jerrolds Park, providing another opportunity for residents and visitors to learn about the Cherokee removal and its connection to the Savannah area. The city also updated the Trail of Tears Crossing interpretive information at the Tennessee River Overlook near the historic Cherry Mansion, highlighting the significance of the river and the role it played during the forced removal. Both projects were completed in conjunction with the Main Street program, the National Park Service and National Trails, with support from the Cherokee Nation. These collaborative efforts represent an important investment in preserving local history while creating additional educational and heritage tourism opportunities. For visitors, the improvements provide an opportunity to experience this history beyond the walls of a museum. By exploring the Tennessee River Museum, Wayne Jerrolds Park and the Tennessee River Overlook, travelers can gain a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded in Savannah nearly two centuries ago. The projects also demonstrate the importance of partnerships between local communities, preservation organizations and Native American nations in ensuring that these stories are told accurately, respectfully and meaningfully. Together, Savannah's Trail of Tears attractions offer a powerful reminder of the human cost of forced removal and the strength and resilience of the Cherokee people, whose culture and traditions continue today. Continue reading...............
More Than History: A Heritage Worth Preserving Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize that the story of Southwest Tennessee did not begin with the establishment of its towns, counties or even the state itself. It began thousands of years earlier with Indigenous peoples who built communities, developed traditions, established trade networks and created remarkable landmarks that continue to shape our understanding of the region. Their history is not simply a collection of archaeological discoveries or stories from the distant past. Native American nations and communities remain an important and living part of America's cultural landscape. For Southwest Tennessee, these historic destinations represent both a responsibility to preserve the past and an opportunity to share meaningful experiences with visitors. Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park, the Shiloh Indian Mounds, the Tennessee River Museum and Savannah's newly updated Trail of Tears interpretive sites each tell a different part of a much larger story. Together, they help visitors understand the achievements, traditions, hardships and lasting contributions of Native Americans. The recent improvements in Savannah also illustrate how communities can build upon their historical assets, creating new opportunities for heritage tourism while honoring the people and events that shaped their past. This November, as the nation observes Native American Heritage Month, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore these remarkable destinations, learn the stories preserved within them and reflect on the generations of people who walked this land long before us. Because to truly appreciate where Southwest Tennessee is today, we must first understand the people who were here before us.
Madison County Toys and Le Bonheur Children's Hospital Toy Run Set for November 7 The spirit of Christmas will hit the open road on Saturday, November 7, as Madison County Toys partners with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital for its annual Toy Run, bringing motorcycle enthusiasts and community supporters together to spread holiday cheer to children in need. The annual event raises awareness and collects gifts for children served by Le Bonheur Children’s Outpatient Center in Jackson, making the holiday season a little brighter for local families. Participants will gather at Bumpus Harley-Davidson in Jackson, where coffee and donuts will be available beginning at 9 a.m. Kickstands go up at 10:30 a.m., with riders traveling to Le Bonheur Children’s Outpatient Center to deliver gifts and share the joy of giving. Following the ride, participants are invited to enjoy lunch at The Ice House. Organizers emphasize that everyone can make a difference, whether they ride a motorcycle or not. Those unable to participate in the ride can still support the cause through monetary donations. Donations may be made through Venmo at @JimmySadler, Cash App at $nrtainr, or by check payable to Madison County Toys. The annual Toy Run is more than a motorcycle ride. It is an opportunity for the community to come together, demonstrate compassion, and remind children and families facing difficult circumstances that they are not forgotten. Mark your calendar for November 7 and help make this Christmas a little brighter, one gift and one smile at a time!
Historic Savannah Theatre to Celebrate 95th Anniversary with Special Broadway Performance The City of Savannah is preparing to celebrate a remarkable milestone in its entertainment history with the launch of the “Savannah Sound On Cinema” initiative, commemorating the 95th anniversary of the grand opening of the Historic Savannah Theatre. The celebration will take place Saturday, November 7, 2026, featuring a special live performance of Fabulous Fanny: The Songs & Stories of Fanny Brice, starring Broadway actress Kimberly Faye Greenberg and directed by Brian Childers. Announced by the City of Savannah and Savannah Main Street Director Ashley Kate Adams, the new initiative aims to preserve and celebrate the theatre's rich history while highlighting Savannah's potential as a destination for modern filmmaking and entertainment. The “Savannah Sound On Cinema” program will showcase the Historic Savannah Theatre's longstanding role in the community while encouraging today's filmmakers to discover the charm and authenticity of Savannah's historic Main Street as a potential filming location. The anniversary celebration will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., featuring the unveiling of a historic timeline documenting the theatre's legacy and its place in Savannah's cultural history. At 7 p.m., Greenberg will take the stage to bring the legendary Fanny Brice to life through an entertaining combination of music, storytelling, and theatrical performance. Brice, a celebrated vaudeville entertainer, comedian, and film star, became one of the most recognizable performers of the early 20th century. The performance promises to transport audiences back to the golden age of entertainment, offering a fitting tribute to the theatre's beginnings nearly a century ago. The evening's program will also include remarks from Savannah Mayor Bob Shutt and Main Street Director Ashley Kate Adams, along with a special message from Tennessee Main Street Director Kim Parks. The initiative is supported by the Tennessee Entertainment Commission. The anniversary celebration and performance are free and open to the public; however, advance reservations are required. Seating is limited to 150 guests, and tickets will not be available at the door. Those wishing to attend should reserve their seats by emailing aadams@cityofsavannah.org. The Historic Savannah Theatre is located at 75 Court Street in downtown Savannah, Tennessee. For additional information about Savannah's Main Street Program and upcoming events, visit the City of Savannah's website or follow Savannah Main Street on Facebook. As the Historic Savannah Theatre celebrates 95 years, the occasion serves as more than a tribute to the past. It represents a renewed commitment to preserving Savannah's cultural heritage while creating opportunities for future generations to experience the arts, entertainment, and storytelling in the heart of downtown.
A PASSION WORTH SHARING
BYRON CONAWAY’S MUSEUM BRINGS AVIATION HISTORY TO LIFE
At Robert Sibley Airport in Selmer, Tennessee, Byron Conaway has filled multiple hangars with a lifetime of curiosity, history and a love of flight. Antique airplanes, automobiles and an assortment of unusual collectibles make his Sibley Air & Transportation Museum one of McNairy County and Southwest Tennessee’s best-kept secrets. But with hundreds of recent visitors arriving from riverboats docking in nearby Savannah, that secret is getting out. Continue reading..............................................
For Conaway, an accomplished pilot and 2025 Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame inductee, the museum offers a way to share the things he loves while introducing others to the possibilities of aviation. His collection continues to grow—and so does the challenge of finding somewhere to put it. “I don’t know what I’m going to run out of first, money or space,” Conaway joked. The museum’s reach has grown in recent weeks through visits by riverboat passengers seeking another way to experience the region. Conaway keeps a visitor log and said the museum welcomed well over 600 guests during a six-week period. “Riverboat organizers contacted me and wanted to offer their customers an alternative to Shiloh, maybe they could visit one or the other, or both,” Conaway said. “It’s been great. We have had well over 600 attend the museum over the last six weeks.” Those visits followed another successful gathering at the airport. Conaway’s Airport Adventure Day, held in September, attracted hundreds of visitors and aviation enthusiasts, bringing people together to explore the airport and learn more about flight. The growing interest reflects what Conaway has spent decades building: a collection with appeal that reaches beyond pilots and airplane enthusiasts. With civilian and military aircraft, antique vehicles and memorabilia spread throughout multiple hangars, the museum offers visitors a broad look at transportation and the stories preserved through it. Continue reading.........
Conaway’s own story began in Morris Chapel, where he was raised after being born in 1961. He later moved to Bolivar and was introduced to aviation by Billy Whitehurst, owner of Bolivar Aviation. In the early 1980s, Conaway purchased his first aircraft and earned his private pilot’s license soon afterward. By age 22, he was managing Savannah Hardin County Airport, a position he held through 1987. During that period, he also managed a crop-dusting operation. In the early 1990s, he worked with famed aerobatic pilots Duane and Marion Cole. As his experience in aviation grew, so did his interest in collecting aircraft and preserving aviation history. Continue reading...............
Over the years, Conaway has owned more than 130 aircraft. Wanting to share his collection with the public, he opened the Sibley Air & Transportation Museum in 2015. Children hold a special place in that mission. Exhibits are arranged with young visitors in mind, helping make aviation approachable and interesting. Families, church groups and students have visited the museum, where gifts of Balsa Wood Aircraft and the Aviation Hall of Fame Children’s Aviation Legends Coloring Book help carry the experience home. Conaway’s commitment extends beyond collecting. His Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame recognition honors his lifelong support of aviation, his work to preserve its history and his efforts to bring people to the airport to learn about aviation and aerospace. It also recognizes his philanthropy supporting veterans and underprivileged West Tennesseans. He was inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame on September 27, 2025, recognizing decades of service and contributions to aviation. Yet some of his most meaningful work continues inside the hangars at Selmer, where a personal passion has become a destination for others. The recent arrival of hundreds of riverboat visitors demonstrates the museum’s ability to draw travelers into McNairy County and give them another reason to explore Southwest Tennessee. For local residents, it is a reminder that a unique experience may be waiting close to home. Conaway has spent years collecting and preserving the pieces. Now, the Sibley Air & Transportation Museum is a secret worth sharing. To schedule a visit, call 731-645-3014. The museum is located at Robert Sibley Airport, 2282 Airport Road, Selmer, Tennessee.
Tennessee State Parks Bingo
Turn your next park visit into a game with Tennessee State Parks Bingo. Whether you're just out and about or checking off fall adventures, these downloadable bingo cards are a fun way to explore our parks while discovering something new along the way. The Tennessee State Parks fall bingo card offers a fun and interactive way to explore the outdoors during one of the most colorful seasons. The best part? If you get bingo, you'll earn a special reward—15% discount on your next order from the Tennessee State Parks Online Gift Shop. Click the images above to download your Fall Bingo Card. And be sure to visit ALL Southwest Tennessee State Parks this season.
Southwest Tennessee Tourism Generates $482.7 Million in Visitor Spending in 2025 JACKSON, Tenn. — Visitors to Southwest Tennessee generated more than $482.7 million in direct spending in 2025, according to newly released economic impact data from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. The Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association represents Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and McNairy counties and works with communities, attractions, businesses and tourism partners to promote the region and its diverse visitor experiences. The 2025 Southwest Tennessee Travel Snapshot shows tourism supported 3,880 jobs and generated more than $114 million in labor income throughout the eight-county region. Visitor activity also produced approximately $29.4 million in state taxes and $19.9 million in local taxes. “Tourism continues to be an important part of the economic story in communities across Southwest Tennessee,” said Marty Marbry, Executive Director of the Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association. “These numbers represent visitors who are dining in our restaurants, staying in our lodging properties, shopping in our communities and enjoying the attractions and experiences our region has to offer. Tourism supports businesses, jobs and the quality of life in the places we call home.” On average, visitors spent approximately $1.32 million each day across the region in 2025. Food and beverage businesses received the largest share of direct visitor spending at approximately $169.2 million, followed by transportation at $117.4 million, lodging at $100.9 million, retail at $56.3 million, and amusement and recreation at approximately $38.9 million. The economic impact of tourism is felt throughout all eight counties, with each community offering a different mix of attractions, outdoor recreation, history, music, dining, events and local experiences. Continue reading.........
“Each of our eight counties has something unique to offer,” Marbry said. “Our goal is to help visitors see Southwest Tennessee as more than a single stop. We want them to explore each Small Town. Big Story. and find their own reasons to come back.” From the Tennessee River and Pickwick Lake to the Hatchie River, state parks, historic sites, museums, local restaurants and small-town festivals, Southwest Tennessee offers a wide range of experiences for visitors. Through regional marketing, digital promotions, publications, video projects, partnerships and destination development, Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association works to increase awareness of the region and encourage visitors to explore all eight counties. The association’s regional approach also provides smaller communities and tourism partners with an opportunity to be part of a larger marketing effort. “When we work together, we have a stronger voice and a greater opportunity to tell Southwest Tennessee’s story,” Marbry said. “Tourism is an investment in our communities, and we are proud to work alongside our partners to welcome visitors and encourage them to experience all that our region has to offer.” 2025 Southwest Tennessee Tourism at a Glance $482.7 million in direct visitor spending 3,880 jobs supported More than $114 million in labor income Approximately $49.3 million in state and local tax revenue Eight counties working together to promote Southwest Tennessee For more information about Southwest Tennessee and its visitor experiences, visit VisitSWTenn.com.
Small Towns. Big Stories. Stronger Together. The Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association is growing—and we'd love for you to help us welcome even more communities, businesses, attractions, and tourism partners to our family! We're excited to launch our Small Towns. Big Stories. Stronger Together. Membership Campaign, and with it, the Stronger Together Sweepstakes! Our association is built on partnerships. Every new member brings fresh ideas, new connections, and another voice helping tell the incredible stories that make Southwest Tennessee such a special place to visit. The stronger our membership, the stronger our region becomes. The Challenge is Simple... Invite just one new member to join the Association. Whether it's a local business, attraction, restaurant, museum, festival, chamber, downtown organization, or community leader, your invitation can help grow our network and strengthen tourism across our eight counties.
Here's How It Works When a new member joins, they'll simply list your name as the referring member on their membership application. Each successful referral earns you one entry into the Stronger Together Sweepstakes. The more new members you recruit, the more chances you'll have to win!
What's the Prize?
This is what everyone wants to know. One lucky member will win a Southwest Tennessee Getaway Package filled with unique experiences, local favorites, and special surprises from across our region. We'll also recognize our Sweepstakes winner in Shout Out and celebrate everyone who helped grow our Association. Our goal is to welcome 50 new members to the Association by December 1, 2026. This campaign isn't just about increasing membership—it's about strengthening the voice of tourism across Southwest Tennessee. Together, we're creating new opportunities, building lasting partnerships, and ensuring that our small towns and big stories continue to inspire visitors for years to come.
So, who will you invite?
One conversation could lead to one new member so start the conversation today, extend the invitation— and together, we'll make our Association stronger than ever.
Small Towns. Big Stories. Stronger Together.
The 2026 Tennessee Vacation Guide is here! This year’s guide features the legendary Dolly Parton! This guide is shared with travelers around the world, and Southwest TN is featured. Be sure check us out on page 150. Order your FREE copy today: CLICK HERE!
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