SOUTHWEST TN TOURISM ASSOCIATION
IMPACT
IMPACT
SMALL TOWNS. BIG STORIES
OCTOBER 2026
Fall Comes to Life in Southwest Tennessee
Fall Comes to Life in Southwest Tennessee
INSIDE: FALL COMES TO LIFE WEST TN STATE FAIR FALL FUN RETURNS TO CASEY JONES VILLAGE
VISITSWTENN.COM
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
COMFORT SUITES JACKSON I-40
The Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association is pleased to welcome Comfort Suites Jackson I-40 as a new member! Located at 61 Casey Jones Lane in Jackson, the hotel gives visitors a comfortable place to stay while exploring Southwest Tennessee. Casey Jones Village is just a short walk away, with local attractions including Rusty’s TV and Movie Car Museum, Cypress Grove Park, and Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park within reach. Guests can start the day with a complimentary hot breakfast, then unwind in a spacious suite with free Wi-Fi, a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker. An indoor heated pool and fitness center add to a relaxing stay. Whether Jackson is the destination or a stop along the way, Comfort Suites Jackson I-40 is ready to welcome Southwest Tennessee travelers. We’re happy to have them as part of the association! Click the hotel to make your reservation!
Note from the Director Fall Comes to Life in Southwest Tennessee Download your Fall Bingo Cards West Tennessee State Fair Goes “Back to Our Roots” in 2026 Fall Fun Returns to Casey Jones Village Scotts Hill Appreciation Days Returns October 2– 3
From the Executive Director Fall, Fresh Stories & a New Look for IMPACT Fall is finally creeping into Southwest Tennessee, and I couldn’t be happier! I’m ready for caramel apples, festivals, pumpkin patches and all the wonderful things that make this such a special time of year. It’s also a great time to welcome visitors to our region and encourage them to slow down, explore and discover our Small Towns. Big Stories. You may notice something new as you turn the pages of this issue. Shoutout has a new name and a fresh new look; welcome to IMPACT Magazine! The change reflects where we are going as an association and our desire to spotlight the people, places and experiences that are making an impact across Southwest Tennessee. Speaking of impact, we are incredibly proud to celebrate our 2026 Stars of the Industry award winners! Congratulations to: Tammy Ursery – Tourism Employee of the Year Rhythm on the Rails – Event of the Year Discovery Park – Tourism Property of the Year Jonathan Jenkins, Old Country Store – Restaurant Manager of the Year (Independent) Ashley King, Old Country Store – Restaurant General Manager of the Year (Independent)
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We are so proud of each of you and grateful for the work you do every day to make Southwest Tennessee a wonderful place to visit, work and live. Congratulations on a job well done! Continue reading.........
The Governor’s Conference on Tourism was another highlight, filled with amazing surprises, valuable educational opportunities and reunions with friends from across the state. I was especially thankful for all of our Southwest Tennessee partners who were able to attend. It is always encouraging to see our region represented and connected. As we head into the heart of fall, I want to thank each of our counties for the work you are doing to promote tourism and tell the Southwest Tennessee story. We have so much to offer, and every community has something worth discovering. Let’s keep telling that story—and inviting visitors to come experience it for themselves. And one more reminder: if you haven’t registered for the AL-MS-TN Rural Tourism Conference, do it today! Greenwood, Mississippi, is rolling out the red carpet, and you don’t want to miss this one. Here’s to a beautiful fall in Southwest Tennessee, and to all the stories still waiting to be told!
All my best! Marty Marbry Executive Director
FALL COMES TO LIFE IN SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE As summer’s heat gives way to crisp mornings, colorful landscapes and earlier sunsets, Southwest Tennessee begins one of its most inviting seasons. Fall here is more than a change in the weather—it is a celebration rooted in family farms, pumpkin patches, harvest traditions and just enough Halloween fright to keep visitors looking over their shoulders after dark. Across the region, local farms and attractions are preparing to welcome families, friends and adventure seekers for another memorable season. From winding corn mazes and tractordrawn hayrides to glowing pumpkin displays and spine-chilling encounters, Southwest Tennessee offers something for every kind of fall traveler. Continue reading...........
Sunset Valley Farms
Situated between Jackson and Henderson at 1190 Highway 200 in Huron, Sunset Valley Farms will celebrate the season with its Fall Festival from September 12 through November 1. The farm offers more than 20 attractions, giving families plenty of reasons to stay and play. Guests can test their sense of direction inside an interactive corn maze, search for the perfect pumpkin, race pedal cars, compete at Farmer’s Basketball and take a trip down the Mega Ride N Slide. Farm animals, concessions and seasonal treats add to the experience. With wide-open spaces, fresh country air and activities designed for visitors of different ages, Sunset Valley Farms makes it easy for families to slow down and enjoy a day together. Whether the goal is to conquer the maze, capture the perfect fall photograph or simply enjoy the smell of fresh kettle corn, the farm offers a true Southwest Tennessee autumn experience. Tickets are available online and at the gate. Additional details are available from Sunset Valley Farms. Continue reaading.........
Donnell Century Farm
In Madison County, Donnell Century Farm will once again transform into one of West Tennessee’s most colorful seasonal destinations with the Tennessee Pumpkin Fest, opening September 19 and continuing through November 1. Pumpkin picking may be at the heart of the experience, but it is only the beginning. Visitors can explore elaborate pumpkin displays, flower and sunflower fields while they last, a corn maze, farm-animal areas, giant slides, a jumping pillow, rock-climbing wall, trike track, obstacle course, ziplines, corn pit and many other attractions. The festival also features live music, pig races, candy-cannon launches, festival food and seasonal desserts. New Fall Nights will allow guests to remain after sunset on Saturdays and select October Fridays as the farm takes on the atmosphere of a glowing autumn wonderland. Ambient lighting, illuminated pumpkin displays, fire pits and scheduled fireworks will create what the farm describes as the feeling of stepping into a real-life Hallmark movie. Halloween weekend will add costumes and trick-or-treating on October 31, followed by pumpkin-destruction activities October 31 and November 1. With attractions for children, entertainment for adults and countless seasonal photo opportunities, Donnell Century Farm offers a full day—and, on select dates, a full evening—of fall fun. Dates, admission information and special-event schedules are available from Donnell Century Farm. Continue reading..........
Falcon Ridge Farm
For visitors who want to experience fall on a working family farm, Falcon Ridge Farm near Toone offers a celebration connected directly to the land and the harvest. The 240-acre Hardeman County farm grows fruits, vegetables, flowers, Christmas trees and thousands of pumpkins and gourds. Its Fall Festival will be open September 26 through October 31 on Fridays from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 6 p.m. A tractor-drawn hayride carries visitors through the scenic farm, passing its duck pond, Christmas-tree fields and friendly animals. Guests can select pumpkins from the vine, explore the corn maze and enjoy more than 20 additional attractions. Children ages 3 through 10 receive a small pumpkin with admission. The farm’s petting zoo includes goats, pigs, horses, chickens, ducks, turkeys, peacocks and other animals. Optional pony rides and the Corn Cannon add even more adventure. After working up an appetite, visitors can stop at Mary Ellen’s Market for burgers, chili dogs, nachos, snacks, drinks, produce, jarred goods and pre-picked pumpkins. Falcon Ridge Farm is located at 22630 Highway 18 North in Toone. Admission and complete visitor information can be found at Falcon Ridge Farm. Continue reading............
DERAILED
The family-friendly side of fall is only part of the story. When darkness settles over the countryside near Ramer, one of Southwest Tennessee’s most terrifying seasonal attractions comes to life. Located at 4385 Highway 57, Derailed Haunted House invites thrill seekers into a nightmare built around the haunting legend of Spike and the ill-fated Pike family. Its rooms and corridors contain a series of frightening scenes tied to more than a century of imagined terror surrounding the property. Visitors will encounter unsettling characters, detailed environments and unexpected scares as they attempt to make it through the complex without becoming “Derailed.” The attraction has gained attention well beyond the region and offers an intense Halloween experience intended for those who prefer screams to pumpkin spice. Derailed is scheduled to open every Friday and Saturday in October 2026 from 7 until 11 p.m. Tickets and visitor information are available through Derailed Haunted House. Continue reading...........
Make Southwest Tennessee Your Fall Destination
Fall is one of the best times to explore Southwest Tennessee. The temperatures become more comfortable, the countryside takes on new colors and communities across the region embrace the traditions that make the season special. A weekend getaway can include pumpkins picked from the vine, a hayride across a working farm, children cheering at pig races, warm seasonal treats and an evening surrounded by glowing fall displays. Those feeling especially brave can end the journey with a trip through one of the region’s most frightening Halloween attractions. These farms and destinations do more than provide seasonal entertainment. They preserve agricultural traditions, support local families, attract visitors and create the kinds of experiences that become treasured memories. Whether you prefer the golden glow of a pumpkin patch or the shadows of a haunted house, fall is waiting for you in Southwest 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.
West Tennessee State Fair Goes “Back to Our Roots” in 2026 For generations, the West Tennessee State Fair has brought families, farmers and neighbors together. From October 15–24, 2026, that tradition returns to Henderson for ten days under a fitting theme: “Back to Our Roots.” The theme puts the fair’s agricultural heritage at the heart of the celebration. Visitors can watch livestock shows, see what local growers and makers have entered in the exhibits, and explore displays ranging from homegrown produce and baked goods to photography, needlework and crafts. Pageants and live entertainment add to the schedule, while carnival rides, midway games and fair food offer plenty of reasons to stay awhile. The opening day lineup includes a grill competition and cattle show. Bulls & Barrels rodeo performances are scheduled for October 16 and 17, followed by a Junior Rodeo on October 20. The fair closes October 24 with an antique tractor show and more entertainment. Visitors can check the fair’s schedule as additional acts and event times are announced. The fair takes place at the West Tennessee State Fairgrounds, 575 Fourth Street, Henderson, Tennessee. Gate admission is $5 on most days, with higher prices on the three rodeo dates; children under 3 enter free, and on-site parking is free. Ride armbands are sold separately. For hours, admission details and schedule updates, visit wtsfair.com.
Fall Fun Returns to Casey Jones Village Fall is a wonderful time to gather the family and make new memories in Southwest Tennessee. On Saturday, October 17, 2026, the 5th Annual Casey Jones Village Festival will bring an afternoon of food, crafts and family activities to The Farm at Casey Jones Village in Jackson. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can browse the work of local artisans, shop with vendors and enjoy a variety of food and drinks. Children can meet animals at the petting zoo, take a pony ride or enjoy jumpers, hayrides and other activities. Mini golf offers another way for families to spend time together during the festival. The celebration also offers a chance to explore one of Jackson’s best-known attractions: admission to the Casey Jones Train Museum as well as the festival will be FREE. The festival takes place at The Farm at Casey Jones Village, 56 Casey Jones Lane, Jackson, Tennessee. For more information, visit caseyjones.com or the Casey Jones Village Facebook page.
Scotts Hill Appreciation Days Returns October 2–3
Scotts Hill’s 44th Annual Appreciation Days will bring two days of food trucks, shopping, live music, giveaways and hometown fun on October 2–3. The Hunt Pearson Band performs Friday night. Saturday’s lineup includes a pageant, Doe Creek reenactment, Pancakes with Princesses, Touch-A-Truck, a parade, Bryan Moffitt & Band, and fireworks. A cash giveaway will be held at 10 p.m. each night. Attendees must be present to win.
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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