2018 Tennessee Vacation Guide Launched

January 11, 2018

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development launched its 2018 Official Tennessee Vacation Guide this week, and Madison County is prominently featured. The 2018 Official Tennessee Vacation Guide is available FREE of charge at any of Tennessee’s 15 Welcome Centers or by calling 1-800-GO2-TENN (462-8366), and can also be ordered or downloaded online at www.tnvacation.com/guide. A digital version of the guide is also available.

Madison County’s Fred Young Mountain Bike Trail, Pinson Mounts State Archaeological Park and The Amp are among the thousands of destinations, attractions and events featured in the 2018 Official Tennessee Vacation Guide, released this week by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

• The Fred Young Mountain Bike Trail in Jackson is mentioned in the story, "Adventure Awaits," on page 31.

• Pinson Mounts State Archaeological Park near Jackson is mentioned in the story, "History's Mysteries," on page 37.

• The Amp in Jackson is mentioned in the story, "Listen Up," on page 21.

• The Old Country Store at Case Jones Village in Jackson is mentioned in the story, "Strictly Southern," on page 26.

The cover of the 2018 Official Tennessee Vacation Guide features an inspiring, artistic rendering of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most influential leaders of our time, and includes a cover story that focuses on how Dr. King’s message of hope has moved generations in Memphis. The story also highlights other important attractions in Memphis, including Clayborn Temple, Beale Street, Orpheum Theatre and inspirational murals, including “I Am A Man” and “Memphis Upstanders.”

The Tennessee Vacation Guide also spotlights other Civil Rights sites across the state, including Green McAdoo Cultural Center in Clinton and Woolworth on 5th in Nashville.

“Dr. King’s legacy continues to inspire our nation and the world as his dream lives on in Memphis,” said Commissioner Kevin Triplett, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Fifty years is a poignant time to honor that legacy while celebrating those who have used that inspiration to make a difference. The world-class National Civil Rights Museum commemorates the 50th anniversary while telling the full story.”

The National Civil Rights Museum continues its year-long MLK50 commemoration with exhibits showcasing four decades of Civil Rights stories, educational seminars and live performances. “On April 4, 2018, all eyes will turn to Memphis, Tennessee and the National Civil Rights Museum to remember the tragic event that occurred 50 years ago. Communities across the nation and world will reflect on the life and impact of one of history’s greatest peacemakers and humanitarians,” said Terri Lee Freeman, National Civil Rights Museum President.

Additional highlights in the 2018 Official Tennessee Vacation Guide include What’s New across the state, including Anakeesta Aerial Adventure Park in Gatlinburg, looking forward to the opening of the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville and milestones like Tennessee Theatre’s 90th Anniversary in Knoxville. The guide also spotlights Tennessee’s music, including Graceland and Elvis Presley’s Memphis, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Songbirds Guitar Museum, Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, artist spotlights like Valerie June, Kelsea Ballerini, Drew Holcomb and Kane Brown.

Tennessee’s scenic beauty, creative spirit, unique experiences, culinary excellence, history are all highlighted in the guide, including The Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Noted writers profile the places, people and events that attract more than 110 million visitors to Tennessee each year. A compilation of annual events, regional overviews, maps and destination listings round out the guide.

Commissioner Triplett continues, “We have five pillars that we focus on in sharing with the world what our great state has to offer to its guests: scenic beauty, history, family, outdoors, and of course, music. Every city, every county, every destination in Tennessee falls under one or all of these pillars. As one of our top marketing tools, the 2018 Official Tennessee Vacation Guide celebrates each of these and what Madison County has to offer.”

For more information, contact Jill Kilgore, public relations media manager for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, at 615-927-1320 or by email at Jill.Kilgore@tn.gov.

Tennessee is the birthplace of the blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly, and rock ‘n’ roll— delivering an unparalleled experience of beauty, history, and family adventure, infused with music, that creates a vacation that is the “Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.”

Whether it’s an annual event or one of our great live music venues, experience the music which could only be “Made in Tennessee” found halfway between Memphis and Nashville in the heart of the Americana Music Triangle! Visit JacksonTN to connect with what is happening in Jackson and West Tennessee. Connect socially on Facebook and Twitter or call 731.425.8333