Union City, TN – Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association proudly celebrated the people, places, and partners helping shape the future of tourism during the 2nd Annual Cornerstone Tourism Awards, presented by Discover Reelfoot, held Saturday at Discovery Park of America.
The evening brought together tourism leaders, business owners, and community champions from across Northwest Tennessee for a night of recognition, connection, and celebration. Designed to honor excellence across the region, the Cornerstone Tourism Awards spotlight those creating memorable visitor experiences, elevating hospitality, and strengthening local communities through tourism.
Guests enjoyed an elevated evening atmosphere, live entertainment during cocktail hour, and the excitement of award winners being revealed live throughout the program. The event highlighted the momentum building across Northwest Tennessee as communities continue investing in tourism, hospitality, and regional collaboration. Additional support for the evening was provided by Garland’s RV of Tennessee, J&S Professional Services, L.I. Smith & Associates, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and Journal Communications.
“Northwest Tennessee is filled with hardworking people doing meaningful work in their communities every day,” said Kasey Muench, Director of NWTTA. “These awards give us the chance to pause and celebrate the businesses, attractions, leaders, and partners who help make our corner of Tennessee special.”
2026 Cornerstone Tourism Award Winners
Experiences Awards
• Attraction: Lavender Kisses Farm
• Dining: Bus Stop Cafe
• Event/Festival: Discovery Park of America’s Rhythm on the Rails
• Lodging: Magnolia Manor & Chapel
• Shopping: Final Flight Outfitters
• Venue: Paris Station
Individual Awards
• Attraction: Clare Saum, Discovery Park of America
• Dining: Kevin Herrell and Stacie Herrell, Higher Ground Coffee Co. & Vantage Coffee Roasters
• Lodging: Marc Peterson and Starr Peterson, Paris Landing / KY Lake KOA
• Shopping: Sharon Maloan, Sugar & Spice Ladies Clothing & Jewelry
• Volunteer: Sandy Moss, Gibson County
• Emerging Leader: Garrett Sanderson, White Squirrel Winery & Vineyard
Partner Awards
• DMO: Discover Reelfoot
• Partner: Lorie Matlock, Benton County – Camden Chamber of Commerce
People’s Choice Award
After an exciting and extremely close social media vote that remained competitive until the live announcement, the People’s Choice Award was presented to Reelfoot Arts & Crafts Festival.
The Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association extends sincere appreciation to all nominees, sponsors, attendees, and supporters who helped make the evening a success.
Northwest Tennessee is home to authentic small towns, unforgettable attractions, local flavors, lakeside escapes, festivals full of heart, and the kind of hospitality you simply cannot manufacture. The people recognized during the Cornerstone Tourism Awards are the very reason this region continues to rise. They are dreamers, doers, risk-takers, and community builders creating places worth stopping for, staying longer in, and telling others about. From family-owned businesses to major attractions, from volunteers to visionary leaders, they are shaping a region that is increasingly worth experiencing—and worth celebrating.
Photo: From left, seated Scott Cooper, Lyne Sands, Slater Barr, Caroline Partin, Vanessa Henson, Amber Mooring