The Tennessee Departments of Tourist Development and Transportation, in partnership with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau and tourism organizations in eight counties, today officially launched the Nashville's Trace.

The third of 16 self-guided driving trails in the Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways program, Nashville's Trace features 165 tourism sites in Nashville, Davidson County and seven counties bordering the Natchez Trace Parkway, a national park and one of Tennessee's five National Scenic Byways.

 

Led by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, the Nashville's Trace is the result of multiple state agencies working together, as well as city and county officials in Davidson, Williamson, Maury, Hickman, Lewis, Lawrence, Wayne and Perry Counties.

 

The special launch event was held at the Loveless Barn, located at the northern terminus of the Natchez Trace Parkway, and included remarks from Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely, Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and National Parks Superintendent Cameron Sholly. Butch Spyridon, president of the Nashville CVB, hosted and emceed the event.  

"The initial idea for these trails was presented to us by a private citizen and has now grown into one of the most comprehensive marketing and branding initiatives ever to be launched from the state's tourism department," said Commissioner Susan Whitaker.

"The project provides tourists an opportunity to experience Tennessee's major attractions as well as to visit wonderful off-the-beaten-path sites throughout Tennessee's small towns and rural communities. This entire program holds new and promising economic opportunities for every participating partner."                                           

Nashville's Trace is a road trip through charming Tennessee towns linked together by the history and scenery of the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The trail starts in Nashville with the backstage stories of Music City, and travels 102 miles of the Natchez Trace, directing tourists to historic main streets, quaint restaurants, scenic spots for outdoor adventure, Amish Country, wineries and unique local attractions. 

"In Tennessee, we're proud to have five National Scenic Byways," said Commissioner Gerald Nicely. "The Natchez Trace Parkway is one of the most historically significant highways in America.

This trails project will raise awareness for our visitors and enhance the stature of this National Byway and the many wonderful tourism attractions located along the Trace."

"Tennessee's unique heritage is not only a cornerstone of our state's extremely high quality of life, but that heritage also plays an important role in Tennessee's vibrant and diverse economy," said Commissioner Matt Kisber.

"The Nashville's Trace will draw visitors to Tennessee from across the region and across the country, and the enriched culture fostered by the historic attractions and the enthusiastic travelers will distinguish our state as an ideal place to play and work.

We at the Department of Economic and Community Development support the Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways Program, and we look forward to economic benefits the program will undoubtedly yield."

"Great metropolitan areas should provide recreational opportunities and green space for residents and visitors," said Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. "This new trail allows Nashville to showcase a national park which lies in our own backyard, and offer a new product to our visitors. It's a unique and exciting addition to our region."  

 

Among the many popular stops along Nashville's Trace is the grave and historic monument of American hero Meriwether Lewis located in Hohenwald. The trail also features the home and final resting place of President James K. Polk located in downtown Columbia, as well as the largest natural-habitat elephant sanctuary in the U.S. just outside of Hohenwald.

 

 "The National Park Service is proud to partner with the city of Nashville, the state of Tennessee,

and the many incredible communities along the Natchez Trace Parkway," said Superintendent Cameron Sholly, Natchez Trace Parkway. "We look forward to expanding these partnerships to balance the needs for increased economic vibrancy with long-term protection of the Parkway's valuable resources."

 

The second tier of the celebration took place at 3 p.m. at The Strand Theatre and Art Gallery in Hohenwald where dignitaries gathered for refreshments and a main street tour. The final event of the day-long celebration took place at the Wayne County Welcome Center, just off of milepost 355, as officials were welcomed with a special presentation at the Tennessee entry point of the Natchez Trace Parkway, on the Tennessee/Alabama state line.

 

The Department of Tourist Development provides marketing support and branding starter kits for each new trail, including development of trail logos, design and oversight of the award-winning Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways website athttp://tntrailsandbyways.com/ and creation of a comprehensive trails brochure highlighting attractions, culinary, agritourism, outdoor recreation, shopping, history, culture, music and much more, along the trail.

 

Award-winning music act Rascal Flatts, who call Nashville home, are the featured spokesmen for the Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways. Fittingly, their hit song "Life Is A Highway" is the soundtrack for tourism's national commercial.

 

For additional information on Nashville's Trace, contact Cindy Dupree at cindy.dupree@tn.gov or Molly Sudderth atmolly@visitmusiccity.com.

 

The mission of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau is to maximize the economic contribution of the convention and tourism industry to the community by developing and marketing Nashville as a premier destination.