Finalists Announced for Second Annual Cornerstone Tourism Awards Honoring The Best of Northwest Tennessee Tourism

NORTHWEST TENNESSEE — The Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association (NWTTA) announces the finalists for the Second Annual Cornerstone Tourism Awards, celebrating the people, places, and experiences that are shaping Northwest Tennessee into a vibrant and welcoming destination.

Winners will be announced at the Cornerstone Tourism Awards on Thursday, April 23, at Discovery Park of America. The evening will feature a cocktail hour beginning at 5:30 p.m., live music from Ryan Holladay of Levon and Benjamin Duffey, and a celebration of the individuals and organizations driving tourism across the region. Tickets and tables are available now, and guests are encouraged to reserve their seats at https://nwtntourism.com/cornerstone-awards/.

The 2026 Cornerstone Tourism Awards are presented by Discover Reelfoot, with additional support from L.I. Smith & Associates, J&S Professional Services, Garland’s RVs of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Their investment in regional tourism helps make this celebration and the continued growth of Northwest Tennessee possible.

With more than 125 nominations submitted from across the nine-county region, this year’s finalists represent excellence in hospitality, creativity in experience development, and a deep commitment to telling the story of Northwest Tennessee. From family-owned farms and local restaurants to community leaders and tourism partners, each finalist plays a meaningful role in creating memorable experiences for both visitors and residents.

2026 Finalists Include:

Experiences – Cornerstone Champion Attraction

• Green Acres Farm

• Lavender Kisses Farm

• Moore Family Century Farm

• White Squirrel Winery & Vineyard

Experiences – Cornerstone Champion Dining

• Reelfoot Brewing Company

• Bus Stop Cafe (Dyersburg)

• Woodfire Pizza Kitchen

Experiences – Cornerstone Champion Event/Festival

• Newbern Depot Days

• Reelfoot Arts & Crafts Festival

• Rhythm on the Rails (Discovery Park of America)

Experiences – Cornerstone Champion Lodging

• Blue Bank Resort

• Magnolia Manor & Chapel

• The Lodge at Paris Landing

• White Squirrel Winery & Vineyard

Experiences – Cornerstone Champion Shopping

• Final Flight Outfitters

• Pennington Seed & Supply Co.

• The Iron Place

• White Squirrel Winery & Vineyard

Experiences – Cornerstone Champion Venue

• Paris Station

• The Caldwell Inn & Chapel

• The Lodge at Paris Landing

Individuals – Cornerstone Star Attraction

• Lauren Jones (Discovery Park of America)

• Denton Parkins (Green Acres Farm)

• Clare Saum (Discovery Park of America)

Individuals – Cornerstone Star Dining

• Kevin & Stacie Herrell (Higher Ground Coffee Company / Vantage Coffee Roasters)

• Olena & Kosta Kostanian (Bizinka Bakery)

• Blake Stoker (Blake’s at Southern Milling)

Individuals – Cornerstone Star Lodging

• Nigel P. Duffett (Premier Hotel Corporation)

• Pulani Hodge (Holiday Inn Express, Union City)

• Marc & Starr Peterson (Paris Landing / Kentucky Lake KOA)

Individuals – Cornerstone Star Shopping

• Jennifer Cagle (Deep South Boutique)

• Tiffany Douglass, Tonya Ferrell (The Flower Station)

• Sharon Maloan (Sugar & Spice Ladies Clothing & Jewelry)

Individuals – Cornerstone Volunteer Star

• Ben Jakubowski (Gibson County)

• Luz Morales (Obion County)

• Sandy Moss (Gibson County)

Individuals – Emerging Excellence Award

• Deb Edwards (Union City Hospitality)

• Danielle Rotgers (Woodfire Pizza Kitchen, Sammies, & The Grind)

• Garrett Sanderson (White Squirrel Winery & Vineyard)

Partners – Star Cornerstone Champion DMO

• Benton County – Camden Chamber of Commerce

• Discover Reelfoot

• Gibson County Tourism

Partners – Star Cornerstone Champion Partner

• Lorie Matlock (Benton County – Camden Chamber of Commerce)

• Pete Morgan & Amos Smith (Surviving Reelfoot)

• Lindsay Theobald (Obion County Chamber of Commerce)

“These finalists represent the very best of Northwest Tennessee,” said Kasey Muench, Executive Director of NWTTA. “Their passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence are what make our region special. We are honored to celebrate their work and the impact they are making on tourism across our communities.”

The Cornerstone Tourism Awards continue to grow as a signature event for Northwest Tennessee, bringing together industry leaders, partners, and community members for an evening of recognition, connection, and celebration.

About Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association (NWTTA)

The Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association promotes the nine-county region of Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Lake, Obion, and Weakley counties by highlighting attractions, events, and experiences that make the area a destination for visitors. Through collaborative marketing, events, and advocacy, NWTN Tourism supports local businesses and drives economic growth across the region.