LYNCHBURG, TN – The Tennessee Whiskey Trailhead and Welcome Center is now officially open in Lynchburg, Tenn., helping elevate Tennessee and Lynchburg’s global whiskey brand. A ribbon cutting, rebranding event was held Sept. 7, featuring remarks from Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Experience TN Executive Director Ryan French hosted the festivities.
“Creating this Trailhead in Lynchburg means future growth for the members of the Tennessee Distillers Guild and increased visitation for the highlighted communities,” Ezell said. “Of equal importance is the economic development that can come to our rural communities from partnering with a trail like this. That’s why the Whiskey Trail Matters and why this Whiskey Trailhead matters. Thanks to Ryan French for bringing the idea to Tennessee Tourism.”
In addition to Commissioner Ezell, the program also featured Tennessee Distillers Guild President Alex Castle (Old Dominick Distillery, Memphis), Executive Director Charity Toombs, TN Whiskey Trail, and Erik Brown, Director of Homeplace, Jack Daniel Distillery. Jack Daniel Distillery Vice President and Master Distiller Chris Fletcher concluded the formalities with a congratulatory toast.
“This marks an exciting beginning of a very important partnership for the region between the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association, the Tennessee Whiskey Guild, The Tennessee Whiskey Trail, the Department of Tourist Development, and Jack Daniel Distillery,” French said. SCTTA is the umbrella company of Experience TN.
French oversees management of the center, which opened in 2022 as The Lynchburg Welcome Center. “More than 300,000 visitors come to Lynchburg annually,” French said. “Our hope is the new brand will inspire visitors to explore the entire region, resulting in major economic opportunities for surrounding communities, attractions, and small businesses.”
PHOTO (L-R) Representative Pat Marsh, Ashley DeRossett, TDTD, Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Charity Toombs, TN Whiskey Trail, Alex Castle, Old Dominick Distillery, Ryan French, South Central Tennessee Tourism Association, and Erik Brown, Jack Daniel Distillery.
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Media Release/Cindy Dupree Holloway
