Walking Tall Trail Launch on WMC-TV

Описание: The Tennessee Departments of Tourist Development and Transportation, in partnership with the Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association and tourism organizations in eight counties, launched the Walking Tall Trail on Dec. 1, 2010. The opening event was held at the Buford Pusser Home and Museum in Adamsville followed by the official launch of the trail at Graceland, Home of Elvis Presley in Memphis.

The fifth of 16 self-guided driving trails in the Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways program, Walking Tall features 196 tourism sites in Memphis, Shelby County and seven surrounding counties as well as 360 miles of historic sites, preserved homes, eateries and museums.

Led by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, the Walking Tall Trail is the result of multiple state agencies working together, as well as city and county officials in Chester, Fayette, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Madison, McNairy and Shelby Counties.

"There is much to discover and enjoy on the Walking Tall Trail in West Tennessee, named in honor of the legendary Sheriff Buford Pusser," said Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker. "From such world-famous sites as Graceland to off the beaten path barbecue venues, visitors will find plenty to explore in the eight counties."
The Walking Tall Trail, which originates at Graceland, takes travelers from Memphis along West Tennessee's rural highways, exploring the history of music legends Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Carl Perkins and others. It ventures through charming small towns and pauses at Shiloh National Military Park, as well as at the home of legendary Sheriff Buford Pusser. Along the trail, travelers can stop in Selmer to see brooms made the old-fashioned way. World-famous barbecue and catfish are plentiful and the quiet natural beauty of West Tennessee is an attraction on its own.

"Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways is proud to launch its fifth trail," said Commissioner Gerald Nicely, Tennessee Department of Transportation. "The Walking Tall Trail offers historical, cultural and geographical significance to its visitors."

Also to note, this trail launched on the 40th anniversary of the end of Sheriff Pusser's term in office on Wednesday, Dec. 1. Buford Pusser was the McNairy County sheriff who famously fought crime along the Mississippi state line in the 1960s. Since that time, the legend continues with a recent "Walking Tall" film starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as a character modeled after Pusser, released 30 years after his death.

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 at http://tntrailsandbyways.com/. The department also provides creation of a comprehensive trails brochure highlighting attractions, culinary, agritourism, outdoor recreation, shopping, history, culture, music and much more along the trail.