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✨ How Much Tourism Can Jackson Handle?! ✨

✨ How Much Tourism Can Jackson Handle?! ✨

🛑 This Could Be The Make Or Break For The Hub City! 🛑

October 13, 2024

Another Happy Sunday In The Hub City!
Summer’s in the rear view mirror and cold weather is around the corner, which usually means a slowdown in tourism. Which made us wonder, why is Jackson “Obsessed” with tourism?

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

Between Memphis & Nashville📍
Some Projects Jackson Is Working On 🚧
What Are The Pros? 🌟
What Are The Cons? ⚠️
Weekly Events For The Kids 🛝
Weekly Events For The Whole Family 🎡

Read Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

In recent years, Jackson has placed a renewed focus on tourism, striving to capitalize on its unique location and growing appeal.

The city has been working on various projects to attract more visitors and establish itself as a destination for both travelers and locals alike. But as Jackson invests in its tourism potential, many are left wondering, what are the benefits, and what might be the consequences?

📍 Between Memphis & Nashville: The Perfect Location?📍

Jackson is uniquely positioned between two major Tennessee cities—Memphis and Nashville. While both cities are popular tourist hubs, they offer vastly different stories.

Memphis, once a beacon of culture and music, has seen a decline in its economic and social standing in recent years. On the other hand, Nashville is booming, becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., known for its music scene, tech growth, and vibrant economy. This dynamic has placed Jackson in a once in a lifetime position.

Located about halfway between Memphis and Nashville, Jackson is primed to capture the overflow of visitors looking for new places to explore. For those traveling the I-40 corridor, Jackson offers a convenient stop filled with small-town charm, historical significance, and emerging attractions.

The city’s strategic location allows it to serve as a gateway for travelers coming from larger cities, making it an ideal place to rest, explore, and even invest. With a balanced combination of affordability and opportunity, Jackson has the potential to be the "diamond in the rough" of West Tennessee.

🚧 Some Projects Jackson Is Working On 🚧

Jackson has several projects in the works that aim to bolster its tourism industry and improve its infrastructure. These include:

The Oman Arena’s Revitalization: Transforming into a multi-use center for concerts and events, attracting thousands annually.
Rockabilly’s Ballpark Expansion: New venues and restaurants catering to locals and tourists.
The Hub City Central Campus: Upgrading facilities for larger regional events.
Blue Oval City’s Impact: Anticipated economic boost from Ford’s project
Great Wolf Lodge: (They still have until December everyone! 🤣) This project would truly change the local economy forever.

🚧 Wayfinding Proposal Under Review 🚧

In a recent community economic development meeting, Jackson discussed a new initiative aimed at boosting tourism.

The city is looking to partner with Visit Jackson TN to fund a wayfinding study, focusing on improving directional signs to make navigating the area easier for visitors. The study, with a price tag of up to $78,000, was proposed to help guide tourists around Jackson’s attractions more efficiently.

🌟 What Are The Pros? 🌟

There are numerous potential benefits to Jackson’s push for more tourism, both in the short and long term.

Economic Growth: More tourism means more money flowing into local businesses. Restaurants, hotels, and shops will see increased foot traffic, which could lead to job creation and economic stimulation.
Increased Visibility: As Jackson attracts more tourists, it has the potential to put itself on the map. People who previously might have overlooked Jackson could begin to see it as a destination worth visiting, helping it build a new reputation as a vibrant stop along the I-40 corridor.
Community Development: New projects focused on tourism often include improvements to infrastructure and public spaces that benefit both visitors and residents. Upgraded facilities and entertainment options improve the quality of life for locals as well as create long-term investments in the community.
Attracting New Residents: If Jackson establishes itself as a desirable location, it could also attract new residents who are drawn to the area’s growing amenities and affordable living compared to cities like Nashville and Memphis.

⚠️ What Are The Cons? ⚠️

However, with the positives come potential downsides that need to be considered.

Over-Tourism: If growth happens too fast, Jackson's infrastructure could struggle to keep up, leading to traffic and overcrowded local services.
Gentrification: As more money comes into Jackson through tourism, there is the risk of gentrification. Property values may rise, potentially displacing lower-income residents and changing the character of established neighborhoods.
Environmental Impact: More tourists often mean more waste, pollution, and strain on natural resources. Jackson will need to plan carefully to ensure that its growth is sustainable and that it preserves its natural beauty and small-town charm.
Short-Term Focus: Relying too heavily on tourism can be risky. If economic downturns or external factors (such as a pandemic) affect travel, the city could see a sharp decline in revenue. Diversifying the economy will be crucial to long-term success.

Jackson’s “obsession” with tourism is honestly about its strategic location between Memphis and Nashville. With a number of new projects in the pipeline, the city could experience a renaissance of sorts, benefiting both residents and visitors.

But the city must balance growth carefully to avoid long-term challenges to continue being West Tennessee’s "diamond in the rough."

We hope you learned something in this week’s HubCity Newsletter! Please take a moment to take out brief poll, followed by your Curated list of events for next week! ❤️

Do You Agree With This Decision?

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The Kid Zone
This Week’s Curated Events!
Tuesday, October 15th - Sunday, October 20th

Tuesday, October 15th

Chaos & Order 🔭
Date: Tuesday, October 15th
Time: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Wednesday, October 16th

Teen Anime Club
Date: Wednesday, October 16th
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 13 - 18 Years Old
Additional Details: This Is Your Teens' Opportunity To Hang Out With Other Lovers Of Anime & Manga. There Will Be Games, Crafts & So Much More!

Thursday, October 17th

Story Time 📖
Date: Thursday, October 17th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free

Falcon Ridge Farm Fall Festival 🍂
Date: Thursday, October 17th
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Falcon Ridge Farm
Price: $12.95 - $14.95 (Children 2 & Under Free)
Additional Details: There Will Be Tons Of Things To Do Here! Tractor-Drawn Wagon Rides, Corn Maze, Hay Fort, Goat Walks, Petting Zoo, 2 Playgrounds & Plenty More!

Friday, October 18th

Trunk Or Treat (For Pets & Children) 🍬
Date: Friday, October 18th
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Jackson Pet Emergency Clinic
Price: Free

Hocus Pocus II (Movie Night) 🎞️
Date: Friday, October 18th
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: $2.00
Additional Details: Concession Will Be Available As Well! Please Bring Your Own Chair & Blanket.

Saturday, October 19th

Casey Jones Village Festival 🎡
Date: Saturday, October 19th
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Casey Jones Village
Price: Free
Additional Details: Here’s The Fall Event For The Whole Family! Local Artist, Mini Golf, Children's Activities, Petting Zoo, & So Much More To Explore!

Halloween Carnevil 🦇
Date: Saturday, October 19th
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: $5.00
Additional Details: We Will Have A Mechanical Bull, 30 Ft Obstacle Course, 18 Ft Slide, A Haunted House, Carnival Games & More!

Children's Entrepreneur Market Jackson 🫙
Date: Saturday, October 19th
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Casey Jones Village
Price: Entry Free (Food & Merchandise Prices Vary)
Additional Details: Come Out And Help Support Our Farmers Market, All Run By Kids!

The Princess and the Pea (Play)
Date: Saturday, October 19th
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: The Ned
Price: (Check For Pricing)
Additional Details: Join Us For A Hilarious Re-telling Of The Classic Fairytale Of A Young Woman With Amnesia & A Prince Who Loves To Wrestle. Author Catherine Bush

Sunday, October 20th

Exotic Pet Expo 🦎
Date: Sunday, October 20th
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: $5 Admission

Family Fun
This Week’s Curated Events!
Monday, October 14th - Sunday, October 20th

Monday, October 14th

Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt - Jackson Tennessee 🧩
Date: Monday, October 14th
Time: 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Time Based On How Long It Takes To Solve.)
Location: 119 East College Street
Price: $49.99 Per Team

Tuesday, October 15th

New Teen Space (Grand Opening)
Date: Tuesday, October 15th
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free

Wednesday, October 16th

Keto Meal Planning Class🍖
Date: Wednesday, October 16th
Time: 11:30 PM - 12:30 PM
Location: Westwood Community Center
Price: Free
Additional Details: Get Ready To Learn Recipes From A Certified Instructor & Author In Our Free Keto Planning Class!

Thursday, October 17th

Worship Ensembles Concert 🎼
Date: Thursday, October 17th
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Penick Academic Complex, G.M. Savage Chapel
Price: Free

Story Time 📖
Date: Thursday, October 17th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free

Friday, October 18th

Chaos & Order 🔭
Date: Friday, October 18th
Time: 1:30PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Falcon Ridge Farm Fall Festival 🍂
Date: Friday, October 18th
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Falcon Ridge Farm
Price: $12.95 - $14.95 (Children 2 & Under Free)
Additional Details: There Will Be Tons Of Things To Do Here! Tractor-Drawn Wagon Rides, Corn Maze, Hay Fort, Goat Walks, Petting Zoo, 2 Playgrounds & Plenty More!

Trunk Or Treat (For Pets & Children) 🍬
Date: Friday, October 18th
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Jackson Pet Emergency Clinic
Price: Free

Saturday, October 19th

Exotic Pet Expo 🦎
Date: Saturday, October 19th
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: $5 Admission

Gibson Fall Festival 🎃
Date: Saturday, October 19th
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: 11 Gibson Cemetery Rd
Price: Free Entry (Other Costs Vary)
Additional Details: This Event Will Have Something For Everyone! We Will Have Loads Of Vendors For Your Holiday Shopping Needs, Chili & Cornbread Bake-Off, Hayride, Trick Or Treating, Pumpkin Decorating Contest & So Much More!

Falcon Ridge Farm Fall Festival 🍂
Date: Saturday, October 19th
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Falcon Ridge Farm
Price: $12.95 - $14.95 (Children 2 & Under Free)
Additional Details: There Will Be Tons Of Things To Do Here! Tractor-Drawn Wagon Rides, Corn Maze, Hay Fort, Goat Walks, Petting Zoo, 2 Playgrounds & Plenty More!

The Princess and the Pea (Play) 🎭️
Date: Saturday, October 19th
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: The Ned
Price: (Check For Pricing)
Additional Details: Join Us For A Hilarious Re-telling Of The Classic Fairytale Of A Young Woman With Amnesia & A Prince Who Loves To Wrestle. Author Catherine Bush

Sunday, October 20th

Exotic Pet Expo 🦎
Date: Sunday, October 20th
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: $5 Admission

Falcon Ridge Farm Fall Festival 🍂
Date: Sunday, October 20th
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Falcon Ridge Farm
Price: $12.95 - $14.95 (Children 2 & Under Free)
Additional Details: There Will Be Tons Of Things To Do Here! Tractor-Drawn Wagon Rides, Corn Maze, Hay Fort, Goat Walks, Petting Zoo, 2 Playgrounds & Plenty More!

Advertise In One Of The Fastest Growing Newsletters In West TN!
(Click Here For More Details.)

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