AGP Executive Report

Chattanooga Comeback: Businesses are seeing renewed activity after the Walnut Street Bridge reopened, and the first phase of the Alton Park Connector is linking neighborhoods with downtown. More Flights to Nashville: Air France plans new Nashville service in 2027, expanding international access to Tennessee’s capital. New Dolly Attraction: Dolly Parton’s Life of Many Colors Museum and Song Teller Hotel have opened in Nashville, adding another draw for country music fans.

Travel Disruptions: Hurricane Isaias remnants brought flooding, strong winds and power outages across Tennessee. AAA urged residents to avoid unnecessary driving and check road and weather conditions before setting out. Nashville Air Links: Air France plans new nonstop Nashville–Paris service in 2027, expanding options for international travelers. Fall Getaways: High elevations are showing fall color, while Blackberry Farm is highlighting Smoky Mountain fly-fishing and farm-to-table stays. Chattanooga: The reopened Walnut Street Bridge is drawing renewed business, and a new phase of the Alton Park Connector is linking neighborhoods with downtown. Nashville Attractions: Dolly Parton’s Life of Many Colors Museum and Song Teller Hotel have opened, adding a new draw for visitors.

Storm Travel: Isaias weakened after making landfall but left flooding and power outages across the Southeast, with heavy rain threatening the Tennessee Valley. Nashville fall-break travelers changed plans, and BNA urged passengers to check flight statuses. Fall Getaways: High elevations are showing fall color ahead of a windy weekend. AAA also recommends booking Thanksgiving and Christmas trips early: 47% of surveyed Tennesseans who delayed booking later paid more. Tennessee Tourism: Dollywood’s co-owner says a planned $500 million expansion, approved by Dolly Parton, will help carry forward the park’s vision. Outdoor Events: The Moonshine Festival returns Oct. 17 at a larger Land Between the Lakes site, and Chickamauga Lake will host a Bass Fishing League Wild Card tournament in November.

Storm Travel: Isaias has weakened after making landfall in Florida and is moving toward the Tennessee Valley. Middle Tennessee could see 1–3 inches of rain and gusts up to 45 mph, raising the risk of flooding, downed trees and hazardous roads. BNA urges passengers to check with their airline before heading to the airport; AAA advises avoiding unnecessary trips as conditions worsen. Fall Color: High elevations around 4,000–5,000 feet are showing strong color, with Roan Mountain and the Great Smoky Mountains among the recommended viewing spots. Wind may strip some leaves, while mid-elevation colors are expected to peak over the next two weeks. Chattanooga Outdoors: The first phase of the Alton Park Connector is open, linking the neighborhood to Broad Street, St. Elmo Avenue and the Tennessee Riverwalk along a route of more than 2.5 miles. Winter Flights: Porter plans daily nonstop service between Nashville and Toronto’s downtown Billy Bishop Airport this winter, while BNA has also announced new Air France international service. Upcoming Event: The Moonshine Festival returns Oct. 17 at a larger site in Land Between the Lakes.

Storm Travel: Isaias’ remnants are forecast to bring Middle Tennessee 1–3 inches of rain and gusts up to 40 mph Saturday, with a slight tornado risk east of I-65. Check forecasts and airline updates before heading out; some carriers are offering flexibility for eligible Nashville itineraries. Weekend Events: Land Between the Lakes’ Moonshine Festival moves to a larger site Saturday, with organizers expecting 6,000–8,000 visitors for music, food, vendors and distillery tastings. Lodging: A proposed hotel on West Lamar Alexander Parkway near Maryville has moved a step closer. Nashville Air Service: Nashville International Airport announced Air France will launch new international service; route details were not included in the report. Smokies Safety: Great Smoky Mountains National Park has reminded visitors to keep clear of elk after a tourist was gored.

Storm Travel: Hurricane Isaias threatens heavy rain and flooding as far north as Tennessee this weekend, while Gulf Coast evacuations and canceled fall-break events disrupt trips. Check forecasts before heading out. Air Links: Air France plans new international service from Nashville, and Southwest is expanding its summer 2027 schedule at the airport, giving travelers more options. Tourism & Lodging: A proposed hotel on W. Lamar Alexander Parkway moved a step closer, and Chattanooga’s Head of the Hooch rowing regatta will stay in the city despite construction at Ross’s Landing. Fall Getaways: A tiny Tennessee town is drawing attention for its autumn scenery, while Nashville’s Dolly Parton museum and Songteller Hotel are now open.

Storm Travel Alert: Hurricane Isaias could bring gusts of 30–40 mph across the Tennessee Valley Saturday, with stronger winds in the mountains and 1.5–3 inches of rain in some areas. Fall-break travelers should check conditions and prepare for possible downed trees and power outages. Nashville Attractions: Dolly Parton’s Life of Many Colors Museum and Song Teller Hotel have opened, adding new stops for visitors exploring the country star’s hometown. Sevierville Heritage: Downtown’s Pines venue celebrates Dolly’s first paid performance at age 10; the former theater now hosts food, games and bowling. Road Update: A bridge on SR 127 in Coffee County closes Oct. 12, with a signed detour planned through summer 2027. Appalachian History: New wagon and pearl exhibits open at the Museum of Appalachia in Norris on Oct. 16.

Nashville Attractions: Dolly Parton’s Life of Many Colors Museum and Song Teller Hotel have opened, adding new draws for fans visiting Music City. Tourism Business: A Nashville veteran has grown a history walking-tour company into a six-figure business as visitor spending continues to rise. Travel Access: New nonstop service is expanding Nashville connections to Boise, while Southwest is adding year-round flights to Reno. Appalachian Heritage: The Museum of Appalachia in Norris opens permanent exhibits on a historic wagon and Clinch River pearl fishing Oct. 16, with half-price admission that day. Outdoor Travel: Great Smoky Mountains National Park has reopened a long-closed trail site, giving hikers another option to explore the park.

Arts & Events: Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair placed second in USA Today’s 2026 Best Craft Fair readers’ poll, behind a Minnesota fair. Southern Routes: Travel South USA launched bookable multi-state itineraries built around music, food, history and outdoor adventures, with routes featuring Nashville and Memphis. Heritage Tourism: The new Loudon Legacy Museum has secured a lease for a historic building on Wharf Street and aims to open in early 2027, sharing local history with residents and visitors. Travel Connections: A new Nashville–Boise nonstop route adds another option for travelers heading to or from Tennessee. Nashville Stays: A new hotel themed around Dolly Parton has opened, adding another music-focused lodging draw to the city.

Tennessee Travel & Tourism: Fall events & family fun: Dyer County Historical Society is hosting “Dyer County After Dark: History, Mystery, Legends & Local Lore” Oct. 13 at the Dyer County Museum in Dyersburg, a spooky look at local legends and firsthand accounts. Knoxville area calendar: KnoxTNToday’s Market Square Farmers’ Market runs 10 a.m.-1 p.m. downtown, and fall-break youth programming includes LEGO clubs, Halloween crafts, and “Boo! at the Zoo” nights. Chattanooga waterfront planning: Friends of the Festival says a planned Ross’s Landing closure tied to a riverfront remake could disrupt major events and tourist dollars, with groups scrambling for alternate sites. Nashville & regional travel: Southwest is adding a new Nashville nonstop from Boise starting June 5, 2027, boosting access for Idaho travelers. Local tourism boards: Visit Franklin added four new board members to keep promoting Williamson County’s eight communities. Food & attractions: The Hutton Hotel’s Off Broadway series brings “The Addams Family in Concert” Oct. 30-31, plus a haunted-house-style experience and Addams Cartoon Exhibit access. Outdoor history trip: A feature highlights the Trail of Tears as essential to understanding Tennessee history, with a focus on a kayaking journey along the route.

Gas Prices Watch (Jackson): The cheapest regular gas in Jackson, Tennessee this week was $3.79 at Murphy USA, with several other stations clustered in the high $3s. Local Travel & Community: The Tennessee 3rd District of the American Legion will host National Commander Jay Bowen on Oct. 15, with stops in Collegedale, Cleveland, and Dunlap, plus a veterans park and cemetery tour. Holiday Rail Tradition: CSX Santa Train returns for its 84th Appalachian run on Nov. 21, traveling from Shelbiana, Ky., to Kingsport, Tenn., delivering more than 15,000 toys and gifts. Nashville Transportation: LuxNashRide expands chauffeur service for BNA airport transfers, executive travel, and special events across Middle Tennessee. Chattanooga Health Access: River Valley Health opened an on-site pharmacy at the Chattanooga Clinic to make prescriptions easier and more affordable for patients. Outdoor Conservation (Regional): Georgia DNR and partners announced a deal to restore Pine Log Wildlife Management Area, protecting 14,640 acres for hunters, hikers, and wildlife.

Walk of Honor: Florence announced its 2026 inductees at the Renaissance Shoals Conference Center, including Celia Ramirez Heil and other honorees tied to arts, science, public service and more. Flag Racing Spotlight: Madisonville’s John Duggar was inducted into the National Flag Racing Association Hall of Fame, with the World Championship Flag Race in Milan, Tennessee, still on his calendar. Road & Water Updates: Monterey’s I-40 eastbound reopened after an overturned 18-wheeler wreck; the Monterey board also postponed a water leak relief program after concerns about how customers would be informed. Construction for Drivers: UT begins demolition work on the G10 parking garage, and Copperhill’s SR 68 gets a $4.19M safety-focused resurfacing and restriping project aimed at reducing crashes. Outdoor & Family Travel: Chickamauga Lake in Dayton was selected to host the 2026 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Wild Card Tournament (Nov. 13-14). Health & Care Access: A Memphis report highlights a new surgical option for breast reconstruction, helping Mid-South women close a regional care gap. Local Safety Note: Fall brings baby copperhead season—watch closely on hikes and around yard clutter. Sports & Tourism Tie-In: Tennessee’s win over Auburn put the Vols in the spotlight, while the Guilty Men are set to play Forest Arts in October.

Memphis Culture: John Doyle is returning to the Memphis in May International Festival as Vice President of Programming, bringing decades of museum and music-industry experience to help shape the festival’s next chapter. Rural Travel & Roads: Tennessee lawmakers are pushing for a temporary dyed-diesel fuel tax break for farmers and loggers, while drivers near Monterey should expect I-40 East delays after an 18-wheeler wreck shut the interstate and forces traffic onto Highway 70. Fall Color Watch: East Tennessee State University says cooler temps and recent rain have put Central Appalachians fall color back on track, with the highest elevations like Roan Mountain and Mount LeConte trending toward peak this weekend. Outdoor Safety: Sparta Rescue Squad coordinated a multi-agency rescue of an injured hiker in Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park after a fall on the Virgin Falls Trail. Sports Tourism: Major League Fishing selected Chickamauga Lake and Dayton, Tennessee, for the 2026 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Wild Card tournament on Nov. 13-14, with fans invited to takeoffs and weigh-ins. Family-Friendly Food: The Dairy Alliance’s “Milk’s Got Game” campaign is bringing performance nutrition resources to Tennessee high school sports in partnership with TSSAA. Hospitality Growth: Wyndham and Travel + Leisure Co. are teaming up to scale Sports Illustrated Resorts hotels, aiming at sports-minded travelers and college-town markets. Health & Wellness: UC Health opened Southern Ohio’s first adult celiac disease center in partnership with Cincinnati Children’s, focusing on long-term care as patients transition from pediatric services.

Death Penalty & Public Safety: Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike left her critically ill on a ventilator, with her lawyer saying doctors are still trying to clear pentobarbital and her prognosis is unclear; Gov. Bill Lee suspended executions for the rest of the year while an independent review is ordered. Local Travel & Road Conditions: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet posted planned overnight detours on I-24 Westbound in Marshall County (Oct. 5, 9 p.m.–6 a.m.) near the Tennessee River Bridge area, with a 55 mph reduced speed in the work zone. Tennessee Sports & Visitor Energy: Tennessee moved up to No. 15 in the AP Poll after beating Auburn 24-14, setting up a road trip to Arkansas (4:15 p.m. ET on SEC Network). Nashville Music Spotlight: The Bluebird Cafe remains a top Nashville songwriting stop, with fresh reporting on why the venue still draws major talent. Memphis Crime Update: Memphis police are searching for suspects after a shooting near I-385 left one man dead and another critically injured.

Death Penalty & Public Safety: Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike is back in the spotlight after reports she survived two lethal injections, prompting Gov. Bill Lee to order an independent review and the Tennessee Department of Correction head Frank Strada to step down. Road & Travel Planning: TDOT laid out construction and maintenance impacts for Oct. 4–10, including lane closures on SR-13 and SR-149, plus nighttime I-24 work in Davidson County—drivers should expect shifting traffic patterns. Sports Tourism Buzz: Chattanooga’s Rail Rivalry loss to ETSU (14-3) keeps the rivalry trophy in Johnson City, while Tennessee fans also get a Vols hoops update: the men’s team will host a free open intrasquad scrimmage at Food City Center on Oct. 3. Local Events & Community: Knoxville police are searching for a suspect in a fatal North Knoxville stabbing, and a StreetFest in Lexington highlights “Complete Streets” design ideas that slow traffic and boost walkability.

Tennessee Travel Watch: Nashville & statewide travel costs: Thanksgiving 2026 airfare is projected at about $402 round-trip (up 31% from last year), with hotels averaging $170/night, while gas remains pricey even after a small dip—the national average fell nearly 7 cents to $4.41. Family travel & community support: Hendersonville: A nonprofit that equips foster families says it’s under financial strain, and a local fundraiser is stepping in to help cover essentials for placements. Game-day tourism in Knoxville: Tennessee vs. Auburn: The Vols beat Auburn 24-14 at Neyland Stadium, a reminder that fall weekends keep drawing visitors for SEC matchups. Travel-safety note: Tailgating warning: Safety experts issued guidance for anyone tailgating this weekend. Culture stop: Brainerd (Chattanooga area): Brainerd Golf Course marked its 100th anniversary, a low-key local draw for visitors. Big-picture Tennessee news: Christa Pike execution fallout: Tennessee’s prisons chief resigned after a botched execution attempt, keeping the story in the national spotlight.