FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Maggie Johnson
January 30, 2015 901.729.2871
mjohnson@maagov.org
West Tennessee Day Trippin’ Bus Tour celebrates African American heritage and boosts the regional economy
Highlighting the region’s rich historical and literary heritage
Memphis, TN – Three West Tennessee communities gear up again for an increased number of visitors this February, for Black History Month. Every Tuesday in February, Heritage Tours, along with Memphis Area Association of Governments (MAAG), will host West Tennessee Heritage and “Roots” Day Trippin’ Bus Tour. The first five seats on the bus are free, thanks to a grant from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
“West Tennessee is full of rich stories of African American heritage and culture,” said Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “The Day Trippin’ Bus Tour is not only a great opportunity to highlight and learn about these historic sites, but also to boost the economy of our small towns.”
The West Tennessee Heritage and “Roots” Bus Tour departs from downtown Memphis at the Visitors Center on Riverside Drive. A driving tour of Memphis highlights African American historical sites including Slave Haven Underground Railroad, National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, W.C. Handy Memphis Home, and Beale Street Historic District, before travelling to Henning, TN. There, heritage enthusiast tour the Alex Haley House Museum & Interpretive Center, the boyhood home and final resting place of the Pulitzer Prize-Winning author of “Roots,” and Bethlehem Cemetery, the gravesite of Chicken George.
“We were thrilled to be a part of the bus tour last year,” said Richard Griffin, Executive Director of the Alex Haley House Museum & Interpretive Center. “Last year, the museum saw a 70% increase in visitation during the month of February and an increase in sales. The museum didn’t hesitate to open its doors again to Heritage Tours this year!”
The West Tennessee excursion continues to the Historic Ripley Downtown Square, where the Bank of Ripley has its annual Black History Month exhibit. A delicious southern meal at a local restaurant will top off the Lauderdale County tour, before heading to Tipton County. In Covington, visitors will tour the National Register listed Canaan Baptist Church and learn abou the rich history of African American in Tipton County. The last stop, before heading back to Memphis, is of the charming Covington Downtown Square, home of the Annual Chocolate Tour and many unique antique stores. 
The Black History Month, West Tennessee Day Trippin’ Bus Tour is $40.00. The free seats will be available to the first five reserved. Every Tuesday, during the month of February, the bus will depart from Memphis at 8:30 a.m. and return at 4:00 p.m. To reserve your seat, please call Heritage Tours at (901) 527-3427 or Email: heritagetours@bellsouth.net.