In 1995, Arkansas proudly embraced its identity as “The Natural State,” a fitting evolution from its earlier nickname, “Land of Opportunity.” Nowhere is this spirit more alive than in Wilson, a gem in Mississippi County along Highway 61, the iconic Blues Highway, just an hour north of Memphis.
Once a cotton empire, Wilson is now a vibrant hub for electric steel manufacturing and solar farms, with a population of around 700. In this peaceful, clean air, Wilson is fast becoming Arkansas’s premier destination for group golf trips, business, and tourism, blending Southern charm with the state’s unmatched natural beauty.
Nashville entrepreneur Gaylon Lawrence, Jr., saw Wilson’s potential years ago. After five generations of success, the majority of the land that created Wilson was purchased, and Lawrence has made it his mission to begin the ultimate long-term project of creating a new empire for sustainable hospitality.
The picturesque Tudor-style buildings surround a meticulously groomed village square, home to the ultra-luxurious Louis Hotel, Cottages, Grange, 15-acre garden, and the Wilson Cafe – where the deviled eggs are a must-try for any golf crew winding down after a day on the fairways.
The Tin House Clubhouse
A short drive from the square lies the Tin House Golf Club, a reversible course perfect for buddies’ trips seeking a unique golfing experience. Designed by Kyle Goalby, Tin House features Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass fairways, fescue-lined roughs. The TifEagle greens offer a challenging yet forgiving layout for golfers of all skill levels.
The course, named after its historic Tin House clubhouse – relocated from a Bolivar County, Mississippi cotton farm partially owned by the late Queen Elizabeth II -overlooks a serene lake teeming with catfish and bass. The club also features a putting course and a nine-hole short course, ensuring endless fun for groups looking to mix things up.
“Arkansas’s natural beauty shines at Tin House,” said Wilson Senior Vice President Tom Smith. “Groups can play until dusk, crafting their own course – backwards, sideways, or however they want. It’s the perfect setup for a buddies’ trip, with wide-open fairways and a laid-back vibe that screams Arkansas hospitality.”
Wilson is already planning an 18-hole course to elevate its status as a golf destination, alongside new homes and businesses to keep groups entertained off the course. Wilson buzzes throughout the year with concerts, and guided Mississippi River canoe trips in 30-foot Voyageur canoes offer a unique outing for golfers and other guests looking to explore Arkansas’s wild side.
The Louis Hotel
Jeff Kmiec, Wilson’s Chief Executive Officer, calls it “America’s Village,” a nod to its Norman Rockwell-esque charm.
“Gaylon’s vision is to create a slice of Arkansas paradise,” Kmiec said, “where golf buddies can bond over fun shots, great food, and the kind of hospitality only Arkansas delivers.”
Kmiec, who arrived in Wilson in September 2022, brings a wealth of experience from his time as CEO of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Pennsylvania and President of The Greenbrier in West Virginia. His mission? To transform Wilson into a hospitality haven that showcases Arkansas’s potential. He recruited Smith from his resort days to help turn Wilson into a “hospitality incubator” that trains, coaches, and leads the local associates in creating world-class guest experience.
“Arkansas is full of opportunity, and Wilson proves it,” Kmiec said. “Some may hesitate to move to the Natural State, but once they experience its warmth and potential, they’re hooked. We’re training so many associates who grew up right here to deliver five-star service, making Wilson a destination where golf groups feel at home.”
Kmiec’s vision aligns with Arkansas’s eco-friendly ethos. Mississippi County leads the nation in electrically produced steel, and Wilson’s solar farms reflect the state’s commitment to sustainability.
“Companies and golfers alike are drawn to this environment,” Kmiec said. “It’s family-friendly, group-friendly, and quintessentially Arkansas.”
For golf buddies planning their next trip, Wilson’s Tin House Golf Club offers a unique blend of sport, scenery, and Southern hospitality.
“Locals and visitors alike rave about what we’ve built here,” Kmiec said. “In Arkansas, we don’t just play golf, we create a natural, relaxed environment for guests to experience.”
Feature Photo: The Tin House Golf Club (Mike Klemme)
