The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is seeking votes for the “Best of the Greenbrier Valley” contest which got underway Feb. 7.
All are invited to cast a vote for their favorite Greenbrier Valley attraction, lodging property, retail shop, restaurant and event.
“When people make the choice to travel to the Greenbrier Valley, it makes an enormous impact on our local economy,” said Kara Dense, executive director of the Greenbrier County CVB. “Our tourism partners work every day to welcome those visitors into our area, and we want to shine the spotlight on the significant contribution that they make. We’re asking everyone to show their support by casting a vote.”
The contest, which runs Feb. 7 through Apr. 4, will culminate on Thursday, May 8 as winners are announced at an evening reception at the Visitors Center. The event, which will include refreshments, entertainment and an awards reception, is intended to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week scheduled for May 3-11. The event is also being held in conjunction with the Greater Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours.
National Travel and Tourism Week is annually designated by Congress to show the impact that tourism makes on the economy. In the Greenbrier Valley, 1.3 million visitors are welcomed annually, making an economic impact of more than $243 million. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state.
Beginning Feb. 7, votes may be cast by logging onto the CVB’s website at www.greenbrierwv.com/BestofGBV or by completing a form at the Visitors Center. One entry is allowed per name and email address.
Those who vote will be registered to win a Best of the Greenbrier Valley Prize Pack comprised of items from last year’s winning businesses. Those winners were:
• Best Attraction: Winner – The Greenbrier; Runner Up – Carnegie Hall
• Best Lodging Property: Winner – The Greenbrier; Runner Up – The Historic General Lewis Inn
• Best Restaurant: Winner – Food & Friends; Runner Up – Stardust Café
• Best Retail Shop: Winner – Harmony Ridge Gallery; Runners Up (Tie) – Aggie’s, Something Sweet, Something Country and Wolf Creek Gallery
• Best Event: Winner – Taste of Our Towns; Runner Up – State Fair of West Virginia.
For more information, visit www.greenbrierwv.com or call 304-645-1000. The Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center is located at 200 West Washington Street, Lewisburg.
