By Lyra Bordelon
Assorted businesses throughout the Greenbrier Valley have taken home top placements in the annual West Virginia Living Magazine contest. This statewide competition lets people compare and contrast businesses in order to ask the annual question – which ones are the best?
“We’re so excited, … it’s amazing, it goes to show just how truly blessed we are here in this area to have so many great attractions and dining and places to shop and our towns in general,” said Greenbrier County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Executive Director Kara Dense.
But what is the competition? The Best of West Virginia contest is put on by West Virginia Living Magazine, and allows voters to determine which businesses offer the best experiences.
“Looking for the best wings in the state? How about the best place for a family vacation, or the state’s best ski resort? We have those answers and more in this year’s Best of West Virginia,” wrote West Virginia Living. “Each year our readers cast ballots and this year they cast more than ever before. Nearly 200,000 votes rolled in between September 21 and October 11, 2020 selecting the very best in more than 70 categories.”
Around October, local businesses and organizations were nominated to various prize categories, such as the Best Bookstore and Best Women’s Apparel. The wins highlight not only what draws people to the area, but what keeps many here.
“To me, that’s just the true testament of how awesome our destination is, not just as a tourism destination but as a wonderful place to live. All of these things really improve our quality of live, to be able to have all of these wonderful things in our backyard for those of us who are lucky enough to live here.”
The Greenbrier Valley winners include:
General Lewis Inn – Best Bed and Breakfast/Inn – Lewisburg
The Greenbrier – Best Casino – White Sulphur Springs
The Greenbrier – Best Golf Course – White Sulphur Springs
The Greenbrier – Best Resort – White Sulphur Springs
The Salt Cave Spa – Best Spa – White Sulphur Springs
The Greenbrier – Second Runner Up Best Spa – White Sulphur Springs
Swift Level Fine Meats – Best Butcher Shop – Lewisburg
Ben-Ellen Donuts – Best Donut Shop – Lewisburg
Jim’s Drive In – Best Drive-In – Lewisburg
The Stardust Cafe – Best Farm-To-Table – Lewisburg
The French Goat – Best Fine Dining – Lewisburg
Jim’s Drive In – Second Runner Up Best Burger – Lewisburg
Jim’s Drive In – Second Runner Up Best Hot Dog – Lewisburg
The French Goat – Best Brunch – Lewisburg
Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company – Second Runner Up Best Brewery – Maxwelton
Hawk Knob Hard Cider and Mead – Best Cidery/Mazery – Lewisburg
Smooth Ambler – Best Distillery – Maxwelton
Alderson’s Store – Best Antique/Vintage Store – Alderson
A New Chapter – First Runner Up Best Independent Bookstore – Lewisburg
Alderson’s Store – Second Runner Up Best Independent Bookstore – Alderson
Wolf Creek – First Runner Up Best Local Place to Buy Women’s Apparel – Lewisburg
Greenbrier Valley Theatre – Best Theater Company – Lewisburg
Towns:
Lewisburg – Best Town For Foodies
Lewisburg – First Runner Up Best Town for History
Lewisburg – First Runner Up Best Town for the Arts
White Sulphur Springs – Best Town to Experience the Winter
Lewisburg – First Runner Up Best Town for a Weekend Getaway
Lewisburg – Best Downtown
Beverly White – Second Runner Up Best Mayor