By Bobby 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 <a href="https://mountainmessenger.com/despite-covid-19-troubles-greenbrier-county-organizations-and-businesses-have-a-shot-at-being-west-virginias-best/">businesses and organizations were nominated</a> 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
