Floyd shines in magazine contest
Floyd is once again shining in the Blue Ridge, earning more than 40 honors in Blue Ridge Country magazine’s 2026 Best of the Mountains contest.
Earlier this year, readers of Blue Ridge Country voted for their favorite businesses, attractions, events, destinations and experiences that make the Blue Ridge Mountains special. The contest is divided into three regions, Upper Blue Ridge, which includes Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky; Central Blue Ridge, including North Carolina and Tennessee; and Lower Blue Ridge, covering South Carolina and Georgia.
As part of the Upper Blue Ridge, Floyd’s strong showing in the 2026 contest highlights the wide variety of experiences available throughout the community, from outdoor adventures and music to locally owned restaurants, festivals, farms, historic attractions and welcoming places to stay.
“This recognition is a wonderful reflection of the people, businesses, attractions and events that make Floyd such a special place to visit,” said Kathleen Legg, Director of Tourism for Floyd. “What stands out to me is the incredible variety of categories where Floyd was recognized. Whether someone comes here for hiking and outdoor adventure, live music, arts and culture, local food and drink, shopping or simply a relaxing weekend in the mountains, there is something here for them. We are grateful to the readers who took the time to vote and celebrate the people and places that make Floyd unique.”
Platinum winners include The Floyd Country Store, which earned Best Country Store; Floyd Farmers Market, which was named Best Farmers Market; Best Historic Attraction with Mabry Mill; Best Place for an Agritourism Visit with Floyd Farm Trail; Best Place to Celebrate the Holidays; Best Place to Go Ziplining or Try an Aerial Adventure with Buffalo Mountain Ziplines; Best Place to Hear Mountain Music at The Floyd Country Store; Best Place to Relax and Recharge at Moonlight Manor B&B; Best Brewery with Buffalo Mountain Brewery; Best Distillery with Five Mile Mountain Distillery; Best Restaurant with The Cafe at The Floyd County Store; The Floyd Country Store also received the designation of Best Spot to Savor Southern Cooking; Best Winery with Chateau Morrisette Winery; Best Family Getaway; Best Pet-Friendly Stay at Hotel Floyd; Best Town for a Weekend Getaway; Best Town for Adventure; Best Town for Friendliness; Best Town for Main Street Local Shopping; Best Town, City or County for Raising a Family; Best Town for Retirement; Best Town for Riverfront Living; Best Town for the Arts; Best Family-Friendly Festival with FloydFest; Best Heritage & Culture Festival with Floyd Living Traditions Festival; FloydFest also won Best Music Festival, Best Outdoor Festival, Best Quirky Festival and Best Summer Festival; Best Arts & Crafts Show with Floyd County Women's Club Annual Arts & Crafts Festival; Best Restaurant or Eatery with Dogtown; Best Outdoor Environmental Organization wth Partnership for Floyd; Buffalo Mountain Trail was named Best Outdoor Hiking Trail; Best Place to Go Antiquing with Chic's Antiques; Best Charming Inn or B&B with Moonlight Manor B&B; and Best Town, City or County on Your Bucket List.
Silver winners include Best Wine Trail, Beer Trail, or Spirits Trail with Mountain Spirit: Virginia's Moonshine Heritage Trail; Best Camp or Glamp with Crooked Mountain and FloydFest tied; Best Hotel with Hotel Floyd; and Best Town for Festivals with Check.
Bronze level winner was The Crooked Road Ramble – Floyd on 2 Wheels for Best Outdoor Motorcycle Route.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the readers of Blue Ridge Country,” Legg added. “It shows that Floyd continues to make an impression on visitors and travelers looking for genuine mountain experiences and reinforces our community’s reputation as a destination where visitors can find adventure, creativity, hospitality and culture all in one place.”



