Floyd Earns 40+ honors for Best of the Mountains
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, Va. “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.”
2026 Best of the Mountains – Floyd Winners
Platinum:
● Best Country Store: The Floyd Country Store
● Best Farmers Market: Floyd Farmers Market
● Best Historic Attraction: Mabry Mill
● Best Place for an Agritourism Visit: Floyd Farm Trail
● Best Place to Celebrate the Holidays: Floyd, Va
● Best Place to Go Ziplining or Try an Aerial Adventure: Buffalo Mountain Ziplines
● Best Place to Hear Mountain Music: The Floyd Country Store
● Best Place to Relax and Recharge: Moonlight Manor B&B
● Best Brewery: Buffalo Mountain Brewery
● Best Distillery: Five Mile Mountain Distillery
● Best Restaurant or Eatery: The Cafe at The Floyd Country Store
● Best Spot to Savor Southern Cooking: The Floyd Country Store
● Best Winery: Chateau Morrisette Winery
● Best Family Getaway: Floyd, Va
● Best Pet-Friendly Stay: Hotel Floyd
● Best Town for a Weekend Getaway: Floyd, Va
● Best Town for Adventure: Floyd, Va
● Best Town for Friendliness: Floyd, Va
● Best Town for Main Street Local Shopping: Floyd, Va
● Best Town, City or County for Raising a Family: Floyd, Va
● Best Town for Retirement: Floyd, Va
● Best Town for Riverfront Living: Floyd, Va
● Best Town for the Arts: Floyd, Va
● Best Family-Friendly Festival: FloydFest
● Best Heritage & Culture Festival: Floyd Living Traditions Festival
● Best Music Festival: FloydFest
● Best Outdoor Festival: FloydFest
● Best Quirky Festival: FloydFest
● Best Summer Festival: FloydFest
Gold:
● Best Arts & Crafts Show: Floyd County Women’s Club Annual Arts & Crafts Festival
● Best Restaurant or Eatery: Dogtown
● Best Outdoor Environmental Organization: Partnership for Floyd
● Best Outdoor Hiking Trail: Buffalo Mountain Trail
● Best Place to Go Antiquing: Chic’s Antiques
● Best Charming Inn or B&B: Moonlight Manor B&B
● Best Town, City or County on Your Bucket List: Floyd, Va
Silver:
● Best Wine Trail, Beer Trail, or Spirits Trail: Mountain Spirit: Virginia’s Moonshine Heritage Trail
● Best Camp or Glamp: Crooked Mountain & FloydFest (TIE)
● Best Hotel: Hotel Floyd
● Best Town for Festivals: Check, Va
Bronze:
● Best Outdoor Motorcycle Route: The Crooked Road Ramble – Floyd on 2 Wheels
“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.”
Start planning your next mountain getaway and discover all that Floyd has to offer at VisitFloydVA.com.
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About Floyd: Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, Floyd is a welcoming destination known for its vibrant music and arts scene, locally owned shops and restaurants, outdoor adventures, and authentic mountain culture. Visitors can enjoy live music at the Floyd Country Store, take in panoramic views from Buffalo Mountain, explore the Floyd Artisan Trail, discover local farms and markets, or travel the Blue Ridge Parkway. With a mix of outdoor recreation, creative experiences and small-town hospitality, Floyd offers something for every type of traveler.
