When it comes to sharing ideas about which food, drinks, people, scenic views and much more are “Best in West Virginia,” it seems that Pendleton County has come to mind quite often — to the tune of 19 different nominations across a broad variety of categories.
Every summer, West Virginia Living invites all Mountain State residents to show their support for the best that the state has to offer. Voters go online and select from a broad variety of fields that cover tourism, community service, local culture, attractions, and places to consume both potables and victuals. Nominees are then named and are up for a vote for “Best in State” that concludes on Oct. 12.
Annie Humes, Pendleton County Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, said, “This year Pendleton County businesses, organizations, locations, and activities have been nominated for a whopping total of 19 Best of West Virginia awards.”
That list actually includes the Pendleton County CVB as one of the best in its field of organizations statewide.
Humes noted that promotional efforts by the CVB in partnership with other county and regional organizations have come to fruition. “We’re thrilled to see three nominees from Pendleton in two categories, scenic views and maple syrup, that are near and dear to our hearts.” Each category received seven nominations. Three maple syrup producers hail from Pendleton — Cool Hollow in Sugar Grove, Mountain Cajun Getaways in Riverton, and M&S Maple in Upper Tract. Mountain Cajun Getaways also earned nomination for “Best Charity or Non-Profit” for their work with veterans returning from deployment and their families.
Three “Best Scenic View” nominations also came the county’s way. Most would expect to see Spruce Knob and Seneca Rocks listed, but Germany Valley made the cut as well.
Humes shared her competitive side a bit by noting that among nominations for best view and maple syrup, “even if the vote is split, because who can choose between those really, the fact of the matter is that when it comes to both of these delightful categories, we dominate the field.”
Closely related to the scenic view category are those for trails. North Fork Mountain Trail earned “Best Mountain Biking” while the challenging hike to the top of Seneca Rocks received a “Best Hiking Trail” nomination. Spruce Knob – Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area earned a nomination among the best public parks and forest lands.
West Virginia ranks next to dead last, only above Utah, when it comes to alcohol consumption.
That said, Pendleton County offers a variety of nominations in different spirits categories. Dry Run Spirits earned a “Best Distillery” nomination. Swilled Dog picked up both “Best Distillery and Best Cidery.” That said, Pendleton County offers a variety of nominations in different spirits categories. Dry Run Spirits earned a “Best Distillery” nomination. Swilled Dog picked up both “Best Distillery and Best Cidery.”
Rest and recreation also earned notice. One can enjoy a “Best Rental” at Germany Valley Overlook Cabins and play on the “Best Golf Course” at the Highlands at Fisher Mountain. One can also enjoy relaxing recreation at the same time with the “Best Tea Room” nominee, the Historic McCoy House Tea Room that is moving to another venue in Franklin.
Pendleton Community Bank also earned a hat trick of nominations for “Best Bank, Best Place to Work, and Best Corporate Citizen.”
