Floyd businesses receive 'Best of the Blue Ridge' awards
Floyd County businesses were among the “Best of the Blue Ridge” honorees when Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine announced the winners of its 16th annual awards last month.
Last October, the publication’s readers nominated their favorite outdoor businesses, events, food and drink destinations, and attractions across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, then voted to select the top winners. This year, the magazine received more than 200,000 votes across 51 categories.
Buffalo Mountain Ziplines was named Best Zipline; Chateau Morrisette Winery won Best Winery; Five Mile Mountain Distillery took Best Distillery; Red Rooster Coffee Company was recognized as Best Coffee Shop; Buffalo Mountain Brewery earned Runner Up for Best Brewery; and FloydFest was named Runner Up for Best Music Festival.
The Blue Ridge Parkway was once again voters’ top choice for Best Public Land. Floyd County has one of the longest stretches of the Parkway and popular attractions such as Mabry Mill and Rocky Knob Campground.
“It’s exciting to see so many Floyd County businesses recognized by Blue Ridge Outdoors readers,” said Floyd County Tourism Director Kathleen Legg. “These awards really speak to the people behind the businesses and the memorable experiences they’re creating for both our community and visitors alike.”
From outdoor recreation to music, food, and small-town charm, Floyd continues to stand out as a place people love to visit. Floyd has so much to offer and we are honored, among many here in Floyd, to be recognized as “Best of the Blue Ridge,” said Kerry Underwood, co-owner of Five Mile Mountain Distillery.
In a separate contest announced in last November’s issue, Floyd was voted a Top Adventure Town by Blue Ridge Outdoors readers in the Tiny Town category. Readers were invited to vote for their favorite outdoor destinations across four population categories, from towns under 3,000 residents to those with more than 75,000. The 2025 contest drew nearly 25,000 votes across three rounds of online voting for 100 destinations. Twelve towns were recognized as winners or runners-up, including seven Virginia localities.
The annual Best of the Blue Ridge awards are among the most recognized outdoor honors in the Southeast. “With Floyd and Patrick counties so consistently well represented among the winners each year, as well as the Roanoke Valley, it underscores that our region is a popular choice for visitors,” said Buffalo Mountain Ziplines owner John McEnhill.
Winners are featured in the January/February 2026 issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. Visit www.BlueRidgeOutdoors.com to view the complete list of winners and runners-up.