Wine Country Inn in Palisade was voted Best Hotel by Free Press readers in its Locals’ Choice survey, a special edition published by the paper in late September. The ranking came under the Travel and Tourism category. Wine Country Inn also was named Best Hotel in the 2014 Locals’ Choice ratings.
The 2015 Locals’ Choice, which was the second annual edition, garnered over 35,000 votes, according to Free Press General Manager Ben Rogers. “That’s more than twice the number of readers who participated in 2014”.
“We are honored that our guests and neighbors have given us this vote of appreciation,” says WCI General Manager Ian Kelley. “Our staff will continue to work hard to earn that confidence.”
Other Palisade businesses fared well in their categories too. The Blue Pig Gallery was first runner-up gallery in the Best Arts & Culture Section, with Colorado Mountain Winefest named as both Best Community Event and first runner-up as the Best Community Festival in that same category. Palisade Bluegrass Festival and Peach Festival tied for second runner-up for Best Community Festival.
In the Food and Beverage Section, Palisade Brewing Company was named Best Brewery. Canyon Winds Cellar was chosen Best Winery, followed by Red Fox Cellars, Colterris and Carlson’s Vineyard. Peach Street Distillery was first runner-up as Best Bar.
Rapid Creek Cycles & Sports was second runner-up for Best Rafting Company, followed by Palisade River Trips. Icing on the cake to all this good news is locals chose Riverbend Park as the Best Picnic Spot in the Grand Valley.
“We want to congratulate our neighbors who also received recognition, as well as the Palisade Chamber of Commerce and the Palisade Tourism Advisory Board for getting the word out about our town,” Kelley added. “We all work together to make good things happen.”
Other hotels which were recognized include the Springhill Suites, first runner-up; the Doubletree, second runner-up, and Grand Vista, third runner-up.
Readers also voiced their opinions about a wide variety of businesses and services. Rogers expressed optimism, based on this year’s jump in the number of respondents, that Locals’ Choice is poised for more growth in 2016 and subsequent years. A link to the full special section online is: http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?EID=ebd11b40-5d45-4ac4-b098-d5a06a739d2f.
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