TWEPI announces local tourism awards

REGIONAL — Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island has announced the winners for the 6th annual Best of Windsor Essex Awards.

The public online vote garnered over 13,000 votes across the region in various categories, which is an increase of about nine per cent over last year.

Voting was open from February 18 to March 7, so the public could vote for their favourite places to go and things to do.

Winners were announced during a broadcast media event on Facebook and YouTube. Each winner will receive a commemorative plaque, a letter of congratulations and bragging rights, included in TWEPI’s 2021-2022 Visitor Guide, and branding at bestofwindsoressex.ca.

That specifically designed site will feature a mini-profile and photo of each winner and a highlight of the top 5 finalists in each award.

Among the local winners, were Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens (Best attraction – family friendly), John R. Park Homestead (Best attraction – historical), Point Pelee National Park (Best attraction – outdoors, best birding hotspot, best trails, best campground/cottage — Otentiks), Cindy’s Live with Tish (Best virtual event), Jack’s Gastropub (Best burger joint, best patio), Birdie’s Perch (Best perch), Armando’s (Best pizza), Kingsville Golf & Country Club (Best golf course), Cindy’s Home & Garden (Best boutique shop), Town of Kingsville (Best shopping district).

Other winners in the region include Fort Malden, Art Gallery of Windsor, Windsor Eats, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Amherstburg River Lights, Downtown Windsor Farmers Market, Wolfhead Distillery, Walkerville Brewery, The Twisted Apron, Anchor Coffee House, Colio Estate Winery, Spago, Sweet Revenge Bake Shop, Iron Kettle Bed and Breakfast, Belle River Pier, Rock Bottom Bar & Grill, King’s Navy Yard Park, Healthy Mama, Urban Surf Company, Michael Difazio Reclaim Artistry, Windsor Waterfront, Timeless Treasures, Urban Art Market, Devonshire Mall and Caesars Windsor.

“Originally, we struggled with the timing and practicality of offering the Best of Windsor Essex Awards as an opportunity for locals to engage and support their local businesses. We decided to move forward as we soon realized this year it was more important than ever to feature local – and inspire locals to think about their favourite places to go and things to do,” said Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex. “Our Windsor and Essex County residents responded favourably – as we saw an almost 60% increase in people nominating businesses – and over 13.7 thousand people voted for their favourites this year.”