The Roanoker’s 2026 Best Of celebration filled The Exchange Music Hall at The Promissory Hotel, bringing the community together for an evening highlighting local favorites and the people behind them.
For more than 50 years, The Roanoker has served as the leading lifestyle magazine across the region, and the annual Best Of contest—now in its 40th year—continues to showcase the businesses, places, and individuals that shape life across Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
This year marked the largest Best Of yet, reflecting the community’s continued commitment to eating, drinking, shopping, playing, and living local. Guests enjoyed the new space while sampling offerings from eight local food vendors, including Bella Events Catering, Crystal Spring Grocery, Ippy’s Restaurant, Jaybird Tavern, Martin’s Downtown Bar & Grill, Sidecar, Vinton Café – Kitchen & Bakery, and Yard Bull Meats.
As attendees cast votes throughout the evening for the People’s Choice awards, Sidecar earned Gold, Yard Bull Meats took Silver, and Martin’s Downtown Bar & Grill received Bronze. The evening featured live music from the Jared Stout Band, this year’s Platinum winner for Best Local Band/Musical Group.
A special thank you to our sponsors Bill Meador Insurance Agency, Little Ponderosa Pet Resort & Spa, The Medi Spa at Ridgewood Hill, Seeking Wellness Counseling Services, Sink’s Septic & Drain Services LLC, Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce, and Wisler Plumbing and Air, Inc. whose support helped make this celebration possible!
To see more photos, visit The Roanoker’s Facebook page.
Photography by Ashlee Glen.
