Submitted Article —
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission has announced the winners and runners-up for the 2021 Eastern Shore Local’s Choice competition.
The Local’s Choice competition was developed in the wake of 2020’s hardships as a way to boost local businesses and engage the community. As tourism has started to reopen, it has helped visitors to see some of the spots that the locals love.
The commission plans to host a Local’s Choice competition next year, and asks everyone to be ready to nominate, vote for, and share their favorite spots when that competition opens.
The tourism commission asks everyone to congratulate local businesses on their wins. Window decals will be delivered to all of the top-three finishing businesses.
The 2021 Local’s Choice winners and runners-up in each category are:
Best Crab Cakes
- The Island House Restaurant
- Mallards At the Wharf
- Hook @ Harvey
Best ESVA Style Clam Chowder
- The Exmore Diner
- Bill’s Prime Seafood & Steaks
- The Great Machipongo Clam Shack
Best Soft-Shell Crabs
- Mallards at the Wharf
- Hook @ Harvey
- Captain E’s Hurricane Grill & Bar
Best Oyster Menu
- The Oyster Farm
- The Island House Restaurant
- The Shanty
Best Clam Menu
- The Great Machipongo Clam Shack
- The Island House Restaurant
- The Shanty
Best Drum Fish
- Exmore Diner
- Ray’s Shanty
- The Island House Restaurant
Best Flounder
- The Island House Restaurant
- Ray’s Shanty
- The Exmore Diner
Best Fresh Seafood Market
- Edward’s Seafood
- Gary Howard Seafood
- The Great Machipongo Clam Shack
Best She-Crab Soup
- Kelly’s Gingernut Pub
- Bill’s Prime Seafood & Steaks
- The Exmore Diner
Best Burger
- Cape Charles Brewing Company
- The Blarney Stone Pub
- Kelly’s Gingernut Pub
Best Pizza
- Da Vinci’s
- Deadrise Pies
- Gerry’s Ristorante
Best Subs
- Onancock Deli
- J&B Subs
- Yuk Yuk & Joes
Best Sandwiches
- Sea Star Carryout Eats
- Machipongo Trading Co.
- Coastal Baking Co.
Best Waterfront Dining
- The Island House Restaurant
- The Shanty
- Mallards at the Wharf
Best Outdoor Dining
- The Island House Restaurant
- The Shanty
- The Ropewalk
Best Craft Beer/Wine/Spirits
- Cape Charles Brewing Co.
- Chatham Vineyards & Winery
- Black Narrows Brewing Co.
Best Orange Crush
- The Shanty
- The Island House Restaurant
- Mallards at the Wharf
Best Ice Cream
- The Island Creamery
- Brown Dog Ice Cream
- Cowlick’s Creamery
Best Pastry
- Corner Bakery
- Coastal Baking Co.
- Amarin Coffee
Best Coffee
- The Book Bin
- Machipongo Trading Co.
- Slack Tide Coffee Co.
Best Specialty Shop
- Gull Hummock
- Blue Crab Bay
- North Street Market
Best Gift Shop
- The Book Bin
- The Brant
- Shore Creations
Best Jewelry
- Moonrise
- C.D. Marsh
- Shore Creations
Best Clothing
- Periwinkles
- Dawn
- Marker 29
Best Antiques
- Blue Crow
- Primitives & More
- Exmore Antique
Best Art Gallery
- At Altitude
- Lemon Tree
- Crockett Gallery
Best Ecotour
- Burnham Guides
- Captain Dan’s Around the Island Tour
- Cape Charles Boat Tours
Best Fishing Tours
- Day Trippers
- Eastern Shore Adventures
- Miss Jennifer (Cherrystone)
Best Kayak Tours
- Southeast Expedition
- Assateague Explorer
- Burnham Guides
Best Rentals
- Chincoteague Island Outfitters
- Eastern Shore Custom Carts
- Burnham Guides
Best Campground
- Cherrystone Campground
- Kiptopeke State Park
- Tall Pines Harbor Campground
Best Bed & Breakfast
- Bay Haven Inn of Cape Charles
- The Inn at Onancock
- The Channel Bass Inn
Best Hotel/Motel
- The Charlotte Hotel
- Hotel Cape Charles
- Hampton Inn & Suites
Best Vacation Rental Company
- Chincoteague Island Vacation Cottages
- Cape Charles Vacation Rentals
- Chesapeake Properties, Cape Charles
