Feature Story

Carolina’s Finest Award Winners 2019

See who our readers voted to be the best in barbecue, Southern cookin’ and 16 other categories

By Leah Chester Davis

June 2019

We asked you, our readers, about your North Carolina favorites in 18 different categories ranging from athletes to wineries, and you didn’t disappoint! We found out that a few things are tried-and-true favorites, and we learned about many new things and places to check out. Locals know best!

Peruse the winners from all four categories in our inaugural Carolina’s Finest Awards.

JD’s Smokehouse in Rutherford College

Food & Drink

From mouthwatering barbecue to unique beer — taste the best NC has to offer!

Jukebox Rehab from Wintston-Salem

Entertainment

Read, watch, play! North Carolina’s finest entertainment, as voted on by our readers.

Tryon Palace in New Bern

Travel

From Murphy to Manteo, our state offers adventures for everyone.

Liberty Antiques Festival in Staley

Shopping

Craving a little retail therapy? The Old North State has local shopping next to none.

About the Author

Carolina Country Contributing Editor Leah Chester-Davis loves to explore North Carolina. Her business, Chester-Davis Communications (chester-davis.com), specializes in food, farm, gardening and lifestyle brands and organizations.