Voting in our annual readers’ choice awards set another record this year, with more than 4,000 weighing in on the finest across 10 categories. Top picks span the mountains to the coast, so wherever you are, you won’t be far from the finest!
2026 Finest Festival
N.C. Pickle Festival
2026 Finest Barbecue
Lexington Barbecue
2026 Finest Landmark
The Biltmore Estate
2026 Finest NC Product
Mrs. Hanes Moravian Cookies
2026 Finest Lore/Legend
Blackbeard’s Ghost
2026 Finest Downtown/Main Street
Mount Airy
2026 Finest Music/Band
Band of Oz
2026 Finest Seafood/Restaurant
Provision Company
2026 Finest Winery
Duplin Winery
See Past Winners
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Carolina’s Finest Award Winners 2025
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Carolina’s Finest Award Winners 2024
Carolina’s Finest selected by Carolina Country readers
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Carolina’s Finest Award Winners 2023
Carolina’s Finest selected by Carolina Country readers
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2022 Carolina’s Finest Awards
Reader picks for the best in doughnuts, holiday lights and eight other categories