Biz X Was There – Best of Windsor Essex TWEPI Awards

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) has announced the winners of the second edition of the Best of Windsor Essex, a campaign that ran from January to February 2017 with the ambitious goal of putting together the most comprehensive list of the “Best Of” things to see and do in the region.

Drawing on the success of last year’s inaugural campaign, this year’s the Best of Windsor Essex campaign drew an even more enthusiastic response from local residents and visitors eager to share their favorite attractions. In Phase I, over 785 unique Windsor Essex locations were nominated for the 43 awards. Those nominations were then pared down into the top five in each category.  Phase II then began with over 7,000 people voting again on the top 5 in each category for their favorite spots in Windsor Essex – where they like to eat, shop, dine and play.

Winners of the Best of Windsor Essex were announced at a special Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, March 29th 2017 at the Chimczuk Museum. In addition to commemorative plaques, a letter of congratulations and bragging rights, winners will also be mentioned in TWEPI’s 2017/18 Official Visitor Guide and TWEPI’s micro-site.  This specifically designed site will feature a mini-profile and photo of each winner and a highlight of the top 5 finalists per category.

Finalists and winners will be able to use this campaign to differentiate their business, increase their visibility, validate their achievements, and act as a strong testimonial of their offerings. Furthermore, this campaign has created an authentic list that is expected to resonate with visitors, giving TWEPI the opportunity to highlight some of the best of what the region has to offer.

“This year’s campaign drew an even higher engagement rate than last year from both businesses and their fans alike. Locals are justifiably proud of our area and we anticipate that this list will inspire locals and visitors alike to explore our region’s iconic experiences, hidden gems and everything in between,” says Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island.

TWEPI Award Winners

Art Gallery of Windsor
Best Art Gallery or Art Space

Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens
Best Family Friendly Attraction

Art in the Park
Best Local Festival – Arts & Music

Anchor Coffee House
Best Coffee House

Pelee Island Winery
Best Winery Experience

Urban Art Market
Best YQG Made Store

Jack’s Gastropub
Best Chef Inspired Dining

Viewpointe Estate Winery
Best Patio View

Sweet Revenge Bake Shop
Best Sweet Treat

Point Pelee National Park
Best Picnic Spot

Windsor Sculpture Park
Best Community Art Piece

Caesars Windsor
Best Local Attraction – Gaming

Harrow Fair
Best Local Festival – Family & Fairs

Jack’s Gastropub
Best Local Watering Hole

Freeds of Windsor
Best Clothing Store

Devonshire Mall
Best Mall

Rock Bottom Bar & Grill
Best Chicken Wings

Sandbar Waterfront Grill
Best Perch

Kingsville Golf & Country Club
Best Golf Course

Ganatchio Trail
Best Two Wheeled Adventure

Walkerville BIA
Best Cultural or Historical District

Fort Malden National Historic Site
Best Local Attraction – Historical

Carrousel of the Nations
Best Local Festival – Food & Drink

F&B Walkerville
Best Craft Cocktail

Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
Best Entertainment Venue – Over 1,000 seats

Twisted Apron
Best Breakfast

Mazaar Lebanese Cuisine
Best Global Eats

Armando’s Restaurant
Best Pizza Pie

Urban Surf Co.
Best On The Water Activity

Point Pelee National Park
Best Walking, Hiking or Running Trail

Caesars Windsor
Best Hotel

Sturgeon Woods Campground & Marina
Best Cottage/Campground

Willistead Manor
Best Photo Op

Photos by Rod Denis – Biz X magazine