Posted on March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 by Guest Writer

Old world charm meets modern amenities at the Magnolia Ranch, a 10 acre Bed and Breakfast situated in the heart of wine country and across the street from Lake Erie. The business has earned a 2023 Best of Windsor Essex Award for Best Bed & Breakfast. Photo courtesy of Taylor Lanoie.

29
Mar

Announcing the Winners of the 8th Annual Best of Windsor Essex Awards 2023

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island has announced the winners of the 8th Annual Best of Windsor Essex Awards 2023 as voted at bestofwindsoressex.ca.

“Now in its 8th edition, the Best of Windsor Essex Awards celebrate the best things to see and do in Windsor Essex and allow the voters to have a voice to what we showcase as some of the Best of our region” said Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex. “Even though we saw over 8k votes come through the campaign, some of the awards come down to a couple dozen of votes between 1st and 2nd place, truly demonstrating the interest in residents to celebrate their favourite places to eat, drink, shop, play and stay in Windsor Essex.”

Voting for the awards took place over three weeks between February 6th and 26th, 2023 to allow locals to let us know about their favourite spots in all 48 awards. This year almost 8k local residents voted to have their say to celebrate the best of the best! We then share that list with the world to help inspire future travel and our website users create unique itineraries – some of the 5.1+ million visitors that come to the region each year.

“Though we continue to see growth in the tourism industry, 2022 was still another challenging year for businesses” said Orr. “The number of votes for the Best of Windsor Essex Awards campaign showcases how important a local audience is to help our tourism and hospitality businesses thrive, but also how devoted their customers are to celebrate their successes.”

Winners were announced during a broadcast media event on Facebook and YouTube which you can click here to view. Each winner will receive a commemorative plaque, a letter of congratulations and bragging rights. They will also be included in our 2023/2024 Official Visitor Guide to be released on April 27th, and branding at bestofwindsoressex.ca. This specifically designed site will feature a mini-profile and photo of each winner and a highlight of the top 5 finalists in each award category.

Arts & Entertainment

Best Art Gallery or Art Space or Artist – Art Windsor-Essex
Best Outdoor Art – Windsor Sculpture Park
Best Live Performance Venue – The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
Best Tour Experience – WindsorEats

Attractions & Events

Best Attraction – Family Friendly – Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens
Best Attraction – Gaming – Caesars Windsor
Best Attraction – Historical – Willistead Manor
Best Festival – Harrow Fall Fair
Best Holiday Event – Bright Lights Windsor
Best Street Event – Open Streets Kingsville

Drink

The Art of a Cocktail – Wolfhead Distillery
Best Bar or Pub – Rock Bottom Bar & Grill
Best Brewery Experience – Walkerville Brewery
Best Coffee Roaster or Coffee Shop – Anchor Coffee House
Best Winery Experience – Pelee Island Winery

Food

Best Asian – Thai Palace Restaurant
Best Bakery & Baked Goods – Iron Kettle Bread Boutique
Best Breakfast – The Twisted Apron
Best Burger Joint – Mamo Burger Bar
Best Date Night Spot – Spago
Best Farmers Market or Shop – Willow Tree Market
Best Ice Cream Parlour – Dairy Freez
Best Lake-to-plate Dining – Jack’s Gastropub
Best Pasta House – Spago
Best Patio – Oxley Estate Winery
Best Pizza Pie – Original Guys Pizza Pies (OG Pizza)
Best Plant Based Eatery – Taloola Café
Best World Eat –El Diablo

Outdoor Adventure

Best Anglers Attraction – Colchester Harbour
Best Beach – Point Pelee National Park
Best Birding Hub – Point Pelee National Park
Best Golf Course – Kingsville Golf & Country Club
Best On The Water Activity – Urban Surf Co.
Best Park or Garden – King’s Navy Yard Park
Best Trail – Ojibway Nature Centre

Shopping

Best Artisan or Maker – Michael Difazio Reclaim Artistry
Best Boutique Shop – Cindy’s Home & Garden
Best Locally Made Store – What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory
Best Mall – Devonshire Mall
Best Shopping District – Kingsville
Best Spa or Wellness Resort – Estate of Health

Stay

Best Bed & Breakfast – Magnolia Ranch
Best Hotel – Caesars Windsor
Best Unique Stay – The Grove Hotel

Photo Op

Best City Photo Op – Willistead Manor
Best County Photo Op – Point Pelee National Park Tip
Best Pelee Island Photo Op – Pelee Island Winery Pavilion

A Proud Program of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island

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Announcing the Winners of the 8th Annual Best of Windsor Essex Awards 2023

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