Best of Madison County 2021
Published January 2, 2022
The results are in! Did you cast your vote? During the month of December 2021, voters picked their favorite Madison County businesses and events in dedicated categories. Several hundred votes were received and the results were conclusive. Congratulations to all the 2021 winners!
Best Breakfast Restaurant
Zuma Coffee
Zuma Coffee is a tasty and popular restaurant located in the heart of Marshall, NC. Stop by for a quick meal or great coffee! Zuma Coffee is also well-known for hosting a Bluegrass Jam night on Thursdays led by Grammy-winning fiddle legend Bobby Hicks. See you there!
Best Dinner Restaurant
The Original Papa Nick’s
Walk in and smell those garlic rolls and you will know that you are in the right place! No need to go all the way to Italy to get some excellent Italian food. Located in downtown Mars Hill, the Original Papa Nick’s won’t disappoint!
Best Bar
Mad Co. Brew House
Relax and sip on an ice-cold brew while enjoying the view of the mighty French Broad River in downtown Marshall. Located at 45 N. Main Street, the Mad Co. Brew House is the place to be if you are in the mood for a great beer. With a selection of seasonal brews you are sure to find just the right drink to quench your thirst.
Best Live Music Venue
Big Pillow Brewing
Looking for some more entertainment? Big Pillow Brewing has frequent live shows on their outdoor stage. Come listen to local and touring musicians at this fantastic venue!
Best Coffee Shop
Zuma Coffee
Also winning best breakfast restaurant for Madison County in 2021, Zuma Coffee is a tasty and popular restaurant located in the heart of Marshall, NC. Stop by for a great cup of coffee!
Best Shop
Penlands & Sons
Stop by this charming shop in Historical Marshall for clothing and local goods. Penlands & Sons Department store has a range of local goods and will likely have exactly what you’re looking for.
Best Art Gallery
Madison County Arts Council
Discover the diverse collection of artistic talent in Madison County at the Madison County Arts Council building located in downtown Marshall. Enjoy the ever-changing gallery of local and international artists at this fantastic venue.
Best Outdoor Adventure Company
French Broad Adventures
French Broad adventures provides stellar adventures for every kind of outdoor-lover. Whether you want to do rafting, ziplining, canyoneering or climbing, French Broad Adventures can provide a top-notch experience.
Best Cabin/Cottage Vacation Rental
Firefly Cabin
This lovely cabin has views of Mars Hill and Mars Hill University! You’ll enjoy having the privacy of 6+ acres of a certified wildlife habitat at this cozy mountaintop retreat!
Best Campground
Hot Springs Campground
The Hot Springs Campground is a favorite in Western North Carolina for a number of reasons. Located just steps from the quaint town of Hot Springs, campers are able to easily walk to a local restaurant and return to their riverside camping site in just minutes. Additionally, the campground itself is essentially located on the famous Appalachian Trail.
Best Festival
Art on the Island Arts Festival
The Art on the Island Arts Festival is a fun, family-friendly festival located on Blannahassett island in Marshall. Usually held in the late summer/early fall, come enjoy live music, talented artists and tasty food in the mountains!
Best Event
First Fridays in Mars Hill
First Fridays in downtown Mars Hill are a night of music, food, drinks and dancing! Grab a punch card for your chance to win fabulous prizes by visiting the local businesses. Be sure to stick around for a free, outdoor performance by the Bailey Mountain Cloggers!
Best Trivia Night
Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery @ Mars Hill Theatre
The Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery in Mars Hill hosts an excellent weekly trivia that provides an assortment of creative rounds that will entertain you and your team. Hosted on Thursday evenings at 7pm, you won’t want to miss this fun night out!
