For the first time, Virginia’s hospitality and tourism community helped recognize the Commonwealth’s newest standout businesses.
RICHMOND – The votes have been cast, and the finalists have been decided for the two newest categories in the 2026 Ordinary Awards: New Lodging Property of the Year and New Restaurant of the Year.
VRLTA introduced the two honors this year in response to feedback from Virginia’s hospitality and tourism industry. Open to qualifying businesses that began operating in 2025 or later, the categories recognize new restaurants and lodging properties already making a meaningful impact on their guests and communities.
This also marked the first public vote in the history of the Ordinary Awards. By inviting Virginians to support their favorite nominees, VRLTA gave guests and communities across the Commonwealth a direct voice in recognizing the industry’s newest standouts. The finalists are:
New Lodging Property of the Year
AC Hotel Arlington National Landing (Arlington)
The Laurel Hotel (Danville)
Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conference Center (Charlottesville)
New Restaurant of the Year
Good Ship Brewery & Eatery (Hopewell, VA)
Proof Kitchen + Bar (Manassas, VA)
The Lion's Den (Mineral, VA)
“These finalists have earned the opportunity to be celebrated not only for what they have accomplished, but also for the example they set for Virginia’s hospitality and tourism industry,” said Eric Terry, President of VRLTA. “We look forward to bringing our industry together, recognizing their achievements and giving every finalist a moment in the spotlight.”
The winners will be revealed during the 2026 Ordinary Awards celebration on Tuesday, September 15, at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump. Guests are invited to join VRLTA in celebrating these exceptional new businesses, along with 68 other deserving finalists representing the very best of Virginia’s hospitality and tourism community.
All finalists will be honored during the returning Stars of the Industry Reception, an exclusive gathering immediately preceding the main Ordinary Awards reception. Winners will then be announced during the evening’s awards show.
Tickets and additional event information are available at https://ordinaryawards.com/.