PRESS RELEASE - June 30, 2010

WAYNESBORO – NUMBER ONE IN VIRGINIA!

In its third annual ranking, Outdoor Life has ranked Waynesboro, VA as one of the top towns in the United States for Hunting and Fishing. In the 2010 survey, Waynesboro was ranked number 200 and was the only Virginia town to be named on the survey. The City of Waynesboro has been ranked each year that the survey has been published.

Outdoor Life evaluates 15 different categories of socio-economic and outdoors- related factors, including population growth, cost of living, proximity to public land and water, gun-friendliness, and huntable and fishable species nearby.

“Outdoor recreational opportunities abound in the Shenandoah Valley”, comments Delegate R. Steven Landes. “This recognition by Outdoor Life amplifies the hunting and fishing experience here, but the region offers much more for the outdoor enthusiast. Events such as the recent Bike Virginia and the Waynesboro annual Fly Fishing Festival provide first-hand experience with the sports and the natural assets and beauty of the area.”

“Outdoor related activities are a very important part of our local economy”, says Waynesboro Mayor Timothy Williams. “Our proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive plus the South River, often noted as one of the best Urban Trout streams in the state, exemplifies the many outdoor recreational opportunities offered here. The combination of hunting and fishing, plus hiking, biking, camping, and other activities make Waynesboro an ideal location for the outdoor adventurer.”

Len Poulin, Co-Chairman of the annual Fly Fishing Festival couldn’t agree more, “The goal of the Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival is to draw attention to Waynesboro’s many outdoor related assets. Ten years ago the organizers of the festival believed that the South River along with the many nearby natural assets would be appealing to outdoor enthusiasts, wine lovers and those seeking a connection to the simple and natural quality of life that epitomizes our town. The third annual top 200 ranking by Outdoor Life magazine validates this vision with unbiased and objective criteria. It is clear that these assets has and will continue to become an economic driver for our community.”

The City of Waynesboro has a number of events throughout the year. The annual Fly Fishing Festival, held in the spring of each year, draws 1,700 guests who experience firsthand the sport from over 50 exhibitors and demonstrators. The Fall Foliage Festival is celebrating its 39th year in October. Covering two weekends, the festival is anticipating over 23,000 guests to the annual craft and art shows.

Waynesboro is located in Central Virginia, at exits 94, 96, and 99 off I64, 7 miles East of I81, and serves as the gateway to the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 0) and the Sky Line Drive (mile post 105) in the Shenandoah National Park.

Gregory E. Hitchin Director of Economic Development City of Waynesboro 301 West Main Street Waynesboro, VA 22980 P: 540-942-6779 F: 540-942-6671 www.Waynesboro.va.us HitchinGE@ci.waynesboro.va.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 02, 2009

IRIS INN BED AND BREAKFAST CHOSEN AS Best in the Mid-Atlantic IN THE BEST OF BEDANDBREAKFAST.COM AWARDS

Waynesboro, VA – The Iris Inn Bed and Breakfast of Waynesboro, VA, was selected as Best in the Mid-Atlantic in the annual Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards, 2009-2010. The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards are based upon a qualitative and quantitative review of the nearly 50,000 independent reviews submitted to BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online B&B directory and reservation network worldwide.

"BedandBreakfast.com surveys show that independent reviews are the most important factor when choosing a B&B. In fact, according to BedandBreakfast.com's most recent survey, 96% of consumers consider reviews to be somewhere between important and essential when selecting a place to stay, and 12% will not make a reservation at a property without them. We're delighted that inngoers concur that Iris Inn Bed and Breakfast is deserving of its accolades from travelers," explained BedandBreakfast.com's Sandy Soule, one of the most highly recognized authors and a spokeswoman for the B&B industry. "Clearly, the Iris Inn Bed and Breakfast earned its stellar reviews from inngoers for its quality accommodations, breakfasts, amenities, and wonderful hospitality and service," commented Soule.

"It's a true honor to be chosen for a Best of BedandBreakfast.com award, and we thank our guests for the positive reviews that resulted in this award, stated Dave and Heidi Lanford, Iris Inn innkeepers. "It is gratifying that our guests took the time to share their comments about our hospitality, accommodations, breakfasts and attention to the details which set the Iris Inn apart," commented Dave Lanford. Here's an excerpt from one of our reviews: “It's hard to know what to review -- everything about The Iris Inn is wonderful! The location is great -- right off the interstate, and yet close to all the things you want to see. Then you walk inside and it kind of wraps its arms around you -- you feel "at home." Dave or Heidi comes forward to greet you and you have two new wonderful friends! The rooms are all spacious and comfortable and the breakfasts are to die for. Coffee is always in the pot and there are always some cookies or snacks to fill your empty spaces till eating time. Katie, the dog, is well behaved, friendly, and loves to play ball with you. Go out to visit Monticello, historic places, or the wineries and your day is complete. Back to the Inn's comfortable beds and morning is waiting for you to begin all over again. You'll love it!!”

About the Iris Inn Bed and Breakfast: The Iris Inn offers a full experience-we pair wine touring with a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities, world-renowned historical sites, phenomenal culinary options and enchanting Main Street America venues. Visit Monticello and learn of the approach Thomas Jefferson, the father of American winemaking and renowned gourmand, took in bringing wine into the American vernacular. Then venture out to the nearby countryside and experience Virginia wine and food today. Travel the world famous Blue Ridge Parkway, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2010. Take a side trip to the state’s highest waterfall, Crabtree Falls and experience a 1200 feet drop in a half-mile section of Crabtree Creek. Find out more about the Iris Inn Bed and Breakfast at www.irisinn.com or call toll-free 888-585-9018.

For a complete list of all winners, including regional and international Best of BedandBreakfast.com Award winners, please visit www.BedandBreakfast.com and click Winners 2009-2010.

Founded in 1995, BedandBreakfast.com is highly recommended by The New York Times, Real Simple, Forbes, Travel & Leisure, USA TODAY and many others. To learn about more nearly 9,000 other perfect choices for your next B&B getaway, visit BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online bed and breakfast directory and reservation network worldwide. A variety of search functions and extensive maps enable inngoers to find the perfect B&B. Travelers can make reservations online, purchase The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com, welcomed at over 4,000 B&Bs in the U.S. and Canada, read up-to-date trip reports on The BedandBreakfast.com Blog, read and write independent reviews, and post questions on expert-hosted message boards.

# # # High resolution photos available upon request.

 

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