Local News

Louisa County congratulates several of its exceptional local businesses and remarkable members of its workforce on being named finalists this week in the 2026 Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) Ordinary Awards. Finalists from Louisa County include: In the Attraction of the Year Category: Buckingham Branch Railroad / Virginia Scenic Railway In the Brewery of the Year Category: Southern Revere Cellars In the Campground of the Year Category: Small Country Campground For the Charlie Buser Award – Attraction Employee of the Year Category: Katelyn Coughlan, Louisa County Historical Society For the Charlie Buser Award – Attraction Employee of the Year Category: Thomas Knighton, Small Country Campground For the Jim Wordsworth Award – Restaurateur of the Year Category: Rosolino Taormina, Vito’s On The Lake, The Lounge Lake Anna, The Lion’s Den 1837 In the Lodging Property of the Year Category: Tributer Resort In the Winery of the Year Category: Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard VRLTA’s annual Ordinary Awards recognize the restaurants, lodging properties, attractions, destinations and individuals that create extraordinary experiences throughout the state. Nominees will be judged by a panel of industry professionals, with the exception of New Restaurant of the Year which will be determined by public vote. The Lion’s Den 1837 in Louisa County is one of seven nominees for New Restaurant of the Year and is now accepting votes at https://www.vrlta. org/2026/07/21/new-restaurant-nominees-2026. Winners will be recognized at an event on September 15 at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump.