The Ordinary Awards celebrate and honor all of Virginia’s restaurants, lodging establishments and hotels, DMOs, attractions, and more. The Awards, presented by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA), are open to both members and non-members of the Association.

Why Would You Call the Awards…Ordinary?

Chinn’s Ordinary, considered “the oldest original inn in America” (Baltimore Sun), was built around 1728 in Chinn’s Crossroads, now Middleburg, Virginia. The building was uniquely situated half-way between Alexandria and Winchester, Virginia, making it an ideal location for an inn and tavern catering to travelers. Throughout the years, Chinn’s Ordinary has undergone significant renovations and name changes. Sometime between 1810 and 1830 it was remodeled and renamed the Beveridge House (after Noble Beveridge). Later, around 1890 it became the Middleburg Inn. Know as “America’s oldest continuously running inn” (Thrillist), since 1937 it has operated as the Red Fox Inn & Tavern.

So, why Ordinary? Well, on one hand, it simply fits. This history of Chinn’s Ordinary speaks to all facets of VRLTA’s membership—restaurants, lodging, and travel. And, on the other hand, the term ordinary is just the opposite of the hospitality and travel industry. Our industry truly is anything but ordinary, and this juxtaposition is almost too good to pass up.

The true goal of these Awards is to honor those in our industry, be they individuals or companies, that are truly extraordinary.