Welcome to Best in the PNW
presented by Angel of the Winds Casino Resort
We live, shop, eat, and play in beautiful the Pacific Northwest and we wouldn’t have it any other way. In celebration of our region, The Seattle Times presents the 2026 Best in the PNW contest, featuring local places, restaurants and businesses nominated and selected by our community to share the favorites they love.
In 2025, more than 10,000 businesses, organizations, and individuals competed across 298 categories, and the community cast over 944,000 votes — an impressive 84% increase year over year. More than 359,000 ballots were submitted from over 216,000 people, reflecting not only the strength of our local businesses, but also the pride residents have in celebrating the people and places that define our region.
Best in the PNW Promotion
Best in the PNW has strong support from Seattletimes.com, BestinthePNW.com, The Seattle Times newspaper and social media.
Nominations and voting will be driven by print, digital and social promotions.
• Seattletimes.com Digital Display
• The Seattle Times Newspaper Ads
• Organic Social Media
• Paid Social Media
• Eblast to Seattletimes.com Subscribers
• Seattletimes.com Home Page Takeovers
• Outdoor Advertising
The Seattle Times has invested $285,000 in marketing support promoting Best in the PNW, driving participation and ensuring success for the community and local businesses.
How does it work?
During the nomination period, we invite our audience to nominate outstanding establishments and professionals in PNW and the surrounding areas. Once our nominations are taken, we
will move them to a ballot for official voting. All nominations and voting will be done online at VoteThePNW.com.
Request your complimentary asset kit that includes badges ready to be incorporated into your social media posts, website, and emails during the contest to encourage voting and engage your audience!