Southern Grace Distilleries was named Visitor Attraction of the Year by the North Carolina Travel Industry Association. Ironically, the co-founder and president, Leanne Powell, passed away in July,

LEANNE POWELL

The award recognizes a North Carolina visitor attraction that sets the standard for an exceptional visitor experience.

Since opening, Southern Grace has actively engaged the Cabarrus County CVB and the community to create partnerships, according to Donna Carpenter, president of the CVB.

The CVB also received an award for marketing from the Travel Industry Association which held its annual conference in Concord in September.