It's your chance to say thank you!

Get ready to celebrate your friends, go-to places, and favorite businesses in the Best of Daniel Island 2026, The Daniel Island News’ brand-new contest highlighting the area’s best in more than 300 categories. 

From real estate to food to finance and more, readers will be able to nominate their favorites beginning Oct. 30 through Nov. 20 on The Daniel Island News’ website. 

The Top 5 nominees in each category will advance to a final voting round held Dec. 2-23. Users can nominate and vote once per day throughout the contest period. 

Businesses located on Daniel Island and in The Daniel Island News’ coverage area are eligible to participate. Specific categories will also highlight residents' favorites off the island. 

Finalists who receive the most votes will be celebrated at a Best of Daniel Island exclusive winners’ event. Winners will also be featured in the annual Best of Daniel Island glossy magazine, on the winners' website, and will receive a free framed certificate and window cling. 

"This is a true celebration of the people, shops, businesses, restaurants, neighbors, and more that make this astounding community our home," said Daniel Island News associate publisher Patrick Villegas. "From Daniel Island, to the Clements Ferry corridor, to the ever-growing Point Hope area, and Cainhoy peninsula, we are thrilled and excited to highlight and honor the best this area has to offer. It's a wonderful opportunity to say thank you." 

No subscription to The Daniel Island News is required to nominate, be nominated, vote, or win. Promotional advertising packages are available to promote nominees and finalists throughout the nomination and voting period, and high-reader engagement is expected. Businesses can learn more by contacting your sales representative. 

Winners will be celebrated throughout 2026 across The Daniel Island News’ newspaper and digital products.