The Good Sam Club hands out yearly Welcome Mat Awards, honoring U.S. and Canadian
businesses that demonstrate a high level of service for RVers. Twenty-four categories are
voted on by Good Sam Club members, representing a broad spectrum of RV-service related
areas — from fast food restaurants to campgrounds to NASCAR events. “RVing attracts
families, Baby Boomers, retirees, tailgaters, outdoor enthusiasts and travelers of all
kinds,” said Sue Bray, executive director for the Good Sam Club. “The Welcome Mat Awards
are our members’ way of recognizing the people and businesses that make the life of an RVer
more enjoyable.” This year’s list includes several repeat winners. Florida, for example,
has been voted number one for the second consecutive year in the categories of state or
province to fish, and state to visit in an RV. Cracker Barrel has won the award for the
sixth straight year as the most RV-friendly sit-down restaurant, and the Daytona
International Speedway has earned its fifth straight honor as the favorite NASCAR event.
The 2007 Welcome Mat Award winners include the following businesses:
- Fuel/Gas: Flying J
- Propane: Flying J
- Outlet mall: Tanger Outlets
- Casino: Harrah’s
- Fast Food: Wendy’s
- Ice Cream: Dairy Queen
- Sandwich Shop: Subway
- Sit Down Restaurant: Cracker Barrel
- Shopping Mall: Wal-Mart
- Dinghy Vehicle: Saturn
- Tourist Attraction, Amusement: Disney World
- Golf Course: King’s North at Myrtle Beach National
- NASCAR Event: Daytona 500
- RV Show: Florida RV SuperShow
- State/Province to fish: Florida
- Good Sam Park: America’s Best Campground in Branson, Missouri
- Motor Oil: Shell Rotella
- Pet Supply: PetSmart
- Craft Store: Michaels
- RV Accessory Store: Camping World
- RV Parts Store: Camping World
- State to Visit: Florida
- Province to Visit: British Columbia
- Tow Vehicle: Ford
