Burnsville Competes for Food Destination Distinction

When you think of towns known for exceptional dining, Burnsville might not be the first place that comes to mind. But the south-of-the-river community is among the top six finalists competing in the Best Food category in a contest sponsored by USA TODAY and Rand McNally.

The Best of the Road contest features communities competing for titles in six categories: most beautiful, most patriotic, friendliest, most fun and best for food, as well as points on interest en route.

Here's a sampling of the 54 comments from those leaving their Burnsville kudos on the contest website:

"Burnsville has restaurants that feel like you're downtown without the drive and hassle. The newest addition and now my favorite, Porter Creek Hardwood Grill with unbelievable creative food and an amazing patio, to Roasted Pear to Burger Jones and the list goes on. Burnsville gets it!"

"I just recently attended the Bite of Burnsville for my first time. What a great event! I discovered so many new places to eat. I'm definitely planning on attending next year's event!"

Other communities competing with Burnsville in the food category are Gulfport, FL, Visalia, CA, Costa Mesa, CA, Addison, WV and Lafayette, LA.

The idea to put Burnsville on the culinary map originated with the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce, which has been actively solicting comments to push the city's name forward on the contest website for the past couple of months.

You can follow the Best of the Road teams' three-week adventure exploring what communites have to offer at bestoftheroad.com. The contest will culminate with a July 22 announcement of the No. 1 town in each category.