Gulfport is in the running to be named the small town in America that is “best for food.” And visitors get to reap the benefits!

To celebrate the fact that the town is one of six finalists in Rand McNally’s “Best of the Road” nationwide competition, 15 of Gulfport’s restaurants are offering special sampler plates (costs range from $10 to $15), which will include taste-sized portions of each restaurant’s best or signature dishes.

These are the participating restaurants: Backfin Blue Café, Habana Café, Isabelle’s at Peninsula Inn & Spa, Island Flavors and ‘Tings, La Cote Basque Winehouse, O’Maddy’s Bar and Grille, Peg’s Cantina & Brewpub, Neptune Grill, Pia’s Trattoria, Smokin’ J’s BBQ, Stella’s Deli, T & Me Tea Co., Tangelo’s Grille, Village Pub and Yummy’s.

If you’re interested, I wrote a post about the competition a few weeks back. Gulfport is up against Addison, W.V.; Burnsville, Minn.; Lafayette, La.; and two California towns – Costa Mesa and Visalia. The winner will be announced next month.  

Gulfport is currently prepping for the “Road Rally” visit, where a team will judge the town. For more details, check out www.bestoftheroad.com.