INDEX BODY BEAUTY AND BRAWN... 4 BAYOU BUNGALOW... 9 FAVORITE FARE... 14 LOCAL STORES AND SHOPS... 21 LOCAL LIVING... 24 LAGNIAPPE... 30
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BAYOU BUZZ AWARDS
PUBLISHER’S NOTE Three years ago we published our inaugural issue of the Bayou Buzz Awards, and over the last two years we’ve continue to add categories. Next year, our nominations will open to the public for the first time. We acknowledge that there are so many amazing businesses in our area, but our Bayou Buzz awards focus on those businesses that are locallyowned and operated. The Bayou Buzz Awards is our way of celebrating those business owners who took risks and were successful at developing businesses that have made an impact in our community. Our nominees were chosen by over four hundred people who are actively involved in our community. From that list, the public was invited to vote for their favorites. In the following pages, you will find the top 3 finalists in each category, with the winner listed at the top. We hope that our readers will use this insert as a resource for finding some of the most endeared businesses in our region. Thank you to all those that participated in this year’s Bayou Buzz Awards. CASSIE LIVINGSTON Publisher, BayouLife Magazine
BODY, BEAUTY AND BRAWN Whether you are looking for a personal trainer to help reach your fitness goals or a stylist to fix your ‘do, we’ve got the best of the best listed below. This group of finalists encompasses our readers’ choices for body, beauty and brawn.
BEST HAIR STYLIST/COLORIST: RUSSELL MOORE, RUMO’S
OWNER: RUSSELL MOORE 203 W. ALABAMA AVE., SUITE 3, RUSTON, LA | 318.345.0850 211 TRENTON ST., MONROE, LA | 318.582.5707 Russell Moore started working at his first hair salon at 19. He needed a job, and he learned the ropes quickly. The old adage, “Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” rings true for Russell. He appreciates his clients and his co-workers at Rumo’s. He likes the freedom of not having a typical 9-5 job and the relaxed atmosphere at Rumo’s. With shops in both Ruston and West Monroe, the team at Rumo’s fosters a sense of community, and it keeps guests coming back. Russell is thankful to be recognized by the public.
FINALISTS: SHEA EMERY, MAISON RIVÉ ASHLEY CHAPMAN, SALON COUTURE
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BEST MEDI SPA: WINNER: NEW BEGINNINGS WELLNESS CENTER & SPA FINALISTS: DERMA MEDIQ/SPA NOUVELLE HOPKINS DERMATOLOGY/MD MINERALS
BEST HAIR SALON: WINNER: RUMO’S FINALISTS: RAIN THE SALON + DAY SPA HAIR STUDIO OF RUSTON
BEST MANI/PEDI: WINNER: VIP NAIL BAR FINALISTS: LE VOGUE NAILS RAIN THE SALON + DAY SPA
BEST WAXING: WINNER: RAIN THE SALON + DAY SPA FINALISTS: NEW BEGINNINGS WELLNESS CENTER & SPA SPA NOUVELLE/DERMA MEDIQ
DAY SPA: WINNER: SPA NOUVELLE/DERMA MEDIQ FINALISTS: NEW BEGINNINGS WELLNESS CENTER & SPA SPA BELLA
BODY, BEAUTY AND BRAWN
BEST FACIAL: WENDY NEWSOM, SPA NOUVELLE
1705 LAMY LANE, MONROE, LA 318.816.4949
For ten years, Wendy has been the aesthetician at Spa Nouvelle. After having four children in four years, Wendy wanted to focus on herself while her kids pursued their own dreams. When someone gave her a facial, she thought, “This is the best career ever,” with the dim lights, soothing music and helping women feel their best. So she went back to school and immediately partnered up with Drew Farr, Ana Lopez Hale and Mary Beth Dickerson and insists she could not do it without them. Wendy says she has the best clients in the world who feel like family.
FINALISTS: EMERY BECKHAM, NEW BEGINNINGS DREW FARR, SPA NOUVELLE
BEST ATHLETIC CENTER/GYM: WINNER: THE WELLNESS CENTER FINALISTS: MONROE ATHLETIC CLUB INFIT
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BEST EYELASH SERVICES: WINNER: RAIN THE SALON + DAY SPA FINALISTS: EMERY BECKHAM, NEW BEGINNINGS THE LASH ROOM
BEST YOGA: WINNER: BLUE SKY YOGA FINALISTS: THE WELLNESS CENTER DOUBLE BB FARMS GOAT YOGA
BEST PILATES: WINNER: THE PILATES ROOM FINALISTS: MONROE ATHLETIC CLUB BON TEMPS PILATES
BEST EYEBROW SERVICES: WINNER: VICTORIA ALEXANDER FINALISTS: NEW BEGINNINGS WELLNESS CENTER & SPA SPA NOUVELLE/DERMA MEDIQ
BEST SUNLESS TANNING: WINNER: SPA NOUVELLE FINALIST: SARA SNIPE, SOUTHERN SUNLESS TANNING LACEY RUSSELL, AGELESS LASER
BODY, BEAUTY AND BRAWN BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST: WINNER: NEW BEGINNINGS WELLNESS CENTER & SPA FINALISTS: ANA LOPEZ HALE, SPA NOUVELLE MARY BETH DICKERSON, SPA NOUVELLE
BEST FITNESS TRAINER: CESAR CAMACHO
INFIT GYM | 1816 GLENMAR AVENUE MONROE, LA | 318.381.8287 Cesar is passionate about healthy living and helping others achieve the same results. It doesn’t feel like a job to him. He truly cares and invests in his clients’ progress. He lives the lifestyle every day, including the hardships, so he can relate to his clients’ struggles. Feeling so fulfilled in his personal life has spilled over into his career, and his energy overflows. People are attracted to his enthusiasm and want to be a part of whatever Cesar is doing. He opened his gym, InFit, in 2013, and is continually grateful for the public’s response.
FINALISTS: BONNIE HAY SUSAN HOPPER
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BAYOU BUNGALOW Home is where the heart is and the finalists in these categories definitely have our love. From the very best in furniture options, to the guys with the green thumb, our Bayou Bungalow winners celebrate the best in home décor and more.
BEST PLUMBER: KELLY PLUMBING
OWNER: BOBBY KELLY 809 N. 8TH ST., MONROE, LA | 318.322.5166 In 1928, Ernest Kelly recognized an opportunity: Monroe was booming, and so, too, was the housing market. Commercial and residential buildings were springing up all over the place, and in every one, hundreds of feet of pipe needed maintaining. So he founded Kelly Plumbing, and the rest is history. For Kelly Plumbing, the secret to their longevity is pretty simple: just get the job done, charge a fair price and stand by your work. That’s the philosophy Bobby Kelly approaches each day with. Plumbing is one of the critical services people need, but they don’t plan on needing it. So when a situation arises, it’s usually a crisis. Response is key, and by bringing knowledgeable service and a reputation for providing quality work to the job site, customers are able to relax a little, knowing they’re in good hands, Bobby says.
FINALISTS: MARK JOHNSON PLUMBING, ALL PLUMBING
BAYOU BUNGALOW BEST GARDEN SHOP : WINNER: SONNY PANZICO’S GARDEN MART FINALISTS: O’NEALS FARM & GARDEN SAMMY’S PLANT WORLD
BEST HARDWARE AND DESIGN MATERIAL: WINNER: TP OUTDOORS FINALISTS: PEARCE LUMBER COMPANY RUSSELL MOORE LUMBER
BEST FURNITURE STORE: WINNER: PAUL MICHAEL COMPANY FINALISTS: SLEEPY HOLLOW FURNITURE WALSWORTH & COMPANY
BEST HOME CLEANING: WINNER: KELSEY KLEAN FINALISTS: RUSTON CLEANING SERVICES KIM ROBERTS
BEST HOME BUILDER: WINNER: HOLYFIELD CONSTRUCTION FINALISTS: LINCOLN BUILDERS HEARD CONSTRUCTION
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BEST COUNTERTOPS: WINNER: TWIN CITY GRANITE FINALISTS: SOUTHERN STONE J&J STONE
BEST PEST CONTROL: WINNER: RUSTON EXTERMINATING FINALISTS: BAYOU MOSQUITO PRUITT PEST MANAGEMENT
BEST OUTDOOR FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES: WINNER: SONNY PANZICO’S GARDEN MART FINALISTS: THE PATIO PLACE SLEEPY HOLLOW OUTDOOR
BEST PAINTER: WINNER: TODD MCGUFFEE FINALISTS: AMY PETERS SIMMERMAKER DONNIE SELLERS
BEST HVAC / HEATING AND AIR: WINNER: GILLEY’S HEATING & COOLING FINALISTS: ALBRITTON SERVICE COMPANY SOUTHERN AIR HEATING & COOLING
BAYOU BUNGALOW BEST INTEROR DESIGNER/ DECORATOR: LAUREN ROEBUCK
LAUREN ROEBUCK DESIGNS, LLC 318.255.6630
A lifetime resident of Ruston, LA, Lauren has a degree in Marketing and has been a licensed floral designer for 23 years. Lauren Roebuck Designs was created 16 years ago, focusing on floral design, interior decorating and lighting. Eager, driven and passionate about any form of design, Lauren loves her profession and describes her style as “traditional with a twist.” Each design opportunity reflects the personality of the client and the style of their home. Lauren is quick to give credit to God for her creativity and thankful for the team at LRD to help her!
FINALISTS: TAYLOR BENNETT HEATHER GUILLOT/BEYOND THE FRONT PORCH
BEST HOME ACCESSORIES: WINNER: PAUL MICHAEL COMPANY
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FINALISTS: WALSWORTH & COMPANY THREE THREADS
BEST ELECTRICIAN: WINNER: COPELAND ELECTRIC FINALISTS: ALBRITTON SERVICE COMPANY FOX FAMILY ELECTRIC
BEST TREE REMOVAL SERVICE: WINNER: CAJUN TREE CUTTERS FINALISTS: KIRKLAND KUTTERS MUNHOLLAND TREE SERVICE
BEST FLOORING COMPANY: WINNER: JE DUPUY / LINCOLN FLOORING FINALISTS: KIM’S FLOOR DÉCOR JOE BANKS FLOORING
BEST YARD CARE: WINNER: NORTHPRO LANDSCAPING & LAWNCARE FINALISTS: TWIN OAKS SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA LANDSCAPING
BEST CUSTOM CABINETS: WINNER: KEY MILLWORK & SUPPLY FINALISTS: MAYO CUSTOM CABINETS WOODLANDS CUSTOM CABINETS
FAVORITE FARE Louisiana is known for delicious food, and our Favorite Fare category recognizes the best in the industry. From your favorite mixologist to the best burger in town – we’ve got you covered when it comes to these nom, nom, nominees.
BEST BARTENDER:
BRAD SHOWS, ENOCH’S IRISH PUB & CAFE 506 N 2ND ST., MONROE, LA | 318.547.1738 For the last 13 years, Brad Shows has been serving customers at Enoch’s Irish Pub. He loves interacting with the customers, hearing their stories, visiting with regulars. He’s able to build relationships with people from all over the world. Making new friends at each shift, Brad loves helping people have a good time, putting smiles on their faces, erasing memories of a rough day. The Jeters have treated Brad like family, and being part of a family-owned business serving this community for over forty years is an honor for Brad.
FINALISTS: MOLLY JETER MCCULLAR, ENOCH’S IRISH PUB & CAFE NATE HEXOM, FLYING TIGER BREWERY
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BEST PLACE FOR A CRAFT COCKTAIL: WINNER: DOE’S EAT PLACE FINALISTS: ENOCH’S IRISH PUB & CAFÉ, RAW
BEST BAR TO WATCH A GAME: WINNER: FIELDHOUSE BAR AND GRILL FINALISTS: THE DAWG HOUSE SPORTS GRILL, 2DUDES BREW & QUE
BEST WINE SELECTION: WINNER: LANDRY VINEYARDS FINALISTS: TONORE’S WINE CELLAR, GENUSA’S
BEST BAR FOR BEER: WINNER: FLYING TIGER BREWERY FINALISTS: UTILITY BREWING COMPANY, ENOCH’S IRISH PUB & CAFÉ
BEST STEAK WINNER: DOE’S EAT PLACE FINALISTS: WAREHOUSE NO. 1, BEAU VINES
BEST PIZZA: WINNER: JOHNNY’S PIZZA HOUSE FINALISTS: UTILITY BREWING COMPANY, FRANK’S
FAVORITE FARE
BEST FRENCH FRIES: MAGIC GRILL
4331 STERLINGTON RD, MONROE | 1210 N. 18TH ST., MONROE 2500 ARKANSAS ROAD, WEST MONROE
Magic Grill is carrying out the local tradition while embracing the community. “The little grill with the big heart” didn’t invent the flavor. Mr. Ray Pierce did, and they’re carrying on the tradition of poboys, fries, and gravy at their two locations in Monroe, on Highway 165 and on 18th Street, and their location in West Monroe on Arkansas Rd. The fries are cut fresh every morning, and for the last ten years, diners have come to rely on Magic Grill. #itsallgravy
FINALISTS: BURGER GRIND THE DAWG HOUSE SPORTS GRILL
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BEST POBOY: WINNER: MAGIC GRILL FINALISTS: PONCHATOULA’S, RAY’S PEGES
BEST TACO JOINT: WINNER: AVOCADO’S FINALISTS: IRON CACTUS, TACO BANDIDO
BEST DONUTS: WINNER: DAYLIGHT DONUTS FINALISTS: BESTZ DONUTS, HASKELL DONUTS
BEST COFFEE: WINNER: RAILWAY COFFEE FINALISTS: LATIN FOOD, DAILY PRESS
BEST MARGARITA: WINNER: IRON CACTUS FINALISTS: AVOCADO’S EL PASO
BEST GUMBO: WINNER: TRAPP’S FINALISTS: MOHAWK TAVERN PONCHATOULA’S
FAVORITE FARE BEST FRIED CHICKEN: WINNER: MAGIC GRILL FINALISTS: BIG MOMMA’S FINE FOODS NANA’S SOUL FOOD
BEST ASIAN: WINNER: RAWZ CAFÉ FINALISTS: RAW, RONIN STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI
BEST BURGER: WINNER: BURGER GRIND FINALISTS: GROWN & GRAZED, THE DAWG HOUSE SPORTS GRILL
BEST FOOD TRUCK: WINNER: GROWN & GRAZED FINALISTS: CASTER & CHICORY, FAYE’S FAT BURGER
BEST BREAKFAST: WINNER: DAILY PRESS FINALISTS: LATIN FOOD CAFÉ, LEA’S OF LECOMPTE
BEST ITALIAN: WINNER: ROMA ITALIAN BISTRO
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FINALISTS: GENUSA’S RESTAURANT GENO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
BEST BBQ JOINT: 2DUDE’S BREW & QUE
OWNERS: KEVO MEREDITH & CHRIS BROWN LOCATION: 436 DESIARD ST., MONROE, LA | 318.855.5808
With a focus on making an impact on the community, 2Dudes is a place for the entire family, a casual dining experience with the best-tasting barbecue. What began as a food truck/catering company, 2Dudes just opened their downtown Monroe location this past December. The response from the community has been phenomenal, and the team is committed to providing the hometown atmosphere where locals can #eatgoodbbq! From “humble beginnings,” Chris and Kevin have brought their passion for great-tasting barbecue to the town they love.
FINALISTS: BRISTER’S SMOKEHOUSE BBQ BAD WOLF BBQ
BEST BRUNCH: WINNER: RESTAURANT COTTON FINALISTS: BEAU VINES, PORTICO RESTAURANT & BAR, MONROE
FAVORITE FARE BEST SEAFOOD: WINNER: WAREHOUSE NO. 1 RESTAURANT FINALISTS: CATFISH CHARLIE’S TRAPP’S
BEST SANDWICHES: WINNER: DAILY PRESS FINALISTS: SUNDOWN TAVERN MAGIC GRILL
BEST SWEET TREATS: WINNER: UPTOWN DOWNTOWN FINALISTS: MISS KAY’S SWEETS & EATS SOCIAL BITES
BEST VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY: WINNER: FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS FINALISTS: GROWN & GRAZED DAILY HARVEST
BEST GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS: WINNER: FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS FINALISTS: BUTTER BAKERY DOE’S EAT PLACE
BEST HEALTH FOOD: WINNER: FIESTA NUTRITION CENTER
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FINALISTS: GIBSON GROCER FOR HIS TEMPLE FAMILY FOODS
BEST CRAWFISH: CORMIER’S RESTAURANT
OWNER: LARRY CORMIER 1205 FORSYTHE AVE, MONROE 318.322.0414
FINALISTS: CRAWFISH CITY BEN CHRISTMAS
LOCAL STORES & SHOPS Our local retailers are top notch, offering Northeast Louisiana residents the best shopping around. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends and something outdoors, these local stores and shops have it all.
BEST ATHLETIC WEAR: WINNER: RIVER OUTFITTERS FINALISTS: H. MICKEL, CROSSFIT OF RUSTON
BEST SPORTING GOODS: WINNER: SIMMONS’ SPORTING GOODS FINALISTS: TP OUTDOOR, MCKINNEY HONDA
LOCAL STORES & SHOPS
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING: CARA’S BOUTIQUE
OWNERS: CARA SCHEPPF 705 MCMILLAN ROAD, WEST MONROE, LA | 318.387.3115 For the last 13 years, Cara’s Boutique has offered affordable women’s clothing to the public in tween, ladies and plus sizes. The team at Cara’s emphasizes Christian-based customer service, making sure everyone feels comfortable and accommodated when they walk through the doors. With a large volume of clothing, the styles range from trendy and edgy to casual and comfortable. The store maintains a strong social media presence and values staying involved in the community. Customer experience is paramount, and the ladies at Cara’s feel blessed to serve the Twin Cities.
FINALISTS: HERRINGSTONE’S, THE FASHION OF RUSTON
BEST EYEWEAR BOUTIQUE & OPTICAL: WINNER: HAIK HUMBLE EYE CENTER FINALISTS: DILLINGHAM OPTICAL, JAN’S OPTICAL
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BEST GIFT SHOP: WINNER: THE RUSTIQUE GATOR FINALISTS: THE MUFFIN TIN, CHARTREUSE PEAR
BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE: WINNER: THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE FINALISTS: CARA’S, THE MOTHER HEN
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE: WINNER: PATTON’S WESTERN WEAR FINALISTS: SIMMONS’ SPORTING GOODS, THE TOGGERY
BEST JEWELRY STORE: WINNER: BALDWIN’S ANTIQUE JEWELRY FINALISTS: RANDY SMITH JEWELERS, HOLLIS & CO.
BEST ANTIQUE STORE: WINNER: MY HAPPY PLACE FINALISTS: TRENTON STREET ANTIQUES, COTTONPORT
BEST SHOE SELECTION: WINNER: BEEHIVE OUTLET FINALISTS: CARA’S, AVENUE SHOES
LOCAL LIVING Our Local Living nominees offer the best services in Northeast Louisiana. Whether you’re looking for a realtor or need a caterer for your next big party, these businesses are the cream of the crop.
BEST FLORAL SHOP: VEE’S FLOWERS
OWNER: VEE HOLLIS LOCATIONS: 1814 ROSELAWN AVE., MONROE, LA | 318.324.8337 A full-service flower shop, Vee’s Flowers specializes in individual arrangements tailored to the needs of the customers and the appropriateness of the event. Vee’s will deliver to hospitals, funeral homes, residences, and businesses in the Monroe/West Monroe area. The floral artistry of experienced florists combined with the design ideas of new team members have serviced the needs of The Twin Cities for the last 24 years.
FINALISTS: 2 CRAZY GIRLS PETALS & PEARLS
BEST DAYCARE / CHILDCARE: WINNER: FIRST WEST MOTHER’S DAY OUT
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FINALISTS: FIRST UNITED METHODIST, MONROE FIRST BAPTIST RUSTON
BEST AUTO DEALER: WINNER: JIM TAYLOR AUTO GROUP FINALISTS: RYAN AUTO GROUP, CARTOWN
BEST TAILOR / ALTERATIONS: WINNER: SHIRLEY’S ALTERATIONS FINALISTS: CAROLYN’S SEWING, AFTER-HOURS ALTERATIONS
BEST CAR WASH: WINNER: ROCKETFAST CAR WASH FINALISTS: CARWASH WEST, HAPPY DAYS CAR WASH
BEST DRY CLEANER: WINNER: D&D DRY CLEANERS FINALISTS: THE CLEANERS OF RUSTON, WEIL CLEANERS
BEST PET GROOMER: WINNER: HAPPY TAILS FINALISTS: DOGGIE STYLE GROOMING, DKS GROOMING
BEST PET BOARDER: WINNER: HAPPY TAILS FINALISTS:PETITE PAWS, LEFEBVRE VETERINARY
LOCAL LIVING BEST VETERINARY CLINIC: WINNER: ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF WEST MONROE FINALISTS: COOPER VETERINARY HOSPITAL CORNER VET OF STERLINGTON
BEST BANK: WINNER: ORIGIN BANK FINALISTS: BANCORPSOUTH, PROGRESSIVE BANK
BEST CREDIT UNION: WINNER: OUACHITA VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION FINALISTS: CENTRIC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION MONROE TELCO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER: WINNER: ANDY YARBROUGH FINALISTS: DARREN OGELSBY KELLY BRANTLEY
BEST INSURANCE AGENT: WINNER: BLAKE WHEELIS FINALISTS: GREG MANLEY, PEGGY SULLIVAN
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BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC: WINNER: MELANIE MASSEY PHYSICAL THERAPY FINALISTS: DANI JONES PHYSICAL THERAPY NORTH LOUISIANA ORTHOPAEDIC & SPORTS MEDICINE CLINIC
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER: WINNER: UNVEILED RADIANCE, ANGELA GROCE FINALISTS: ALBRITTON PHOTOGRAPHY DESIRAE GOODING PHOTOGRAPHY
BEST YOUTH SUMMER CAMP/PROGRAM: WINNER: CAMP CH-YO-CA FINALISTS: MED CAMPS KING’S CAMP
BEST MECHANIC: WINNER: WALPOLE TIRE & SERVICE FINALISTS: FRANK NETTLES AUTOMOTIVE RICKY CULP, CULP’S AUTOMOTIVE
BEST CHIROPRACTOR: WINNER: GG GRANT, SHELL FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC FINALISTS: MICHAEL HARVEY, MONROE CHIROPRACTIC TRAXLER CHIROPRACTIC
LOCAL LIVING
BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDDOS: KIROLI PARK 820 KIROLI ROAD WEST MONROE, LA 318.396.4016
Kiroli Park is a big, open space full of exploration opportunities. The 160-acre park features playgrounds, a dog park, tennis courts, picnic areas, fishing ponds, hiking trails, a conservatory and gardens. Recent additions include the Civitan Smiles Park and Pappadeaux’s Playground. Most of the area is wooded with numerous trails tracing the park with bridges, towers and elevated walkways. An appreciation of nature, the realization of the bigness of the landscape and our own small place in it is essential to understanding one’s place in the world.
FINALISTS: 2HIGH TRAMPOLINE LOUISIANA PURCHASE GARDENS & ZOO
BEST ATTORNEY: WINNER: ANZELMO & CREIGHTON FINALISTS: BJAY DURRETT, MARIO LEIJA
BEST PHARMACY: WINNER: ARON’S PHARMACY
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FINALISTS: WALTZ PHARMACY COMMUNITY PHARMACY
BEST DENTIST: WINNER: NELA DENTAL FINALISTS: DR. GRANT GLOVER, PEACH TREE DENTAL
BEST ORTHODONTIST: WINNER: CAPLES AND ROBINSON FINALISTS: TURPIN ORTHODONTICS, HUMMEL ORTHODONTICS
BEST CATERER: WINNER: THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY FINALISTS: UPTOWN DOWNTOWN, CRUMBS CATERING
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT: WINNER: HEATHER GUILLOT, VANGUARD REALTY FINALISTS: BRILEY BRASHER COTTON, HARRISON LILLY
BEST ACCOUNTANT / CPA: WINNER: DAVID T. COLE FINALISTS: TASHIA HINES, SHELBY AULDS
BEST DANCE STUDIO: WINNER: LINDA LAVENDER SCHOOL OF DANCE FINALISTS: MISSY CRAIN DANCE STUDIOS A TIME TO DANCE
LAGNIAPPE These categories represent some of the best products and people in the area. We love following our finalists on Instagram and always look forward to visiting our local art galleries.
BEST LOCAL PRODUCT: MR. P’S TEES
OWNER: LISSY & BRENT COMPTON 318.680.3431 | MRPSTEES.COM The Comptons started Mr. P’s Tees seven years ago for their son Pearson, to create cool, boyish clothes for him to wear. The company grew as little Pearson did, expanding from onesies and youth tees to adult tees. Many of the shirts drawn by Lissy give back to the community and nonprofit groups. The most recent design was for the teachers of Boley Elementary, and this fall’s t-shirt will benefit the Outdoor Wilderness Learning Center for equine-assisted psychotherapy. Lissy Compton knows God gave her a talent for drawing, so it’s a no-brainer to give back.
FINALISTS: LANDRY VINEYARDS FLYING TIGER BREWERY
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BEST PUBLIC OFFICIAL: WINNER: CONGRESSMAN RALPH ABRAHAM FINALISTS: MAYOR RONNY WALKER, MAYOR STACI ALBRITTON MITCHELL
BEST LOCAL ART GALLERY: WINNER: MASUR MUSEUM FINALISTS: RUSTON ARTISANS, LEVEE GALLERY
BEST LOCAL ORIGINAL BAND: WINNER: JORDAN SHEPPARD AND THE CYPRESS KNEES FINALISTS: MONTY RUSSELL, ASTRO MOTEL
BEST LOCALLY OWNED CHAIN: WINNER: CHICK-FIL-A FINALISTS: CHICKEN SALAD CHICK, NEWK’S
BEST INSTAGRAMMER: WINNER: CITY OF RUSTON @cityofruston FINALISTS: FLYING TIGER BREWERY @flyingtigerbrewery ANTIQUE ALLEY @antiquealley_westmonroe