Retail BEST OF BOULDER - EAST COUNTY

Art Cleaners has served the Boulder area since 1921. This humble shop has multiplied into seven locations over the last century, serving Boulder, Broomfield, Longmont, Lafayette and Erie. Having convenient locations is definitely one of the reasons our readers love Art Cleaners, but it’s also because they offer free pick-up and delivery service. Most importantly, Art Cleaners uses the GreenEarth Cleaning system, an environmentally friendly textile cleaning process that is free of the petrochemicals typically used in dry cleaning. So the next time you spill wine on your finest clothes, let Art Cleaners take care of the problem.

Farm Ollin Farms

8627 N. 95th St., Unit 7718, Longmont

Erie Winner: Anderson Farms

East Boulder Winner: Munson Farms

Kena and Mark Guttridge chose the Aztec word Ollin, which translates to “motion,” to capture the ever-changing nature of life on the farm. On the 165 acres of Ollin Farms, the Guttridges practice regenerative agriculture, eschewing the use of pesticides or herbicides — even organic products. The goal is to produce the most nutritious and flavorful produce possible while also contributing to healthy soil. From running youth classes and field trips, to hosting farm dinners, providing vegetables to local school districts and collaborating with scientists to track ecosystem data on the farm, the work on Ollin Farms is focused on working together to help build a resilient food system within Boulder County. It’s the reason our readers say it’s their favorite farm in East Boulder County.

Financial Advisor Oliver Asset Management

1729 Terry St., Longmont, 303-485-7509

Louisville Winner: Edward Jones

Frank Oliver literally wrote the book on financial planning. In Your T.I.M.E. is Now, Oliver teaches readers how to understand taxes, income, money and estate so you can retire comfortably. But you can also go to Oliver Asset Management in Longmont to learn from the man in person. Frank’s one of the nation’s top-tier IRA advisors, undergoing continual training through Ed Slott’s Master IRA Advisor Group, which means Frank has access to the most up-to-date research on IRA transfers and other methods to enhance and protect your assets. For nearly two decades, Oliver Asset Management has helped folks understand their financial needs and live their best life.

Gift Shop Cheese Importers

103 Main St., Longmont, 303-772-9599

Lafayette Winner: Local Goods

Colorado

Louisville Winner: Old Friends

When our readers are stuck on what to get that special someone for that special day, be it a birthday, anniversary or holiday, they head to Cheese Importers in Longmont. That’s because Cheese Importers is much more than cheese. Inside this quaint shop you’ll find a whole European market, brimming with books, art, soaps, games, house goods, glassware and, of course, cheese. Drop by and pick out the perfect selection of cheese, salamis and spreads, because nothing says “I love you” like a gift basket of cheese.

Grocery Store King Soopers

Multiple locations, 303-673-1800

Lafayette Winner: Sprouts

Farmers Market

Longmont Winner: Cheese

Importers

Niwot Winner: Niwot Market

King Soopers is a staple in Boulder County. The employees at this beloved chain have served our community with unyielding dedication and friendly service, through thick and thin, good times and bad. King Soopers’ produce is fresh, its protein is high quality and its pharmacists are knowledgeable, supporting the day-to-day needs of folks across Boulder County. All of which is why it’s not surprising that King Soopers was voted the best grocery store in Boulder yet again.

Hardware Store Ace Hardware

1727 Main St., Longmont, 303-776-5173

1343 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 720-736-7111

Lafayette Winner: JAX Farm & Ranch

Ace Hardware has been a staple since its opening; it has multitudinous departments and nearly 200,000 items. With their expansive inventory and dedicated staff, there’s almost nothing they can’t help you do. From cleaning supplies to power tools, pet supplies, and even a plant nursery, you can leave with your whole list checked off. When our East County readers have home improvement projects, Ace is the place.

HOTEL NIWOT INN & SPA

342 2nd Ave., Niwot, 303-652-8452

Broomfield Winner: Omni Interlocken

Longmont Winner: Residence Inn by Marriott

Set in picturesque downtown Niwot, the Niwot Inn & Spa is a beautiful 13-room bed and breakfast, just 10 minutes from downtown Boulder — but our East County residents know you don’t have to go to Boulder to have a good time. Niwot is full of quirky shops and art galleries just steps from the front door of the Niwot Inn. Each luxurious guest room is unique, with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and walls made of hand-plastered clay. Some rooms have steam showers, others have jetted Jacuzzi tubs, and there are even heated toilet seats. So whether you have family in from out of town or just want to take a staycation, Niwot Inn is where our readers say you should turn.

Independent Business Trivium Salon

945 Front St., Louisville, 303-949-5542

Lafayette Winner: The Read Queen Bookstore & Cafe

Rori Bass and her crew at Trivium Salon have dominated Best of Boulder East County for years, from Best Salon to Best Day Spa. But we think this is the Louisville establishment’s greatest honor: In a county that prides itself on offering unique, non-corporate businesses, being voted Best Independent Business says a lot. Trivium treats patrons and staff with respect, which is why you’ll see the same faces over and over again when you visit the salon. The stylists and estheticians are trained in the latest methods and treatments so you walk out feeling and looking your best every time. Consistency and quality are Trivium’s not-so-secret ingredients for success.

Insurance Agency Bolder Insurance

800 Jefferson Ave., Louisville, 303-4499595

Lafayette Winner: Rocky Mountain Insurance Center

Our readers think Bolder Insurance is the best in East County because this independently owned business lets customers compare rates and policies from more than a dozen of the best insurance agencies in the country, ensuring (get it?!) you get the right coverage at the best price. Owners Brent and Jackie Friesth are longtime members of the community, so you know just who to talk to when you have a problem with your insurance plan — no nameless, faceless corporation here. Auto or homeowner,