2022 Best of the Brainerd Lakes Winners

Amanda Cline

Jessica Davis

Savannah Mello

David Grell

Sean Mello

Jeff Isom

Randa Haug

Chris Hanson

Wes HendricksonVanessa Ciha Kody Ruedisili

Jayson Geditz

Sam

Kelsey Jensen Michael

The People Have Voted! The People Have Voted!

The Best of the Brainerd Lakes contest had a second straight year of admirable response with more than 133,178 votes cast for top three winners in 105 different categories.

The large response from voters displays a passion to honor top businesses in our lakes area which prides itself on individual and business excellence. Area businesses work hard to earn the respect and dedication of not only the local residents, but also the millions of annual visitors to our lakes area.

Over the years, anyone could make the claim for being the best in our area. But thanks to the local “Best of” contest, sponsored by the Brainerd Dispatch and Pineandlakes Echo Journal, we now have results, as the voters have spoken. And we’re excited by the response as almost 470,000 votes have been cast in the four years of “Best of” lakes area competition. This publication announces the top three winners in each category for 2022, including stories about the first place businesses. Thanks to everyone who participated and congratulations to the winners!

Pete Mohs Publisher

Steve Kohls

Chelsey Perkins

Jeremy Millsop

Work where you play. Start your career today!

VO T E D # 1 T R E E SERVICE

Best Bakery

Knotty Pine Bakery

707 Laurel St., Brainerd (218) 454-2470 knottypinebakery.com

2nd The Pine River Bakery

3rd The Center

Best Bar

Dunmire’s Bar & Grill 12110 MN-210, Brainerd (218) 454-0625 dunmiresbar.com

2nd Dunmire’s on the Lakes

3rd 5Rocks Distilling Co.

Best Bloody Mary

Dunmire’s Bar & Grill

12110 MN-210, Brainerd (218) 454-0625 dunmiresbar.com

2nd Yesterday’s Gone Bar & Grill

3rd CC’s Bar

Best Breakfast

Wings Airport Cafe 16384 Airport Rd , Ste #7, Brainerd (218) 828-0206 wingsairportcafe.com

2nd The Skillet

3rd 371 Diner

Best Brewery/ Distillery

Jack Pine Brewery 15593 Edgewood Dr. N, Baxter (218) 270-8072 jackpinebrewery.com

2nd Roundhouse Brewery

3rd 5rocks Distilling Co

Best Burger

Dunmire’s Bar & Grill 12110 MN-210, Brainerd (218) 454-0625 dunmiresbar.com

2nd Boulder Tap House

3rd Ernie’s on Gull

Best Coffee Shop

Coco Moon Coffee Bar 601 Laurel St, Brainerd (218) 825-7955 Coco Moon on Facebook

2nd Loco Espress Coffee House

3rd StoneHouse Coffee & Roastery

Best Festival/Event

Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day Parade 35446 Co Rd 3, Crosslake (218) 692-4027 crosslake.com

2nd Arts in the Park - Brainerd

3rd Lakes Jam

Best Fine Dining

Dunmire’s on the Lakes 19090 MN-371, Brainerd (218) 454-0690 dunmiresbar.com

2nd Bar Harbor Supper Club

3rd Norway Ridge Supper Club

Best Fries

Dunmire’s Bar & Grill

12110 MN-210, Brainerd (218) 454-0625 dunmiresbar.com

2nd Main Street Ale House

3rd Five Guys

Best Golf Course

Crosswoods Golf Course 35878 Co Rd 3, Crosslake (218) 692-4653 crosslakegolf.com

2nd Cragun’s Legacy Courses

3rd The Classic at Madden’s Golf Course

Best Lakeside Destination

Ernie’s on Gull

10424 Squaw Point Rd., Brainerd (218) 829-3918 erniesongull.com

2nd Dunmire’s on the Lakes

3rd Zorbaz - On Gull

Best Liquor Store

Super One Liquors

7895 Excelsior Rd, Baxter (218) 828-0256 superoneliquor.com

2nd Cashwise Liquor Store Baxter

3rd Cashwise Liquor Store Brainerd

Best Live Entertainment/ Performing Arts

Ernie’s on Gull

10424 Squaw Point Rd., Brainerd (218) 829-3918 erniesongull.com

2nd Roundhouse Brewery

3rd Dos Guys

Best Local Celebrity

Chris Dunmire

12110 MN-210, Brainerd (218) 454-0625 dunmiresbar.com

Tess Taylor

13225 Dogwood Drive, Baxter (218) 828-1244 1067wjjy.com

2nd Ken Thomas

3rd Cory Jay

Best Outdoor Dining

Ernie’s on Gull

10424 Squaw Point Rd., Brainerd (218) 829-3918 erniesongull.com

2nd Dunmire’s on the Lakes 3rd b*merri gastropub at The Woods

Best Pizza

Big Jay's Pizza Arcade

217 S. 7th St., Brainerd (218) 270-3519 bigjayspizzaarcade.com

2nd Rafferty’s Pizza - Brainerd 3rd Dough Bros Woodfire

Best Place for Summer Family Fun

Safari North Zoo

8493 MN-371, Brainerd (218) 454-1662 safarinorth.com

2nd Wildwedge Golf, Mini Golf and Maze 3rd Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf

Best Place for Winter Family Fun

Mount Ski Gull

9898 Co Rd 77 SW, Nisswa (218) 963-4353 mountskigull.com

2nd Big Jay's Pizza Arcade

3rd Nisswa City of Lights

Best Radio Station

106.7 WJJY - FM

13225 Dogwood Drive, Baxter (218) 828-1244 1067wjjy.com

2nd 107.5 LKIZ the Power Loon

3rd B93.3

Best Ribs

Dunmire’s Bar & Grill

12110 MN-210, Brainerd (218) 454-0625 dunmiresbar.com

2nd Sunshine’s Summerhouse

3rd Pit Happens

Best Seafood

Morey’s Seafood Market

15811 Audubon Way, Baxter (218) 829-8248 moreysmarkets.com

2nd Dunmire’s Bar & Grill

3rd Bar Harbor Supper Club

Best Soup

Christmas Point Wild Rice Co. 14803 Edgewood Dr N, Baxter (218) 828-0603 christmaspoint.com

2nd Dunmire’s Bar & Grill

3rd Mickey’s Pizza & Subs

Best Steak

Dunmire’s Bar & Grill

12110 MN-210, Brainerd (218) 454-0625 dunmiresbar.com

2nd The Fort Steakhouse

3rd Bar Harbor Supper Club

Best Sunday Brunch

Wings Airport Cafe 16384 Airport Rd , Ste #7, Brainerd (218) 828-0206 wingsairportcafe.com

2nd Black Bear Lodge & Saloon

3rd Main Street Ale House

Best Vegetarian/Vegan

Sage on Laurel 606 Laurel St, Brainerd (218) 454-7243 sageonlaurel.com

2nd Crow Wing Food Co-Op

3rd Burritos California - Brainerd

Best Weddings/Party Venue

Northern Pacific Center 1511 Northern Pacific Rd, Brainerd (218)270-8113 northernpacificcenter.com

2nd Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Resort

3rd Northland Arboretum

Best Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings

14643 Edgewood Dr N Suite 100, Baxter (218) 828-8900 buffalowildwings.com

2nd Dunmire’s Bar & Grill

3rd Mission Tavern

Best Aitkin/Deerwood Restaurant

Block North Brew Pub

302 Minnesota Ave N., Aitkin (218) 928-8090 blocknorthbrewpub.com

2nd The Deerstand

3rd Lonesome Pine Restaurant

Best Baxter Restaurant

El Tequila Mexican Restaurant

7399 Garrison Rd, Baxter (218) 454-0618

2nd The Side Track Bar and Restaurant

3rd The Boulder Tap House

Best Brainerd Restaurant

Dunmire’s Bar & Grill 12110 MN-210, Brainerd (218) 454-0625 dunmiresbar.com

2nd Ernie’s on Gull

3rd b*merri gastropub at The Woods

Best Crosby/Ironton Restaurant

Iron Range Eatery

6 W Main St, Crosby (218) 545-5444 ironrange.3cheersmn.com

2nd Rafferty’s Pizza

3rd Burritos California

Best Crosslake Restaurant

Maucieri’s Italian Bistro

34650 Co Rd. 3, Crosslake (218) 692-4800 maucieris.com

2nd Mission Tavern

3rd Moonlite Bay Family Restaurant

Best Nisswa/Lakeshore Restaurant

Main Street Ale House

25559 Main St, Nisswa (218) 961-6724 mainstreetnisswa.com

2nd Bar Harbor Supper Club

3rd Rafferty’s Pizza

Best Pequot Lakes/Breezy Point Restaurant

Lucky’s Tavern

31020 Government Dr., Pequot Lakes (218) 568-4177

Lucky's Tavern on Facebook

2nd MN Traders Co

3rd Antlers Restaurant

Best Accounting Firm

B. Johnson & Associates Ltd.

11610 Andrew St. Brainerd (218) 829-3501 brainerdcpa.com

2nd Clasen & Schiessl CPAs, Ltd.

3rd CLA CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Best Bank/Credit Union

Mid Minnesota Federal Credit UnionBrainerd

200 S 6th St, Brainerd (218) 829-0371 mmfcu.org

2nd Mid Minnesota Federal Credit UnionBaxter

3rd Refined Lending Mortgage BankBrainerd Lakes Area

Best Bicycle Shop

Easy Riders Bicycle & Sports

415 Washington Street, Brainerd (218) 829-5516 easyridersbikes.com

2nd Muddy Bikes

3rd Red Raven - Crosby

Best Boutique

The Olde Open Window

602 Laurel St, Brainerd (218) 454-3338

The Olde Open Window on Facebook

2nd The Wild Daisy

3rd The Mercantile | Thrift & Gift

Best Camper/RV Dealer

Pleasureland RV Center

17301 State Hwy 371, Brainerd (218) 454-7800 pleasurelandrv.com

2nd Hilltop Camper & RV

3rd Scamp Eveland’s Inc.

Best Car Dealership

Sweet Cars

112 Front Street N Suite D, Box 770, Pine River (218) 820-3159 buyasweetcar.com

2nd Dondelinger Chevrolet Cadillac

3rd Kimber Creek Ford

Best DJ/Mobile

Entertainment Company

Silent Partner Production (218) 831-4280

Silent Partner Production on Facebook

2nd Dynamite Reflections Entertainment LLC

3rd Electrifying Dynamics

Best Fitness Center

Black Arrow Martial Arts

217 Washington Street, Brainerd (218) 851-1618 blackarrowmartialarts.com

2nd Takedown Gym

3rd Anytime Fitness - Nisswa

Best Flooring/Carpet Store

Tyke’s Carpet Sales

16948 MN-371, Brainerd (218) 825-0279 tykescarpetcastle.com

2nd Hudrlik Design Studio

3rd Northwest Carpet

Best Florist

The Wild Daisy

4484 Main St., Pequot Lakes (218) 568-5454 thewilddaisyshop.com

2nd Brainerd Floral

3rd North Country Floral

Best Garden Store/Nursery/ Greenhouse

Landsburg Landscape Nursery 16460 Highway 371 N., Brainerd (218) 829-5519 landsburgnursery.com

2nd Copper Creek Garden Center & Landscape

3rd Erickson’s Greenhouse

Best Grocery Store

Super One Foods - Baxter 7895 Excelsior Rd, Baxter (218) 828-2160 superonefoods.com

2nd Aldi- Baxter

3rd Super One Foods - Crosby

Best Hardware Store

Brainerd Ace Hardware 214 W Washington Street, Brainerd (218) 829-5476 acehardware.com/store-details/15760

2nd Menards - Brainerd

3rd Crosslake Ace Hardware

Best Home Exterior Contractor

Advantage Seamless Gutters

1006 Wright St, Brainerd (218) 270-2663 advantageseamlessgutters.com

2nd North Country Construction LLC

3rd Lands End Development

Best Home Furnishing Store

Bob & Frans Factory Direct

724 Laurel St, Brainerd (218) 829-2849 bobandfrans.com

2nd Christmas Point Wild Rice Co

3rd Salvage Sisters, A Repurposed Store

Best Homebuilder

Baratto Brothers

13872 Shafer Rd., Crosslake (218) 692-1070 barattobrothers.com

2nd Hy-Tec Construction of Brainerd, Inc.

3rd Wes Hanson Builders

Best Hotel/Motel

AmericInn by Wyndham - Pequot Lakes

32912 Paul Bunyan Trail Dr, Pequot Lakes (218) 568-8400 upnorthlodge.com

2nd Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Resort

3rd Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd

Best Manufacturing Company

Clow Stamping Company

23103 Co Rd. 3, Merrifield (218) 765-3111 clowstamping.com

2nd Graphic Packaging International

3rd Pequot Manufacturing

Best Meat Selection/Market or Butcher Shop

Von Hanson Meats of Baxter

15811 Audubon Way, Baxter (218) 822-2888 vonhansons.com/baxter

2nd Thielen Meats - Pierz

3rd Emily Meats

Best Medical Facility

Cuyuna Regional Medical Center 320 East Main Street. Crosby (218) 546-7000 cuyunamed.org

2nd Lakewood Health Systems - Staples

3rd Essentia Health St. Joseph’s-Baxter Clinic

Best Motorsports Dealer

Brothers Motorsports

7915 State Hwy 210, Baxter (218) 829-6656 brothersmotorsports.com

2nd SPR Motorsports & Marine

3rd West Side Recreation - Little Falls

Best Newspaper

Brainerd Dispatch

506 James Street, Brainerd (218) 829-4705 brainerddispatch.com

2nd Crosby Ironton Courier

3rd Pine & Lakes Echo Journal

Best Nonprofit Organization

Best Real Estate Company

EXIT Lakes Realty Premier

7153 Forthun Rd S Suite 120, Baxter (218) 454-3948

ChadSchwendeman.com

2nd Northland Sotheby’s International Realty

3rd Woods to Water Real Estate

Best Resort

Heath’s Resort

37186 Heath Dr., Pine River (218) 587-2286 heathsresort.com

2nd Grand View Lodge Spa & Golf Resort

3rd Campfire Bay Resort - Cushing

Best School

Crosslake Community School 35808 Co Rd 66, Crosslake (218) 692-5437 crosslakekids.org

2nd Crosby-Ironton High School

3rd Pillager Elementary School

Best Small Company to Work for (Under 50)

Design Dentistry LLC

7674 Design Rd., Baxter (218) 828-4816

designdentistryllc.com

2nd Mickey’s Pizza & Subs

3rd Mike's Tree Company LLC

Best Sporting Goods/Outdoor Store

Reeds Family Outdoor Outfitters

522 Minnesota Ave W, Walker (800) 346-0019 reedssports.com

2nd Fleet Farm

3rd DICK’s Sporting Goods

Best Thrift Store

Best Jeweler

E.L. Menk Jewelers

623 Laurel Street, Brainerd (218) 829-7266 elmenkjewelers.com

2nd Merritt Jewelers

3rd Birgit’s Jewelers

Best Large Company to Work For (50+)

Clow Stamping Company

23103 Co Rd. 3, Merrifield (218) 765-3111 clowstamping.com

2nd Cuyuna Regional Medical Center

3rd Costco Wholesale

Best Magazine

Lake Country Journal

1022 Madison Street, Brainerd (218) 828-6424 lakecountryjournal.com

2nd Her Voice

3rd Crow Wing County Resource Guide

H.A.R.T. (Heartland Animal Rescue) 15494 Dellwood Drive, Brainerd (218) 829-4141 www.hartpets.org

2nd Relationship Safety Alliance fka Mid-Minnesota Women’s Center

3rd Bridges of Hope

Best Outdoor Fun Rental

Party World

15867 Edgewood Dr N, Baxter (218) 828-2127 partyworldbrainerd.com

2nd Party Time Rental, Inc.

3rd Lakes Area Adventures

Best Photographer

Steve Kohls, Brainerd Dispatch Photographer

506 James St., Brainerd (218) 855-5870 BrainerdDispatch.com

2nd Ashley Thiel Photography

3rd Veronica Barry Photography

The Mustard Seed of Deerwood 23697 Forest Rd, Deerwood (218) 534-2945

salemwestdwd.org/mustard-seed

2nd The Mercantile | Thrift & Gift

3rd Common Goods - Brainerd

Best Writer/Journalist

Chelsey Perkins, Brainerd Dispatch

Community Editor

506 James St., Brainerd (218) 855-5874

BrainerdDispatch.com

2nd Jeremy Millsop, Brainerd Dispatch Sports Editor

3rd Studio 218, LLC

Best Auto Care

Spring Creek Auto Repair 12206 Executive Acres Rd, Brainerd (218) 851-3874

Spring Creek Auto Repair on Facebook

2nd Shannon’s Auto Body

3rd Corral Auto Repair

Best Boat Cleaning/Restoring

Hwy 18 Collision Center Inc.

13587 Trails End Ln., Brainerd (218) 828-0181 hwy18collison.com

2nd Fasttrax Marine and Detail

3rd Marine Collision Center

Best Carpet/Floor Cleaner

Tyke's Carpet Castle

16948 MN-371, Brainerd (218) 825-0279 tykescarpetcastle.com

2nd CJ’s Chem Dry

3rd Chem Dry of the Lakes

Best Customer Service

Lake Shore Heating and Cooling

PO Box 431, Nisswa (218) 656-0177

lakeshoreheatingandcooling.com

2nd Mickey’s Pizza & Subs

3rd Anytime Fitness - Nisswa

Best Dental Office

Design Dentistry LLC

7674 Design Rd., Baxter (218) 828-4816

designdentistryllc.com

2nd Lakes Dental Care

3rd Lake Country Dental

Best Duct Cleaning

Optimum Cleaning LLC

31147 Front St, Pequot Lakes (218) 568-8338

optimumcleaning.com

2nd Sportsman’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Best Child Care Facility

Brainerd Family YMCA

602 Oak Street, Brainerd (218) 829-4767 brainerdlakesymca.org

2nd Little Stars Daycare - Shannon Wright

3rd Annie’s Child Care & Learning

Best Chimney Sweep

Top Cat Chimney Sweep

1001 8th St NE, Little Falls (320) 616-6916 top-cat-chimney-and-fireplace.business.site

Best Chiropractic Office

Family Chiropractic Clinic

15574 Edgewood Dr N, Ste 102, Baxter (218) 829-2665 familychiroclinicmn.com

2nd Lakes Chiropractic

3rd Sazama Family Chiropractic & Wellness, PA

Best Cleaning Service

Optimum Cleaning

Pequot Lakes (218) 568-8338 optimumcleaning.com

2nd Minnesota Cleaning Solutions, LLC

3rd Mills Cleaning Services LLC - Brainerd

Best Computer/Tech Repair

Batteries Plus

923 Washington Street, Brainerd (218) 824-8888 batteriesplus.com

2nd Watt Computer Solutions - Jenkins

3rd Geek2Go - Pequot Lakes

Best Cosmetic/Esthetic Clinic

Design Dentistry

7674 Design Rd., Baxter (218) 828-4816 designdentistryllc.com

2nd Dermatology Professionals

3rd Key Wellness, PLLC

Best Elder Care Services

Advantage PCA & Senior Care

13954 Cypress Dr STE 102, Baxter (218) 838-4543

advantagepcaandseniorcare.com

2nd Heartwood Senior Living - Crosby

3rd Home Instead

Best Electrical

Jim’s Electric Co. Inc.

8296 Industrial Park Rd S, Baxter (218) 828-0250

jimselectric.com

2nd Holden Electric

3rd Vision Electrical Services, Inc.

Best Eye Clinic

Midwest Family Eye Center

7870 Excelsior Rd, Baxter (218) 828-9545

midwestfamilyeyecenters.com

2nd Brainerd Eyecare Center

3rd Associates in Eyecare - Baxter

Best Financial Advisor/Company

Todd Wright - COUNTRY Financial

984 Marlin Pl W, Pillager (218) 825-8662

representatives.countryfinancial.com/services/ rep.todd.wright.html

2nd B. Johnson & Associates Ltd.

3rd Allison M. Drusch - Edward Jones

Best Gutter Company

Advantage Seamless Gutters

1006 Wright St, Brainerd (218) 270-2663 advantageseamlessgutters.com

2nd Lake Country Seamless Gutters

3rd Rainy Day Gutters

Best Hair Salon

Thairapy Lash & Beauty Bar

618 Front St, Brainerd (218) 831-3204

2nd Akila Hair Lab

3rd Belle Cheveux Salon

Best Healthcare Provider

Cuyuna Regional Medical Center 320 East Main Street. Crosby (218) 546-7000 cuyunamed.org

2nd Essentia Health - Brainerd

3rd Golden Heart Home Health Services LLC

Best Heating & Air Conditioning Company

JIBEC Heating & Cooling

1775 Dandelion Lane SW, Brainerd (218) 828-0330

jibechvac.com

2nd Lake Shore Heating and Cooling

3rd Thelen Heating & Roofing

Best Insurance Agent

Shannon FinneganAmerican Family Insurance

406 W Washington St, Ste 4, Brainerd (218) 829-3040 amfam.com/agents/minnesota/brainerd/ shannon-finnegan

2nd Jake Brandt - State Farm Insurance

3rd Todd Wright - COUNTRY Financial

Best Landscaping/Lawn Care

Mike’s Tree Company, LLC

5906 Pine Beach Rd., Brainerd (218) 825-8207

mikestreecompany.com

2nd Landsburg Landscape Nursery

3rd Cut Right Lawn Care LLC

Best Law Firm

The Raboin & Francis Law Firm

7343 Woida Rd., Baxter (218) 828-9211

raboinfrancislaw.com

2nd Breen & Person, Ltd.

3rd Borden, Steinbauer, Krueger & Knudson P.A.

Best Nail Salon

DN Nail & Spa

13508 Elmwood Dr Suite 1, Baxter (218) 454-0850

DN Nails on Facebook

2nd Vicki Randall Nail Salon

3rd Nail’D It by Peter

Best Paint Store

Hirshfield’s

7447 Clearwater Rd N, Baxter (218) 824-0642 hirshfields.com

2nd Brainerd Ace Hardware

3rd Menards - Baxter

Best Pet Grooming

Lakeland Veterinary Hospital 7372 Woida Rd., Baxter (218) 829-1709 lakelandvet.net

2nd Pampered Pets

3rd Animal Care Center

Best Pharmacy

Essentia Health-Brainerd Pharmacy 2024 S 6th St, Brainerd (218) 829-7455 essentiahealth.org/find-facility/profile/essentiahealth-brainerd-pharmacy

2nd GuidePoint Pharmacy - Brainerd

3rd Cub Pharmacy - Brainerd (Tie)

3rd Cuyuna Lakes Pharmacy (Tie)

Best Plumber

Pike Plumbing & Heating 830 Brook Street, Brainerd (218) 829-4332 pikeplumbingandheating.com

2nd North Country Plumbing & Heating

3rd Godfrey Plumbing & Heating

Best Real Estate Agent

Chad SchwendemanEXIT Lakes Realty Premier 7153 Forthun Rd S Suite 120, Baxter (218) 454-3948 ChadSchwendeman.com

2nd Antje Anderson

3rd Jackie Kalenberg

Best Roofing Company

Neumann Construction 1006 Wright St, Brainerd (218) 270-0009 brainerdroofing.com

2nd Thelen Heating & Roofing

3rd Hanson Roofing & Construction

Best Tanning Salon

Caribbean Beach Tanning Salon 208 West Washington St, Brainerd (218) 833-TANS

caribbeanbeachtanning.com

2nd The Notorious Beauty Bar

3rd Lakes Area Cosmetic Bar

Best Tattoo Shop

One Life Tattoo Studio Brainerd

2nd Tony Powers Designs

3rd Red at Night Tattoos and Piercing

Best Title Company

Elite Title & Escrow

13954 Cypress Dr, Ste 200, Baxter 218-829-4450

elitetitlemn.com

2nd The Title Team-Noble Escrow

3rd Atlas Abstract

Best Tree Company

Mike’s Tree Company, LLC

5906 Pine Beach Rd., Brainerd (218) 825-8207

mikestreecompany.com

2nd Ben The Tree Guy

3rd Nic's Works LLC Tree Service

Best Veterinarian Office

Lakeland Veterinary Hospital 7372 Woida Rd N, Baxter (218) 829-1709 lakelandvet.net

2nd Animal Care Center

3rd Pequot Lakes Animal Hospital

Best Bakery Knotty Pine Bakery

Founded in 2016, Knotty Pine Bakery is committed to baking up pies, pastries and scratch-made treats created with the best ingredients that showcase local and seasonal flavors. Growing up, owner Marie Kirsch spent summers baking alongside her Grandma Joy in her knotty-pine paneled kitchen near Nisswa’s Clark Lake. Since then, Marie has made it her goal to create a bakery experience that inspires the same feeling of warmth and comfort she feels in her grandma’s kitchen, and that exemplifies the importance of good food — both in its ability to nourish us and to bring us together with the people we care about.

Knotty Pine Bakery opened its doors in downtown Brainerd in the fall of 2019 after winning the Brainerd Lakes Chamber’s Destination Downtown Brainerd Business Competition. Since then, it has quickly become a local favorite for unique and delicious baked goods, including their signature “Pie Pops” and Minnesota-shaped sugar cookies. In the summer, you can also find Knotty Pine Bakery at area farmers markets serving up pies and other goodies — be sure to try our summer favorite, chocolate-dipped Key Lime Pie on a stick. And when it comes to designing custom cakes and desserts, Knotty Pine Bakery is a trusted source for putting together a beautiful (and tasty) spread for events large and small. Come visit us at our shop in downtown Brainerd to enjoy the tastes and smells of homemade baked goods and see why we were voted Brainerd’s No. 1 Bakery.

Best Bicycle Shop Easy Riders Bicycle & Sports

415 Washington Street, Brainerd• (218)829-5516

The team at Easy Riders Bikes wants to thank our customers for again choosing us as No. 1 Best Bike Shop in the Brainerd lakes area.

2022 marks our celebration of 50 years in the fun business for owners Kenn and Lori Shepherd.

Our awesome team of professional and expert-level staff offer value added experiences to our customers ensuring all ages and abilities are prepared and ready to ride. Fully supported product lines from Trek and Specialized, among others, allow customers convenient and easy shopping and Certified Service Center experiences. Customers have every excuse to live, work, play, and stay in the Brainerd lakes area; we offer the solutions and friendly staff our community is looking for. Easy Riders is partnered with local organizations, teams, and clubs to encourage further growth in regional trail development and rider community engagement. World class experiences are locally available through Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trails, YMCA Gravel Grinders, Paul Bunyan State Trail, Cuyuna Lakes State Trail, Lakes Area BMX, and Mount Ski Gull and more. We are passionate about ebikes. We witnessed ebikes transform thousands of our clients’ lives during the recent bike boom. You are invited to visit our shop to learn more and test ride for yourself.

Your next adventure is waiting for you. We will see you there!

Best Breakfast, Best Sunday Brunch

Wings Airport Cafe

16384 Airport Rd , Ste #7, Brainerd • (218) 828-0206 wingsairportcafe.com

There has been a coffee shop/café at the Brainerd Airport since the 1960s, with various people operating it over the years, the present owner since July of 2014.

The recent remodel is the latest in a series of expansions over the years. The menu is chef-driven with made from scratch recipes dominating. We mix, proof, bake and slice the bread in our kitchen. Soups, gravies, sauces, mashed potatoes, pie and rolls are all homemade. We serve Minnesota cuisine, hot dishes, commercial hot sandwiches with mashed potatoes and gravy, wild rice and walleye. The quality of our food and the hard-working friendly staff are what help us succeed. The location allows for viewing of the comings and goings of many different kinds of airplanes and helicopters, as well as large and small jets. There are two modern terminals attached to the café. It’s a modern airport with many businesses, state and federal agencies on its campus.

With the building of a new Air Rescue & Fire Fighting facility and installation of a large solar array, there’s plenty of activity. Our success is our great food, good service and honest hard work. We live up to our motto — Wings Airport Café — Making Friends One Plate at a Time.

Best Vegetarian/Vegan

Sage on Laurel

606 Laurel St, Brainerd • (218) 454-7243 sageonlaurel.com

Sage on Laurel, downtown Brainerd’s iconic dining experience, was voted top Vegetarian/ Vegan Food for the 2022 “Best of” Lakes Area contest.

Sage offers global flavors coupled with familiar comfort foods. Our from-scratch kitchen, fun and adventurous menu full of fresh and bright flavors and historic, comfortable and artsy atmosphere is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Sage serves uniquely delicious sandwiches, burgers, salads, dinners, homemade desserts, cocktails and more. They also serve the best walleye around, plus great vegetarian and gluten free offerings. There’s also a huge streetside patio dining area in a lovely historic urban setting. We also cater.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Best Brewery/Distillery Jack Pine Brewery

Iopened Jack Pine Brewery in January of 2013 to bring my passion for great, locally produced, beer to the Brainerd lakes area.

For nearly 50 years, Crosslake has been celebrating the coming of spring with a St. Patrick’s Day Parade. What started out in the ‘70s as a remedy for cabin fever, has grown into a destination event for thousands of green-clad, Irish-for-a-day, weekend enthusiasts. Some build a float and travel the 1.5-mile-long route tossing hundreds of pounds of candy and trinkets and others set up lawn chairs, days in advance to get ”their perfect spot” for family and friends. While the parade is the highlight, the celebration begins days before as we sweep the streets of snow, adorn our shops in green and pre-game with a treasure hunt, live music, the Clover Dash 5K and more. Mark your calendars for March 18, 2023, and see for yourself why the Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration has been declared the Best of the Brainerd Lakes and the Best in the state.

Being the first brewery in the area since prohibition, I didn’t know what to expect. The community quickly caught on to the idea of a local brewery taproom and we became a social hub even in our humble beginnings in the Baxter Industrial Park. As the brewery grew, so did our team of wonderful people. Within a few short years, Jack Pine outgrew its original space and relocated to the north side of Baxter, just off 371. The much-needed upgrade expanded our production capacity, allowing us to grow not only our taproom selection, but also our distribution footprint. The larger taproom with outdoor patio has become a favorite to both locals and visitors alike. What really sets us apart, however, is our people. We have the most amazing team at Jack Pine, from those working behind the scenes to those front and center behind the bar. From all of us at Jack Pine, thank you for voting us No. 1 in the Brainerd lakes area.

- Patrick Sundberg

Best Coffee Shop Coco Moon Coffee Bar

The positive history of Coco Moon’s relationship with its customers has not changed in nearly 28 years of operation. Our customers are why we are still here. We are beyond proud to be the Brainerd lakes choice for best coffee shop. With our baristas having nearly 50 combined years in the service industry, we take pride in the quality of our drinks and pastries. We try to keep a pace that rivals other shops. Although we are a small business we continue to make an impact within our local community. Our regular customers have turned into family. Our seasonal customers come back every year to visit their second home. People from all over the world and all walks of life visit us in Historic Downtown Brainerd. We ensure every customer leaves enjoying their walk through our door.

Coco Moon is truly an experience. Physically walking into our Sixth and Laurel location takes an effort that we appreciate more than anyone could realize.

Coco Moon has had two previous owners, Rod and Karen Opp, and Lorie and Mark Brown. Dawn and William Stienka are the new owners of Coco Moon as of January 2022. This community has thrown its support behind any idea to bring the business into the future here in Historic Downtown Brainerd. We are just as committed to you all. So please stop in and visit us, we would love to fill your cup.

Best

Morey's Seafood Market

“Eat more fish!” is a slogan for Morey’s Seafood Market. That’s not a bad piece of advice, particularly from the family of a business that’s been a staple of the lakes area since 1937, and was voted Best Seafood in the lakes area “Best of” contest for 2022. Morey’s Seafood Market General Manager Paul Burton pointed to a high level of quality as one key to Morey’s success — a selection of seafood, he noted, that’s been fine-tuned and honed to perfection after 80 years of business. Steve and Ellen Frank along with Paul and Elsye Burton operate Morey’s Seafood Markets.

Burton also took a second to compliment and thank Morey’s staff — dedicated employees, he said, who’s professionalism and attention to the needs of customers is a major contribution to their valued place in the lakes community.

“We could be selling left-handed periwinkles all day if we wanted, instead of seafood,” Burton said. “But I think we’d still have a great reputation because we have such a great staff.”

Best Liquor Store Super One

Best Golf Course Crosswoods Golf Course

Super One Liquor and the Miner family would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for your patronage. We appreciate your confidence in our service and selection through your votes for “Best in the Brainerd Lakes.” Our Baxter location opened June of 2015. This spring we added to our family of businesses with our new Crosby location. Our success comes from the integrity and service established by our Super One Food locations which have held a presence in this community for over three decades. When we say, “Come for the service, leave with the savings!,” we are giving you our commitment of outstanding customer service every day as well as our best pricing. You will find an ever-growing selection of wine, beer and spirits at all our Super One Liquor locations. Our management searches for opportunities to provide unique and special selections and offer the latest market trends. This selection would mean nothing if we didn’t have the best and most dedicated staff to serve our customers. We are fortunate to be a vibrant supporter to organizations within our communities and value the spirit of giving from our customers.

Thank you for voting us Best of the Brainerd Lakes!

Crosswoods Golf Course is not your ordinary golf course, and that’s a GOOD thing!

The 27-hole golf course was designed and built by owner/operators Mike and Kelly Stone in the heart of Crosslake. “It’s not too often that you have the opportunity to build a golf course on 250 acres in the heart of a community, let alone in a pristine setting of pines and lakes,” stated Mike Stone. The 27-hole layout features three nines that go by the names of Sunrise, High Noon and Sunset. “I think people are genuinely surprised by the high quality of golf we provide at such a reasonable price. I never get tired of hearing, ‘It’s so beautiful out there’ from first time guests.”

“I mean the golf course is why people come here, but our staff is why they come back,” mentioned Kelly Stone. “I love our staff; they are the best. We only hire ‘People People.’ It’s that simple.”

Rounding out the ‘Crosswoods Difference’ are the state of the art EZ Go Golf Carts. Normally reserved for ultra high end courses, these carts feature 10-inch GPS screens, and are silently powered by lithium batteries. “These carts are a game changer for our guest experience, from ordering food to assisting in pace of play, our EZ Gos do not disappoint,” Mike said with a small grin. An easy drive from anywhere in the Brainerd lakes, Crosswoods is located a half-mile north of Reed’s Market in beautiful Crosslake.

We are honored that you chose us for first place in Best Auto Care.

Best Lakeside Destination, Best Live Entertainment/ Performing Arts, Best Outdoor Dining Ernie's on Gull 10424 Squaw Point Rd., Brainerd• (218)829-3918 • erniesongull.com

Alot has changed over the years at Ernie’s on Gull but one thing has stayed the same — the unmatched views of beautiful Gull Lake.

Back in 1917, Ernie Ritari saw something special with Gull Point and now Ernie’s was voted No. 1 Best Lakeside Destination, No. 1 Outdoor Dining Destination and No. 1 Best Live Entertainment Destination. Locals and vacationers alike love Ernie’s because of the amazing food, beautiful views of Gull Lake and live entertainment on our spacious patios. Ernie’s has outdoor seating for over 200 people, each one with a gorgeous view. Today Ernie’s is owned and operated by Chris and Mike Foy.

Best Bar, Best Bloody Mary, Best Burger, Best Fine Dining, Best Fries, Best Local Celebrity, Best Ribs, Best Steak, Best Brainerd Restaurant

Dunmire's Bar & Grill | Dunmire's on the Lakes

12110 MN-210, Brainerd• (218)454-0625 | dunmiresbar.com | 19090 MN-371, Brainerd • (218)454-0690

Chris Dunmire doubled his restaurant business earlier this year when he added Dunmire’s on the Lakes on Highway 371 north of Brainerd near North Long Lake to go with his already successful Dunmire’s Bar & Grill on Highway 210 east of Brainerd.

also doubled his success in the “2022 Best of” Brainerd Lakes awards. The two restaurants combined for eight firstplace honors and six second-place finishes.

Dunmire’s Bar & Grill was first for Best Bar, Best Bloody Mary, Best Burger, Best Fries, Best Steak, Best Ribs and Best Brainerd Restaurant. The restaurant also finished second for Best Sea-

food, Best Soup and Best Wings. Dunmire’s on the Lake finished first for Best Fine Dining and was second for Best Bar, Best Lakeside Destination and Best Outdoor Dining.

Two years into the business, Chris has built a reputation for offering a menu with something for everyone. Serving up classic American dishes perfected with a Dunmire’s twist — from craft burgers to hearty meals. The staff wants to give you a full experience from the second you walk in to the moment you leave. You will often see Chris make his rounds to personally greet and thank the customers.

Best Pizza Big Jay's Pizza Arcade

We are honored to be voted No. 1 best pizza by the Brainerd lakes area.

Since our opening in December 2020, this community has shown us nothing but love and support and we can’t thank you enough. It’s our mission to provide the Brainerd lakes area with an entertainment venue for any age and every budget, while also serving up the best possible pizza. In the last year we added 16 new arcade games, created a larger party room in addition to our original three small rooms, and began offering delivery through DoorDash. We are always looking at ways we can improve and grow and look forward to what the future holds for Big Jay’s.

Best Local Celebrity

Taylor

With a plethora of talent in the Brainerd lakes area, Tess Taylor of Hubbard radio bested the competition to take home the 2022 award for Best Local Celebrity.

“I’m just very flattered,” Taylor said. “I’m very honored that people would choose me over all the local talent and local celebrities here in the Brainerd lakes area. I understand I was among a lot of really talented people. So it’s very flattering and humbling to actually win it. So thank you.”

Taylor is on 106.7 WJJY in the mornings and B 93.3 for middays.

Starting in radio at KTCO in Duluth in 1996, Taylor worked her way through a number of stations there and in 2000 she moved to the cities for four years working for radio Disney in promotions. Not getting to be on the air, and missing it, Taylor found an opening at WJJY in 2004 and jumped on it.

It’ll be 18 years in October, she said as she explained her love for small-town radio.

“I like the personal feeling,” Taylor said. “I like that it’s live and local. I love the people that I work with. We are truly a team and a family. And I’ve worked a number of places and there’s no place like Hubbard radio; they really treat you like family.”

Taylor volunteers her time with the Alzheimer’s Association, the Heartland Animal Rescue Team and emcees the Clear Vision with Confidence event along with many other organizations.

Taylor said she doesn’t think she would be half of the personality that she is if it weren’t for Ken Thomas, her co-host, who without a doubt brings the best out of her.

Best Place for Winter Family Fun Mount Ski Gull

9898 Co Rd 77 SW, Nisswa• (218)963-4353 mountskigull.com

Mount Ski Gull is honored to be awarded the Best of the Brainerd Lakes again.

As a small nonprofit Alpine ski hill we have been in the Brainerd lakes area since 1962. This year, we are celebrating our 60th anniversary and couldn’t be more excited to celebrate it with you. In the winter Mount Ski Gull offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing all in one convenient location. Come join us out on the hill for a plethora of winter fun. In the off season, we offer nature classes, guided hikes, and special events. For more information, visit mountskigull.com.

Best Place for Summer Family Fun

Safari North Zoo

8493 MN-371, Brainerd• (218)454-1662

safarinorth.com

Giraffes and camels and alligators, oh my! Interactive family fun for animal lovers of all ages is promised at Safari North Wildlife Park. Named the Best Place for Summer Family Fun once again, the attraction is a unique offering in the lakes area that guarantees something for everyone, owner Kevin Vogel said.

“It’s just something totally unique, and it’s fun for the whole family,” he said.

Visitors can feed giraffes, ride camels, visit alligators and get up close and personal with the exhibits while riding around the park on the Safari Train — all contributing factors to its first-place win.

“I think it’s not just one thing; I think it’s a combination of several things — fun for all ages, the interaction and just the totally unique package,” Vogel said.

This year’s visitors were greeted with newly asphalted trails to ease their walk through the park, and those

Best Soup

Christmas Point Wild Rice Co.

Best Radio Station

The Christmas Point family would like to thank everyone who voted. We are blessed with a caring and skilled staff that goes the extra mile to ensure a pleasant shopping experience for all of our guests. Customer service is our specialty.

Christmas Point Wild Rice Company in Baxter has proudly served the Brainerd lakes community for 23 years. Our three level, lodge style 26,000-square-foot store was built in 1999. We are a locally owned and family run shopping destination that has been the source for unique and tasteful gifts and home accessories. Christmas Point is your shopping destination for unique furniture, home accents, women’s apparel, shoes, jewelry, gourmet foods, kitchen gadgets and a cafe that serves amazing grilled panini sandwiches, salads, soups and fresh baked goods. Be sure to check out our second location in beautiful downtown Walker.

For the second year in a row, one of the six radio stations in the Brainerd lakes area owned by Hubbard Broadcasting was named the 2022 Best Radio Station. 106.7 - WJJY was given the honor of being named the best. “First of all, thank you,” General Manager Jeff Hilborn of the Brainerd market said. “It gives us some affirmation that what we’re doing is being well received. We have got a really good team of professionals that are both on the air, and administrative and sales that make the whole radio station, what it is. And I think they all show a great deal of passion for what they do. And it sounds like the community agrees and likes what they hear.”

WJJY provides its listeners with the latest news, sports and weather information with a focus on the community they look to serve. The radio station has been awarded the National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Award for exceptional public service in 2001, 2003, 2007 and 2021. Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. is an American television and radio broadcasting corporation based in Minneapolis-St. Paul was started by Stanley E. Hubbard in 1923. WJJY began in 1979.

Best Wings Buffalo Wild Wings

The chain, with a location in Baxter, is best known for Buffalo-style chicken wings along with over a dozen sauces, as well as a complement of other items such as chicken tenders and legs.

Buffalo Wild Wings’ menu also features appetizers, burgers, tacos, salads, and desserts, along with beer, wine and other beverages. They are known for their famous “Blazin Wing Challenge.” They challenge customers to eat 12 of their hottest wings in under 6 minutes. The restaurant features an open layout with a bar and patio setting flanked by over 50 televisions and media screens. Starting in 2016, the new Buffalo Wild Wings were being built to follow a layout that gives the guests the feeling as if they were actually in a sports stadium. Buffalo Wild Wings was founded in 1982 by Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery. Lowery’s parents had become Disbrow’s guardians as they were his ice skating coaches. After Disbrow had finished judging an amateur figure skating competition at Kent State University, the pair met up to get some Buffalo-style chicken wings to eat. Failing to find any restaurant serving them, they decided to open their own restaurant serving wings. For the first location, they selected a location near Ohio State University.

Best Aitkin/Deerwood Restaurant

Block North Brew Pub

B

lock North Brew Pub is grateful for being voted No. 1 restaurant for the Best of the Brainerd Lakes contest in the Best Aitkin/Deerwood division.

Creating unique personal dining experiences is what it is all about. Chef Peter Lowe worked his magic. “Block North takes pride in serving craft food served alongside craft beer; it defines us,” says Rich Courtemanche (owner/brewer). Block North opened in 2019 in downtown Aitkin with a unique menu, wood fired grill, onsite brewery, custom drinks and daily features. The marriage of great food and great beer has allowed Block North to flourish. It is the attention to the details and the desire to provide that special dining experience for every customer. As an example, Block North does not have a separate gluten free menu instead nearly the entire menu is available gluten free. It is just another example of how Chef Peter and the staff of Block North take it up another notch. Block North is open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed Sundays and major holidays. We are located one block north of the only stoplight in Aitkin.

Owners in photo from Left to Right, Rich Courtemanche, Peter Lowe and Dake Olson

Best Pequot

Best Weddings/Party Venue

Pacific Center

Tavern

Thank you to all our customers for choosing to make Lucky’s Tavern the No. 1 Pequot Lakes restaurant four years in a row. Being in business for almost 10 years now we continue to strive to serve quality, homemade food for an affordable price for all to enjoy.

Serving a lunch and dinner menu seven days a week with daily specials keeps our loyal customers coming back on a regular basis.

Our meat raffles and Bingo nights bring customers in for an evening of drinks, food and fun.

And to our hard working, dedicated employees, Lucky’s would not be where we are today without you. So to every customer and employee, we appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you all, Beau and Amy Hanson

We

honored to be voted No. 1 in the Best of Brainerd Lakes for Weddings/ Party Venue.

The Northern Pacific Center is Brainerd’s historic railroad district turned one-of-a-kind wedding venue as well as the area’s most unique retail and dining destination. Owners Mike and Sharon Higgins have transformed the property into Minnesota’s best historic wedding venue.

for weddings of all sizes. We offer getting ready suites for brides and grooms as well as a furniture showroom to hand-pick lounge setups for your special day. We offer our own on-site catering to ensure the highest quality food and beverage. Our talented staff is here to ensure your wedding day is as special as you have imagined and give you the experience of a lifetime. We want to thank our entire team for this honor as we wouldn’t be here without them. Thank you to all who have voted for us and we will continue to bring spectacular weddings to the Brainerd lakes area.

Best Crosslake Restaurant

Maucieri's Italian Bistro

34650 Co Rd. 3, Crosslake• (218)692-4800 maucieris.com

Crosslake might not be known for its Italian population, but it stands out when it comes to Italian food. Maucieri’s Italian Bistro, Bar and Deli put it on the map, and it’s more than just locals taking notice. Lakes area voters ranked the 17-year-old business first among all Crosslake options, naming it Best Crosslake Restaurant.

Maucieri’s is a family-owned and operated restaurant featuring homemade recipes passed down through generations of the Maucieri family. Among favorite dishes are Tony’s famous spaghetti and meatballs, creamy fettuccine Alfredo, delicious stuffed shells and freshly sliced antipasto plates. The famous “gravy” or red sauce, is a recipe from Tony Maucieri Sr.’s grandmother. Tony Sr. made the gravy fresh every day when he was alive, a task passed down to his children. Only the family has access to the recipe. Maucieri’s is warm, open and inviting. The relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly dining experience draws people into its doors. Maucieri’s knows how to keep its customers coming back for more.

“Thank you to the voters and all our patrons for their acknowledgement and support. As always, we continue our commitment to Tony Sr.’s legacy by providing a little taste of Italy to the lakes area.”

Best Nisswa/Lakeshore Restaurant

Main Street Ale House

25559 Main St, Nisswa• (218)961-6724 mainstreetnisswa.com

Alot has changed over the years at Ernie’s on Gull but one thing has stayed the same — the unmatched views of beautiful Gull Lake. Back in 1917, Ernie Ritari saw something special with Gull Point and now Ernie’s was voted No. 1 Best Lakeside

Destination, No. 1 Outdoor Dining Destination and No. 1 Best Live Entertainment Destination. Locals and vacationers alike love Ernie’s because of the amazing food, beautiful views of Gull Lake and live entertainment on our spacious patios. Ernie’s has outdoor seating for over 200 people, each one with a gorgeous view. Today Ernie’s is owned and operated by Chris and Mike Foy.

The Louise Seliski Shelter operates a 24-hour emergency shelter for all people experiencing relationship abuse.

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

1414 Maple Street PO Box 602 Brainerd, MN 56401 218-828-1216 • 888-777-1248

The Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center provides safe, neutral, child-oriented supervised visitations and safe exchanges for families.

Open 8am to 8pm daily 2602 Oak Street PO Box 602 Brainerd, MN 56401 218-828-0022

THE DESTINATION LOCATION FOR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS

By Alyson Levig

Shannon’s Auto Body shop has provided collision repair to Crow Wing, Cass and Aitkin counties for over 25 years, establishing excellent customer care, expert knowledge and expanding a 17,000-square-foot facility. The owner and founder, Shannon, as well as his wife, Amie, have worked tirelessly to build this customer-centric reputation while becoming a destination automotive location for the Brainerd lakes area.

Certified Staff

Since it first opened its doors by Shannon Christian himself in 1996, Shannon’s Auto Body has always been dedicated to the quality of its work. This commitment can first be seen within their staff, as all members are Platinum I-CAR technicians, ASE certified and knowledgeable with surrounding insurance companies to aid in both repairs and claims processes. It is then displayed within their I-CAR Gold Class shop(s) — the highest achievement recognized by the collision repair industry. Each of Shannon’s facilities feature a paint spray booth, mixing room, alignment and frame rack, as well as a measuring system. Finally, the company is an active member of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers Minnesota (AASPMN), enabling them to accommodate their staff with updated procedures and industry changes.

“You can’t just let anyone fix your car anymore,” Shannon said. Although an employee shortage has swept across the nation, Shannon’s Auto Body has kept a fully trained staff, keeping appointments moving forward smoothly. These employees can be trusted to follow the correct procedures — especially toward newer technological vehicles — and provide the original equipment manufactured parts for your car or truck. Meaning, they are applying the parts made and designed specifically for your vehicle’s make and model. Moreover, safe and proper vehicle repairs have always been Shannon’s Auto Body’s specialty.

Quality Work and Services

Because of its certified staff, Shannon’s Auto Body is easily your one-stop convenient spot for all your automotive and mechanical needs. You can trust them to repair your vehicle correctly or let you know if something cannot be safely fixed after they complete a damage analysis.

For automotive restorations, Shannon’s Auto Body technicians contain the experience to fix even the most challenging damages on a variety of makes and models of both domestic and imported vehicles. Plus, the staff stays up-to-date on manufacturer requirements by conducting frequent vehiclespecific research.

The mechanical side of the company also takes on jobs both big and small by utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, alignment machines, tire mounting and balancing and even A/C services. These technicians are also equipped for custom fabrication and welding for either steel or aluminum vehicles. Besides the basic automotive and mechanical services and post-repair inspections, Shannon’s Auto Body can handle hail

damage repair. A service they have been completing around the clock this year.

“We are fully staffed here,” Shannon said. “So if you are waiting on any aspect of the hail damage service or insurance claim process, call us and we will get you taken care of.” Did you know they have rental cars too? For customer convenience, Shannon’s Auto Body has added 30 vehicles to their rental fleet, allowing customers to freely go about their day while their main ride is properly repaired.

Customer Care

Along with its fully trained staff and service variety, Shannon’s Auto Body also proudly expresses excellence in client care and is committed to 100 percent customer satisfaction — traits Shannon started 26 years ago. Because customers always come first at Shannon’s Auto Body, any service appointment will be completed as smoothly as possible. Moreover, you can expect Shannon’s Auto Body technicians to work and communicate every step of their repair process with you as well as work directly with your insurance company concerning damage claims. In the end, they’ll provide you with one less thing to worry about.

Expanding into 2023

If you’ve heard the rumor of Shannon’s Auto Body shop moving, well, it’s half true. By the spring of 2023, the company will expand into the old Ascensus building located on the V of highways 25 and 210 on the east side of Brainerd. This building will focus more on collision repair, use state-ofthe-art equipment and add more jobs to the community. If interested in working for a company expressing excellence in all forms, apply now as job applications are open. As for the original location for Shannon’s Auto Body at 13540 Ironwood Drive in Brainerd, it will continue to operate, just with more capacity for additional appointments for their customers in the Brainerd lakes area.

A Destination Automotive Location

Though not in the heart of the Brainerd lakes area, Shannon still considers Shannon’s Auto Body to be a destination location for automotive repair and service. The evidence comes from the many positive reviews of satisfied, returning, and new customers, which can be found on their Facebook page.

“We are located in the rural east side of Brainerd,” Shannon said. “But we are still a destination location because of the continued quality service we provide to every client and their vehicle.”

Shannon’s Auto Body is a robust, growing business even after the hardships the nation has faced over the past couple of years. Their customer base continues to grow by experienced reputation and word-of-mouth as Shannon’s Auto Body staff continues to focus on their work quality and customers. Trust that Shannon’s Auto Body will take care of both you and your vehicle — ensuring its safety so you can drive confidently once again.

Best Baxter Restaurant El Tequila Mexican Restaurant

7399 Garrison Rd, Baxter• (218)454-0618

El Tequila is once again the Best Baxter Restaurant, thanks to quality food and standout customer service.

The signature tequila burrito — with steak, chicken, shrimp, peppers, onions, tomatoes, beans and rice — is one of the restaurant’s standout dishes, along with the steaming hot molcajete, complete with steak, pork chops, grilled chicken and shrimp.

And while the food is certainly tasty, it’s the customer service that Damian Unzueta says sets his dad’s restaurant apart from others.

“We always make sure our service is really fast,” said Unzueta, son of owner Pedro Unzueta. “We take care of our customers and are always really friendly — that’s for sure our best thing.”

“And, obviously, the food is really good,” he added.

Open in Baxter since 2008, El Tequila has been voted the city’s best restaurant for four contests in a row. Originally located on the north edge of Baxter on Audubon way, the restaurant moved to the old Olive Garden building near the intersection of highway 371 and Glory Road in 2019 and has

Best Crosby/Ironton Restaurant

Iron Range Eatery

6 W Main St, Crosby • (218) 545-5444 ironrange.3cheersmn.com

Looking for fun and tasty grub in a fun “Range Style” venue? Look no further. The Iron Range Eatery is a must stop when in the area. Located at 6 and West Main Street this restaurant provides chef-inspired dishes (such as Beef Bulgogi Stirfry and Philly Steak Soup) as well as familiar dishes including a variety of pizzas, burgers and wraps and hearty entrees.

Indoor and outdoor seating available as well as a fire pit to keep you warm while you dine with friends on cooler evenings. There is something for every appetite. Don’t take our word for it –come on in; we look forward to seeing you!

reaped the benefits of the prime location and supportive community ever since.

“We have a really good community here, and they support us, so we’re really grateful for them,” Damian said. “We appreciate them.”

Best Boutique The Olde Open Window

602 Laurel St, Brainerd • (218) 454-3338

The Olde Open Window on Facebook

The Olde Open Window in historic downtown Brainerd has been in operation since 2010. Owner Lynda Boyd has built and expanded the local boutique over the years with her unique flair that entrances shoppers. When Lynda opened the shop, it was her dream. The business was named after a quote she strongly believes in; when God closes a door, he opens a window. She had started with just housewares and decorative pieces. And over the years she has expanded and added many unique brands and local artists. Upon entering the shop you are met with seasonal fragrances and, of course, the three resident cats. Adorable boutique fashions and comfy footwear complement the vintage-inspired jewelry collection. Locally handmade items are placed throughout the store, along with Minnesota souvenirs. Although the gift shoppe looks quaint on the exterior, it spans two floors of spectacular shopping. There really is something for everyone in The Olde Open Window. We would like to thank you all for your continued patronage. -The Olde Open Window on Sixth and Laurel. Inspiration for your home, body and soul.

Best Camper/RV Dealer

Pleasureland RV Center

17301 State Hwy 371, Brainerd • (218) 454-7800 pleasurelandrv.com

Pleasureland began in 1971 and grew from one to several locations including three in Brainerd, counting the surplus store. The other locations include two in St. Cloud and one in Long Prairie, Ramsey Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and West Salem, Wisconsin.

It’s Pleasureland’s family touch that makes them stick out from their competitors. They’re a tight knit group who help families find the camper that will fit their lifestyles with getting into a RV/camper. Families are not another number or statistic on the wall, as Pleasureland strives to do their best to help their customers.

Best Car

New or used, car or truck, RV or pontoon, Sweet Cars has it all.

The Pine River dealership, in business since 2012, is a small business with a big focus on customer service.

With only four staffers, owner Tim Sweet is proud of the recognition as Best Car Dealership in the lakes area four years running, as the award is a testament to the hard work put into taking care of each and every customer. Sweet and his team thoroughly check all the cars before a sale, making sure his customers don’t buy something they’ll have to take to the shop in the near future.

Sweet Cars is a dealer of used cars, trucks, boats, campers and fish houses, selling everything from the 1930s up to 2022. Sweet Cars also does consignments and has an excellent success rate for those customers.

Tim thanks all those in the lakes area who voted for Sweet Cars and, especially, his employees Kim, Tim, and Kathryn.

Entertainment Company Silent Partner Production

Silent Partner Production is a family-run staging and audio company that delivers exceptional service from small town block parties to large festivals. For over fifteen years they’ve provided sound, staging and lighting for various Brainerd lakes events from larger festivals like Iconic Fest and Lakes Jam to more intimate events such as Dancing with the Lakes Area Stars and The Lakes Area Music Festival. They also work with local nonprofits including Smiles for Jake and Brainerd Area Youth for Christ. They have events all over Minnesota as well as neighboring states.

Best Fitness Center

Black Arrow Martial Arts

217 Washington Street, Brainerd • (218) 851-1618 blackarrowmartialarts.com

Black Arrow Family Martial Arts was founded in July of 2012 by local Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Jared Feierabend.

Feierabend’s vision for opening Black Arrow was to bring world class Jiu-Jitsu to the Brainerd lakes area.

Jiu-Jitsu is primarily a grappling art that provides you the tools to protect yourself against opponents of all sizes and statures. Feierabend said, “Jiu-Jitsu is an incredible martial art for self protection and personal fitness.”

When asked why Black Arrow was voted No. 1 Best Fitness Center in the Brainerd lakes area, Feierabend said, “We offer a traditional yet stylish environment that is clean, family friendly, and most of all — safe. Our classes are designed for everyone in your family — whether you are a beginner just starting your journey or a seasoned practitioner. Our professional staff is on an unstoppable mission to help you reach your fitness goals.”

Black Arrow takes great pride in having been voted Best Fitness Center in 2019, 2021 and now 2022. Black Arrow would like to thank everyone that voted and is honored to be of service to the community.

Jiu-Jitsu classes are offered for adults and kids of all ages Monday through Saturday. Come try a free class.

Best Meat Selection/ Market or Butcher Shop

Von Hanson Meats of Baxter

15811 Audubon Way, Baxter • (218) 822-2888 vonhansons.com/baxter

Von Hanson’s Meats of Baxter is locally owned and operated.

What makes Von Hanson’s the best comes down to two things: our great dedicated staff is the key to the quality of our business.

Equally as important is the best customers anyone could ask for. To say we are thankful is an absolute understatement.

Minnesota’s Newest premiere Golf Course Designed by PGA TOUR Legend, Tom Lehman

SCAN THE

Best Garden Store/ Nursery/Greenhouse

Landsburg Landscape Nursery

16460 Highway 371 N., Brainerd • (218) 829-5519 landsburgnursery.com

Best Florist

The Wild Daisy

4484 Main St., Pequot Lakes • (218) 568-5454 thewilddaisyshop.com

The Wild Daisy is a family-owned and operated shop offering flowers and gifts. Give us a call and you’ll be greeted by a cheerful voice and a smile, ready to help you design the perfect floral arrangement — big or small. Whether you’re needing a dozen roses for your anniversary or you’re planning an elaborate event such as a wedding or end of life celebration, we’re here for you.

Our locally owned and family-run garden center, nursery and landscape contracting service stands

alone as the source for quality, selection and customer service.

Ours is the largest garden center in the area, with more than 53,000 square feet of greenhouses, thousands of varieties of plant material, more staff to serve you, and more expert, professional advice than you can find anywhere else. We grow virtually all our own annuals and perennials, ensuring optimum control of variety and hardiness.

Our customers compliment us on all these attributes every day, but the one we hear about most frequently is our friendly, knowledgeable staff. People really like to connect with a familiar face who can answer all their questions. Working with a trusted source saves our customers a lot of time, money and headaches. As our business celebrates its 43rd anniversary this year, we feel so fortunate to have built so many long-standing relationships with our customers, many of whom have been loyal to us since Day One.

Starting with a vast selection of quality plants, and then providing our customers with the skills they need to be successful, ultimately results in a better gardening experience for everyone. So, bring your imagination, enthusiasm, questions and concerns, and together we’ll create the landscape you’ve always dreamed of.

We pride ourselves in hiring the highest quality staff who are both friendly and knowledgeable about our plants and products. We have exceptionally talented floral designers, Karen and Colleen, who will help you bring your vision to life.

In addition to flowers, we love filling our store with locally crafted products (soaps, lotions, jewelry, etc.), as well as supporting unique companies worldwide. This year we’re proud to offer our own eco-friendly candles, which are made in house.

Serving the lakes area in the summer is a blast. We love all the new business the summer months bring. But we also rely heavily on the members of our local community who support us year-round. We are so blessed to be part of this incredible community.

Hardware Store Brainerd Ace Hardware

We want to thank everyone for choosing Brainerd Ace Hardware as your No. 1 Hardware Store and the second best paint store in the Brainerd lakes area. We value being part of this great community. It is so rewarding to our team here at Brainerd Ace Hardware because it shows how much our clientele put their trust in our business. This award validates what we believe — we have the best, most loyal customers. This makes us want to serve our community better. Brainerd Ace Hardware has been a part of your neighborhood in Tyrol Hill Shopping Center for over 60 years. We have been in the same location but have had new owners in 2013. We pride ourselves on convenience, knowledge and a vari-

Best Grocery Store

ety of services such as small engine repair, key cutting, paint matching, knife sharpening and mower/chain sharpening. We are a full line Stihl dealer along with being a certified EGO Power service center. We also have Scag Power Equipment and a full line of Arborist equipment. We look forward to serving this community for another 60-plus years. Thank you.

Super One Foods and the Miner family would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers for your patronage and support in the Best of the

Brainerd Lakes competition.

Super One Foods focuses on a commitment to outstanding customer service every day and to provide a wide range of products for our customers. We also value being part of the community by supporting organizations and giving

back. We couldn’t do it without the support of our great team members.

At Super One Foods we pride ourselves in selling only the highest quality meats, produce, deli and bakery products, insisting that only the best and freshest products make it to our customer’s table. We greatly appreciate the customer support and all those who voted for us, and we appreciate the recognition as the best grocery store. It’s an honor to continue to serve the community.

Best Home Furnishing Store

& Frans Factory Direct

Advantage Seamless Gutters

Advantage Seamless Gutters offers professional, custom gutter installation and excellent customer service.

are a small business with big goals and always guarantee the highest quality workmanship. Our company was started by a husband and wife team in Baxter, Minn., 11 years ago. Owner Cory Jay wanted to settle down in the area and start a family with his wife, and so Advantage Seamless Gutters was established. Now we service the entire state of Minnesota, the Des Moines, Iowa area, and Rhinelander, Wisconsin. When we’re not providing the greater Minnesota area with premier gutter services, the Advantage Seamless Gutter team makes sure to give back to the local community. Cory and the staff are heavily involved in local service groups and charitable organizations including: the Brainerd Jaycees, Habitat for Humanity, Rotary, Sertoma and the Confidence Learning Center. Our company is only as good as our employees and we are lucky to have such exceptional people as part of our Advantage family. We are honored to have been voted No. 1 by our community and take pride in knowing we are doing things right. We are excited to continue providing exceptional services to all those who count on us.

The owners and staff at Bob & Fran’s are very happy to be voted the No. 1 home furnishing store in the lakes area. We would like to send out a big thank you to all of our customers who voted for us.

We believe our store is very different from our competition. Customers can furnish every room of their house. It doesn’t end there. Customers can add their finishing touches with the thousands of home decor items scattered throughout Bob & Fran’s four floors. Many customers are surprised by the very large bedding department as well. We are a locally owned family business and we strive to make our customers’ shopping experience enjoyable, no high-pressure sales, customers may shop at their leisure. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you from start to finish, including finance, delivery and service after the sale. With more than 30 years of serving the lakes area, we are confident in our ability to make each shopping experience great for our customers.

Jeweler

E.L. Menk Jewelers

623 Laurel Street, Brainerd

829-7266

It is a great honor to be chosen for the fourth year as the 2022 Best Jeweler.

Since beginning my career in the jewelry industry 54 years ago, when opening E.L. Menk Jewelers in 1979, I have always strived to be the best in my field. It has been our privilege to provide top quality jewelry along with fine workmanship when making new jewelry items, as well as repairing our customers’ cherished jewelry items. E.L. Menk Jewelers would not have been able to do this without the help of my wife, my staff and the wonderful customers.

As a full service jeweler, we offer basic jewelry designs, as well as complete custom designed jewelry featuring diamonds and colored gemstones, along with jewelry appraisals for our customers. In keeping with the new jewelry technology, we have added innovative computer software (CAD/CAM) to design and produce new, exciting, oneof-a-kind jewelry items.

E.L. Menk Jewelers has two goldsmiths utilizing the standard jeweler’s bench tools, as well as a laser welder to perform the most intricate repairs. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the Brainerd community since 1974.

Best Homebuilder Baratto Brothers

13872 Shafer Rd., Crosslake • (218) 692-1070

For over 20 years, our goal at Baratto Brothers is to exceed our client’s expectations in all aspects of the construction process, while consistently delivering projects of superior quality at an exceptional value. Our clients take comfort in knowing our high-caliber reputation and steadfast commitment, along with our ingenuity and innovative ideas, result in premium home construction. We have stood by our motto of “Your Builder for Life,” which has been recognized by the community and our clients. When the project is complete and memories are being made, the relationship continues.

Best Magazine Lake Country Journal

1022 Madison Street,

For 25 years, Lake Country Journal has reflected to readers the joys of living, working and playing in Minnesota’s heartland.

Our pages celebrate Lake Country culture, rich in history and diversity. We celebrate our spirit of adventure on both land and water. We celebrate our network of lake communities and the people who call this beautiful place home — year-round, seasonally, or maybe just for a long weekend now and again.

A regional, bimonthly lifestyle magazine founded in 1997 by Chip and Jean Borkenhagen, LCJ remains locally owned and published by Range Printing, a third-generation family-owned-and-operated printing company based in Brainerd. We appreciate our dedicated staff, contributing writers and photographers, and advertisers who make each issue worthy of the beautiful communities it represents. All of us at LCJ are deeply grateful to our readers for subscribing to our magazine and for voting for us. Thank you for your support.

Best Hotel/Motel AmericInn by WyndhamPequot Lakes

32912 Paul Bunyan Trail Dr., Pequot Lakes (218)568-8400 • upnorthlodge.com

The AmericInn Lodge & Suites by Wyndham has been in business since 1997. By consistently remodeling and updating our property we are able to keep our guests happy. Our property is unique due to the fact that we have an outdoor recreation area with a patio, firepit, volleyball, playground, horseshoes and even frisbee golf. We are also certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat from the National Wildlife Federation by providing food, water, cover and places to raise young. We are proud of our community as the area offers so many things to do and see that our guests come back year after year. Our furniture is made locally by Lonesome Cottage that the guests love. Our team members go the extra mile for the guests and deliver a warm welcome and clean property from the initial phone call to check in and check out. We appreciate all those who voted for us.

As one of our primary company goals and core targets Clow Stamping Company strives to be the employer of choice in the Brainerd lakes area.

We would like to express our tremendous gratitude to each and every one of our employees, their families and the community that supports us for voting Clow Stamping Company as the Best Large Company to Work for. Over the past 50 plus years, Clow Stamping Company has been family owned and operated growing from an eight-person shop to over 500 full time employees. Clow Stamping Company’s goal is to create a family-focused environment where team members can excel. Today Clow Stamping Company remains a family organization and still owned and led by the second-generation Reggie Clow and his son, third generation Gabe. Clow Stamping’s company culture and atmosphere of mutual respect allows the people to thrive, as evidenced by

many of the employees who have made a lifetime career with the company.

For over 50 years, Clow Stamping Company has been a cutting-edge manufacturer in the Brainerd lakes area. Primarily due to our exceptional value, quality, on-time delivery and exceptional customer service, Clow Stamping Company has been fortunate to experience tremendous growth. Today our Merrifield, Minnesota, facility is over 285,000 square feet, and employs more than 500 full time employees. Clow Stamping provides world class metal stampings to several Fortune 500 companies. Top industries serviced include agriculture, recreational vehicles, lawn and garden equipment, lighting, exercise equipment as well as parts for refrigeration and the oil and gas industries. The family leadership has grown operations from an eight-person shop to one of the largest short to medium run metal stampers in the midwest. Clow Stamping Company is honored to be voted as the best Manufacturing Com-

pany in the Brainerd lakes for the fourth year. Thank you to each and every one of our employees, their families and the community that supports us for making Clow Stamping Company the amazing company we are today!

Best Motorsports Dealer Brothers Motorsports

7915 State Hwy 210, Baxter • (218) 829-6656 brothersmotorsports.com

For the fourth time, Brothers Motorsports has been voted the Best Motorsports Dealer (ATV/snowmobile/side-by-side) in the Brainerd lakes area.

The late Steve VandePutte started Brainerd Yamaha in 1989. And shortly after opening, Ski-Doo and Kawasaki lines were added. The business expanded with the purchase of Brainerd Honda in 1992 from the Tengwall family, which was run by Chris VandePutte. Steve and Chris VandePutte decided to combine the two dealerships into one and Brothers Motorsports was formed in 1997. The name was picked, not because the VandePuttes were brothers, but because they wanted to offer a family environment in which to operate their business.

Thanks to continued support from their loyal customers, Brothers Motorsports was recently able to purchase the Vikingland Harley Davidson building across the road to offer added convenience and an all-around improved experience.

Brothers Motorsports is the area’s largest recreational product dealer, carrying brands from Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, Can-Am and CF Moto.

Being one of the largest volume and multi-brand recreation product dealers in Minnesota, Brothers Motorsports carries a wide variety of inventory, including motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and personal watercraft.

Best Flooring/Carpet Store, Best Carpet/Floor Cleaner

Tyke's Carpet Sales

16948 MN-371, Brainerd • (218) 825-0279

tykescarpetcastle.com

The road to home improvement begins and ends at Tyke’s Carpet on Highway 371 North in Baxter, Despite the grand, castle-like appearance of this local flooring warehouse, shoppers don’t have to be royalty to enjoy great customer service, a knowledgeable staff and deals fit for a king and queen. Tyke’s Carpet Sales has a 55year history of local family ownership. J.B. Bassett is the fourth generation of Bassetts to work in the business. The family’s vast knowledge of the carpet and flooring industry, paired with great products at exceptional pricing, is what has kept Minnesotans coming through the doors since 1965. Attention to detail and an honest, upfront way of doing business is one of the many reasons for the company’s longevity, Tyke’s only works with professional installers and all work is guaranteed for one year after installation. Competitors have come and gone over the years, but the fortress of Tyke’s Carpet castle has remained strong.

TO OUR CUSTOMERS!

Thanks to our loyal readers who voted the Brainerd Dispatch the best area newspaper in the “2022 Best of” contest. We really appreciate your support and will continue to work hard to deserve your vote.

The Brainerd Dispatch has documented the history of the lakes area since the newspaper was first published in 1881. The Dispatch currently has a print edition twice a week and e-edition (digital newspaper) six times a week. The Dispatch also features local, state, national and world news updates with our continuous digital coverage on our www.brainerddispatch.com website. We also inform and entertain readers through videos, podcasts and social media.

We provide valuable advertising information to support the local and regional businesses through our many newsprint special sections and glossy magazines. Two of the magazines produced by the Dispatch, along with the pineandlakes Echo Journal, Her Voice (finishing 2nd in Best of Magazine division) and Crow Wing County Resource Guide (3rd in Best of Magazine).

The Dispatch and Echo Journal also print the largest circulation free advertising publication in the lakes area as the Echoland Shopper, which is delivered to more than 20,000 homes. Our staff remains dedicated to providing news coverage quickly and accurately covering local county, city and school board meetings, covering sports across our communities and reporting on activities of more than a dozen area high schools.

Best Medical Facility, Best Healthcare Provider Cuyuna Regional Medical Center

320 East Main Street. Crosby • (218) 546-7000 • cuyunamed.org

The story of Cuyuna Regional Medical Center and its development into a high-tech medical campus known for its innovation and creativity is one of persistence and determination. Since its humble beginning in 1964, CRMC has grown from three doctors treating just a few patients to more than 70 physicians and specialists offering the full spectrum of health care to thousands of patients. The small hospital expanded to offer many additional services through the years and now includes a nursing home, senior living community, surgery center and physician clinics in Baxter, Breezy Point, Crosby and Longville. Providing extraordinary, quality patient care has always been CRMC’s priority. Professionals treat patients kindly and make it a priority to heal them quickly and properly.

As CRMC has grown, it has been able to attract dedicated, quality physicians and support staff who, along with state-of-the-art technology, have developed CRMC into a regional resource for advanced diagnostic and therapeutic health care services. The medical center has been recognized with numerous national and regional awards as well. CRMC’s unique brand of personalized care is characterized by a record of sustained strength and steady growth.

Best Electrical Jim's Electric Co. Inc.

Industrial Park Rd S, Baxter • (218) 828-0250 • jimselectric.com

Jim’s Electric Company was founded in 1976 on the belief that you should provide quality work and honor your commitments. Today, we have grown to more than 40 employees that strive to honor that tradition every day in the Brainerd lakes and surrounding areas.

We are honored to have been voted the Best Electrical Contractor of the Brainerd lakes. With commitment to quality work, prompt service and dependable workmanship, we take pride in every project we complete. Our company is built on these essential core values: Honest, Integrity and Respect.

Our team of professional and licensed electricians have been trained in the latest technology to meet the most demanding electrical installation requirements. Our experienced estimators, planners, electricians, specialty technicians and support staff can handle any electrical project from concept to completion.

Jim’s Electric specializes in residential, commercial, technology service, agriculture, industrial, and emergency services — no job is too big or, more importantly, too small.

MAKING

Party World

Tents and tables, costumes and balloons — it’s not a party without Party World!

“In a world gone digital, Party World aims to build real world social connections by uniting people in face-to-face celebrations!

Party World unites friends, families and communities, across generations, in joyous celebration by providing fun, unique party rentals, supplies and balloons that bring smiles to people’s faces.

In addition to renting celebrations of a lifetime — whether it’s weddings, graduations, family events or corporate events, we incorporate the fun through our inflatable game selections and have, on staff, the only Certified Balloon Artist north of the Twin Cities. It’s our mission to create magical memories by celebrating all of life’s special events in creative ways that make people smile and laugh.

We’ve been serving the Brainerd lakes area with this mission since 1998.

Best Nonprofit Organization

(Heartland

Animal Rescue)

It is an honor to be once again voted as the No. 1 nonprofit organization in the Brainerd lakes area. This year HART will celebrate 35 years of helping the unwanted, abandoned and abused animals of the community.

HART serves as the humane society for the lakes area and takes in animals as well as finding great homes for those entrusted to HART.

“Shelter Animals Rock”

EXIT Lakes Realty Premier

Best Photographer Steve Kohls, Brainerd Dispatch Photographer

EXIT Lakes Realty Premier was established in 2015 by Chad Schwendeman. Chad is a Brainerd native and started his real estate career in 1999 when he purchased Tower Real Estate. Chad and his team at EXIT Lakes Realty Premier have sold more than $1.4 billion worth of real estate in the Brainerd lakes area. Since 2015 they have helped more than 5,500 families buy or sell real estate in the Brainerd lakes area. Chad and his team are consistently ranked every year as one of the top real estate teams in the entire country by Real Trends.

Over the past seven years, Chad has been endorsed and worked with Barbara Corcoran on ABC’s “Shark Tank.”

What makes Chad and his team unique is his team specializes in either working with buyers or sellers. Chad has nine buyers agents and three listing partners that help him on a daily basis. Chad says, “Our goal is to make sure that every single customer we work with has an incredible home buying or home selling experience. We don’t want to help them with just one sale, but we want to be their real estate team for life.”

It is a great honor to receive the Best Photographer in the Brainerd Lakes Area award. I realize it is because of the readers that I have received this honor.

I really like living in this area and enjoy my friendships here. The ideas for my photos and videos come through those friendships. Yes, I said videos. During the past 10 years, it has been my goal to produce good still images as well as great videos. I realize our profession is multi-dimensional with photographers being good photographers as well as good with video and text.

It comes down to the people in this area who allow me to travel in all camps and feel they will always get a fair deal with me when I cover the stores and events. I really do like seeing all of you and feel very responsible for the integrity of the paper. I may be the only person the reader sees because I cover various events.

Many of you have approached me to tell me about the aspects of the Brainerd Dispatch that you like and those you do not like. I have been at the paper for 46 years and have seen many ideas come and go, some I agree with and some I have disagreed with. My cellphone number is 218-330-1004 if you would like to talk. I will take the time as long as I am not photographing a game or in a meeting.

Community School

Crosslake School began in 1999. Since then we have been in two different buildings, added a very successful and necessary online school and have grown to a near capacity enrollment. We have a few openings in kindergarten and middle school. The other primary grades and the pre-K classes have waiting lists. This is a great problem to have. We are excited that people see the need and desire to be part of a school of choice.

My best guess as to why the school was voted as number one, is due to your staff. They are a unique group of dedicated individuals, each bringing their own talents and offering it up to the students each day. We are also so community based that people love to be a part of what is going on.

We believe the reason we have been so successful is the individual attention all students receive. Kids are given personalized instruction, if necessary without a huge paperwork production. We also have a small student to teacher ratio. Typically it is 19:1, but this year we asked for special permission from the teachers and the school board to temporarily increase to 22:1.

Crosslake School is a unique place and we are very fortunate to be able to work in partnership with the LAKE Foundation and offer excellent education to our students.

Resort

Resort

We feel honored to be voted No. 1. Our mission is to give our guests an authentic small family owned resort experience on Upper Whitefish.

We are the face of our business greeting guests and serving them throughout their stay. Our resort is in its third generation and we are constantly updating and improving while keeping to the roots of where it all started. We hope our guests feel at home when staying at our resort — like it’s a family cabin. Our history is important to us; the resort has been family owned and operated since 1938. Going from three cabins to now 15 cabins throughout the years, all were built by the Heath family. Generations of guests have continued to come year after year and we are so honored to have built those relationships. The wide sandy beach sitting on the Whitefish Chain with endless opportunities to explore is unmatched. It’s rare to find a family-run resort with the history preserved like it is here at Heath’s. We hope to see Heath’s Resort welcoming generations of families each summer for years to come. We love and thank the community for valuing us and voting us No. 1.

Chelsey Perkins, Brainerd Dispatch

Editor

Ionce rode in a hot air balloon with the last surviving Lollipop Kid from “The Wizard of Oz.” I’ve flown in an open-cockpit single-engine airplane, overlooked Brainerd from the rim of the historic water tower and foraged the deep woods for wild edibles.

These are but a few of the adventures on which my journalism career has led me. But the truth is, it’s the thousands of less flashy encounters that make this job fulfilling.

It’s the people who’ve entrusted me with their most vulnerable or traumatic moments. It’s the triumphs, too: witnessing heroism, redemption, passion, goodness, hope. It’s knowing my work, in some small way, contributes to the historical record and an informed community — the community that shaped me into who I am. Thank you to all who voted for me for this recognition. I am one member of a dedicated Brainerd Dispatch team committed to telling your stories. And we couldn’t do it without your support.

Best Sporting Goods/Outdoor Store Reeds Family Outdoor Outfitters

Minnesota Ave W, Walker

Since 1952, Reeds Family Outdoor Outfitters has been known for providing the best service, best brands and best price anywhere. And the readers showed their appreciation in 2022 by voting Reeds the Best Sporting Goods store. Reeds was also named ASA Sportfishing Industry National Retailer of the Year at ICAST, so you know we are working hard to maintain our privilege of helping you. Reed’s Family Outdoor Outfitters is one of the oldest, most renowned outdoor outfitters in the nation. We offer a com plete hunting department with scopes, binoculars and spotting scopes, duck and goose decoys, tree stands, duck blinds, electronic dog training collars and containment systems. Reeds is also the top national independent dealer for Low rance and Vexilar fishing electronics. So make a trip to Walker or Onamia to visit us, or check us out at reedssports. com, or give us a call at 800-346-0019 and talk to the most knowledgeable staff in the industry.

Best Auto Care Spring Creek Auto Repair

Best Boat Cleaning/Restoring

Hwy 18 Collision Center Inc.

Starting as an auto body repair facility in 1992, the Highway 18 Collision Center in Brainerd has been serving the community with its repair needs. As the company grew in its reputation and with Brainerd being surrounded by lakes, they found their customers had a need for boat and marine repairs. Though they still repair vehicles, Highway 18 Collision Center has adapted to the demands of its customers and has been repairing boats for the last 20 years.

Spring Creek Auto Repair Inc. has been operated by Steve Lanham since September of 1999. He is an ASE Certified Master Technician and has a degree in automotive technology. He began his business in Aitkin, Minn., and in June of 2018 moved to Brainerd. He took the next year to build a home for his family with the help of his two sons. He reopened Spring Creek Auto in April of 2019. Since the relaunch, he has been blessed to have a growing customer base of amazing people. He is so thankful for each person God sends to him and that he can help. Steven works hard to deliver what he promises his customers. He cares about their needs and wants to provide the best and most affordable service he can. He continues to hear from people that his honesty and ability to fix their cars right is very appreciated. He has Proverbs 3:5-6 as a guide for his business and life.

Steven is a one-man shop. He is responsible for the work that drives out of his stall. His desire to give excellent service, quality workmanship and a caring connection with his customers is what makes his business unique.

Over the course of time, they have hired marine technicians to tackle all types of repairs. They handle auto body collision repairs, boat repair and restoration on boats. Aluminum or fiberglass, the technicians can repair either one.

From boats to pontoons and from restorations to painting or new graphics, Highway 18 Collision Center can handle the needs of its customers. They are able to update the upholstery, replace flooring and re-carpet a boat.

Highway 18 Collision Center is your one-stop boat shop with winterizing and storage for boats as well.

Highway 18 Collision Center credits the honor of being named the best boat cleaning and restoring in the Brainerd lakes area to the experience of the technicians they have and look forward to helping those who need to repair their boats.

Best Child Care Facility

Best Chimney Sweep

Top Cat Chimney Sweep

the New Discoveries, YMCA

and physical processes

view youth development as the social-emotional,

all youth uniquely experience from birth to career. We know that a successful development process fulfills children’s innate need to be loved, spiritually grounded, educated, competent, and healthy. The Y program provides a holistic approach focused on achieving certain language, social-emotional, physical and cognitive milestones.

Licensed Teachers and Y leaders are committed to nurturing the potential in every child. We follow a mindset that kids aren’t ‘at risk’, but ‘of potential’. By developing the best values in children, we are able to help build the type of character, which helps them avoid risky behaviors, and succeed in both school and in life.

Youth Development is So Much More at the Y. Why ... The Y has a mission-driven team of teachers who truly care about developing strong and healthy youths who will be our leaders and our neighbors in the years to come. Each student has promise and our teachers work to help every kid reach their full potential.

What makes it unique … The Y has served Brainerd since 1885 and has always been there to meet the most important community needs. Today, the Y is even more committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Thank you!

e !

Thank you so much for voting for me as one of the top photographers in BLA!

Visit me at www.veronicabarryphotography.com

Best Customer Service Lake Shore Heating and Cooling

Best Chirpractic Office Family Chiropractic Clinic

Family Chiropractic Clinic is located in Baxter, MN across from the Jack Pine Brewery on Highway 371. Owned by Dr. Jeff Hand, Dr. Jennifer Person and Dr. Josh Holbrook, the clinic is celebrating 40 years in business in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Family Chiropractic provides evidence-based chiropractic, acupuncture and massage therapy care.

We are also primary care providers; patients do not need a referral to see a provider in our office. All major medical insurances are accepted at Family Chiropractic, including auto, workers compensation and Veterans Community Care for both chiropractic and massage.

The Lakes Massage services include cupping, hot stone, reiki, reflexology, and pregnancy massages. We provide monthly wellness plans for massage and a combination of massage and chiropractic. Additionally, gentle techniques are available for patients who’ve had previous spinal surgeries.

Lake Shore Heating and Cooling was started 2 1/2 years ago by husband and wife, Phil and Amy. They saw an opportunity as a way to get to know and grow within their community through a service that is always needed, especially in the long winters of Minnesota. Phil’s trade expertise of 18 years and passion to think outside of the box to solve even the toughest of problems, combined with Amy’s 25 years of customer service, makes them a powerful duo that provides welcoming customer service backed by years of experience. “We are thrilled to have been voted the Best in Customer Service in the Brainerd lakes area. This tells us that we’re doing our very best to ensure the happiness of our customers. There’s nothing better than receiving a positive review of a job well done that provides comfort and peace of mind to our customers. We strive to have every customer feel valued and make sure they’re encouraged to ask any questions they may have. It is an old saying but we want to treat people the way we want to be treated as a customer.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and look forward to serving the Brainerd lakes area for years to come.”

Family Chiropractic offers many treatment options tailored for each patient’s needs: activator technique, Thompson drop, flexion distraction for bulging discs, and manual adjusting. Ultrasound, exercise instruction, Kinesio taping, and muscle therapies in conjunction with adjustments are also offered. Our providers were awarded Top Chiropractors in Minnesota 2022 from Minnesota Monthly.

Family Chiropractic Clinic is widely known as THE health specialists in non-drug, non-surgical pain management and wellness care.

Best Computer/Tech Repair Batteries Plus

Batteries Plus

Bulbs has proudly been serving the Brainerd lakes area since April 2002 when we first opened our doors. Everything from cellphone repair to cutting and programming automotive keys and fobs, Batteries Plus has you covered. We firmly believe in providing top tier customer service with our well trained, Wireless Industry Service Excellence certified staff, attention to detail, and most of all handling all situations with care. WISE certification is a brand-new certification program created specifically for the phone repair industry. The goal is simple: WISE certification ensures a consistent standard of excellence across independent repair shops. We are equipped with high quality parts for Apple devices and we are a Samsung independent service provider. Along with our service, customers leave our store with a new education on battery care, tips and tricks to keep your equipment running in the toughest of conditions. We are honored to hold a place in the best of Brainerd lakes and want to thank our customers for their support as we strive for success in years to come.

Best Tree Company

Thank you to all of our customers. All of us here at Mike’s Tree Company are honored in knowing our community has voted us the No. 1 tree company in the Brainerd lakes area for a fourth time.

Mike’s Tree Company was started in 1995 by Mike Schwarze, a Brainerd High School student, who had a pickup truck, a strong work ethic and a pocket full of dreams. Now a company of 20-plus strong, the same values, ded-ication to customer service and quality work still rings true.

It’s our mission to provide our community with exceptional tree care and science-based services for the preservation of trees for generations to come. We offer a wide range of services, from tree health care, tree removal and trimming, disease diagnosis and commercial snow removal. We love where we live and take great pride in being active in our community.

We will continue to strive to provide the best tree care possible within the lakes area for many years to come.

Thanks again Brainerd lakes area for taking the time in voting us No. 1.

At Mike’s Tree Company - Your Trees are Our Passion.

Elder

Best Eye Clinic Midwest Family Eye Center

Advantage PCA and Senior Care is honored and excited to receive this award two years in a row. Thank you!

As a local, family-owned and operated home care agency, we are extremely proud of the services we have provided to our seniors and those requiring assistance to complete activi ties of daily living in their homes and in our communities for the last 14 years. Our goal has always been to hire the best caregivers and provide flexible, outstanding employment opportunities while delivering the highest levels of home care and customer service to the seniors and families we serve. This Best of the Best award is for our entire team of wonderful caregivers, su pervisors and office staff. It is their dedi cation and compassion that truly sets us apart and allows us to exceed the home care industry’s highest standards.

With friendly, knowledgeable staff and committed service, it’s no wonder why Midwest Family Eye Center has again won the Best of Brainerd Lakes Eye Care award The honor has been granted to the company in 2018 and 2021 as well, which shows the Center’s priority to their patients’ eye health “The award is a huge vote of confidence and for the care received at Midwest Family Eye Center to myself and my staff,” Dr. Jackie McCall, clinic found er, said. “We feel humbled and thankful that we can be part of enhancing and protecting vision for life.” With a sound foundation built in the heart of the Brainerd lakes area along with their dedication to personalized, comfortable care, Midwest Family Eye Center patients contain extensive confidence in the company’s goal of optimum eye health. Because of this, many patients and their families are lifelong, receiving care from Dr. McCall and her staff for over 35 years, while others — who have moved out of the area, even out of state — will return for their regular appointments. “I would personally like to thank my patients for their continued confidence,” Dr. McCall said. “And extend my welcome to any new patients.”

C

Chem Dry of The Lakes

Best Finanacial Advisor/ Company

Todd Wright - COUNTRY Financial

984 Marlin Pl W, Pillager • (218) 825-8662 representatives.countryfinancial.com/services/rep.todd. wright.html

Ihave been in the profession for 15 years as a financial representative for Country Financial. We are a multiline company that can offer a unique perspective to the insurance and financial services industry. I am hoping people voted for me because they know I truly care about them and their financial goals. My job as a Country Financial representative is to help clients balance the need to protect what they have with the desire to build for the future. Our company vision is to “Enrich lives in the communities we serve.” I am trying to do just that.

Best Hair Salon Thairapy Lash & Beauty Bar

618 Front St, Brainerd • (218) 831-3204

Creative, versatile and passionate about her craft, Jennifer Morris has been able to establish herself as a successful stylist over the past 25 years and lash artist for 10 years. Thairapy Lash & Beauty Bar will be celebrating its 1st birthday party September 2022.

Jennifer is currently working toward obtaining her permanent makeup licensure as well.

Her goal is to give you an uplifting experience while transforming your inner and outer glow. Growing and learning ways to express health and wellness is her focused path. Encouraging women to embrace their inner goddess and explore positive growth.

Whether that be a new hairstyle, lash lift or a boudoir photoshoot, she will take care of you.

She is the mastermind of the one stop shop — as her services range from hair coloring, cuts and styling, bridal parties and special events. She also can transform your lashes into a glamorous natural look, finishing off with a beautiful spray tan.

Her eagerness to make sure you leave feeling confident and fulfilled is one of the many reasons you’ll find peace in Jennifer at Thairapy Lash and Beauty Bar.

THANKS FOR VOTING

Offer:

Top Tier providers for most insurance

Best Heating & Air Conditioning Company

Heating and Cooling

Best Insurance Agent Shannon FinneganAmerican Family Insurance

St, Ste 4, Brainerd

Ibegan working at American Family Insurance in 2015 and took over this agency in 2019. I have a long history in the insurance industry from commercial, independent, claims to sales and enjoy all aspects of the business.

I think the community voted Finnegan and Associates, Inc. No. 1 Insurance agent because of the amazing team we have and our desire and ability to build strong relationships with our clients.

(218) 829-3040

JIBEC Heating and Cooling was started in 2005. When the owner decided to retire, Jake and Jenny saw an opportunity to fulfill their dreams of growing an HVAC company, and became owners of JIBEC Heating and Cooling in 2010. With steady growth, multiple experienced technicians/installers have been added to the team.

We were more than humbled when we found out we were nominated for the Best of the Brainerd Lakes contest. Being nominated told us we were making our customers happy. We believe in our work and stand by everything we do. Our dependable and honest team is dedicated to meeting all of our customers’ HVAC needs.

To be voted No. 1 Heating and Air Conditioning Company is truly an honor. Our customers are the reason we love our job. There is nothing better than making sure families are warm and cozy in the winter, and cool and comfortable in the summer. All of us at JIBEC Heating and Cooling thank you for the opportunity to serve you, and we look forward to providing the best service and installation to the Brainerd lakes area for many years to come.

We are a strong work family that strives to provide our clients with personalized exceptional service and make sure their needs are always being met.

We take pride in being a part of the Brainerd lakes area and enjoy giving back to the community. – Shannon Finnegan

Best Dental Office, Best Cosmetic/Esthetic Clinic, Best Small Company to Work for (Under 50) Design Dentistry LLC

7674 Design Rd., Baxter • (218)

Design Dentistry is proud and honored to once again be chosen as the Best Cosmetic/Aesthetic Clinic in the Brainerd lakes area. Our office provides a variety of cosmetic dentistry services, including veneers, implant-supported crowns, implants, bridges and beautiful resin composite restorations. We work with accomplished esthetic technicians to match shade, length and contour, to enhance and beautify each patient’s unique smile.

Design Dentistry considers the smallest details, to assure that our restorations, customized for each patient, look naturally beautiful.

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” We realize each individual patient has specific needs and wants. We listen closely to our patients’ concerns to provide a beautiful smile for a lifetime. Design Dentistry would like to thank the Brainerd lakes area for once again choosing us as Best Dental Office. We go beyond treating cavities, periodontal disease, missing teeth and regular cleanings. We treat each of our patients as a whole and unique person. Our goal is to make you feel healthier and be healthier.

We offer a wide variety of procedures, including infant tonguetie and lip-tie release, in-office implant placement and restoration, crowns or bridges for replacing missing teeth and orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners. We have recently begun airway-focus treatments to help pa-

tients breathe and have staff certified to provide myotherapy for this important work. We can help prevent and treat breathing and airway issues for infants, kids and adults. We handle issues of oral anatomy, head posture, swallowing pattern, speech deficiency, oral facial growth deficiency, airway breathing disorder and other risk factors.

Design Dentistry is very proud to be chosen as Best Small Company in the Brainerd lakes area.

We cultivate an atmosphere of family and caring that our patients can really feel. We emphasize a work culture of positivity, friendliness, caring, empathy, understanding, and a passion for excellence.

We are a team that truly loves our jobs and we set the highest standards to take care of our patients. We believe our patients can feel this positive atmosphere and that it contributes to a comfortable and stress-free customer experience.

Best Law Firm The Raboin & Francis Law Firm

Nails

Salon

We are so honored to win this for the fourth contest year in a row The Raboin & Francis Law Firm started Nov 23, 1992, when John Raboin opened The Raboin Law Office. The office was located next to a local beauty salon and clients had to suffer through the “perm” smell from that business to get up the stairs to the office. The firm used furniture from a hotel that went out of business and had particle-board bookshelves for walls. On Oct. 1, 1994, the firm moved to a building they constructed on Woida Road in Baxter. Over the years, the firm has grown and is now one of the busiest personal injury firms in north central Minnesota

John Raboin remains active in the community During the worst of the pandemic, John helped form the Full Tummies program, which helped feed hungry people on weekends in the Brainerd lakes area The program lasted for 36 weeks and over 10,000 lunches were provid ed. He focuses his practice on per sonal injury and employment law Michelle Francis joined the firm in 2012 and quickly became an involved member of the Brainerd lakes community. Mi chelle became a partner Jan. 1, 2017, starting The Raboin & Francis Law Firm. She is also very active in the community and currently sits on the Relationship Safety Alliance Board of Directors. She has a thriving practice focused on personal injury, workers’ compensation and Social Security disability

B e in g par t o f t hi s co mmuni t y i s imp o r t an t to u s and w e wan t to t hank v ote r s f o r t h e ir s upp o r t in t h e B est o f Brain e rd Lakes co n test

DN Nail & Spa of Baxter was voted the Best Nail Salon in the 2022 lakes area “Best of ” contest for the second straight year

DN Nail & Spa, a full-service business located on Elmwood Drive in Baxter, provides a wide range of regular and gel manicure and pedicure services, including kids’ regular and gel sets. Like gel nails, dip powder is long-lasting (up to three weeks), but doesn’t require LED light for curing.

Some of the services include manicure, pedicure, color dip, extensions, polish change and nail application removal The pedicures are done for cosmetic, therapeutic purposes and are popular throughout the world

Thanks for voting DN Nail & Spa the top nail service in the area

an appointment call 218-454-0850

Best Pharmacy

Essentia Health-Brainerd Pharmacy

2024 S 6th St, Brainerd • (218) 829-7455 essentiahealth.org/find-facility/profile/essentia-healthbrainerd-pharmacy

Best Plumber

Pike Plumbing & Heating

830 Brook Street, Brainerd • (218) 829-4332

pikeplumbingandheating.com

Founded in 1940 by Roy Pike and later under the ownership of Kevin Gruber and Mike Anderson,

Pike Plumbing and Heating

has a long tradition of providing plumbing and heating services to the Brainerd lakes area.

Your local Essentia Pharmacy is proud to be recognized as the Best of the Brainerd Lakes area pharmacies. Essentia Pharmacy has been serving patients in the Brainerd lakes area for over 15 years and we are truly honored to receive this award. We would like to recognize our dedicated patients and friendly staff. Essentia Pharmacy is here to keep your pharmacy needs safe, cost effective and convenient with either curbside pickup or drive thru offered at each location as well as free local delivery (sync my meds enrollment required). We appreciate the opportunity to serve our patients and look forward to continuing to offer comprehensive pharmacy services.

Now in our 82nd year and under the ownership of Ben Schoepf, we continue to strive to provide the best workmanship in service, new construction and remodeling projects to residential and commercial plumbing and heating customers. Our experienced technicians specialize in repair, replacement and installation of quality plumbing, heating, air conditioning and hot water heating products.

With a staff of 16 including six master plumbers and a fleet of signature red vans, Pike will continue to strive to offer the best products and cost-effective solutions for your plumbing and heating needs. Quality work and excellent customer service are our priorities.

Thank you to our loyal customers and to our hard working and dedicated employees for making Pike the best plumber of the Brainerd lakes.

Best Paint Store

Best Pet Grooming, Best Veterinarian Office Lakeland Veterinary Hospital

Hirshfield’s is a fourth-generation family-owned company in the paint and decorating business for over 125 years serving professional contractors and homeowners. We are dedicated to helping our customers with their dream projects whether it’s their new home or a fresh look.

Customer service and an operation with a long history in the community helps us stand out in our industry. Our employees are dedicated to working with clients over the course of planning their projects to help them reach their vision.

Hirshfield’s in Baxter offers a comprehensive color selection of paints and stains from Benjamin Moore, Magnolia Home and Hirshfield’s own brand made here in Minnesota. We excel at color matching and provide custom stain matches at the Baxter store. This year, the store has provided more than 1,000 custom stain matches and more than 800 paint matches — for both contractors and homeowners.

If a homeowner needs additional assistance in painting, we can recommend qualified professional painters to help them complete their project. Our ultimate goal is to help you achieve your design plans that exceed your expectations. But Hirshfield’s is more than a paint store. You’ll find displays in the store for window treatments from blinds and shades to fabric drapes. Our window fashion designer will even come to your home for personalized help and we offer installation services. Our product mix for the professional includes industrial finishes, floor coatings and lacquer systems.

The entire staff at Hirshfield’s Baxter are thankful for all the customers who know we do our best to help them with their projects and we’re especially thankful for their votes for Best Paint Store. You inspire us to keep trying harder.

Lakeland Veterinary Hospital has been serving the Brainerd lakes region for more than 40 years. Our current veterinary medical facility has been our home-base since the year 2000, when it was built by local architects for the specific purpose of being a functional and modern veterinary practice.

As a full-service vet clinic, we offer care for your pets through every stage of their life and medical needs, including surgical procedures, examinations, vaccinations, diagnostics and more as well as grooming and boarding.

At Lakeland, pets are family and our clinic is full of compassionate individuals who understand, appreciate and live for the bond between owners and pets. Over the years, our staff has developed into a second family for each other and we view each of our clients as valued friends.

We’re proud of going above and beyond to acquire optional accreditations and certifications in the veterinary industry. We strive to add the most current scientific advances to our practice as the study of veterinary medicine makes exciting progress every year. Your pets deserve the best veterinary care available.

Lakeland Veterinary Hospital is so incredibly honored and thankful to have been voted as the Brainerd lakes area’s Best Veterinary Office and Best Pet Grooming. We absolutely love being part of such a wonderful community and look forward to serving you as well as all your canine and feline companions for the next 40-plus years.

Kohls,ve e

VOTED

AREA,

Best Roofing Company Neumann Construction

Neumann Construction provides high-quality roofing services for homeowners here in the Brainerd lakes area. As a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor, we have many years of experience and provide the highest quality workmanship and the best products possible to ensure our customers’ investment is protected.

Neumann Construction was founded by Sev Neumann in 2005. With a strong commitment to the area, he forged a long-lasting relationship by offering the best quality construction and industry leading customer service. Continuing in that commitment, Cory Jay took over the company in 2021 and is excited to have the opportunity to take the company to the next level. He truly appreciates the opportunity to reliably serve Brainerd lakes homeowners for years to come. We are honored to have been voted No. 1 in the Best of the Brainerd Lakes contest and are thrilled to know our community supports us and values what we do. At Neumann Construction, we are passionate about making sure our customers’ expectations and roofing dreams are fulfilled.

Best Real Estate Agent Chad Schwendeman -

EXIT Lakes Realty Premier

The Chad Schwendeman Real Estate Group at EXIT Lakes Realty Premier

(218) 454-3948 • ChadSchwendeman.com

EXIT Lakes Realty Premier was established in 2015 by Chad Schwendeman. Chad is a Brainerd native and started his real estate career in 1999 when he purchased Tower Real Estate. Chad and his team at EXIT Lakes Realty Premier have sold more than $1.4 billion worth of real estate in the Brainerd lakes area. Since 2015 they have helped more than 5,500 families buy or sell real estate in the Brainerd lakes area.

Chad and his team are consistently ranked every year as one of the top real estate teams in the entire country by Real Trends.

Over the past seven years, Chad has been endorsed and worked with Barbara Corcoran on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” What makes Chad and his team unique is his team specializes in either working with buyers or sellers. Chad has nine buyers agents and three listing partners that help him on a daily basis. Chad says, “Our goal is to make sure that every single customer we work with has an incredible home buying or home selling experience. We don’t want to help them with just one sale, but we want to be their real estate team for life.”

Best Title Company Elite Title & Escrow

Best Tattoo Shop One Life Tattoo Studio Brainerd

Elite Title & Escrow, Corp. started in the Brainerd lakes area as a corporately owned company in the early 1990s and was originally known as ATI Title.

After several corporate sales and name changes, which included Rels Title, Dataquick Title and Stewart Title, the two long-term employees, Shayna McCulloch and Dawn Holmberg, were presented with an opportunity in spring of 2015 and decided to purchase the company from Stewart Title. The name changed to Elite Title & Escrow, Corp. and a new locally owned title company started its journey to success. We feel the community voted us No. 1 Title Company because every employee in our office goes above and beyond to successfully complete a transaction for our clients. We strive to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience as homeownership is one of the biggest accomplishments in life. From the public, to our real estate agents, builders and loan officers, we work hard from start to finish on all our transactions.

Elite Title’s success has been driven by the dedication and loyalty of every member on our team. We want to thank all of our voters, family, friends and clients who took the time to vote. We are humbled to again be voted “Best” title company. We deeply appreciate your loyalty and business and look forward to serving you in the future.

O

ur business is One Life Tattoo, but our life’s work is dedicated to the beautiful craft of tattooing. We spend our days (and most nights) creating dynamic, bold and beautiful tattoos specifically handcrafted for each individual client. We’ve been striving daily to evolve this principle since our inception 16 years ago. We believe the community voted us the number one tattoo studio in the area because of our uncompromising dedication to the craft. I think this dedication allows us to connect with clients in a way that is unique and individualized for each client by taking their unrealized concept and creatively evolving it into a crystalized empowering piece of wearable art. This collaborative mindset between artist and client is truly the essence of what makes our business unique.

PROUD TO BE ONE OF THE BRAINERD LAKES BEST OF THE BEST IN AUTO CARE!

From routine maintenance to complete overhauls, our goal is to get you safely back on the road as quickly as possible!

AUTO REPAIR FOR ALL MAKES AND MODELS!

Thank

Voters for Making

Thank you, thank you, thank you to our amazing customers.

After 17 years of providing customer service to our beautiful Brainerd lakes area, we are still having a blast! We know we couldn’t do what we do without our amazing salon staff. This award is 100% theirs! Along with our tanning, spray tanning, HydroMassage and skin care products we have added Red Light Therapy as a new way to help our customers look good and feel great. Red Light Therapy helps manage aches and pains, arthritis, reduces wrinkles and scars and destroys acne causing bacteria, all without any medication. We have the best non-invasive, natural treatment at the salon and devices you may purchase for your home use.

Stop in and see our friendly Smart Tan Certified Staff today.

John Raboin Michelle Francis