Best of the Parkland 2019 by Daily Journal Online

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2019

Of The Parkland

Winnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Edition

Contents 5

Automotive 5 6 7 8 8 9

Auto Parts Auto Dealer Car Wash Repair-Collision Repair-Mechanical Winners’ List

Beauty and Self 10 11

12 Special Occasion 12 13 14 15

Catering Photography Venue Winners’ List

Dining and Restaurants 16 17 17 18 19 19 20 20 21 22

Bar Food BBQ Breakfast Brewery/Winery Coffee Ethnic Fine Dining Sandwich Wait Staff Winners’ List

Fashion 23 24

DaySpa/Nail Salon Winners’ List

Bridal and

Jewelry Winners’ List

All Photos taken by staff or used with permission. 2 | Best of the Parkland 2019

Favorites 25 26

Place to take Kids Winners’ List

Fitness/Sports and Recreation 27 28 28

ORV Dealer Firearms/Hunting Winners’ List

Healthcare

Home and Farm

Seniors

Services

Shopping

29 30

Audiology Winners’ List

31 Apartment Community 32 Farm Supply 32 Furniture 33 Winners’ List

34 35 35

36 37 38

39 40 41 42 47

Assisted Living Hospice Winners’ List

Bank Real Estate Winners’ List

Convenience Grocery Meat Market Specialty Shops Winners’ List

Best of the Parkland

Grand

n o i p m a h C

f the many businesses who receive votes in the Best of the Parkland contest, one stands out as the clear favorite — Artisan Ink, located inside The Factory at 200 W. 1st St. in Farmington. It received more votes than any other entry in any category. While tattoo parlors have received a less than sterling reputation through the years as rundown, dark and foreboding for “decent folk,” Artisan Ink co-owner Ben Lashley — an Ironton native — has done everything possible to dispel that myth since he opened the shop in June 2012. “It’s a family-friendly place,” he said. “People bring their kids in all the time. We keep slowly upgrading and adding. We try to keep the place looking nice.” Lashley explained that there have been tattoo artists who have worked at the studio and then moved on over the years.

“But we have a really solid, good crew,” he said. “I try to keep Champion Continued on Page 4 Best of the Parkland 2019 | 3

ion of those wearing tattoos — especially women — has changed four at a time and right now we’re dramatically in recent years. at full capacity. Everything is going “I don’t really know why, but I good.” think that TV shows have had a Asked why he felt his customers lot to do with it,” he said. “It’s have such a positive opinion about become more mainstream because Artisan Ink, Lashley said, “I beit’s been on TV. Everybody gets lieve it’s because of how we do it. them. You see it everywhere now We’re different than most shops. — on social media — it’s all over We try to keep it really clean and I the place, so it’s become more acmake sure all of our artists undercepted I guess.” stand the importance of customer As far as his cusservice. I think the three big things tomers, Lashley are cleanliness, friendliness and couldn’t be more quality.” grateful. Lashley said that most people who “We appreciate come in to get a tattoo end up everyone who returning to get another one. brings friends in “They get another one and anand keeps comother one and bring friends,” he ing back — I said. “Then they come back, and it guess you could keeps growing like a pyramid.” say loyal to us,” Lashley noted that society’s opinChampion Continued from Page 3

Made Possible by

You Thanks for all the support for this section from the staff of

he said. “It’s just been great. We’ve had a huge following pretty much from day one. I have no complaints — thanks everybody!” Lashley also gave a shout out to his co-owner, Asia Reeves. “She’s the second in command,” he said. “She does excellent around here keeping everything in tiptop shape, clean and organized. She’s a big asset.”

General Manager: Melissa Bellew Editor: Doug Smith Assistant Editor: Teresa Ressel Media Manager: Donny Cheatham Graphic Designers: Lisa Pruitt and Rob Barnes Sales Associates: Lawana Starkey, Maddi Tyree, Whitney Magee, Michelle Menley, and Kayleena Jones. Stories and Art Contributed by: Teresa Ressel, Kevin Jenkins, Matt McFarland, Bobby Radford, Matt Morey, Mark Marberry, Alan Kopitsky, and Tori Kemper. To get additional copies or for more information about the Best of the Parkland please contact the Daily Journal at 573-431-2010.

4 | Best of the Parkland 2019

Auto Best Auto Parts Store W

henever there’s a need for auto parts, it can be intimidating for many to know where to buy or who to talk to. O’Reilly was voted the best auto parts store because customers know they will offer enthusiastic service, knowledgeable answers and good prices. They try to be the one-stop shop for everybody, selling everything from specialty batteries to wrench sets, synthetic oils to belts and hoses, and even accessories. Anything they don’t have in the store, they can get shipped from a variety of suppliers and sometimes even from dealerships. Services they offer are battery and fluid recycling, battery diagnostic testing, free wiper blade installations, and loaner tools. “We know all of our customers on a first-name basis, and like to help out our community with donations and auctions,” one local manager said. As a company they sponsor drag races and have donated to lo-

cal charity events. Despite being a chain with more than 5,000 stores, O’Reilly is headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, and began there in 1957. Locally, there are stores in Desloge at 1129 N. Desloge Drive; and Farmington at 350 E. Karsch Blvd.

Runner Up: AutoZone Second Runner Up: Fisher Auto Parts Best of the Parkland 2019 | 5

Best Auto Dealer O

ften times in our society, car dealers receive somewhat of a bad reputation. That, however, is not the case for Auto Plaza Group who has just been named Best Auto Dealer in the Parkland. Auto Plaza started in 2012 when a dealership in De Soto was bought out by the group. The company skyrocketed in 2016 when they acquired Crown Motors, a dealership in Ste. Genevieve, the dealership in Fredericktown, and a small dealership in Marble Hill. Shawna Pettus, co-owner of the Auto Plaza Group, said that they now have about 200 employees in the four-county area. “I would like to thank customers for their support and for being such huge cheerleaders for us,” said Pettus. Pettus boasts that the company

6 | Best of the Parkland 2019

offers a “National Price Guarantee” and that people come from all over the United States to purchase vehicles from the group. “We strive to be the best and we treat our customers like family,” said Pettus. “We want our customers to be repeat customers.” Pettus also said she would like to thank all of her amazing crew at

each of the dealerships because without the fine staff, they would not have the reputation they have built over the last few years. Second Place for best dealership goes to Turner Chevrolet-Cadillac, and third place for best dealership goes to Sam Scism Ford-Lincoln.

Best Car Wash V

oted best in the category of Best Car Wash was Tiger Express Wash located at 1200 Maple St. in Farmington. Tiger Express opened its Farmington location in May. The car wash features a state-of-the-art drive-through automatic exterior wash as well as several self-service stations with free vacuums, garbage receptacles, and other auto cleaning essentials. They also offer amenities such as free towels, coffee, and automatic floorboard mat cleaners. Tiger Express Wash in Farmington employs about 10 workers who stay busy with the steady flow of business. Area customers say they enjoy the newer facilities and convenient location. The car wash, based out of Columbia, Missouri, is part of a chain of 14 locations. They have locations throughout Missouri and are beginning to develop new sites in Kansas. The newer Farmington location has been one of the more profitable branches of the company, according to Marketing Director Emeri Bartels. “Thank you to all the customers in Farmington and thanks for a great first year,” said Bartels. ”We appreciate everyone’s support and hope to see everyone in the future.” Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 844256-2601. Runner Up in this category is Auto Spa Speedy Wash - Farmington, located at 205 W. Karsch Blvd. in

Farmington. Second Runner Up in this category is Potosi Car Wash, located at 104 Lawrence St. in Potosi.

Best of the Parkland 2019 | 7

Best Auto Repair-Collision V

oted best in the Auto Repair-Collision category is Brad Wooten Auto Body located at 401 N Main St. in Ironton. Brad Wooten Auto Body was opened in 2014 by Wooten and his wife, Amie. The full collision service center repairs around 60 vehicles per month. The 10,000 square foot state-ofthe-art facility, along with its nine employees, handle all collision repair needs from small dents and dings to large collision damage. They also handle windshield and auto glass repair, as well as automotive accessory installation. The shop is a direct repair facility

for multiple major insurance companies and is ASE, PPG and I-CAR certified. They have six loaner cars on site in addition to a courtesy shuttle for customers awaiting repairs. “We are humbled and thankful to all of our customers and everyone who voted for us for Best of the Parkland. Words can’t express how much we appreciate such an honor,” said owner Brad Wooten. For more information about Brad Wooten Auto Body call 573-5462867. The runner up for this category in

this year’s contest was American Metal Collision & Restoration located at 10121 Business Park Dr. in Mineral Point. The second runner up was Kevin Ball Auto Body located at 100 East Woodlawn Dr. in Leadington.

Best Auto Repair-Mechanical B

est in the Auto Repair Mechanical category is Wade’s Auto Service, located at 228 E Harrison St. in Farmington. This is the second consecutive year the auto service shop has won in this category. Wade’s Auto Service is a complete Auto & Truck Repair Center established in 2015. It was started as a second location for Propst Auto Service in Festus. “My business partners and I decided to open a second location in my hometown of Farmington,” said owner Derek Wade. “We noticed a need for honest and quality auto repair in the area. We believe that with our more than 60 years of experience we can bring that to Farmington and surrounding areas.” Wade has been an automotive technician for more than 14 years and is a 8 | Best of the Parkland 2019

graduate of Wyoming Technical Institute and an ASE certified technician. The automotive shop services both foreign and domestic, gas and diesel engines. Services range from oil changes and state inspections to engine and transmission replacement. They also provide complete computer and electrical diagnosis along with reprogramming. “We’re happy to (place at the top) two years in a row now,” Wade said. “We want to thank all of our customers and everyone who voted. We hope to win again next year.” Business hours at the Farmington location are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 573-664-1302 for

more information. Runner-up was Impressive Auto Service, located at 112 S. Division St. in Bonne Terre. There was a tie for third place in this category. The second runners-up were My Mechanic, located at 606 E. Karsch Blvd. in Farmington, and Sam’s Service Center, located at 355 S. Main St. in Ironton.

Automotive Auto Dealer 1 Auto Plaza Group 2 Turner Chevrolet-Cadillac 3 Sam Scism Ford Lincoln Auto Parts Store 1 O’Reilly Auto Parts 2 AutoZone Auto Parts 3 Fisher Auto Parts Auto Repair (Collision) 1 Brad Wooten Auto Body 2 American Metal Collision & Restoration 3 Kevin Ball Auto Body

s r e n Win Auto Repair (Mechanical) 1 Wade’s Auto Service 2 Impressive Auto Service 3 My Mechanic 3 Sam’s Service Ctr.

Oil Change Service 1 Accutune 2 Auto Plaza Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 3 Sam’s Service Center

Battery Store Tire Shop 1 Ellis Battery 1 Ron’s Tire Center Inc 2 Interstate All Battery Center 2 Chad’s Tire & Auto 3 Sam’s Service Ctr. 3 Plaza Tire Service Car Wash 1 Tiger Express Car Wash 2 Auto Spa Speedy Wash Farmington 3 Potosi Car Wash

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Self

Best Day Spa/Nail Salon O

nce again Daily Journal’s readers gave the recognition of top Day Spa/Nail Salon to The Boulevard in Farmington in the “Best of the Parkland” contest. Owner Todd Young said The Boulevard has a little bit of everything including tanning, full service hair salon, day spa, massage, nails, facials, chemical peels and if there is a service not listed he is willing to look into adding it. The Boulevard is turning 23 this June and it has gone through some changes over the years. “We originally opened in 1996 as a tanning salon called Sensational Tans,” Young said. “When this plaza (Rosedale Plaza on Karsch Boulevard) opened we needed more space and decided to move and expand our services by adding a hair salon.” Young said his mother has been a cosmetologist since 1966 and his sister is also in the profession so it is a family affair. “When we completed the remodel in 2009 we decided to put it all under the one name of The Boule-

10 | Best of the Parkland 2019

vard,” Young said. “We decided on The Boulevard because we’re on the only boulevard in St. Francois County.” Young said his staff does a great job with the clients keeping the business family-oriented and a family feel. “Sometimes places can get so high end that they lose that personal

touch,” Young said. “Everyone is family here.” It is located at 423 W. Karsch Blvd. in Farmington. Runner Up: L&V Nails Second Runner Up: Q Nails

Beauty and Self Barber Shop 1 Ooh La La Salon 2 The Boulevard 3 Hair Solutions Ironton

s r e n Win

Day Spa / Nail Salon 1 The Boulevard Salon and Spa 2 L & V Nails 3 Q Nails Hair Salon 1 Xtremes Salon 2 The Boulevard 3 Ooh La La Salon

Massage Therapist 1 The Boulevard Massage and Tanning 2 Body Focus Massage Therapy 3 Out of Body Massage Tanning Salon 1 Radiant Tan 2 The Boulevard 3 Better Bodies of Missouri Inc Tattoo Parlor 1 Artisan Ink 2 Liberty Tattoo 3 Rockstar Tattoo Studio

Best of the Parkland 2019 | 11

l a d i r B ecial and Sp

Occasion

Best Catering G

rowing up on a farm, deer season was a time when all the men would come to hunt. Hunters need to eat, and preparing a big breakfast and other meals for the guys was a part of life. In 2003, Kim Leftridge decided to take what was a hobby and make it a business, the business: feeding people. Bow Tie Catering, voted best caterer in the Parkland, kind of stumbled on their reason to exist. Leftridge said that when her daughter got married, she and some of her friends and family did the reception. Leftridge said that during the reception, people began asking who had prepared the food. “After thinking about it, I thought why not give it a try,” said Leftridge. The business caters showers, funerals, reunions, receptions, company meetings, and many other events. They have a minimum of 15 but have fed up to 380. For catering, customers can call 573-631-8051. She said that they had the privilege of feeding the Christian group “Casting Crowns” in 2016. 12 | Best of the Parkland 2019

Leftridge said they take the time to get to know the people they are working for. She said that her crew is the best and she would put them up next to any group of cooks and that everyone who works for her was brought in by one of her other workers. Leftridge said the company does anywhere from 15-20 events in most months, with December being the

busiest. “To everyone who voted us best in the Parkland, we thank you,” said Leftridge. “We appreciate your confidence in our business, but all of the glory goes to God.” The second place winner for best caterer is Thee Abbey Kitchen, followed by third place which goes to 12 West Bar and Grill.

Best Photography C

asey Hartley started KC Photography nine years ago, and the 2019 winner of the best bridal photographer in the Parkland has been photographing weddings for six years. “In 2009, a friend on a budget asked me to photograph her wedding,” Hartley said. “I suppose she liked the simple pictures I posted online (MySpace). At that point, I only knew how to shoot on a $100 point and shoot camera from Walmart. I did it because she needed someone. I remember googling ‘what kind of camera do professional photographers use?’ and bought myself a Canon DSLR

used off eBay. I had no idea what I was doing. I laugh about it now.” After shooting that wedding six years ago, people started contacting Hartley and asking her how much she charged. Soon she was getting an inquiry a day. Now she photographs about 25 weddings per year and does an additional twothree photo shoots per week, April-November. December through March are her slow months by design, although she still does a couple weddings during that time. Hartley goes into each wedding with a simple philosophy. “I try to always remember why the bride and groom hired me,” Hartley said. “I know how awful I’d feel if for some reason they didn’t

like their wedding images, so I treat each wedding as if my entire career depended on this one wedding, because maybe it does.” “I get to do two or three destination weddings a year and I’m so thankful for those opportunities,” Hartley said. “ I’ve done several weddings in Florida, Colorado, and California.” She has also done weddings in Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Michigan. “The furthest I’ve taken my camera is Israel when I traveled there with my Parkland Chapel church family in 2017,” Hartley said. “We will see where else I’ll be blessed to go.”Second place for best bridal photographer in the Parkland went to Lyndsey Paige Photography. Third place went to Kim’s Captured Memories.

Best of the Parkland 2019 | 13

Best Venue O

nce again Daily Journal readers have voted The Barn at Lone Eagle Landing as Wedding Venue of the Parkland. This family owned and operated venue has only been in business for two short years but is already flourishing into a second location in May. The Barn, located off Route F in Ste. Genevieve, is as it sounds, a rustic barn style hall, but do not let looks deceive. The venue is brand new construction, temperaturecontrolled and includes a bridal suite cleverly hidden inside the silo. “You can keep it as simple as you’d like and let the character of the building speak for itself or we’ve seen it all dolled up with tulle and lights everywhere,” Co-owner Crystal Politte said. When the back doors are slid open, the space transforms into a beautiful indoor/outdoor venue with views of the pond and fields of crops. Lights strung above give a touch of light to the patio and a large lawn allows for plenty of space for dancing. Politte said many couples choose to have their entire wedding on the grounds with the ceremony on the

14 | Best of the Parkland 2019

part of the family during the experience. “When it’s over it is like a bad break-up because you don’t see lawn, anybody anymore,” Politte said. “We reception in the get really invested in our couples barn and photos taken amongst the and always want them to feel as if many picturesque locations. they are part of the family.” “We’ve probably done like 60 to 65 Politte said the whole operation events,” Politte said. “It’s a lot of is only successful because of the pressure but every one of them is whole family working together. She different and we just try to get to said her sister Chandler is the face know every couple.” of the business, her brother Alex Politte said they get to meet the uses his degree in Plant Science to couples over a year before their big keep the grounds pristine, and her day and feel as if they have become father Tim made the dream come alive. “This whole idea started on a napkin in a Mexican restaurant,” Politte said. “We sketched it out and Dad made it happen.” Runner Up: Lincoln Street Events Center Second Runner Up: Valley Mist Events

Bridal and Special Occasions Bridal Boutique 1 The Flower Box 2 White Weddings 3 Butterfield Florist & Gifts Catering 1 Bow Tie Catering 2 Thee Abbey Kitchen Arcadia Academy 3 12 West Bar & Grill

s r e n Win Photographer 1 KC Photography LLC 2 Lyndsey Paige Photography 3 Kim’s Captured Memories

Wedding Venues 1 The Barn at Lone Eagle Landing 2 Lincoln Street Event Center 3 Valley Mist Events

Florist 1 Country Bouquet 2 Butterfield Florist & Gifts 3 Ike’s Florist

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s t n a r u a t s Re

Best Bar Food A

fter being voted Best Bar Food and Best Chicken Wings, “Randy’s Almost Famous Smoked Wings” at Hub’s Pub may finally attain true fame. Brandon Hubbard opened Hub’s Pub in Bonne Terre in 2007, and then added the kitchen in 2012. They have added the volleyball court outside and even renovated the interior since then. Opening for lunch time, and closing in the evening at 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., the kitchen gives Hub’s the flexibility to appeal to the dining family as much as to the pub visitor. The bar features a lavish selection of cocktails, beer, and wines. Appetizers on the menu include standards like potato skins and fries, but also selections like crab rangoon and Hub’s pretzel sticks and waffle fries with queso cheese. General Manager Amy Berger said that their menu had an advantage over others because their chefs are so consistent and offer a bevy of options. “Appetizers, pizzas, salads, fish, steak, burgers, pork chops, all kinds of stuff.” 16 | Best of the Parkland 2019

If you ask the wait staff, they might be enthusiastic about everything on the menu, but their specialty choice are Randy’s wings. They are spiced, smoked, then tossed in the Hubbard family’s secret sauce. They end up with a delicious crispy texture and mildly sweet flavor with smoky complexities. The original Hub’s Bar and Grill is at 10

North Dover Street, Bonne Terre, and the newer one is at 220 West High Street in Potosi. The Runners Up for Best Bar Food are Lady Di’s Shamrock located on 6819 Vo-Tec Rd in Bonne Terre, and The Iron Mule at 1308 Highway 21 in Ironton.

Best Barbecue B

ig Dick’s BBQ, located south of Farmington on Route H, made it to the top of the list of Barbecue spots. Owners Richard and Emily Kossman opened their restaurant in August of 2017. Before that, they had a food truck that they ran for about five years. “We have four employees,” he said. “[We’re open] Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. then Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This summer we’re looking to expand Friday and Saturday until 8 p.m.” Kossman said that Monday through Wednesday is reserved for focusing on their children. “Everybody is focused on now that they have to get out there Thursday through Sunday to get our barbecue,” he said.

Kossman explained how their week is set up and how the customer traffic is different for each day. Richard’s wife Emily explained how many customers they serve during the week. “In a four-day period we do roughly 600 tickets,” she said. “That could be anywhere from one person to three or more. It’s maybe an average of 1,500 customers.” Richard added, saying, “My supplier says that he can’t believe the business you do in a four-day time.” Kossman reflected on how his business growth has accelerated well be-

Best Breakfast T

he Factory Diner has been a favorite of people in the Parkland looking for a delicious breakfast or lunch since 2010. Its customers have returned the favor by once again voting The Factory Diner as the Best Breakfast in the 2019 Best of the Parkland. Owners Valerie and Mehmet Memis have a very successful business, with a second Farmington location and third location in Park Hills proving you really can’t have too much of a good thing. The diner serves pancakes, French toast, country fried steak and gravy,

biscuits and gravy, country skillet breakfasts and omelets. In addition to breakfast, they also serve burgers, sandwiches, salads, wraps, melts and gyros. Mehmet, who is from Turkey, is an experienced cook with almost three decades of experience. “He started doing this in Turkey,” Valerie Memis said. “His dad kind of got him into it.” The couple met when she was waitressing at a Turkish restaurant in St. Louis where he was the cook. “He decided to sort of break out on his own,” Valerie said. “He wanted to own

yond his expectations. Emily explained how they treat their customers and employees and stresses that it’s an important part of their success. “We think of our customers as family,” she said. “We treat our employees the same way. Richard added, “We don’t want people to walk in and feel like they’re in a restaurant, we want them to feel like they’re home.” Runner Up: Sugarfire Smoke House, Farmington Second Runner Up: Dexter Bar-BQue, Farmington

his own place.” They found an ad on Craigslist for the restaurant in The Factory and the rest is history. Valerie believes there’s nothing more important for a business than taking care of its customers. “If it wasn’t for our customers, we wouldn’t be able to open our doors,” she said. All three Factory Diners are open from 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m., seven days a week. Their locations are 200 W. First St. in The Factory and 814 Market St., both in Farmington; and 239 W. Main St. in Park Hills. First runner Up in the category is Carla’s Café in Bismarck and second runner up is The Rustler Café in Pilot Knob. Best of the Parkland 2019 | 17

Best Brewery /Winery T

win Oaks Vineyard has been voted Best Brewery/Winery in the Parkland for the third year in a row. The winery and vineyard sits on a 180-acre farm with 25 acres of vines owned by the family of brothers Andrew and Brian Hutson. The family remains the primary caretakers of the vineyard with four generations of Hutsons often seen picking grapes at harvest time. The tasting room sits in the middle of the vineyard, where you can taste their award-winning wines, enjoy a glass of cold premium beer or indulge in a cocktail from the full bar. The winery also features live entertainment many weeks and hosts

popular events in its large outdoor patio. The GlassHouse is an all season room which seats up to 250 guests and has a catering kitchen, four big screen TVs, a Bose stereo system, full bar and glass walls for amazing views of the vineyard. In addition to the tasting room and GlassHouse, the winery has recently added the Grande Oaks Event Center which can hold up to 350 guests. The

Best Coffee A

decade ago two couples, Derrick and Ashley Hulsey, and Chris and Ashton Hulsey, had a vision to begin buying property with the goal to be revitalization of downtown Park Hills. Ashley Hulsey had another vision, a two-year plan, so to speak when the “Y Apartments” were purchased by the couples. “At the time we started on revitalizing the building, there wasn’t another coffee shop in town,” said Hulsey. While other shops in the area actually beat the couples to their opening, Rae Cole’s Coffee Bar, coming in at first place, pressed forward and opened their doors at 322 West Main St. in Park Hills on March 15, 2018, just over a year ago. Hulsey said the business serves 18 | Best of the Parkland 2019

800-1,000 customers weekly. “I never anticipated the customer support we have,” said Hulsey. Hulsey said that this is something you hope for but you never know if it will actually happen or not. She continued to say that doing this has made me more aware of how customers help small businesses survive. “I would just like to take an opportunity to say thank you to our customers for their support and confidence in our business,” said Hulsey. Hulsey said there is talk of expansion as they are contemplating

space includes new technology, a full kitchen, dance floor, bride’s room and stage. Twin Oaks is located on Route F and has ample parking for buses. Second place goes to Chaumette and third place goes to Crown Valley.

adding a patio outside that isn’t only for the coffee bar, but a place where the community can gather. The first runner up or second place for best coffee shop is Arcadia Valley Roasting Co. The second runner up, coming in third, is Wise Grounds at Belgrade State Bank.

Best Ethnic Food T

aking first place in the category of Best Ethnic Food is El Tapatio Mexican Restaurants. El Tapatio is an authentic Mexican restaurant with three area locations. The restaurant was first opened in 1998 by owners, Alonzo and Nicholas. The popular restaurant’s first location was in Farmington, on the corner of Highway 32 and Route OO, but quickly expanded to include a location in Park Hills, at 1428 S. St Joe Dr. Since then, they have built a new location in Farmington, located at 605 Walton Dr., and another location in Desloge, located at 1128 N. Desloge Dr. The entire operation employs approximately 100 people and serves thousands of patrons annually. The restaurants serve authentic Mexican food along with soft drinks, beer, and other liquor including margaritas. “Thank you to all of our customers

for the many great years,” owner Alonzo said. “We could not have done this without all of you.” Runner Up in this category is Pad-Thai Kitchen located at 809 E. Karsch Blvd. in Farmington.

Second Runner Up is Si Senor MexMex Bar and Grill located at 612 Walmart Dr. in Farmington.

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autoplazagroup.com Best of the Parkland 2019 | 19

Best Fine Dining 12

West Bar & Grill was selected as the best fine dining restaurant in the Parkland. General Manager Kirk Wishon characterized the restaurant as an up-scale bistro that is very family-friendly. 12 West is located at 12 W. Columbia in Farmington. Owner Brian Hurst opened the restaurant in October of 2004, and it has become a favorite of professionals, people going out for the evening, and families. The clientele includes regular customers from St. Louis who come in two to three times a month. Also, 12 West gets business from people who travel to some of the area wineries. Wishon said the restaurant has one of the most extensive wine lists in the area, and one of the biggest sellers is the whiskey and bourbon menu. There are a number of items which

Wishon said they can never take off the menu. Wishon said some of more popular appetizers are the fried green tomatoes and the stuffed mushrooms, which have been on the menu exactly the way they are since the day the restaurant opened. 12 West employs 25 people, and Wishon said, in terms of wait staff, personality is key. “The first thing I look for is personality, always smiling, friendly, outgoing, accommodating,” Wishon said. “We have a very low turnover in the front and back of the house. We have been very fortunate.” Wishon said, in the kitchen, he looks for creativity, being able to keep up with the pace, integrity, consistency,

and presentation. The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday-Saturday. It opens for brunch at 9:30 a.m. and closes Sunday at 8 p.m. 12 West also does full-service catering, corporate lunches, dinner program, bridal and baby showers and rehearsal dinners. Taking second place for best fine dining in the Parkland is Lady Di’s Shamrock outside Desloge. Third place is Mario’s Italia in Farmington.

Best Sandwich T

he award for Best Deli Sandwich this year goes to BOGO Sandwiches. Owner Doug Thomas said at BOGO they try to make every sandwich the way the customer wants, customization and variety is what they do. When you first walk in the door of the shop, located in downtown Farmington, you are hit with a delightful aroma of the sandwich of the day. Thomas said one of their most popular is the pulled pork sandwich on Fridays. “We have most of your deli style sandwiches and we have specials every day which is usually a hot item,” Thomas said. “We have been in business for six and half years and have been growing gradually ever since.” 20 | Best of the Parkland 2019

Unique to the shop is how customers “build” their sandwich. Near the entrance hungry patrons will find menus and dry erase markers where they can see every ingredient available. As you go through the list you simple check which items you want on your sandwich before passing it to the cooks. However, there is another twist to the BOGO sandwiches, every purchase comes with more than just a delicious sandwich, it gives back. For every sandwich sold, one is do-

nated to an area food pantry or similar organization. This sandwich is one that keeps on giving. Runner Up: Ole Tyme Pantry Second Runner Up: Subway

Best Wait Staff C

arla’s Café was voted Best of the Parkland for Best Wait Staff. Opened in 2017, people of Bismarck and the wider area have quickly warmed to its western atmosphere furnished with beautiful antiques, and especially to the welcoming and cheerful attitude of its wait staff. “This was a lifelong dream of mine,” owner Carla Craig said. “I started off as a waitress when I was 13 years old, and it was all I had done since I was 13.” It’s clear that the years of experience have paid off to her staff and customers. Carla said that she tries to work every day until close so she can get direct feedback from customers and build more personal connections with them. She said that people like to see the owners, and that places she’s observed before started to go down when the owners weren’t present. “[Customers] think they’re not interested, or that they don’t care about their business,” she said. Much of the feedback she receives is positive, and a lot of it is about her staff. “We have tons of people say how we cater to our customers,” she said. “People always say how friendly our staff is.” She said that a table had messaged her on her web page to say that the wait staff was good with kids and

overdid them- ity. They complement the selection selves with all of of antiques, like the Hoosier cabinet the customers that came through the and vintage ice boxes, each with a door. “I’ve worked in a lot of restau- story behind them. rants, and the wait staff is superb, I A vintage mixer was donated by a customer whose mother had passed, think.” Due to its wide variety of food, and and they wanted something to do with daily specials that often change, the it. The wooden cooler was made by a wait staff is tasked especially to keep customer to help sell raffle tickets for a young man who was in a bad accident. up with and suggest the new des“After they did the drawing, I said serts or items to customers. Carla’s ‘don’t forget your cooler,’” she said. mother sometimes makes desserts like homemade cobblers, banana nut “He said, ‘no, that’s yours, for helping cake, or whatever she is inspired to us out so much.” make that week. A recent addition to “We’ve just been really blessed and the menu is pizza, which just after a it’s been a lifelong dream of mine to own a business,” she said. few months has been a hit. Carla’s Cafe can be found at 818 The café is often bustling, and East Main St. in Bismarck. receives customers from areas like Runners Up are Hub’s Pub and Grill, from Bonne Terre, Potosi, Frederand El Tapatio. icktown and Annapolis. It doesn’t hurt that she tries Thank you for to help out with Anytime. your support in communities doBest ing what she can Anywhere. ofthethe2019 Parkland with her budget. contest! Any day... The front counters are often generAmanda G Shipman, Agent That’s when you can count on State Farm®. 203 West Maple I know life doesn’t come with a schedule. That’s why at ous with flyers for Pilot Knob, MO 63663 State Farm you can always count on me for whatever Bus: 573-546-7346 charities and sales you need – 24/7, 365. amanda@sfagent.us GET TO A BETTER STATE ,Call me today. or raffles for local art and wood work of striking qual1101198.1

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Best of the Parkland 2019 | 21

Dining and Restuarants Bakery 1 Thee Abbey Kitchen 2 Carla’s Cafe 3 RaeCole’s Coffee Bar Bar Food 1 Hub’s Pub and Grill 2 Lady Di’s Shamrock 3 The Iron Mule Bartending 1 Hub’s Pub and Grill 2 The Iron Mule 3 12 West Bar & Grill BBQ 1 Big Dicks BBQ 2 Sugarfire Farmington 3 Dexter Bar-B-Q - Farmington Breakfast 1 The Factory Diner 2 Carla’s Cafe 3 The Rustler Cafe Brewery / Winery 1 Twin Oaks 2 Chaumette Vineyards & Winery 3 Crown Valley Winery Burgers 1 Hunt’s Dairy Bar 2 Hub’s Pub and Grill 3 Carla’s Cafe Chicken Wings 1 Hub’s Pub and Grill 2 Lady Di’s Shamrock 3 Stix & Steins

22 | Best of the Parkland 2019

s r e n Win Coffee 1 RaeCole’s Coffee Bar 2 Arcadia Valley Roasting Company 3 Wise Grounds Coffee Shop Deli Sandwich 1 BOGO Sandwiches 2 Ole Tyme Pantry 3 Subway Restaurants Dessert 1 Lix Frozen Custard 2 Thee Abbey Kitchen / Arcadia Academy 3 Carla’s Café Diner 1 Bearfoot Cafe 2 Carla’s Cafe 3 Homestead Restaurant Ethnic Food 1 El Tapatio 2 Pad Thai Kitchen 3 Si Senor Mex-Mex Bar and Grill Family Dining Restaurant 1 Carla’s Cafe 2 Catfish Kettle Restaurant 3 El Tapatio 3 Homestead Restaurant Fast Food Restaurant 1 Culver’s 2 Arby’s 3 Taco Bell Fine Dining Restaurant 1 12 West Bar & Grill 2 Lady Di’s Shamrock 3 Mario’s Italia

Ice Cream / Custard 1 Lix Frozen Custard 2 Old Village Mercantile 3 General Custard Lunches 1 Carla’s Cafe 2 Hub’s Pub and Grill 3 Hunt’s Dairy Bar Pizza 1 Imo’s Pizza 2 Redemption Pizza 3 The Iron Mule Salad 1 Pasta House Co 2 Hub’s Pub and Grill 3 Lady Di’s Shamrock Steak 1 Colton’s Steak House & Grill 2 Lady Di’s Shamrock 3 12 West Bar & Grill Vegetarian Selection 1 Pad Thai Kitchen 2 Panera Bread 3 12 West Bar & Grill Wait Staff 1 Carla’s Cafe 2 Hub’s Pub and Grill 3 El Tapatio

n o i h s a F Best Jewelry Store K

rekeler Jewelers, located at 216 E. Columbia St., is an institution in downtown Farmington known for its quality merchandise and customer service. For all those reasons and many more, Krekeler has been voted by its customers 2019’s Best Jewelry Store. Owner Jeff Krekeler shared a bit of history about the store. “My grandfather, A.L. Krekeler, started the store, on Union Ave. in St. Louis, in 1938,” he said. “He was a watchmaker by trade, and he decided to hang out his own shingle. From repairing watches and providing watch parts the business branched out and grew into a jewelry store. “My dad joined him after graduating from high school in the early 1960s. In 1977, my mom and dad sold the jewelry store which was in north St.

Louis and moved the business and the family to Farmington where we’ve happily been ever since.” Jeff and his father have always been very involved in the community. In fact, the annual Christmas parade is sponsored by the store. “To me, this is such a giving community,” he said. “It’s such a supportive community. We love and respect this community. It’s our pleasure to give back with our time, our talents and our treasures when appropriate. This is a great place to live. This is a great

place to own a business. It’s a great place to raise a family. “We have had 81 years of learning how to take care of our customers. This business was built on treating others the way we want to be treated. It’s also a challenge to do that every day. In today’s digital world, your reputation is only as good as your most recent review. That’s something that’s changed in my time of owning this business.” Store hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 573-756-3625. Runner Up: Belle Ever After Boutique Second Runner Up: Diamonds & More Best of the Parkland 2019 | 23

Fashion Children’s Clothing 1 Little Ones Children’s Boutique 2 Glik’s 3 Encore Boutique and Embroidery Jewelry Store 1 Krekeler’s 2 Belle Ever After Boutique 3 Diamonds & More Men’s Clothing (Casual) 1 JCPenney 2 Glik’s 3 Dress 2 Impress Resale

s r e n n Wi Men’s Clothing (Formal) 1 JCPenney 2 Special Memories 3 Dress 2 Impress Resale

Women’s Clothing (Formal) 1 Special Memories 2 White Weddings 3 Dress 2 Impress Resale

Shoe Store 1 Belle Ever After Boutique 2 Famous Footwear 3 Craftwell & Dunnright Women’s Clothing (Casual) 1 Belle Ever After Boutique 2 Queen Anne’s Lace 3 Miss Kim & Company

Thanks for Voting. We’re always here to help with your home improvement projects. 24 | Best of the Parkland 2019

FARMINGTON 4162 Overall Rd. 573.756.4718

s e t i r o v Fa Best Place to take Kids T

he winner in the category of the Best Place to Take the Kids is Starlite Drive-In located on Highway 21 outside Potosi. The Starlite Drive-In has been in operation since 1952. It was purchased by the Mercille family in 1968 and has been a familyfriendly attraction ever since. They have two movie screens at the drive-in where they mostly show double-features on each screen. Cars are parked on a large lawn area in front of the screens and moviegoers can set up blankets, lawn chairs, or just sit in their cars and enjoy the films. Kids can also play in the swing set area which has a full view of the movie screen. In the middle of the two screens is an indoor concession stand that

serves up a large variety of menu items including nachos, hamburgers, shaved ice, popcorn and much more. Also inside the concession facility, there are multiple arcade games. The Starlite Drive-in opens in March of each year, showing movies on the weekends until April when they have showings every night of the week. The price for admission is $15 per carload during March. Then, in April, admission prices are $15 per carload during weeknights, and weekend cost of

admission is $9 per adult and $3 for children ages 5 to 11. The drive-in’s season winds back down in August when they will go back to weekend-only showings. The screening season ends in October but they hold special events throughout the year. “Thank you to everyone who voted and please continue to support us,” said manager Donna Valle. “Please continue to come out and enjoy movies under the stars.” Runner Up for this category is Critter Lane Petting Zoo located off of Route Y northeast of Bonne Terre. Second Runner Up for this category is Elephant Rocks State Park located on Highway 21 near Belleview. Best of the Parkland 2019 | 25

Favorites Best Annual Event / Festival 1 Country Days 2 Farmington Fall Fest: Blues, Brews, & BBQ 3 Labor Day Picnic Desloge

s r e n n Wi Best Place To Take The Kids 1 Starlite Drive-In 2 Critter Lane Petting Zoo 3 Elephant Rocks State Park Other 1 Mark Hovis Designs, LLC 2 AuBuchon Lawn Care, LLC 3 Starlite Drive-in Theater

Best Live Music Venue 1 Hub’s Pub and Grill 2 Twin Oaks Vineyard and Winery 3 The Woods Best Natural Attraction 1 Elephant Rocks 2 Bonne Terre Mine “The Mine at Bonne Terre” 3 Johnson Shut-Ins

Thank You For Voting FINE IMPORT & DOMESTIC LIQUORS SINCE 1975

110 West Liberty St. Farmington, MO

756-4117

Come In and Get Yourself a ‘Pick-A-Pack’ of Craft Beers 26 | Best of the Parkland 2019

To all of our customers for making Hub’s Pub the place to be.

We will keep striving to serve our community. 10 N Dover St., Bonne Terre

(573) 358-9098

s t r o p S / Fitnesds n o i t a e r c e R an

Best Outdoor Recreational Vehicle Dealer

idwest Sports Center, located at 124 Walker Drive in Farmington, has a strong sense of loyalty to its customers and they must feel the same about the dealership because it has once again been voted the Best Outdoor Recreational Vehicle Dealer in the Parkland. “We roll out the red carpet to our customers,” Co-owner Josh Harris said. “That’s our motto.” In business since 1995, Midwest Sports Center has 18 fulltime employees. The company’s website states: “We’re big enough to cover the broad range of equipment needs you may have, yet small enough to greet you on a first-name basis and take care of your unique needs. Our goal at Midwest Sports Center is to provide quality products and

service at an affordable price. Midwest offers more than 20 brands of ATVs, boats, side-by-sides and lawnmowers. According to Harris, with the power of the internet, Midwest Sports Center serves the local area and beyond. Another draw for customers is the dealership’s large service department.

Midwest Sports Center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The phone number is 573-756-7975 and the website is www.midwestsportcenter.com. First runner up in the category is Leadbelt PowerSports in Park Hills and second runner up is Rural King in Farmington. Best of the Parkland 2019 | 27

Best Firearms/Hunting I

n most cases, buying a gun is not an everyday experience. For some people, the experience is frequent and for some, the experience never happens at all. Regardless of your needs, Ben Minkel, owner of Cedar Falls Tactical, has everything to meet his customers’ needs. Cedar Falls Tactical is located at 3519 Cedar Falls Rd., just outside Desloge. Customers have voted Cedar Falls Tactical number one in the Firearm/ Hunting Retailer category.

Fitness/ Sports and Recreation Best Bait / Tackle Selection 1 The Tackle Box 2 Arcadia Sporting Goods 3 Custom Lures and Bait

Cedar Falls Tactical opened in 2008. Minkel had been a machine shop teacher at UniTec Career Center in Bonne Terre for 11 years. “I always had an interest in guns and started out doing gun shows,” said Minkel. The business just continued to grow from there and in the summer of 2009, Minkel resigned his position as a teacher and jumped head first into the gun business. The store sells everything from hand guns to tactical guns.

Cedar Falls Tactical is also a licensed firearm manufacturer and builds duty weapons for 28 different law enforcement agencies. “We have about 1,000 firearms on site,” said Minkel. In 2018, Minkel bought The Fishing Hole and expanded the business to include fishing equipment. The business also acquired Mega Sports’ archery department. “We are really a full-service sporting goods store at this point,” said Minkel. Minkel said the reason they are there is because of their customers and without a strong customer base, they would have never made it, especially considering the business is two miles outside of town on a back road. First runner up in the category is Arcadia Sporting Goods, and second runner up is Rob’s Guns.

s r e n Win Fitness Club / Full Fitness Gym 1 Better Bodies of Missouri Inc 2 Universal Fitness 3 Elevate Fitness, LLC

Crossfit Gym 1 573 Fitness 2 Elemental CrossFit 3 Essential Fitness

Golf Course 1 Crown Pointe Golf Club 2 Arcadia Valley Country Club 3 Pallo’s Par 3

Firearm or Hunting Retailer 1 Cedar Falls Tactical 2 Arcadia Sporting Goods 3 Rob’s Guns

Outdoor Recreational Vehicle Dealer 1 Midwest Sports Center 2 Leadbelt PowerSports 3 Rural King

28 | Best of the Parkland 2019

e r a c h t l Hea Best Audiology T

he award for Best in Audiology/Hearing Specialties this year goes to Hearing Care Partners. The staff at Hearing Care Partners at 620 Walton Dr. in Farmington works as one family and when you walk in the door as a patient or visitor you become part of that family immediately. Dr. Karen Melton said her staff work really hard to support each other and strive to ensure the culture is one where the patient comes first. “Whenever you have a group that works so

much together and it’s such an easy flowing process, it makes work not work,” Melton said. Hearing Care Partners, previously known as Audiology and Hearing Care, went through a transition in October joining 10 other groups in Northern Missouri. “It’s all kinds of better for the community,” Melton said. “What it does is it opens up more opportunities for our area in that we

are learning more about what is happening in other areas and how we can then take that and use it here.” Melton said her passion for audiology stems from her grandfather. “We we together at Christmas dinner and I was trying to tell him something and he couldn’t understand what I was saying,” Melton said. “Later on he told me in those situations he feels very alone and that he feels like he is watching everyone have these conversations and he’s not a part of them. It broke my heart.” Melton said that moment sparked her interest which then grew into a passion to make make sure everyone who comes in that door feels like family and is the most important thing. Runner Up: Miracle-Ear Second Runner Up: Farmington Ear Nose & Throat Best of the Parkland 2019 | 29

s r e n Win

Healthcare

Audiology / Hearing Specialist 1 Hearing Care Partners 2 Miracle-Ear 3 Farmington Ear Nose & Throat

Eye Doctor / Eye Specialist 1 Complete Vision Care 2 Street and Sago Farmington Mo 3 Precision Eye Care

Chiropractor 1 Complete Care Chiropractic 2 Desloge Chiropractic Health 3 Potosi Alternative Health Care Center

Pediatrician 1 Kidz Biz Pediatrics 2 Ashley Reese PNP 3 Karin Clauss BJC Healthcare

Dentist 1 Show Me Dental 2 Dr. Timothy McMann- Karsch Family Dental 3 Michael Wiley Gentle Dental Care

Pharmacy 1 Parkland Health Mart Pharmacy 2 Walgreens 3 Schnuck’s Pharmacy Physical Therapy 1 Southbrook - Skilled Nursing by Americare 2 Farmington Sports and Rehab Center 3 Axes Physical Therapy

OFFICE

CELL

573.747.8099 573.327.8300

1136B N. Desloge Dr. Desloge Vicky Crocker uIn’lnlinDgoFtohre You R

Primary Care Physician 1 Andrea Fisher, FNP 2 Great Mines Health Center 3 Erin K Parks, ACNP

573-747-8099

#vickycrockerrealty

THANK YOU to all of our past and present clients!! Because of you Vicky Crocker Realty is a top producing locally owned Real Estate office. We are dedicated to providing excellent service to clients who buy and sell within St. Francois County and surrounding counties.

Thank You for your VOTE for VICKY CROCKER REALTY for the Best of the Parkland 2019!!! www.vickycrocker.com

30 | Best of the Parkland 2019

Thank You for VoTing VINEYARD & WINERY FARMINGTON, MISSOURI

6470 Hwy F, Farmington, MO • (573) 756-6500

Homaned

Farm

Best Apartment Communityy T

he best Apartment Community has an expansive community, sporting not one, but three different complexes each with their own architecture but all sharing ample benefits and outside space for residents to enjoy. The Hilltop Apartments in Farmington were constructed in 2008, and its neighboring community, separated by a rocky wall, Rockwood Condominiums were built shortly after in 2009. Soon, the Icon Apartments will be constructed. Michelle Tucker, who has been the property manager since they opened, said that residents appreciate the onsite maintenance and management. With two property keepers, they try to answer every single call within 24 hours. Even after hours, if anything goes wrong, they can contact Tucker, who makes sure to build a strong network between her and her residents. The apartment community has a free workout facility, tanning bed and clubhouse, which opened after the office was transferred. The clubhouse is open all day and is a cleanly designed place accented with pleasing angles and a blue and gray tone. Residents

can play pool, watch television, enjoy free WiFi and view a cool selection of abstract art works that seem to more vividly express the furnishingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; blue, white, yellow and grays. The new addition, Icon Apartments, will become the new namesake for the whole community. The blue gray buildings are much more vividly colored than the others, and will add 190 apartments when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re done. The

Hilltop section holds 140, and the Rockwood section holds 88. The rooms have all of the appliances such a stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, washer and dryer. The refrigerator has an ice maker as well. The Icon addition will have a gas fire pit for the residents to use. Runners Up for Best Apartment Community 2019 are Sugar Maple Estates in Farmington and Arbor Ridge Apartments in Park Hills.

Best of the Parkland 2019 | 31

Best Farm Store F

or the third consecutive year Rural King has been selected as best farm store in the Parkland. Rural King has been in business since 1960 and the Farmington Store opened in September, 2015. Store Manager Richard Lewis said Rural King is best known as a store for farmers and hardworking people. There are 85 employees at the Farmington location. Lewis said the No. 1 characteristic of those employees is friendliness. “We look for friendly people who smile or laugh during the interview,” Lewis said. St. Francois County and the surrounding area is the majority of the store’s customer base, but the store attracts customers from all over. “We have several customers form Kan-

sas City, Missouri,” Lewis said. “We have four or five from Springfield, Missouri, Poplar Bluff, Dexter, Sikeston, and I’ve got a couple that come from West Plains.” The store carries a wide variety of tools, agricultural parts, farm equipment, supplies, hardware, livestock feed, and summer décor including lighting and chairs. They also have workwear, fashion wear, shoes and boots and much more. “We are pretty much here for the community,” Lewis said. “If people need something and they tell us, we pretty much try to get it in. We try to help everyone out from the farmer to the in town person.” The store is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.,

seven days a week to accommodate those customers. Lewis said, one thing people don’t know about the store is about the service shop in the back. “We service what we sell, all of our power equipment” he said. “We have two mechanics and they are very good at what they do.” Second place in the best farm supply in the Parkland category went to Miller’s Feed & Pet. Third place went to Ward’s Farm Center, LLC.

At five and half acres and with four showrooms, the store has room for a wide selection of furniture and appliances. “We have pretty much the largest selection in Missouri and if not the biggest store in Missouri, then close to the biggest store in Missouri,” Gordon said. “Slug is very proud of his selection. We carry seven or eight different brands of recliners alone. We consider ourselves a fine furniture store, so we have some of the top name brands. We also have an Ashley store attached to us which is economical and keeps their finger on the pulse of the consumer.” The appliances are all American made

and include brands like Amana, Whirlpool, Maytag and Kitchen Aid. While the majority of the store’s business is from Farmington and Park Hills, Gordon said there are a lot of customers who come from St. Louis County. The second place winner for best furniture store in the Parkland is Patsy’s Furniture Inc. Third place goes to Fisher Furniture.

Best Furniture Store C

ome for the eye-catching antiques and collectibles and stay for the selection and deals on furniture and appliances. This is the third consecutive year Hefner Furniture and Appliances has been selected as the best furniture store in the Parkland. “The store is kind of a road-side attraction,” Assistant Manager Jerrod Gordon said. “In addition to the furniture we sell, it’s got antiques. It’s got whatever toys (owner) Mr. (Slug) Hefner puts out at any given time. Then, we’re also a one-stop shop. We’ve got appliances. We’ve got everything you need for a house. In addition, I’d like to think that maybe our crew has something to do with it too.”

32 | Best of the Parkland 2019

Farm and Home

s r e n Win

Apartment Community 1 Hilltop Apartments & Rockwood Condominiums 2 Sugar Maple Estates 3 Arbor Ridge Apartments Appliance Store 1 Lowe’s Home Improvement 2 Menards 3 Fisher Furniture

Flooring Store 1 Menards 2 Hoods Discount Home Center 3 Busenbark Flooring and Granite

Furniture Store 1 Hefner Furniture & Appliance 2 Patsy’s Furniture Inc 3 Fisher Furniture

Home Builder 1 ECI Construction 2 Eli Morgan Construction 3 Hulsey Properties Home Improvement Store 1 Menards 2 Lowe’s Home Improvement 3 Plummer’s Ace Hardware

Farm Supply 1 Rural King 2 Miller’s Feed & Pet 3 Ward’s Farm Center, LLC.

Best of the Parkland 2019 | 33

s r o i n e S Best Assisted Living C

oming in first in the Assisted Living category this year was Southbrook Skilled Nursing in Farmington, with its caring staff serving the elderly and disabled. John Clauser has been the administrator for 20 years and explains the many services that Southbrook provides. “We are a skilled nursing facility,” he said. “We offer long-term skilled and rehab to home. We have contracts with several of the hospice organizations, so we have a wide gamut of care in this building. “We have been in operation with Americare, our parent company, since about 1981. We offer our own therapy, providing occupational, physical and speech therapy. We also do rehab on an outpatient basis.” Clauser explained that Southbrook aims to provide a friendly atmosphere

34 | Best of the Parkland 2019

and caring staff. “We try to make it home-like as possible for anyone coming in,” he said. “Our staff takes a lot of pride in what they do. Everybody’s considered family. “We’re looking forward to the upcoming year of hopefully breaking ground on a new facility. We’ll be able to offer more private rooms and a larger therapy department.” Southbrook is not the usual assisted living facility, according to Clauser. “If anybody’s never been in our facility, and they have that preconceived notion of what nursing homes are like, come and check us out, because we try not to be old-

fashioned, standard nursing home,” he said. “We like to get our residents and family involved in a lot, we have a lot of family nights where we do a luau or a fall festival. “Our Christmas parties, we invite families of the residents and staff to all mingle together. We just had a big trivia night, that we raised some money for our Christmas project that was offsite. We had a big turnout from the public.” Runner Up: Farmington Presbyterian Manor Second Runner Up: Meadowbrook Residential Care

Best Hospice Care B

est Hospice Care in the Parkland for this year goes to Serenity HospiceCare located at 5272 Flat River Rd. in Park Hills. Serenity is an independent, not-for-profit, faith-based organization. Serenity is overseen by a local board and is the area’s oldest hospice. 2019 marks the 30 year anniversary for the business. Director of Marketing Beth Simmons said that when the hospice started in 1989, hospice care was uncommon. Hospice care during those times was usually only available in big cities and only feasible for the wealthy. Serenity focuses on providing quality end-of-life care and allows for individuals to take their last breathe at home rather than in a hospital. “Money doesn’t matter,” said Simmons, “even if someone doesn’t have insurance or cannot afford care, we will still provide them the same qual-

Seniors

ity care as anyone else.” Through grants, fundraisers, and donations, the company is able to provide services to anyone who is in need. Patients with Serenity receive a nurse visit on average of twice weekly and a Certified Nurse Aid visits the home three times weekly. The hospice is on call 24 hours, seven days weekly. When the nurse feels

that the end of life is close, patients then receive around-the-clock care. Second place goes to Preferred Hospice of Missouri in Farmington and third place in the category is awarded to Safe Harbor Hospice.

s r e n Win

Assisted Living Community/Skilled Nursing 1 Southbrook-Skilled Nursing by Americare 2 Farmington Presbyterian Manor 3 Meadowbrook Residential Care

Rehabilitation Center 1 Southbrook-Skilled Nursing by Americare 2 Farmington Presbyterian Manor 3 Stockoff Memorial Nursing Home

Hospice Services 1 Serenity HospiceCare 2 Preferred Hospice of Misssouri 3 Safe Harbor Hospice

Senior Independent Living Community 1 Southbrook-Skilled Nursing by Americare 2 Farmington Presbyterian Manor 3 Meadowbrook Residential Care Best of the Parkland 2019 | 35

s e c i v r Se Best Bank T

he award for Best Bank this year goes to First State Community Bank. Matt Sebastian is the president of First State Community Bank. “The bank was founded in 1954,” he said. “We have 52 locations throughout Southeast, Eastern, and Central Missouri. We are headquartered here in Farmington. In this county, we have probably 250-300 employees. “We are very community-oriented, that’s why community’s in our name. We encourage community involvement and community projects to enhance the lives of our residents, whether it may be in the form of making commercial loans for new business people or contributing to a school project or

community event. We encourage involvement from our employees’ standpoint.” Having management and board members who are local to each bank is important to FSCB’s ethos to their connection to each community, according to Sebastian. “One of the things we do in these markets, is that we have local boards of direcThank you from everyone at Brad Wooten Auto Body for your support tors,” he said. in the 2019 Best of the Parkland Contest! “There’s a lot banks that don’t 401 N Main St Ironton, MO 63650 do that anymore. M - F 8 am - 5 pm These are different people @BradWootenAutoBodyLLC who have lived and worked in Complete Collision Repair PPG Waterbourne Paint Mixing System Free Computerized Estimates Fiberglass Repairs on Big Rigs & RV’s those communiDirect Billing for Major Insurance Companies Loaner Cars on Site ties. The reason Automotive Glass Repair & Replacement Courtesy Shuttle we do that is Paintless Dent Removal Detail Packages Automotive Accessories

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36 | Best of the Parkland 2019

two-fold. Number one, it helps us keep an eye on that community and what needs to be done; and two, they help us with good business decisions and feedback. That’s been a huge key to our success, we’ve emulated that in every market that we’ve been in.” Sebastian added that the bank’s other financial services have contributed to FSCB’s success. “We also have a full-service insurance business and a full-service financial wealth business that’s part of our bank,” he said. “They complement one another quite a bit.” Runner Up: Belgrade State Bank Second Runner Up: New Era Bank

Best Real Estate T

his year, the first place in Real Estate goes to Midwest Real Estate. Delena Kofron is broker/owner. “We’ve been in business for five years,” she said. “We’ve just recently moved to 202 W. Karsch Blvd. in Farmington. We had an open house. Apparently from everybody that’s been to these, it was probably the biggest one they had ever seen. So, we’re off to a good start. The location is phenomenal.” Kofron explained that her business is thriving and growing at a rapid rate due to the agencies’ willingness to help clients in a large geographical area. “The market is great right now.” She said. “We have 13 agents here. We absolutely love what we do.” She said they have 20-25 listings right now. “As agents we use the Multi-List Service, so I tell everybody that I can help you with anything in the state of Missouri. We have agents that have went as far as Cuba to help people. Our primary area is St. Francois and Madison counties that we work in, but we work everywhere. We are proud of watching and helping St. Francois and Madison counties grow.” Kofron is proud of her family business and personal service that her office provides. “My son is an agent and the office manager,” she said. “Our slogan is ‘helping you

find home.’” Midwest Real Estate is a member of the Mineral Area Board of Realtors and the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce. Runner Up: Coldwell Banker, 32 E. Liberty Street, Farmington. Call 573-756-5711 Second Runner Up: Vicky Crocker Realty, 1136 N. Desloge Dr, Desloge. Call 573-327-8300.

5 OFF

Any $ 50 Purchase

Must Present Coupon in Store. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 6/23/19.

1 S. Main Street Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670

(573)883-7100

What happens at Belle, Stays at Belle!

s r e n n Wi

Services

Bank Services 1 First State Community Bank 2 Belgrade State Bank 3 New Era Bank

Cleaning Service 1 Bryant Restoration - Farmington 2 Servpro Of Farmington 3 Perfect 10 Cleaning, LLC Computer Repair 1 Techno Wizards 2 Hensco Technologies Inc. 3 EleetTech

Financial Planning Services 1 Hammack Advisory Group, LLC 2 Belgrade Financial 3 First State Community Bank

Hotel 1 Hampton Inn Farmington 2 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Farmington 3 Old Caledonian Bed & Breakfast Insurance Agency 1 Chase Insurance Agency 2 Amanda Shipman - State Farm Agent 3 Farmers Insurance- Blankenship Agency

Daycare / Preschool 1 ABC 123 Daycare & Preschool 2 Mrs. Thrasherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Advanced Learning Center 3 Fredericktown Preschool

Thank You For Voting For

Farmington Country Days Farmington Regional Chamber

Legal Services 1 Law Office of Michael Randazzo 2 Cira R. Duffe, Attorney at Law 3 Harris & Harris Pet Services 1 Ultimutt Cuts 2 4 Paws Grooming 3 Awesome Pawsome Pet Spa, LLC Phone and Screen Repair 1 Interstate All Battery Center 2 Ellis Battery - All locations Print Shop 1 Minuteman Press Printing & Copying 2 OfficeMax 3 Just Right Printing Real Estate Agency 1 Midwest Real Estate 2 Coldwell Banker 3 Vicky Crocker Realty

Mr & CountryMrs Days Jerry & S usan We

ems

38 | Best of the Parkland 2019

al Marshon e d a r d a P ig an L. R Norm st 5896 o VFW P

Veterinary Service 1 Animal Medical Center 2 Veterinary Clinic Of The Mineral Area 3 Weber Road Veterinary Clinic

g n i p p o Sh Best Convenience Store C

onvenience Barn or “CBarn” was chosen as the best convenience store in Parkland. The first C-Barn opened in 1992 on Ste. Genevieve Avenue in Farmington. It was originally opened by Don Johnson as a retirement job along with his son Jim. There was no gasoline, just the convenience store. The barn motif was the idea of Don’s wife Pat. “It was more work than he anticipated as a retirement job,” said Don’s other son, Ray. Ray Johnson said he was working in St. Louis in late 1994 and came down to help with the store. The business started growing, and Ray and Jim opened a second store. Then, the brothers bought out their father and became equal partners. The Johnsons now own eight C-Barn stores. There are three CBarn locations in Farmington, and one each in Desloge, Park Hills, Fredericktown, Ste. Genevieve, and Bloomsdale. The Fredericktown C-Barn is the newest and was opened in 2013. Ray said they have no plans to expand or open at any new loca-

tions. Six stores sell Phillips 66 gasoline. Ste. Genevieve is a BP and Fredericktown is nonbranded.

People can get gas, soda or coffee, and a bag of chips a lot of different places. One of the things Ray thinks people like about C-Barn is that the stores are locally-owned. “It allows a little more flexibility to cater each store to its geographic location,” Ray said. “When we had that first store, we had a lot of people tell us the reason they came in there was because we treated them well and they appreciated the politeness and the service they received.”

The company employs about 100 people, and those employees are very important according to Ray. Ray said he knows people don’t frequent the C-Barn locations because of him. Johnson said customer service is the most important thing of all. “It’s one thing we preach about weekly, sometimes daily,” he said. “One of our big aspects is treat everybody fairly and the same. Try to give the best service you can.” The first runner up in the best convenience store category is Rhodes 101 Stop and the second runner-up is Steve’s Gas and Liquor. Best of the Parkland 2019 | 39

Best Grocery Store A

ldi has been a staple of competitive yet costeffective grocery shopping with daily stocked produce and a unique selection of store-partnered brands. They were voted the best grocery store in the Parkland. Ninety percent of brands are Aldi exclusive, which helps them provide the same or better quality of leading name brands without all of the hidden costs. They test the quality, and have recently started stocking some outside brands for products they couldn’t produce so shoppers could get more of a full experience. At the Farmington store, the manager gets a lot of feedback on “Special Buys,” a weekly block of sales in the store, and “Twice as Nice Guarantee.” With the guarantee, customers can bring back an item with their receipt, and are welcomed to exchange it

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with a fresher product, or something of similar value. “Every single day, produce is delivered,” she said. Customers will seek deals and values on newly Start Easy. shipped manStay Positive. darin oranges, • Auto bell peppers, • Boat potatoes, and • Golf Cart even beef and • Lawn Mower poultry. Their • RV’s commitment to • Everyday Batteries personal brands • AND MORE! sometimes make ELLisBAttERy.COM way for eclectic

products like Edam or smoked gouda cheese, or locally sourced and award winning wine. More recently, the Farmington Aldi has been experimenting with delivery. “City stores use it more than we do here, but I think that’s because a lot of us just aren’t aware of it,” the manager said. The Aldi “Instacart” program empowers customers to order groceries online, schedule a delivery, and then receive them at their doorstep. They are leading the way in this region with that innovation. The second place winner is SaveA-Lot which has many locations in the area, and third place winner is Schnucks at 942 Valley Creek drive in Farmington.

Best Meat Market T

he winner for the third year in a row in the meat market category is Ruble’s Meat Market in Ironton. Owner Keith Ruble explained the products and services he provides that attracts people to his business. “We have retail meats for sale,” he said. “We have smoked meats, our smoked baby-back ribs are probably our biggest drawing card; we do custom butchering, and deer processing also. We do custom work for farmers. We do not do wild hogs, but we do beef and hogs, sheep and goats.” Having owned the business for 12 years, Ruble has built up a large loyal customer base from a wide area of eastern Missouri. “We’re just an old-fashioned meat shop that people don’t have any-

more,” he said. “It’s amazing how many people from the Parkland shop here. We get quite a few people from St. Louis and Festus and from down South. These are regular customers, once a week or every two to three weeks.” With a dozen employees, the business located on Highway 21 South of Ironton stands out because of how they do their processing and the freshness of the product, according to Ruble. “The beef or hogs come to us live,” he said. “Sometimes we’re booked out two-three months, especially in the fall of the year. This year we did around 700 deer, that’s about a record for us. We’re one of

the few places you get your own meat back in your deer sausage. A lot of folks want to use us because of those old-fashioned principles.” Runner Up: Oberle Meats Second Runner Up: Farmington Meat Market

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Best Specialty Store T

he Parkland offers shoppers a wide variety of locally-owned specialty shops — from natural health foods and unique gifts to carefully crafted custom-made products including soaps, jewelry and some of the best homemade bread and baked goods you’ll ever put in your mouth. The first place winners from each of eight cities in the Parkland, along with “other in region,” are included below.

rcadia Valley:

years. Her store features a large variety of beautifully-colored soaps — both scented and fragrance-free; lye-based; lard-based; or vegan — along with soap sachets, aromatic mist sprays, bath bombs and other products. The Arcadia Valley Soap Company is located at 119 S. Main St. in Ironton’s historic downtown and is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, or by appointment. To contact the store, call 573-546-7627 or checkout its Facebook page. Online shoppers can visit www.ArcadiaValleySoap.com and select customer pickup to save on shipping. Orders can also be delivered. First runner up in the category was Green Thumb Plants and second runner up was The Cedar House.

Debra Hendron has created her own niche onne Terre: in Ironton and Arcadia by carrying on a famThe Fancy Crow, 48 Raider Road Suite A, in ily tradition of making handcrafted soap started by her Bonne Terre, is a gift and home decor boutique grandmother. featuring a variety of local artists and rustic finds that She must be doing something right because her store, apparently has won the hearts of its customers because Arcadia Valley Soap Company, has now been voted by its they voted it as the Best Specialty Store in Bonne Terre. customers as the Best Specialty Store in Arcadia, Ironton Shari House is a retired teacher who has always loved and Pilot Knob for the third year in a row. to create and decorate. According to House, she created With an onThe Fancy site “soap lab” Crow to in the back “provide a of her store, space where Hendron has friends are been creatwelcome to ing herbal gather, shop, products and Specialty handmade Continued on soap for Page 43 more than 40 42 | Best of the Parkland 2019

Specialty Continued from Page 42 and create.” Don’t confuse The Fancy Crow with your run-of-the-mill home décor and gift shop because House makes clear it is so much more. “We offer workshops and studio space to feed your creative you, custom work to create that perfect gift or home decor piece just for you and special events,” she said. Customer reviews for The Fancy Crow give a taste of why the store has become so popular in the area: “Great shop with unique gifts and home decor. They also offer amazing art classes” “It was great! I found a nice warm scarf & a pair of gloves to go with it. Enjoyed all the beautiful art & other gifts.” “Great place for home decor, or anything crafty in general. Great spots for parties.” Store hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. For more information call 573-358-5265. Runners Up are Expressions By Dennis and Bonne Terre Mine Dive Shop.

tard, the store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. To contact the store, call 573-3278455 or look for its Facebook page. In this category, runner up went to Hawthorne Forge, LLC and second runner up to Urban Farm Girl Boutique.

esloge:

The Giving Tree Boutique, 1136 N. Desloge Drive, was named by the store’s owner, Ashley Harrison, for the popular children’s book by the same name. This year the store was selected once again by voters as the Best Specialty Store in Desloge. Having its own distinctive style and sense of community, the store offers a delightful combination of shopping and giving back to the community as the store donates 10 percent of each month’s sales to a local charity. Giving Tree offers children’s and women’s clothing, accessories, jewelry, specialized soaps, lotions, candles and more. In the spirit of giving back, Harrison only buys merchandise for the store from vendors that are also charitable-minded. Located directly across the street from Lix Frozen Cus-

armington:

Harris Wholesale, located at 3984 Hwy. 221 in Farmington, had its humble beginnings as a “garage sale” held on the parking lot of Patsy’s Furniture in Park Hills, eventually moved to a building in Desloge and is now in its third location where store owners Tom and Nicole Harris are pleasing their customers who have voted it 2019 Best Specialty Store in Farmington. The Harrises have only been at the Farmington location since August, but word has traveled fast about the store’s wide range of merchandise sold at wholesale prices. “We sell a little bit of everything,” Nicole said. “We buy everything either by the pallet or the truckload. We have everything from tools, to toys, to clothing, furniture, odds and ends for the house — you’ll never know what you’re going to find.” She added that the store’s customers are “extremely important” to the couple. “Our customers give positive feedback on our Facebook page talking about our customer service,” Nicole said. Specialty Continued on Page 44 Best of the Parkland 2019 | 43

Specialty Continued from Page 43 “We are completely family owned and operated. We have no employees except for our kids. Our customers are the first to acknowledge their manners and respectfulness and helpfulness — and they just spread the word. That’s better advertisement than anything.” The store is only open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is subject to change sometimes due to holidays and inclement weather. Runners Up are Earth Mother Health Foods and Country Junction Primitives.

After being tired of operating their business outdoors for three years, the couple purchased a building they had been watching the entire time and moved the business there. “All these years later we still strive to bring our customers great deals with a friendly smile,” Green said. Store hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Call 573-270-1042 for more information. Runner up in the Fredericktown Specialty Store category is The Mustard Seed Mercantile. Second runner up is Silver Mine Quilts & Antiques.

redericktown:

Voted again this year as the Best Specialty Store in Fredericktown, Green’s Flea Market is a family-owned and operated business located at 8512 U.S. 67. Long-time customers know that almost anything can be found at Green’s — tools, sunglasses, canvas bags, flags, candles, artificial flowers, sheets, flashlights, home décor, toys, purses, jewelry, work gloves and lots of other “miscellaneous merchandise.” Co-owners Rick and Dorothy Green opened the store in October 1984. “When we first started in business in 1981, we were selling at flea markets from the back of a truck,” she said. “We went down to Poplar Bluff on Fridays and up to Desloge on Saturdays, then we’d come down to Jim’s Flea Market in Fredericktown.” 44 | Best of the Parkland 2019

ark Hills:

Queen Anne’s Lace Boutique has once again snagged top honors for the Best Specialty Store in Park Hills-Leadington. Located at 207 E. Main St. in Park Hills, the store offers a unique collection of clothing, home décor and handcrafted items such as one-of-akind jewelry designed by owner Iris Richardson. An artist, designer and entrepreneur, Richardson began selling her jewelry on the side as a way to make ends meet. As demand for her designs grew, what began as a side venture eventually grew into a full-time business. Richardson is still partners with and shares store space with professional hair stylist Alicia Eden who owns the Ooh La La Salon. Specialty Continued on Page 45

Specialty Continued from Page 44 Queen Anne’s Lace is now open seven days a week: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday-Monday. To contact the store, call 573-3279888, look for it on Facebook or visit Richardson’s Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/irisqueenanneslace. Runner up in the category is Little Ones Children’s Boutique. Coming in as second runner up is Parkland Hope Center.

otosi:

Voted 2019’s Best Specialty Store in Potosi, Miss Kim & Co., located at 118 E. High St., is a boutique that’s garnered a lot of attention since it opened its doors in 2012. “We have apparel, lots of gifts, jewelry and home décor,” said Kim Smith, owner. Although most of the store’s customers were from the immediate area at first, within the last three years, Smith said their clientele comes from throughout the region — including St. Francois and Jefferson counties. According to Smith, she believes her store first received the best in its category last year because of the wide variety of merchandise sold at a reasonable price point. “I try to keep good prices and sell trendy clothes,” she said. “I go to market to try to keep up on all the trends.” Miss Kim & Co. is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. The store is closed Sunday and Monday. Runner up in the category is Sweet Memories Sandwich Shop and second runner up is Vintage Charm.

te. Genevieve:

Anyone with a sweet tooth will look forward to visiting Ste. Genevieve’s Best Specialty Store —Sweet Things Sweet Shop, located at 242 Market St. in the historic district. Sweet Things is a candy and gift store that offers a wide variety of delectable and confections, including fine chocolates; holidaythemed candies; chocolate-covered gummi bears; sour cream and onion-flavored crickets; lollipops “as big as a Frisbee,” jawbreakers “the size of a baseball,” and more. Gift buyers will also be pleased with the assortment of handmade bracelets designed by co-owner Joy French, purses, wallets, candles and melters, handmade baskets and other items available. Specialty Continued on Page 46

Thanking our loyal patients over the last 16 years!

Best Audiology/Hearing Specialist Serving the area since 2003 Working Together To Make Our Community Better

Karen Melton, Au.D., CCC-A, Doctor of Audiology

Herculaneum 1185 Scenic Dr

David Shepard, BC-HIS, Hearing Instrument Specialist

STe. genevieve 990 Park Dr

Lynn Royer, BC-HIS, Hearing Instrument Specialist

FarmingTon 620 Walton Dr

866-757-HEAR(4327) Best of the Parkland 2019 | 45

Specialty Continued from Page 45 Sweet Things is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and Sunday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. To contact the store, call 573-883-7990, look for it on Facebook or visit squareup.com/market/stegencandy. Runner up in this category is Belle Ever After Boutique and second runner-up is Queen Anne’s Lace.

ther Regions:

The Old Village Mercantile, 219 S. State Highway 21 in Caledonia, transports people back to a simpler time and provides a memorable experience for

the entire family. That’s probably the reason that this is the second year that people voted it the Best Regional Specialty Store for 2019. The historic building was constructed in 1909 and is well known today for its antiques and homemade goodies. The store features gifts, fudge, an antique gallery, a coffeehouse and candy that kids of all ages will love. Old Village Mercantile is the only business in town that has survived through time intact and in all of its original splendor. The rest of the historic district is preserved as homes, shops and restaurants. Hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Friday through Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 573779-3907 for additional information. First runner up in the category is Amalgam Gallery of Art and second runner up is Patti’s Pickins.

Thanks For Voting for us Best of Special

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Shopping Antique Store 1 Reed’s Relics 2 Old Village Mercantile 3 Old Time Flea Market Beer / Liquor Selection 1 2-1-4 Package Store 2 Schnucks 3 Dirt Cheap Butcher / Meat Department 1 Ruble’s Meat Market LLC 2 Oberle Meats 3 Farmington Meat Market Convenience Store 1 C-Barn 2 Rhodes 101 Stop 3 Steve’s Gas & Liquor Fabric / Sewing Craft Store 1 Hobby Lobby 2 Cutt-N-Sew Quilt Shop 3 The Painted Chair

s r e n Win Specialty Shop (Bonne Terre) 1 The Fancy Crow 2 Expressions By Dennis 3 Bonne Terre Mine Dive Shop Specialty Shop (Desloge) 1 The Giving Tree Boutique 2 Hawthorne Forge, LLC 3 Urban Farm Girl Boutique Specialty Shop

Specialty Shop (Potosi) 1 Miss Kim & Company 2 Sweet Memories Sandwich Shop 3 Vintage Charm Specialty Shop (Ste. Genevieve)

1 Sweet Things Sweet Shop 2 Belle Ever After Boutique 3 Queen Anne’s Lace

(Farmington)

1 Harris Wholesale LLC 2 Earth Mother Health Foods 3 Country Junction Primitives Specialty Shop (Fredericktown) 1 Green’s Flea Market 2 The Mustard Seed Mercantile 3 Silver Mine Quilts & Antiques

Thrift Store 1 Dress 2 Impress Resale 2 Farmington Pet Adoption Center 3 Helping Hand Ministries Walmart Location 1 Desloge Walmart 2 Farmington Walmart 3 Fredericktown Walmart

Specialty Shop Grocery Store 1 ALDI 2 Save-A-Lot 3 Schnucks Farmington

(Ironton/Arcadia/Pilot Knob)

Pet Supply Store 1 Rural King 2 Petco 3 Menards

Specialty Shop

Produce 1 Crystal & Rich’s Produce 2 ALDI 3 Schnucks

1 Arcadia Valley Soap Co. 2 Green Thumb Plants 3 The Cedar House, Pilot Knob (Other Regions)

1 Old Village Mercantile 2 Amalgam Gallery of Art 3 Patti’s Pickins, Caledonia Specialty Shop (Park Hills / Leadington)

1 Queen Anne’s Lace 2 Little Ones Children’s Boutique 3 Parkland Hope Center Best of the Parkland 2019 | 47

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POTOSI (573) 475-4454