BEST OF THE LAKES AREA
Readers’ Choice AWARDS
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 1
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1!!! BEST BAR/CLUB BEST BURGER BEST COCKTAIL BEST SMALL COMPANY TO WORK FOR RUNNER UP FOR: FRIES, HAPPY HOUR RESTAURANT WINGS & SERVER
M FRESH HAND-PATTIED BURGERS M M SUPER CHEXX BUBBLE HOCKEY, BIG BUCK HUNTER & MORE M M PULL TABS AND ELECTRONIC GAMBLING M M LARGE GROUPS WELCOME, PLEASE CALL AHEAD 218-847-4622 M
3 MILES NORTH ON RICHWOOD ROAD • DETROIT LAKES Dock access from Big, Middle and Little Floyd Lake
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The votes are in. THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN. THE BEST HAVE BEEN CHOSEN.
NICK OMBERG
LIZ MOLACEK
Multimedia Consultant nomberg@ dlnewspapers.com 218-844-1467
Multimedia Consultant emolacek@ dlnewspapers.com 218-844-1456
JIM BROGREN
ROBIN STALLEY
Multimedia Consultant jbrogren@ dlnewspapers.com 218-844-1465
Multimedia Consultant rstalley@ dlnewspapers.com 218-844-1457
MELISSA Congratulations to the winners and runners-up in the 2018 Detroit Lakes SWENSON Publisher Tribune Best of the Lakes Area Readmswenson@ er’s Choice Awards. We had hundreds dlnewspapers.com of entries and you’ve been selected by 218-844-1451 our readers as the best in your categories. Detroit Lakes Newspapers would like to thank our readers who took the time to give credit to their favorites. Without your help, recognizing the Best of the Lakes Area would not be possible. Within the pages of this magazine, you will learn about the individuals and businesses that make Detroit Lakes a great place to live, work and play. You judged. You voted. Here are your 2018 Best of the Lakes Area Winners!
! u o y k n a Th FOR VOTING US YOUR BEST LOCAL WEBSITE!
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READERS’ CHOICE
Winners!
EATS & DRINKS Bakery .................................. Crafted Bakery Bakery Runner Up.........................Central Market
Dessert.........................................................Dairy Queen Dessert Runner Up.........................................Perkins
Pizza...............................................................................Zorbaz Pizza Runner Up......................................Godfather’s
Bar/Club.....................................................................Sunlite Bar/Club Runner Up..................................Lakeside
Drive Through...................................................Miguel’s Drive Through Runner Up................McDonald’s
Restaurant.........................................................Spanky’s Restaurant Runner Up..................................Sunlite
Bloody Mary...........................................................Zorbaz Bloody Mary Runner Up.............................Brygge
Fast Food...............................................................Miguel’s Fast Food Runner Up..........................McDonald’s
Ribs...........................................................................Spanky’s Ribs Runner Up........................................Holiday Inn
Breakfast...................... Main Street Restaurant Breakfast Runner Up...............Country Kitchen
Fries................................................................... McDonald’s Fries Runner Up.................................................Sunlite
Sandwich Shop..................................Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop Runner Up................... Subway
Burger...........................................................................Sunlite Burger Runner Up..................................... Bleachers Burger Runner Up............................................Brygge
Happy Hour.......................................................Lakeside Happy Hour Runner Up................................Sunlite
Server.........................................................Shawna Avila (Hotel Shoreham) Server Runner Up.........................Katie Drawford (Sunlite) Server Runner Up................................................. Setty (Fireside) Server Runner Up...............................Barb Bennet (Chinese Dragon)
Chinese Food............................... Chinese Dragon Chinese Food Runner Up...............China Buffet Cocktail.......................................................................Sunlite Cocktail Runner Up......................................... Zorbaz Coffee......................................................................... Caribou Coffee Runner Up......................................La Barista Craft Beer............................................................Lakeside Craft Beer Runner Up....................................Brygge Deli.............................................................Central Market Deli Runner Up............................................................N/A
Ice Cream...................................................Dairy Queen Ice Cream Runner Up......................Cherry Berry Karaoke...........................................................Holiday Inn Karaoke Runner Up......................................... Zorbaz Liquor Store.........................................Seven Sisters Liquor Store Runner Up............. Lakes Liquors Mexican Food...................................................Miguel’s Mexican Food Runner Up...........................El Loro Outdoor Dining......................................Long Bridge Outdoor Dining Runner Up...................Lakeside
Wine List..............................................................Spanky’s Wine List Runner Up................................... Fireside Wings..............................................................Long Bridge Wings Runner Up..............................................Sunlite
SERVICES Accountant...........................................Bob Bekkerus Accountant Runner Up.............Connie Weitzel
Auto Care Tie.............................................. Chaney’s 2 Auto Care Tie.........................................Jeff’s Muffler
Best Large Company To Work For Runner Up.......................................BTD
Assisted Living.................................................Ecumen Assisted Living Runner Up.......Essentia Health Oak Crossing
Bank............................................................Midwest Bank Bank Runner Up...........................................Bell Bank
Best Local Website......................dl-online.com
Attorney...............................................................Tim Dodd Attorney Runner Up.......................Simon George Attorney Runner Up...................Carl Malmstrom Attorney Runner Up........Robert Thorwaldsen Attorney Runner Up...........................Tom Winters
Barber............................Jon Stone (Barber Jon’s) Barber Runner Up.............................Jim Kauffman (Jim’s Barber Shop)
Best Small Company To Work For..............................................................Sunlite Best Small Company To Work For Runner Up..............Midwest Bank
Best Large Company To Work For....................................................Lakeshirts
Car Wash..................................................Four Seasons Car Wash Runner Up.................................... Holiday BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 5
SERVICES Carpet Cleaner.........................All Star Cleaning Carpet Cleaner Runner Up............DL’s Sharper Image Catering.............................................................La Barista Catering Runner Up...........Lakeview Catering Child Care......................................................Laker Prep Child Care Runner Up..........................The Center Contractor...................... Do Right Construction Contractor Runner Up Tie................. Bob Bristlin And Sons Contractor Runner Up Tie................................. Dave Heitcamp Credit Union..................................... Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union Credit Union Runner Up.......................................N/A Electrician..........................................Mark’s Electric Electrician Runner Up.................B & M Electric Financial Planner................................Kevin Mann (Mann Financial) Financial Planner Runner Up...Bremer Bank Funeral Home......................... David Donehower Funeral Home Runner Up...................West Kjos Garbage Service.............DL Disposal Service Garbage Service Runner Up....................................Steve’s Sanitation Hair Salon Tie.............................................Conviction Hair Salon Tie...................................................Envision Hair Salon Tie.............................................Jonathan’s Hair Salon Tie........................................ Shear Grace
Hotel/Motel.................................................Holiday Inn Hotel/Motel Runner Up........................The Lodge Insurance Agent....................................Dave Hiney (Farmers Insurance) Insurance Agent Runner Up.......Justin Skarie (Country Financial) Kids Birthday Party Venue...........The Center Kids Birthday Party Venue Runner Up.......................................................MN Flyers Lawncare/Landscaping....Barefoot Lawns Lawncare/Landscaping Runner Up Tie.................................................Accu Cut Lawncare/Landscaping Runner Up Tie...............................................RU Ready Memory Care Facility................................Ecumen Memory Care Facility Runner Up.............Essentia Health Oak Manor Pet Grooming..................................................Muttley’s Pet Grooming Runner Up......................Best Pets Pet Supplies...............Becker Pet And Garden Pet Supplies Runner Up.........................Best Pets Plumbing/Heating..............Green’s Plumbing and Modern Heating Plumbing/Heating Runner Up...........................................Hank’s Heating
Real Estate Company....................Jack Chivers Real Estate Company Runner Up.................The Real Estate Company Retirement Community..........................Ecumen Retirement Community Runner Up.......................................Diamond Willow Tanning Salon...........................Forever Summer Tanning Salon Runner Up.................Conviction Tire Store.............................Dan’s Service Center Tire Store Runner Up............................Chaney’s 2 Veterinarian Tie............................Dr. McCormack (DL Animal Hospital) Veterinarian Tie.............................Dr. Weckwerth (Weckwerth Animal Hospital) Volunteer Organization....................... Boys And Girls Club Volunteer Organization Runner Up.......................................Humane Society Wedding Venue.....................................The Pavilion Wedding Venue Runner Up..............................The Barn At Dunvilla
Real Estate Agent.....................................Mike Ring (Counselor Realty) Real Estate Agent Runner Up..........................................Kayla Ulschmid (The Red Shoe Realtor)
HEALTH & FITNESS Chiropractor...................................Dr. Paul Bender (Bender Chiropractic) Chiropractor Runner Up......... Dr. Ryan Weum (Weum Chiropractic) Dentist...............Dr. John Jordan (West River) Dentist Runner Up...........................Dr. Tim Posch (Posch Dentistry) Eye Doctor.....Dr. Armand Radke (Sanford) Eye Doctor Runner Up............................ Dr. Michael Morrison (Morrison Eye) Fitness Club................................................The Center Fitness Club Runner Up.......Anytime Fitness
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Golf Course........................Detroit Country Club Golf Course Runner Up..................... Forest Hills Hearing Services............................................Beltone Hearing Services Runner Up....................................Jefferson Hearing Massage Therapist Tie........Sandy Spindler (Lakes Massage) Massage Therapist Tie...Tiffany Anderson (Massage Element) Pharmacy.........................................................................CVS Pharmacy Runner Up................................Walmart
Physician..................................Dr. Scott Lawrence (Sanford) Physician Runner Up....................Dr. Jon Larson (Sanford) Rehab Facility..............................Essentia Health Therapy Center Rehab Facility Runner Up........................Sanford Rehab Transition Facility..........................................Essentia Health Oak Crossing Rehab Transition Facility Runner Up...........................................................Ecumen
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Community Event...................................Northwest Water Carnival Community Event Runner Up....................................................Street Faire Favorite Lake......................................... Detroit Lake Favorite Lake Runner Up..................Floyd Lake
Favorite Resort..............................................Fair Hills Favorite Resort Runner Up.................Lakecrest Local Artist............................................Hans Gilsdorf Local Artist Runner Up...........Tim Eggebraten
Local Theatre............................... Historic Holmes Theatre Local Theatre Runner Up...................................DLHS Productions
SHOPPING Antiques...............................................................Sulaine’s Antiques Runner Up......................Shady Hollow Flea Market
Customer Service...........................................Norby’s Customer Service Runner Up....................................................... The Nines
Meat Market...............Hoffman’s Meat Market Meat Market Runner Up............................................Central Market
Appliances......................................D & D Appliance Appliances Runner Up............................. Menards
Downtown Shopping..................................Norby’s Downtown Shopping Runner Up....................................................... The Nines
New Car Dealer.................................................Webber Family Motors New Car Dealer Runner Up...........................................................Nereson
Boutique............................................................The Nines Boutique Runner Up...........................Mainstream Building Supplies........................................Menards Building Supplies Runner Up..................................Stenerson Lumber Carpet/Flooring.............................................Menards Carpet/Flooring Runner Up......................................Ramsey Flooring Clothing/Children..........................................Norby’s Clothing/Children Runner Up........................................................JCPenney Clothing/Men......................................................Norby’s Clothing/Men Runner Up........................................................JCPenney Clothing/Women.......................................The Nines Clothing/Women Runner Up.............................................................Norby’s
Florist/Greenhouse...................................Bergen’s Greenhouse Florist/Greenhouse Runner Up............................................Central Market Furniture.................Noah’s Home Furnishings Furniture/Runner Up................................Michael’s Gas Station/Convenience............... Holiday Gas Station/Convenience Runner Up.................................................................M & H Grocery Store................................. Central Market Grocery Store Runner Up...........................................................Walmart Hardware...........................Beug’s Ace Hardware Hardware Runner Up................................ Menards
Outdoor/Boating................................J & K Marine Outdoor/Boating Runner Up.....................................Outlet Recreation Sporting Goods......................Lakes Sport Shop Sporting Goods Runner Up....................................................L & M Fleet Thrift/Discount Store................Boys and Girls Thrift Store & More Thrift/Discount Store Runner Up...........................................Helping Hands Used Car Dealer...............................................Webber Family Motors Used Car Dealer Runner Up...........................................................Nereson
Jewelry.....................................Price’s Fine Jewelry Jewelry Runner Up....................................Pure Gold
Thanks for voting... LAKES AREA READERS
YOU ARE THE BEST! BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 7
EATS & DRINKS • BEST CHINESE FOOD
CHINESE DRAGON
Inside Washington Square Mall 808 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-847-2177 In business for 27 years, Chinese Dragon offers a unique dining experience inside the mall in Detroit Lakes, with an extensive menu available for dinein or take-out, and a buffet every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Chinese Dragon features authentic Cantonese-style cooking with a traditional Chinese atmosphere. Everything on the menu is “homemade” to order. “Our customers love not only the food, but the
• BEST DELI • BEST GROCERY STORE
CENTRAL MARKET
310 Frazee Street East, Detroit Lakes 218-844-3663 • thefreshplace.com
Central Market is a locally owned family supermarket offering groceries along with bakery and deli products, a coffee shop, flower shop and Jamba Juice. Established in 2002, Cen-
tral Market is owned by John Lofberg and employs a staff of 195. The store’s We Care program has paid out more than $1.2 million to local nonprofit organizations.
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whole dining experience,” say owners Hoa and Mai Ngo. “It has been said peo-
ple travel all over the U.S.A. and can’t find Chinese as good as ours.”
• BEST COFFEE
CARIBOU COFFEE
139 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Detroit Lakes 218-844-6220 • Cariboucoffee.com Caribou Coffee is a company that specializes in espresso beverages, offering its own unique coffees, teas, sandwiches and baked goods. A Minnesota-based corporation, Caribou Coffee roasts its own coffee right
here in Minnesota. Known best for flavorful, high-quality coffees, mochas, lattes and a variety of other hot and cold drinks, Caribou has been in business since 1992. The Detroit Lakes location employs 20 people.
EATS & DRINKS • BEST BAKERY
CRAFTED BAKERY
923 Washington Avenue Detroit Lakes 218-847-7361 Find Crafted Bakery on Facebook and Instagram
Formerly Lake Country Bakery, Steve and Lauren Zima bought and began operating the local bakery just this year in order to save the business from closing after its former owners announced they were ready to retire. Renaming the business Crafted Bakery, the Zimas have kept a lot of the old favorites going at the bakery, such as dinosaur cookies and unicorn cupcakes for kids, while adding new goodies to the treat menu, like gluten-free items. “We’ve had so many customers thank us for keeping the bakery alive
because this little bakery holds special childhood memories for people, including out-of-town visitors in the summer,” the Zimas say. Crafted Bakery supplies almost every local restaurant, hospital and gas station in Detroit Lakes with freshly
made buns, breads, donuts, cookies and muffins, and also carries those same freshly made sweets inside its own shop. It features a “donut of the week,” offers special orders, and employs a staff of eight.
• BEST CRAFT BEER • BEST HAPPY HOUR
LAKESIDE TAVERN
200 West Lake Drive, Detroit Lakes 218-847-1891 lori@lakesidetavern.com With its casual, fun atmosphere and beachy location right across the street from the Mile Long Beach, Lakeside Tavern is a favorite hangout for anyone craving a burger and beer. Lakeside Tavern has 24 beers on tap, with its own brewery on site and a large selection of its own craft
beers. Happy Hour two-forones on tap beers are offered Sunday through Thursday from
3-6 p.m. in the summers.
With an American fare menu of burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, Chicago-style hot dogs, salads, nachos and more, customers never go hungry at Lakeside. The business, owned by Chet Collins and managed by Lori Blonigan, employs 15 people full-time, and another 45 part-timers in the summers.
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 9
EATS & DRINKS • BEST ICE CREAM • BEST DESSERT
DAIRY QUEEN GRILL & CHILL
900 McKinley Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-847-8154 Dairyqueen.com I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Dairy Queen has been serving up its signature soft serve ice cream treats and tasty hot eats to the people of Detroit Lakes for 69 years. Owners Lee and Ellen Kensigner, who have run the establishment for the
past 26 of those years, say it’s the memories people make while enjoying a treat from Dairy Queen that make the business special. Customers come back through their door time and time again, often requesting two particularly popular items, Blizzards and chicken strips.
The Detroit Lakes Dairy Queen is a local franchise of the international Dairy Queen chain. It sells ice cream cones, sundaes, Dilly Bars, Blizzards, ice cream cakes and other frozen treats along with hot foods like hamburgers, french fries
and a chicken strip basket. The business employs about 35 people. “We appreciate the support the community has given us over the last 26 years of owning Dairy Queen,” the Kensigners say.
Thank you for voting for us! Every day is a news day
#1 Dessert #1 Ice Cream
www.dl-online.com
1. 00 OFF ANY BLIZZARD
$
BEST WEBSITE
Thanks for the votes!
TREAT COUPON EXPIRES 8/31/18
847-8154
MCKINLEY PLAZA • DETROIT LAKES 001724412r1
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EATS & DRINKS • BEST BREAKFAST
MAIN STREET RESTAURANT
900 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-847-3344
Main Street Restaurant has the best biscuits and gravy around — at least that’s the word from customers of this downtown Detroit Lakes staple. People also comment on Main Street’s sizeable portions (of hashbrowns, in particular) and their juicy hamburgers. A classic American fare
diner with a small-town feel, Main Street Restaurant has been in business for 19 years. Owners Shirley Wothe and Stephen Glander employ a staff of 12. Serving breakfast and lunch daily, this family-style restaurant has a reputation for fast, friendly service and affordable prices.
Main Street Restaurant Thank You for Voting us
ANY OMELET, HASHBROWNS, TOAST & COFFEE
849
$
AVAILABLE MON-FRI 7AM-11AM
M-F 7am-4pm; Sat 7am-3:45pm; Sun 8am-1:45pm
BEST BREAKFAST in the Lakes Area
Try our & s t i u c s i B Gravy
7 DAYS A WEEK • 900 WASHINGTON AVENUE • DETROIT LAKES 847-3344
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BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 11
EATS & DRINKS • BEST KARAOKE • BEST HOTEL/MOTEL
HOLIDAY INN LAKEFRONT
1155 Highway 10 East, Detroit Lakes 218-847-2121 • sales@dlinn.com www.dlinn.com Detroit Lakes’ largest and only full service hotel offering food and beverage service on site, Holiday Inn Lakefront is situated on the north shore of Big Detroit Lake with more than 700 feet of sandy beach. The restaurant and bar, as well as more than half of the ho-
tel’s 103 guest rooms, boast scenic views of the lake. The restaurant offers an outdoor patio, while the bar has live entertainment every weekend as well as charitable gaming and karaoke. Off-site catering is available for up to 800 people. Holiday Inn - Lake-
• BEST SANDWICH SHOP
JIMMY JOHN’S
147 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Detroit Lakes 218-844-7800 www.jimmyjohns.com Beloved for its unique, fresh subs, fast service and upbeat atmosphere, Jimmy John’s has been in business in Detroit Lakes for the past five years. A local franchise of a national chain, the Detroit Lakes Jimmy John’s combines freshly-sliced meats and veggies on bread that’s
baked fresh all day long. A quick-service restaurant, Jimmy John’s also delivers and does group orders. The local Jimmy John’s is owned by Alexis and Jake Peters, who employ a staff of 18. They say their best selling subs are the Turkey Tom and the Italian Night Club.
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front has more than 5,000-square-feet of rentable space for weddings, meetings, conventions or other group events. Rentals of paddle boards, kayaks, pontoons and peddle bikes are also available. Guests often comment on the friendly staff and
great lake views from the hotel and restaurant. Built in 1976, the Holiday Inn - Lakefront has been under the ownership of Right Choice Lodging since 2008. It employs more than 90 people.
EATS & DRINKS • BEST OUTDOOR DINING • BEST WINGS
LONG BRIDGE BAR, GRILL & MARINA
2000 Long Bridge Road, Detroit Lakes 218-847-1949 • matt@longbridgedl.com longbridgedl.com With a patio and new rooftop deck that bring in some of the best views around, it’s no wonder Long Bridge Bar, Grill & Marina has won the Best Outdoor Dining award. An island oasis in Lakes Country, the
casual restaurant and bar is popular for its dock, which allows customers to boat right up. Owner Matt Pierce says, “The atmosphere and friendly staff transport you to a beachy getaway, even
in the heart of winter.” Offering burgers, sandwiches, salads, drinks, dessert and more, Long Bridge is also renowned for its wings. Bone-in, boneless, buffalo, BBQ...it’s got ‘em all. Staff recommends the Gold
Rush sauce for first-timers. Long Bridge has been in business since 1949. Its bar offers a full drink menu featuring beachy cocktails and beer.
WHERE
FRESH & FAST MEET
®
We would like to thank the Detroit Lakes community for their support and voting us the
BEST HOTEL
IN THE LAKES AREA! 1155 Hwy 10 East, Detroit Lakes 218-847-2121
www.dlinn.com
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WE DELIVER! 147 VETERANS MEMORIAL PKWY. 218.844.7800 001724386r1
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 13
EATS & DRINKS • BEST DRIVE THROUGH • BEST FAST FOOD • BEST MEXICAN FOOD
• BEST SERVER
MIGUEL’S TACOS
SHAWNA AVILA
(HOTEL SHOREHAM)
129 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Detroit Lakes 218-847-1276 www.miguelstacos.com In business for 35 years, Miguel’s Tacos is a Detroit Lakes tradition, serving up some of the best Mexican food around. With a variety of Mexican dishes on the menu, including enchiladas, salads, burritos, quesadillas and soft shells, as well as breakfast options, Miguel’s offers a speedy drive-through or seating for up to 80 people inside. Owners Mike and Lori Danner say they often hear
from tourists that Miguel’s is their “first and last stop” in and out of Detroit Lakes, and locals show them “overwhelming” support. The business is now in its fifth year at its new location on Veterans Memorial Parkway, and employs 15-25 people depending on the season. “We appreciate your patronage and love keeping our tradition of serving you and our community,” the Danners say.
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24110 County Highway 22, Detroit Lakes 218-847-9913 scott@hotelshoreham.com Hotelshoreham.com Shawna Avila has been serving customers with a smile at Hotel Shoreham in Detroit Lakes for the past four seasons. Avila’s manager, Scott Schulte, says she is “always happy and has a great attitude. Her positivity is infectious. She is very helpful and a hard worker, always trying to stay busy. I’m not surprised people thought she was the ‘Best of’ Detroit Lakes.” Hotel Shoreham is wellknown as one of the area’s longest-running businesses. In operation since 1910, the
summertime bar, bistro and pizzeria is alive with history — which is written all over the walls and can also be heard in the stories of its long-time staff and guests. Nestled in between lakes Sallie and Melissa, Hotel Shoreham is a great place for a family meal, cocktail on the patio or a performance of live music on weekend summer nights. The restaurant is famous for its fried pickles, The Charlie pizza, walleye, salmon, and old-fashioned malts and shakes.
EATS & DRINKS • BEST LIQUOR STORE
SEVEN SISTERS SPIRITS
25275 South Melissa Drive, Detroit Lakes 218-847-BEER (2337) • 218-846-WINE (9463) www.sevensistersspirits.com Known for having the biggest selection in the Lakes Area, Seven Sisters Spirits sells a wide variety of liquor, beer, wine, mixer and gift items. The full service liquor store also offers fun and educational classes and occasional samplings and giveaways. Housed in a big log
building on the corner of Highway 59 and Vergas Road, Seven Sisters Spirits is hard to miss for those traveling south of town. It’s owned by Brad, Jay and Corey Malstrom along with Melissa Rensch and Corey Maple, and employs a staff of 10 in the summers. “Our most common
feedback is ‘WOW,’” say the owners. “Customers are always commenting on our huge selection.” The store’s most popular items are domestic beer
and wine from the buy-oneget-one-for-7-cents section. This is Seven Sisters Spirits’ seventh summer of business.
We appreciate your support! BEST MEXICAN FOOD BEST DRIVE THRU BEST FAST FOOD
129 Veterans Memorial Parkway (218) 847-1276 Mon - Sun: 7:30AM - 9:00PM 001726276r1
•Pet Food, Supplies & Treats •Old-Fashioned Candy Store •Your locally owned plant, garden and yard place.
Thank You for Voting us #1 for Pet Supplies
1 Best Liquor Store!
Thank you!
FOR VOTING US THE
#
Detroit Lakes Tribune Readers’ Choice Awards voted Seven Sisters Spirits #1 Best Liquor Store in the Lakes Area
Just 3 minutes south of WE Fest on
218-847-8265 • 1008 Washington Ave. Detroit Lakes (across from Essentia Health St. Mary’s)
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25275 S. Melissa Drive • Detroit Lakes 218.846.WINE (9463) • 218.847.BEER (2337)
STORE HOURS MONDAY-SATURDAY 8 AM-10PM
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BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 15
EATS & DRINKS • BEST RESTAURANT • BEST RIBS • BEST WINE LIST
SPANKY’S STONE HEARTH
34785 COUNTY ROAD 4, VERGAS 218-334-3555 spankysstonehearth@yahoo.com Established in 1946, Spanky’s Stone Hearth offers fine dining in a casual atmosphere overlooking Rose Lake in Vergas. Menu items at this full service bar and restaurant, including nightly chef-inspired dishes, are created with an emphasis on local suppliers and farm-to-table foods. A variety of chef-cut, charcoal-grilled and aged steak options, along with fresh seafood, have
defined the restaurant’s reputation throughout the years. Owner Josh Hanson says guests regularly comment on the attentive, friendly and accommodating service they receive at Spanky’s, as well as the inspiring cuisine, “perfectly matched flavor profiles,” and consistency. A grand piano stands near the bar, and guests are known to sometimes sit down unannounced
and play a few numbers, adding to Spanky’s warm and inviting, small-town feel and appeal. Housed in a Northwoods-style lodge built with hand hewn logs, Spanky’s offers seasonal outdoor seating on a lakefront patio. The main indoor seating area near the bar features a large stone fireplace, as the Spanky’s Stone Hearth name suggests.
• BEST BAR/CLUB • BEST COCKTAIL • BEST BURGER • BEST SMALL COMPANY TO WORK FOR
SUNLITE BAR & GRILL
21001 County Highway 21, Detroit Lakes 218-847-4622 • sunlite@arvig.net Visit Sunlite on Facebook When they bought Sunlite Bar & Grill in 1999, Wayne and Kathy Crawford already had many fond memories of walking and biking there as kids to buy candy and snacks. Now, as owners, they take pleasure in helping other people create great memories with their families. Sunlite, a longtime staple of the Big and Little Floyd Lakes area, features a full service restaurant and bar
as well as a small grocery store. Located three miles north of Detroit Lakes between the two Floyd lakes, Sunlite offers docks for boat access on both lakes; customers can enjoy a lakeside meal on the restaurant’s deck during the summer. Also positioned on the “Richwood North” snowmobile trail, Sunlite offers a full menu of hot toddies in the winter.
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“We take great pride in being a family-friendly restaurant and bar with affordable pricing for families and large groups,” the Crawfords say. “We have something for everyone — indoor, outdoor and bar seating, big screen TVs, bubble hockey, pool tables and other games, candy, ice cream treats, lake access, snowmobile access and a small grocery store with essentials.”
Known for its fun, energetic staff, Sunlite is also popular for its fresh-pattied beef burgers and bison burgers. Other frequently-requested menu items include the grilled chicken breast sandwich, french fries, wings (hot and honey garlic) and apple pie shots. “We don’t claim to be fancy, but we do what we do consistently and well, and our customers recognize that,” they add.
EATS & DRINKS • BEST PIZZA • BEST BLOODY MARY
ZORBAZ
402 West Lake Drive, Detroit Lakes 218-847-5305 tate@zorbaz.com Zorbaz.com
In business since 1969, the Detroit Lakes Zorbaz is the flagship of what has become a well-known chain of casual, beachside restaurants around Minnesota. Owned by Tate Jansen, Zorbaz employs anywhere from 75 to 100 people, depending on the time of year.
The pizza and Mexican joint is famous for its popular Macho Nachoz, Pregnant Burritos and specialty pizzas like the Lowden (pizza with peanut butter, pepperoni and jalapenos). The Blue Bobbin’ Margaritas and, of course, Bloody Marys, are also hot sellers.
• BEST FRIES
McDONALD’S
415 Frazee St E, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 (218) 847-3558
The bar offers 48 taps, and the menu is loaded with options. Zorbaz clothing is also popular, with a wide variety of sweatshirts, T-shirts, hats and more for
sale. “We have the best guests and staff that make our atmosphere one-of-a-kind,” says Jansen.
These Best of the Lakes categories had the most entries… 1. Pizza 2. Burger 3. Restaurant 4. Gas Station/Convenience Store tie with Grocery 5. Lake 6. Pharmacy 7. Eye Doctor 8. Community Event 9. Bank 10. Car Wash BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 17
SERVICES • BEST CARPET CLEANER
ALL STAR CLEANING SERVICE, LLC
16265 Highland Drive, Detroit Lakes 218-847-8982 All-starcleaning.com Visit All Star Cleaning on Facebook In business for the past 46 years, All Star Cleaning is owned by Jill and Brian Andring and employs a staff of 3 full-time workers plus various part-timers. A family-owned and operated service business, All Star Cleaning specializes in
carpet and upholstery cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, and air duct and dryer vent cleaning. The Andrings say they are “service-oriented and truly concerned about the results we achieve.” They use only “top-of-the-line equipment”
and are fully educated in the field of cleaning. All Star Cleaning is well-reviewed and is recommended by many people in the area. On the morning of this writing, in fact, the Andrings had already received three phone calls
from new customers saying the company comes “highly recommended” by friends or family. The business serves both residential and commercial clients.
to meet our furry friends. Let your pet pick out their favorite treat, toy or collar.” Pets are welcome in the store — a feature many customers love. People
also comment on the pet store’s selection and friendly employees.
• BEST PET SUPPLIES
BECKER PET AND GARDEN
1008 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-847-8265 beckerpet@arvig.net For 18 years, Becker Pet and Garden has sold pet foods, treats and other pet supplies alongside of lawn and garden products, nature gifts and old-fashioned candy all under one roof. Described by owners Scott and Angie Sonstegard as “three unique businesses in one,” Becker Pet and Garden is a candy store with
taffy, fudge and chocolates, a neighborhood garden center, and a pet store with a wide selection of dog and cat supplies. “We are locally owned and take pride in our trained, friendly staff eager to help,” the Sonstegards say. “We’ll treat you and your pet to the best that the lakes have to offer. We love
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SERVICES • BEST LAWN CARE/LANDSCAPING P.O. Box 533, Detroit Lakes • 218-846-1005 barefootlawnsdl@gmail.com www.barefootlawnsdl.com Barefoot Lawns has been operating as a family owned and operated business since it was established in 1999. Owned by Dustin Richter, the fertilizer and weed control company offers thorough, comprehensive services to make customers’ lawns look their healthiest all season long. With three licensed applicators on staff, Barefoot Lawns offers the application of granular fertilizer as well as weed control, insect
and disease control, lawn aeration and other services. Eliminating crabgrass and Creeping Charlie are business specialties. “Barefoot Lawns cares deeply about our area lakes,” says Richter. “This is why we only use aquatic labeled herbicide and lake-friendly fertilizers. Our knowledgeable and responsible technicians are committed to maintaining the beauty of our lakes area.”
Customers often say things like, “I can’t believe you were able to kill our Creeping Charlie! I’ve tried everything,” and “This is the best and fullest my lawn has ever looked!” “My family and I love the lakes area and we will continue to provide the best and most responsible service possible,” Richter adds. “Thank you to all of the area residents. I truly appreciate this honor.”
All Star Cleaning is Honored to be chosen as the
#1 Carpet Cleaning Service
in the Best of the Lakes Area Readers Choice Awards!
Brian Andring,
DETROIT LAKES, MN
218-847-8982
Best of the Lakes Received Well Over 500 Entries!
Proud to provide service for these fine businesses: The Lodge on Lake Detroit, MMCDC, Holiday Inn, Voyageur Lanes, Best Western Holland House, Dynamic Homes, Anytime Fitness and many great Realtors and Families all through Lakes Country.
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BAREFOOT LAWNS
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 19
SERVICES • BEST ACCOUNTANT
• BEST GARBAGE SERVICE
BOB BEKKERUS
DETROIT LAKES DISPOSAL SERVICES
BEKKERUS SCHOTT HELMEKE DECONCINI JOHNSON CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 1116 Highway 59 South, Detroit Lakes 218-847-3133 • bob@lakescpa.com Bob Bekkerus has been an owner of Bekkerus Schott Helmeke DeConcini Johnson Certified Public Accountants for more than 35 years. With offices in Detroit Lakes and Perham, the business offers individual and business tax return preparation, payroll services, accounting assis-
tance and consulting, and estate and gift tax assistance. Including Bekkerus and the other owners, the business has 14 people on staff. It strives to stay on the cutting edge of new developments in technology and tax law to help clients make the best possible decisions for their financial futures.
P.O. Box 479, Detroit Lakes • 218-850-9944 The locally owned and operated Detroit Lakes Disposal Services has been servicing the Detroit Lakes area since 2007, and has been under the ownership of Travis Wilke for the past year. The company offers residential and commercial garbage removal and recycling, throughout the area.
Customers often comment on the disposal service’s “great service,” says Wilke, and it’s that service, along with the company’s seven “dedicated employees,” that makes Detroit Lakes Disposal Services stand out. Watch for the company’s new website, set to launch soon.
WE WANT YOUR TRASH!
Sunlite Bar & Grill Declared the Overall Winner!
Thank you for voting us #1 garbage Service in the Lakes area!
Sunlite Bar & Grill took home more awards than anyone else…
218-850-9944
nine in total!
Four first place wins and five runner-up placements!
Congratulations to the entire staff!
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• Locally Owned & Operated • Residential & Commercial Service • Recycling Services Offered Give us a call today, we CAN SAVE YOU MONEY on your garbage service.
owner Travis Wilke
DUMPSTERS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.
CALL FOR RATES AND INFORMATION. 001722853r1
SERVICES • BEST VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF DETROIT LAKES
P.O. Box 83, Detroit Lakes 218-847-5700 • bgcdl.org
club provides after-school and summer programming to children between the ages of five and 18. Programs focus on helping kids succeed academically, practice healthy lifestyles and develop good character and citizenship. In addition to offering mentoring relationships between kids and caring adults, the club provides healthy meals and snacks, transportation to and from school, STEM activities, reading programs, physical fitness times, summer field trips and more. The Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes is currently in the process of constructing a new facility, set to open in the spring of 2019, which will address the rising need for its services in the community.
In 2017, 441 volunteers gave more than 4,500 hours of their time so that local kids could have a place to belong and a place to become.
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From helping with kids’ programming in the summers to assisting at special events all year long, the Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes has many opportunities for those interested in volunteering. “It is our goal that each and every volunteer has a wonderful, fun experience and is able to truly see the connection between the gift of their time and talent and the impact it has on the kids our club serves each day,” say the club’s leaders. “Thank you to each volunteer who has taken the time to give so generously of themselves to our organization.” The Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes was the first Boys & Girls Club chartered in Minnesota; it has been in operation since 1957. The
THANK YOU for making a difference in the lives of 850+ local kids — and for helping our Club become the best volunteer organization in the Lakes Area!
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 21
SERVICES • BEST AUTO CARE - TIE
K N A H T ! U YO
For voting Chaney’s 2 “Your favorite Auto Care in the Lakes area” WE APPRECIATE YOU!
CHANEY’S 2 AUTO REPAIR
120 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-847-4252 www.chaneys2.com “We come to Chaney’s 2 because we want to support locally-owned businesses and because we know we can trust the work and technicians there. And, it is always affordable.” That’s common customer feedback at Chaney’s 2, where owner Jon Mickelson says, “We care about honesty, affordability and reliability; and we care about helping our customers get back out on the road again.” Mickelson has been in the auto repair business for more than 37 years, and between himself and his three professional service technicians, there are 100 years of combined experience under the hoods at Chaney’s 2. Found-
er Chaney Mickelson first opened the doors of Chaney’s in 1969, operating under the same philosophy Chaney’s 2 still does today — “to provide excellence in auto care and repair.” Chaney’s 2 is a full-service automobile repair shop and tire store, specializing in diagnostics, maintenance and repairs on vehicles of every make or model, from brake work to complete engine overhauls. The shop carries a full selection of 30 namebrand ties and wheels, as well as wiper blades, trailer hitches, custom floor mats and other accessories. The business also fills portable propane tanks.
“We Care” about how we serve you – Chaney’s 2
218-847-4252
120 Washington Ave • Detroit Lakes
EXCELLENCE IN AUTO CARE & REPAIR • Tires/Wheels/Accessories • Engine & Transmission • Tune Ups • Brakes • Suspension • Wheel Alignment • Air Conditioning Service
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SERVICES • BEST AUTO CARE - TIE
JEFF’S MUFFLER SHOP
812 8th Street Southeast, Detroit Lakes 218-846-9318 Find Jeff’s Muffler Shop on Facebook Jeff’s Muffler Shop, owned by Jeff and Linda Schlauderaff, has been in operation for 22 years. Customers rave about the fast, friendly service,
and reasonable rates. The business offers mufflers, custom dual exhaust, 4-inch and 5-inch diesel exhaust, catalytic converters, trailer hitches, fifth
wheel and gooseneck hitches, brakes, struts, ball joints, oil changes, trailer and camper wheel bearings, and trailer wiring and repair.
Jeff works at the shop with his son, Eric. They specialize in custom exhaust “for just about anything from 1930s to new,” they say. They
also do general auto repair on most vehicles, and can repair trailers, from small utility trailers to boat trailers to big gooseneck trailers.
• BEST CAR WASH
FOUR SEASONS CAR WASH
100 Richwood Road, #34, Detroit Lakes 218-841-3355 • davidn4seasons@gmail.com Find Four Seasons Car Wash on Facebook and Twitter
few of the many positive comments Four Seasons’ staff hears from happy customers. Owned by Nate Pierson, who oversees a staff of seven, Four Seasons offers a top-of-the-line Premium Tunnel Car Wash as well as four self-serve wash bays. The business promises little to no wait times.
KAYLA ULSCHMID “There’s no place like YOUR OWN home”
218-234-9205
kayla.ryanhansonhomes@gmail.com www.RyanHansonHomes.com 001724586r1
Thank you for voting me Runner Up!
u o Y k Than g us
ir! erience a p Re ears Exp o tin t o u Hitches v A ver 30 y • Brakes ••Mufflers for for
#1
O
k is fully Where the wor you can d guaranteed an ne right. do count on a job
Jeff’s Muffler & Auto Repair
• 4 & 5 Inch Diesel Exhaust • Custom Dual Exhausts • Shocks • Struts • Wiring • Oil Changes • Converters • Ball Joints • Front Axels
The one stop for your vehicle
812 8th St SE | Detroit Lakes | Call 218-846-9318
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Featuring the first dual conveyor belt of its kind in Minnesota, brushes cleaned with every wash, and an entertaining light show with the popular Platinum wash, Four Seasons Car Wash is the area’s leading car wash. “It’s very fast and does a great job,” “Love this car wash,” and “Love the smiling faces” are just a
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 23
SERVICES • BEST HAIR SALON
CONVICTION, ENVISION, JONATHAN’S AND SHEAR GRACE - 4-WAY TIE! Shear Grace Salon: 1034 Highway 59 South, Detroit Lakes Shawna Willson 218-234-5044 • Kayla Holton 218-329-1804 Desaree Schleeter 701-388-9100 • Amalea Johnson 218-234-0758 Natalie Pirtle 701-429-0739 • Kara Jegtvig 218-849-4348 Tiffany Anderson, massage 218-849-4578 • Visit Shear Grace on Facebook With so many great salons in town, it was hard for readers to narrow it down to just one winner. Instead, there were four! Conviction Salon & Spa, owned by Tamara Davidson, has been offering hair, nails, lashes, tanning (traditional and spray), waxing, massage and facials for the past year. An upscale full-service salon and spa, Conviction has a team of five people who are “hyper-focused on providing excellent customer service and the ultimate salon experience, as well as a multitude of beauty services.” Customers say they enjoy the atmosphere at Conviction, and feel at home. EnVision Salon, in business since 2015, specializes in hair care, cuts and colors and has recently introduced an esthetician who offers skin care such as facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, body waxing and other services. Established by owner Brittany Melvey, EnVision employs six stylists who make it their mission to provide the most current styles, and to make their clients’ visions come to life, while achieving individuality and creativity in their work. They aim to make every customer’s experience enjoyable
Jonathan’s: 1110 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes • 218-847-2561 and positive. Jonathan’s, owned by Nicole Schmitz, is soon to be renamed Nicole’s Hair and Body. Schmitz and three other stylists — Janalee Lotvola Wyckoff, Nicole Bridgeman and Jessica Brosowske — put their own personal touches on men’s, women’s and children’s haircuts and colorings, and two massage therapists offer their services on site, as well. Jonathan’s has been around for about 30 years; Schmitz worked with the founding Jonathan for a decade before purchasing the salon almost five years ago. The salon prides itself
PAGE 24 | BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018
Conviction Salon & Spa: Detroit Lakes 218-844-3101 • CSSDL.com Instagram: convictionsalon Snapchat: cssdl
SERVICES Thank you for voting us
on offering high quality service and valuing each guest. At Shear Grace Salon, the seven stylists are all self employed and work for themselves, but they share the same goal: to make everyone feel welcome. They keep a positive atmosphere around the salon, having fun with each other and their clients. Owned by Shawna Willson, Shear Grace offers hair cuts, color, waxing, eyebrow tinting, Brazilian blowout and massage. The business has been open for more than five years.
#1 Hair Salon
and Runner Up for Tanning
EnVision Salon: 317 East Frazee Street, Detroit Lakes 218-844-2149
Experienced and Professional Services
317 Frazee St E Detroit Lakes (218) 844-2149 envisionsalon@aol.com
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THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1 SALON IN THE LAKES AREA
HAIR CUTTING & COLORING FULL BODY WAXING LASH LIFTS LASH & BROW TINTING MAKEUP APPLICATION
MANICURES & PEDICURES EYELASH EXTENSION FACIALS HAIR EXTENSIONS SPRAY TANNING STAND UP TANNING
924 M c K inley P laza D etroit l aKes follow us on
(218)-844-3101
facebooK @convictionsalonanDsPa
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Now Offering On-line Product.
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 25
SERVICES • BEST FUNERAL HOME
DAVID DONEHOWER FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICE
609 Highway 10 East, Detroit Lakes • 218-847-4147 www.daviddonehower.com David Donehower Funeral and Cremation Service, a licensed funeral home that has been operating in the Lakes Area since 1896, offers ‘round-the-clock services 365 days a year for anyone in need. From traditional casketed services to cremation options, David Donehower offers an array of choices
for families dealing with the death of a loved one. It is the only firm around that offers grief counseling and children’s programs to anyone and everyone, free of charge, in order to help people understand and cope with the various emotions that surround a death. With a licensed staff available 24/7 to answer
questions, David Donehower is often complimented by families for its excellence in helping them get through a difficult transition time in their lives. The firm has a state-of-the-art facility and equipment, and offers funeral-related merchandise to meet client needs. “From all of us here at David Donehower Funer-
al Home, thank you for entrusting us at the most difficult times in your life,” the staff of five says. “It truly is an honor to be part of such an extended community of support. We will continue to keep our promise of excellent service to each and every family we serve, whenever we are called upon.”
• BEST PET GROOMER
MUTTLEY’S GROOMING
508 Washington Avenue Detroit Lakes 218-844-PAWS (7297) muttleysdl@gmail.com
Owners Erin Foley and Melissa Hanson say, “Treating each pet as if they were our own, focusing on quality of work over quantity, and continuous personal service to both humans and their furry companions,” is what makes Muttley’s Grooming special. “We take time to get to know our clients and their preferences, and help contribute to the positive relationship between pet and human.” Muttley’s Grooming has been in operation for 11 years, offering full-service cat and dog grooming to customers’ four-legged friends. “We would like to sincerely thank
PAGE 26 | BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018
each and every one of our clients for their continuous patronage and for letting us be a part of their lives, and the lives of their pets, on such a personal
level,” the owners say. “A huge ‘thank you’ for voting us your favorite grooming shop in the Lakes Area. It truly warms our hearts!”
SERVICES
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 27
SERVICES • BEST CONTRACTOR
DO-RIGHT CONSTRUCTION
1632 Dan Street, Detroit Lakes 218-234-1095 doright@arvig.net www.do-rightconstruction.com
(Do-Right Construction) we have a beautiful showroom (Cabinets Plus) to assist customers with design and product selection of cabinets... and more.” Do-Right has a staff of 12 employees and also works with many skilled local sub-contractors to do siding, roofing, windows and doors, drywall, insulation, painting and staining, tile work and flooring, decks and porches, garages, interior redesigns and many other home projects. The company has a Cadsoft designer — which provides 3-D visual elevations and floor plans — to help in designing additions or new construction. Do-Right is a member of local, state and national Builders Associations, and is insured and licensed in Minnesota and North Dakota.
Thank you for voting me #1 Veterinarian! James K. McCormack Detroit Lakes Animal Hospital 1115 West River Road Detroit lakes
847-5674
Complete Small Animal Veterinarian Services PAGE 28 | BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018
Thanks For Your Votes!
Left to right: Amanda Eickhoff, Alexis Henry, Jerry Krueger, Dr Brent Henkes, Sarah Malikowski, Sara Herrmann. Not Pictured: Mackenzie Bartsch.
Weckwerth Animal Hospital 35 1 st Ave NW P.O. Box 428, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572 Phone: (218) 863-VETS (8387) E-mail: Weckwerthanimalhospital@gmail.com Website: www.WeckwerthAnimalHospital.com
Look for us soon under our new name
Pelican Rapids Animal Hospital
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Do-Right Construction has a reputation for quality craftsmanship, concept-to-completion thoroughness, and professional, courteous, conscientious and reliable employees who always leave a clean work site. Owners Jim and Catie Herman started the business in 2011 as a general contracting company that focused on residential remodels, additions, new home construction and light commercial work. Today, Do-Right Construction works in partnership with Cabinets Plus to also provide quality cabinets, countertops, custom closets and more around the Lakes Area. “Our business was founded on small and medium-size projects, and we continue to focus on this as there is a need in our area,” the Hermans say. “In addition to our general contracting services
SERVICES
Thank you for voting us your #1 Contractor in the Lakes area!
1632 Dan Street, Detroit Lakes, MN
Years of Experience Specializing in: Remodeling/Additions • New Construction • Drywall Work Painting & Staining • Siding • Roofing • Home Maintenance Windows & Doors • Decks & Porches • Cabinets • Countertops • Custom Closets and More…
! p l e H s U t e L ? s Got Project
Jim & Catie Herman General Contractor Licensed & Insured MN #BC639142 ND #41804
218-234-1095
doright@arvig.net www.do-rightconstruction.com
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BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 29
SERVICES • BEST VETERINARIAN TWO-WAY TIE!
DR. JAMES K. MCCORMACK DETROIT LAKES ANIMAL HOSPITAL 1115 West River Road, Detroit Lakes 218-847-5674 detroitlakesanimalhospital.com With a mission to provide clients with the best health care available for their family pets, Dr. James K. McCormack and the rest of the staff at Detroit Lakes Animal Hospital strive to care for every pet like it’s their own. “We are fully aware of the importance of our pets in our lives, and are humbled to be trusted with the care of your pets,” McCormack says. “Our goal is to evaluate each pet as an individual.”
Detroit Lakes Animal Hospital provides full veterinary care for dogs and cats. Founded in 1943 by Dr. Gus Olson, Dr. McCormack now oversees a staff of 15 to 17 people, depending on the season. “I, personally, would like to thank all of our clients and pet loving community for your support over the years,” McCormack says. “Without your support and trust we would not be able to contin-
ue to grow quality of care we want for everyone’s pets. I also want to share this honor with my staff and colleagues, both past and present. They
have all helped to support and mentor me into who I am today.”
“We will always do our best to serve our clients and provide their animals with the care that they deserve,” they say. Weckwerth Animal Hospital, soon to be renamed Pelican Rapids Animal Hospital, offers wellness exams,
comprehensive exams, an in-house lab and pharmacy, digital radiograph, surgical laser, ultrasound, an electrocautery unit, isoflurane anesthesia, dental cleanings, soft tissue surgeries, orthopedic surgeries and more.
DR. DAVID WECKWERTH
WECKWERTH ANIMAL HOSPITAL, WECKWERTH ANIMAL SERVICES 35 First Avenue Northwest, Pelican Rapids 218-863-VETS (8387) weckwerthanimalhospital@gmail.com www.weckwerthanimalhospital.com Pet owners say Dr. David Weckwerth and the staff at Weckwerth Animal Hospital in Pelican Rapids provide great care for their animals, displaying an obvious and genuine love for “fur babies,” big and small. With a staff of seven, Weckwerth Animal Hospital has been practicing veterinary medicine for 22 years; it has been owner operated by Dr. Brent Henkes since 2013. Dr. Weckwerth continues to
provide large animal vet care in the area through Weckwerth Animal Services. “Our clients and patients are at the heart of our practice and the reason we are here,” the staff says. “Our motto is ‘We Care The Way You Care’ and we live by those words.” Staff works diligently to provide personalized care for every client and patient to make each visit as low stress and enjoyable as possible.
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SERVICES • BEST ASSISTED LIVING • BEST MEMORY CARE FACILITY • BEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
ECUMEN DETROIT LAKES
1415 Madison Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-847-4486 www.ecumendetroitlakes.org Ecumen Detroit Lakes has served the Lakes Area for more than half a century, adhering to the values of service, people, innovation, spirituality, wellness, collaboration and stewardship. The list of services offered by Ecumen is extensive, and includes senior housing, assisted living memory care, long-term memory care, long-term
BEST in
care, transitional care and rehab, home care, spiritual care, adult day services, respite care, support groups and more. All of Ecumen’s buildings in Detroit Lakes are connected, providing easy access for all services around the campus. Friends, family members and pets are always welcome. Residents and their fam-
Assisted Living Memory Care Facility Retirement Community
ilies say they love Ecumen’s quality of care, the friendly staff and the number of activities that are available
to them. Some families have been cared for over generations at Ecumen.
THANK YOU!
Visit our website at ecumendetroitlakes.org or visit https://careersecumen.icims.com/jobs/search for current job openings, including summer opportunities, or contact Human Resources today.
1415 Madison Ave., Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 • 218.847.4486
Join us on Facebook
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BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 31
SERVICES • BEST PLUMBING/HEATING COMPANY
GREEN’S PLUMBING AND MODERN HEATING
18550 U.S. Highway 59 North, Detroit Lakes Work Hours: 218-847-7542 After Hours: 218-841-6280 greens@arvig.net • www.gpmh.biz Green’s Plumbing and Modern Heating is a Veteran owned and operated business that has been serving the Detroit Lakes area since 1928. Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, Green’s offers residential and commercial plumbing, heating and air
conditioning products and services. Promising prompt, professional service every time, Green’s handles everything from city sewer and water hookups to plumbing fixture sales. The company will unclog drains, conduct service work on home heating and
• BEST BARBER
JON STONE BARBER JON’S
214 Front Street West, Detroit Lakes • 218-844-4210 www.jonstone.ismybarber.com Check out Barber Jon’s on Facebook Customers of Barber Jon’s love the shop’s comfortable atmosphere, the hard-to-find hot shaves, the relaxing scalp massages, catching up on the latest news, and, of course, the haircuts. Jon Stone, who owns Barber Jon’s with his wife, Joy, has been a barber for more than 22 years. He says he enjoys seeing his regular customers and
hearing about what’s happening in their lives, and also looks forward to meeting new people through his work. “When you come in to see Barber Jon, you will get a great haircut at a great price,” his website states. “Stop by to get the latest on the local, state and national sports scene, area happenings, places to have a nice meal, and more.”
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cooling systems, repair gas lines, install water heaters, replace pipes and much, much more. Business owner Nick
Green and his staff of 26 promise quality and reliability with every job, guaranteeing customer satisfaction
SERVICES • BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY
JACK CHIVERS REALTY
816 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-847-3112 info@jackchiversrealty.com www.jackchiversrealty.com Jack Chivers Realty has a long history of excellence in the Lakes Area. Founded in Detroit Lakes in 1966, the agency now has locations in Detroit Lakes, Fargo, Vergas, Perham and Fergus
Falls. The leading real estate agency in Lakes Country, Jack Chivers Realty is unique in that it employs a full staff of only full-time sales agents and local
• BEST HOTEL/MOTEL
lake experts. The company services its clients with a complete spectrum of real estate, including city, rural and lakeshore residential as well as commercial properties and hunting land.
Jack Chivers has its own exclusive marketing group that handles all Jack Chivers-related promotional campaigns. It is currently owned by Dirk Ockhardt, and employs 20 people.
Thank you for voting me your
#1 Barber
HOLIDAY INN LAKEFRONT
in the Lakes area!!
1155 Highway 10 East, Detroit Lakes 218-847-2121 sales@dlinn.com • www.dlinn.com
See Page 12 For More Information
Thank you for putting us in the
TOP 2 FOR ELECTRICIANS
Hours: Tues.-Fri. 7am-6pm Sat. 7am-2pm
214 Front Street W Detroit Lakes
218-844-4210 INC.
Brenda & Mike Eidenschink — owners —
30614 SUNSET ROAD • DETROIT LAKES
218-847-1946
http://www.jonstone.ismybarber.com/ 001724121r1
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BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 33
SERVICES
HY. APPARENTLY THERE
• BEST BANK
APPARENTLY THERE AREN’T TROPH
N’T TROPHIES. WE
PHIES. WE WERE HOPING T
WERE HOPING TH ING THERE’D BE A TROP
BE A TROPHY. MIDWEST BANK
613 Highway 10 East (Main Office) 218-847-4771 www.midwestbank.net Find Midwest Bank on Facebook and Twitter “More free, less fee” isn’t just a catchy tag line for Midwest Bank, it’s the bank’s entire financial philosophy: “We would rather have more customers and charge them less.” Midwest Bank is a locally owned, community-focused bank committed to building lasting relationships with customers and employees by consistently exceeding expectations. Owned by the Dennis Lind family of Minnesota, Midwest Bank offers personal attention and old-fashioned hospitality alongside all the modern conveniences of online and mobile banking. Known for its interest-earning Rewards Checking, no-fee home equity lines of credit and automatic ATF refund program, Midwest Bank has offices in Detroit Lakes (the main office plus a branch
inside Walmart), Callaway, Waubun, Barnesville, Parkers Prairie and Dalton. The bank’s corporate office has been located in Detroit Lakes since 1918. Midwest Bank employs 84 people, 46 of those in Detroit Lakes. Employees say “responsiveness” is the first thing that sets Midwest Bank apart from the rest: “How do we do it? The answer is part experience, part gut-feeling, and part having every single decision-maker in the room — not some farflung corporate high rise… Community is important to us. We place great pride in strengthening the communities we call home.” “Being named No. 1 bank in the Lakes Area by the people who live here means we’re doing things the way they would,” employees say. “And that’s all we’ve ever wanted to do.”
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Seriously, this little badge is the biggest honor we could imagine. Being named #1 Bank in the Lakes Area by the people who live here means we’re doing things the way they would. And that’s all we’ve ever wanted to do. Thank you.
Banking your way.
MidwestBank.net
SERVICES • BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER
MANN FINANCIAL GROUP
613 Highway 10 East, Detroit Lakes 218-844-9109 brian.mann@raymondjames.com www.mannfinancialmn.com Owned by Kevin and Brian Mann, Mann Financial Group provides comprehensive financial planning services, advising clients on taxes, social security, Medicare, estate planning, life and long-term care insurance, business retirement plans and investments. Both Kevin and Brian have earned their Certified Financial Planner designations, often regarded as the “gold standard” of accreditation in the industry. Hav-
ing two financial planners in the office sets Mann Financial Group apart, ensuring that clients receive the attention of both advisors along with the office’s two administrative professionals. The Manns say clients appreciate knowing that their best interests always come first, as Certified Financial Planners are held to a fiduciary standard: “While this seems like an elementary concept to most, many advisors in
our business simply have to do what’s suitable. The difference can be striking, particularly when it comes to how your advisor is compensated.”
Clients also enjoy the Mann Financial Group’s periodic social events, like a golf tournament for charity and a Holiday Brunch.
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Thank you for voting us the #1 Financial Planning Firm!
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 35
SERVICES • BEST CATERING
LA BARISTA
Inside the Washington Square Mall 808 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes bholubets@gmail.com • www.labaristadl.com In business for nine years, La Barista is a family-owned coffee shop, restaurant and event catering company in downtown Detroit Lakes. With its fun, casual atmosphere and popular menu items like the Strawberry Chicken Salad and the signature “Barista Panini,” La Barista serves up unique and fresh foods and drinks to happy
customers all year long. Owned by Courtney and Brooke Wenzel, La Barista employs six people during the winter, plus 15 seasonal and catering staff. “We have awesome staff and wonderful guests,” say the Wenzels. “We love our community and continuously do our best to ‘give back’ to Detroit Lakes.”
• BEST ELECTRICIAN
MARK’S ELECTRIC, INC.
114 Grant Street, Detroit Lakes 218-847-2149 markselectric@markselectricdl.com Mark’s Electric, Inc. has been offering electrical contracting in the Lakes Area since 1978. With 25 employees on staff, Mark’s has full-time service specialists available 24/7. Offering residential, industrial, new construction and remodeling electrical ser-
vices, Mark’s has a reputation for prompt response times as well as skilled and able workers who have the resources to solve any type of electrical need or problem. Mark’s is owned by Scott Fougner, Michael Graham and Clayton Schenck.
114 West Grant, Detroit Lakes, Minn
•COMMERCIAL •INDUSTRIAL •RESIDENTIAL LICENSED•BONDED•INSURED
Thanks for voting for us as your ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
1
#
in the Lakes Area
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS If it’s electrical, we can do it! 001724692r1
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SERVICES • BEST INSURANCE AGENT
DAVID HINEY
FARMERS INSURANCE AGENCY 1119 Jackson Avenue, Detroit Lakes Phone: 218-847-0332 • Fax: 218-844-5741 agents.farmers.com/mn/detroit-lakes/david-hiney Visit Farmers Insurance Agency on Facebook With no gimmicks or canned slogans, Farmers provides “great customer service, making sure our clients are receiving the best quality service and insurance coverage for the cost of the premium,” Hiney says. Farmers offers insurance for automobiles, homes,
life, ATVs, motorcycles, recreation, renters, business/ commercial, contractors liability and umbrella insurance. Home and auto insurance are the agency’s most popular products. Comments on the agency’s Facebook page call Hiney “so cool” and “amazing”
for his work. “We lost our house in January of this year,” one client wrote. “And he has been a Godsend.” The agency has been in operation for 30 years, and employs a staff of four.
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David Hiney, owners of Farmers Insurance Agency in Detroit Lakes, says his agency operates with the understanding that their clients are their friends, and they promise to be there every step of the way to give those clients the time and attention they deserve.
Thank you for Voting me #1 Insurance Agent in the Lakes Area!
David Hiney Insurance Agency
I have you covered for all your insurace needs:
Auto, Home, Life, Boat, ATV, Motorcycle, Recreational, Renters, Business/Commercial, Contractors Liability, Umbrella Insurance
| Give me a call!
1119 Jackson Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 | Office: (218) 847-0332 BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 37
SERVICES • BEST LARGE COMPANY TO WORK FOR
LAKESHIRTS
750 Randolph Road, Detroit Lakes 800-627-2870 www.lakeshirts.com “From dogs roaming the building to the onsite cafeteria, our culture has to be experienced to be believed,” say Lakeshirts owners Mark Fritz and Mike Hutchinson. “Come join our team and find out why ‘Life’s Better in a T-Shirt!’” Lakeshirts has a large team of about 500 employees. In business for the past 34 years, the company makes and sells blank and decorated T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and
stickers to buyers throughout the country. Its focus is on “resort” businesses, such as restaurants, breweries, resorts, etc., as well as NCAA licensed gear for colleges, bookstores and retailers. “We attribute our success to incredible employees that deliver on our core values every day,” say the owners. “Those values are: 1) ‘Wow’ our customers; 2) Team; 3) Continuous improvement; 4)
Community; and 5) Meritocracy.” Lakeshirts is currently finishing up an expansion
and remodeling project that included some fun additions for staff, like a swirly slide.
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SERVICES • BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT
MIKE RING
Counselor Realty Detroit Lakes LLC 512 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes www.counselordl.com Mike Ring is a broker/owner at Counselor Realty, one of the Lakes Area’s top selling agencies. Ring is celebrating his 20th year in business this year, and is the top selling agent in Northwest Minnesota. He is one of just two local Certified Residential Specialists, a designation that puts him within
Mike is Celebrating 20 years in the Real Estate Business this year.
the top 4 percent of realtors nationwide. Counselor Realty specializes in lake homes, lake land, rural and city residential properties, commercial properties, land and hunting land. Its nine agents work with buyers and sellers in the sale of property, marketing and promotion.
• BEST LOCAL WEBSITE
DL-ONLINE
Detroit Lakes Tribune / Lake Area Press 511 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-847-3151 Thank you to all who voted for DL-online! DL-online.com was launched in the late 1990s and the popularity of the site, as the main source of news and entertainment in the area, has grown steadily. In the past 12 months, the site has been accessed 6,390,975 times by more than 864,000 people. Fifty-one percent of those people returned to access the site multiple times. In Detroit Lakes and
the surrounding trade area, DL-online is accessed over 590,000 times annually. Award-winning journalism, being a part of the Forum Communications online network, as well as cutting-edge ad delivery programs, all contribute to the success of DL-online. We look forward to being the number one source of online news and information in the Detroit Lakes area for years to come.
Thank You To All That Voted! I will continue to work hard to earn your trust and business!
MIKE RING
218.234.9734
512 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes | 218.844.5557
Broker, ABR, CRS, GRI MikeRing@arvig.net
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BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 39
SERVICES • BEST CHILD CARE
LAKER PREP PRESCHOOL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTERS
Preschool: 807 13th Avenue Southeast, Detroit Lakes 218-844-5600 Early Childhood Center: 551 11th Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-844-3220 lakerpreppreschool.com With both a child care center and preschool to accommodate working families, Laker Prep provides all day, year-round care to kids ages eight weeks to kindergarten. Laker Prep started as a preschool in 2011, and added the early childcare center in 2015. It features a large playground and indoor gym, commercial kitchen, and a trained, nurturing staff of 25. Owners Eric and Mary Rotter say Laker Prep aims to “nurture and individualize early childhood care and learning, to accommodate both child and family needs; supporting the whole child, ultimately preparing them for kindergarten.” Parents of kids who at-
tend Laker Prep often can’t say enough good things about the center. As one parent attests, “Each and every member of the staff, including the owners, have been nothing but wonderful… They have given our son personalized attention, at any time that we have felt, or the staff has felt, is necessary. My husband and I work full time, so our son spends more time at Laker Prep than he does with us, and we cannot be more pleased.” “The team is engaged, thoughtful, friendly, loving and passionate about the care they give,” another parent adds. “I love the little pics and messages I get during the day to tell
• SMALL COMPANY TO WORK FOR
SUNLITE BAR & GRILL
21001 County Highway 21, Detroit Lakes 218-847-4622 sunlite@arvig.net Visit Sunlite on Facebook
See Page 16 For More Information
me how she (the parent’s daughter) is doing.” Staff members are all trained in CPR and other emergency procedures and are kept up-to-date on child
development courses. A curriculum is followed every day, introducing kids to new concepts and helping to prepare them for school.
We are extrememly proud to be a part of this great community!
Thank you to all that voted! Early Childhood Center
infant to preschool 218-844-3220
Laker Prep Preschool four and five year olds
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www.lakerpreppreschool.com PAGE 40 | BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018
SERVICES • BEST KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE • BEST FITNESS CLUB
DETROIT LAKES COMMUNITY & CULTURAL CENTER
826 Summit Avenue, Detroit Lakes • 218-844-4221 • www.dlccc.org The Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center is a state-of-the-art fitness, aquatics and recreation center with a mission “to provide quality experiences to learn, grow and play.” Featuring a family-friendly pool, a large indoor play area called The Backyard, workout spaces and machines, personal training, massage therapy, instructor-led fitness
classes and swimming lessons, rooms for birthday parties, and more, the Center has something for everyone. Now in its 17th year, the Center employs more than 100 people. It is connected to the Historic Holmes Theatre. Stu Omberg, the Center’s CEO, says its members “appreciate the variety of classes we offer” and “love being able to play in the pool
Our readers love a good burger! We had 427 entries for favorite burger!
as a family.” People also enjoy using the indoor walking track in the winters, making social
connections, and “bringing grandkids and guests into the pool and Backyard.”
With so many wonderful attorneys in our community I am sincerely humbled by this honor. Thank you!
Without you, there is no us! Fitness & Aquatic Center • Backyard Indoor Playland • Historic Holmes Theatre
210 Front Street West Detroit Lakes, Minnesota 56501
DLCC 826 SUMMIT AVENUE, DETROIT LAKES, MN 218•844•4221 www.dlcc.org
Telephone No. 218-846-2595 • Facsimile No. 218-844-2596 Home: 218-844-5575 • Email: timdmn@yahoo.com
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A heartfelt thank you to the community for your patronage and continued support.
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 41
SERVICES • BEST WEDDING VENUE
DETROIT LAKES PAVILION
1025 Roosevelt Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-847-5658 www.cityofdetroitlakes.com The Detroit Lakes Pavilion sits lakeside on Detroit Lake at the end of the city’s famous mile-long beach, providing a beautiful backdrop for weddings and other events. It is also adjacent to the City Park and Bandshell, and Pavilion
customers always comment on how much they enjoy the ambience. The Pavilion formally opened in 1915. In its heyday, it was the social center of the area and was very popular for dances, orchestral perfor-
mances, big-band shows and other fun times. Famous people who have played and sung at the Pavilion include The Glen Miller Band, Buddy Rich, Lawrence
Welk, Bobby Vee and plenty of others. Today the building hosts a variety of community events as well as private events for up to 1,100 people.
• BEST ATTORNEY
• BEST TANNING SALON
Timothy H. Dodd, Attorney at Law 210 Front Street West, Detroit Lakes 218-846-2595 • timdmn@yahoo.com
Inside the Washington Square Mall 808 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-844-3333 Find them on Facebook and Instagram
TIMOTHY H. DODD FOREVER SUMMER
Timothy H. Dodd has been offering a broad range of legal services in the Lakes Area for the past 34 years. He, along with two other employees at his law firm, “pride ourselves on producing quality legal work even on short notice,” Dodd says. “We are task oriented.” Clients often say they appreciate Dodd’s honesty.
Our readers love to grab a slice! We had 430 entries for favorite pizza!
Forever Summer specializes in all things tanning, offering UV tanning, sunless spray tanning and salon professional lotions and products for all people and skin types. With a knowledgeable staff of six, owners Stacia and Chris Gjerde promise their custom-
Thank you for voting us #1 Tanning Salon!
ers “the best tan around.” “Our PURA Sunless Spray booth is the latest and greatest technology in spray tanning and offers the client complete privacy and a flawless natural glow,” they say. “Tanning is what we do, and our staff knows their stuff!”
•Pura Sunless Spray Tans •4 Levels of UV Tanning •Huge Variety of Professional Tanning and Body Lotions
808 Washington Avenue | Detroit Lakes | (218) 844-3333 PAGE 42 | BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018
SERVICES • BEST CREDIT UNION
MID MINNESOTA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
1405 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union’s mission is to earn its members’ loyalty by providing them resources to improve their financial well-being and be smart, successful consumers. More than just a financial institution, Mid Minnesota is a hub for financial resources, including free educational opportunities on everything from Safe Driver classes to workshops on identity theft and how to
buy a car. In operation for more than 62 years, Mid Minnesota was started in 1956 by seven paper mill employees and has since grown to include 140 employees across nine Central Minnesota counties. It is a member owned, community-based financial cooperative; profits are returned to its membership in the form of higher dividend rates, lower interest rates on loans, addi-
• BEST TIRE STORE
DAN’S SERVICE CENTER INC.
110 Main Street West, Detroit Lakes 218-844-6100 dansservicecenterdl@gmail.com dansservicecenters.com “Great selection of tires” and “friendly and courteous staff” are what most people say about Dan’s Service Center. No appointments are needed at this full-service automotive shop. Dan’s Service Center will perform any vehicle services, from an oil change to fixing a flat tire, from replacing a set of tires to a complete engine exchange. In business for the last two years, Dan’s is owned by
Noah Spiekermeier and Jeff Reveling and employs a staff of nine. The shop is a Bridgestone Firestone Affiliated Tire Retailer, and promises the best tire prices around. Sameday service is available. “Special thanks to all of our customers that have supported us for the last two years, and for voting us the Best Tire Store in the Lakes Area,” Spiekermeier and Reveling say.
tional technology and growth in services. Customers comment on Mid Minnesota’s “best interest rates and customer service,” “friendly, informative, patient, willing to help” staff, and “friendly, small town feel with many helpful options.” Mid Minnesota offers an array of financial services, including free checking, auto and recreational loans, home loans and mortgage services,
business lending solutions, insurance, and investment and retirement services. It is a member of the CO-OP Shared Branch Network, which allows members to access their accounts at any of the network’s more than 5,400 credit union branches nationwide — a big benefit for members who travel, are students or simply enjoy the convenience of expanded access.
Thank You for your support and voting us the
1
# Tire Dealer Dan’s Service Center
218-844-6100
110 MAIN ST W, DETROIT LAKES MN 56501 NOW OPEN AND LOCATED IN THE OLD TIRES PLUS LOCATION
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BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 43
HEALTH & FITNESS • BEST DENTIST
DR. JOHN JORDAN
West River Dental 1106 West River Road, Detroit Lakes 218-846-1900 smiles@westriverdental.com www.westriverdental.com West River Dental, owned by Dr. John Jordan, has been offering general, cosmetic and advanced restorative dentistry in the Lakes Area for almost 13 years. Its modern, warm dental office has a Northwoods feel, and houses the latest dental technologies. West River Dental employs a friendly staff of 14. “We take pride in our hospital grade sterilization and strive to make every patient’s
experience a positive one,” Jordan says. He believes West River Dental’s same-day porcelain restorations, as well as implants for tooth replacement and denture stabilization, set the office apart from others. “Patients comment on our friendly, helpful team, and they like the aesthetics of the office,” he says. “They also like not having to schedule another appointment to finish a crown service.”
• BEST PHARMACY
CVS PHARMACY
329 Frazee Street East, Detroit Lakes 218-847-1484 www.cvs.com From healthcare to beachwear, CVS Pharmacy has it all! CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health, is America’s leading retail pharmacy with more than 9,800 locations. It is the first national pharmacy to end the sale of tobacco and the first pharmacy in the nation to receive the Community Pharmacy accreditation from URAC, the leading health care accreditation organization that establishes quality standards for
the healthcare industry. CVS Pharmacy helps people on their path to better health by providing the most accessible and personalized expertise, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. CVS Pharmacy features a wide selection of the latest beauty products, healthy foods, health and wellness merchandise, and general merchandise. The pharmacy offers unique clinical pharmacy services, medication adherence programs, auto-
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matic refills, immunizations, text alerts to inform patients when their prescriptions are
ready, and digital tools to help patients manage their prescriptions.
HEALTH & FITNESS • BEST GOLF COURSE
DETROIT COUNTRY CLUB
24591 County Highway 22, Detroit Lakes Pro Shop: 218-847-5790 Lakeview Golf Course: 218-847-8942 www.detroitcountryclub.com
one of two PGA golf professionals on staff. Established in 1916, the Detroit Country Club is Minnesota’s oldest golf course. A 36-hole public course, it’s well-groomed and promises modest green fees and seasonal passes meant to fit everyone’s budget. The club is home to the annual Pine to Palm Golf Tournament, one of the (if not THE) largest
• BEST CHIROPRACTOR
DR. PAUL W. BENDER, DC
Bender Family Chiropractic 119 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes Phone: 218-847-2631 Fax: 218-847-0048 Bender Family Chiropractic is a favorite for its prompt service and friendly, cheerful office environment, and patients say Dr. Paul Bender takes the time to really explain their conditions and treatment options. Improving and maintaining the spinal health of every patient is Bender Family Chiropractic’s goal, while also educating patients and the community about chiropractic care. Offering a full range of chiropractic services, the clinic provides care to patrons of all ages. Dr. Bender is dedicated
to finding and treating each patient’s individual condition in order to help patients find relief, and if a condition will not benefit from chiropractic care, he’ll make a referral to the proper medical specialty. “We pride ourselves on excellent service,” the clinic says. “From the initial consultation, diagnosis of back pain, neck pain or any other discomfort, our chiropractic clinic will provide you with the education of what causes the pain, how to alleviate the cause and remove the symptom of the pain itself.”
amateur golf events in the U.S., attracting more than 500 participants from 38-plus states. Another annual event, the Laker Open, supports Detroit Lakes Laker athletics. Brassie’s Bar & Grill has a
full bar and breakfast, lunch and dinner menu (be sure to try their famous pretzel bun burgers and BLTs). To schedule a private event at Brassie’s, call 218-847-2512.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our clients. Your business is something that we will continue to work hard to earn and keep! Thank you!
Family and Cosmetic
1106 West River Road, Detroit Lakes
218-846-1900 • 877-508-1900 www.westriverdental.com
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The city of Detroit Lakes’ municipal golf course is actually a two-fer, with the 18-hole, par 71 Pine to Palm Course and the 18-hole, par 64 Lakeview Course. Both have complete pro shops featuring a full line of clothing, shoes, hats, clubs, bags and other accessories. Riding and push cart rentals are available, as are locker rentals, professional club fittings and lessons with
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 45
HEALTH & FITNESS • MASSAGE THERAPIST - 2-WAY TIE!
SANDY SPINDLER TIFFANY ANDERSON
Lakes Massage 1131 Jackson Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-849-2870 • lakesmassage.abmp.com Thanks to her good listening skills, Lakes Massage owner Sandy Spindler easily bonds with her massage clients, which have ranged in age from five to 90. “To see them leave with a smile of relief from either a physical or emotional pain makes my job worthwhile,” she says. Clients say Spindler is personable, yet professional; relaxing, yet rejuvenating. Spindler has been a massage therapist for 17 years. She offers personalized massage sessions, which
can include relaxation, deep tissue, aromatherapy, cupping and craniosacral.
• BEST PHYSICIAN
DR. SCOTT LAWRENCE, MD
Sanford Health Detroit Lakes Clinic and Same Day Surgery Center 1245 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-846-2000 • sanfordhealth.org Dr. Scott Lawrence is beloved by his patients for his sense of humor as well as his white coat pockets full of suckers for every kid that enters his exam room. Since joining Sanford Health in 2005, Dr. Lawrence has maintained a busy clinic practice and has also performed procedures in Sanford’s same day surgery center. In his downtime, Dr. Lawrence enjoys attending the activities of his three kids, as
well as fishing, traveling, cooking, smoking meat, listening to music and being a handyman around the house. Unfortunately, his colleagues say, he’s a big Green Bay Packers fan. Sanford Health is one of the largest healthcare systems in the nation, serving the Upper Midwest. Sanford services in Detroit Lakes include cardiology, allergy and immunology, family medicine, oncology, optometry, hand surgery, dermatology and many others.
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Massage Element, LLC 1034 Highway 59 South, Detroit Lakes • 218-849-4578 Massageelement-llc.genbook.com Find Massage Element on Facebook
Tiffany Anderson’s flexible schedule, thoroughness with her clients and superior customer service set her apart. Deep tissue massage is one of her specialties, and it’s one of her most popular services — customers say they leave the treatment room looking and feeling better than when they went in. “My hands were made for healing, and I’m glad I get to do just that,” Anderson says. Anderson has owned Massage Element for the past year, and offers Swedish massage, hot stone massage, “raindrop” treatments (therapeutic grade essential oils applied to the spine and feet), reflexology
and more. She often uses a blend of relaxation, deep tissue and range of motion techniques, with add-ins such as lymphatic drainage, light myofascial release, hot towels and aromatherapy.
Dining out is one of the favorite things to do in the lakes area… …and our readers provided 420 entries in that category.
HEALTH & FITNESS • BEST EYE DOCTOR
DR. ARMAND RADKE, OD
Sanford Health Detroit Lakes Clinic and Same Day Surgery Center 1245 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-846-2000 • sanfordhealth.org Dr. Armand Radke is recognized as not only an excellent ophthalmologist in Detroit Lakes, but also as an active and giving community member. A member of the Detroit Lakes Lions Club, Dr. Radke was recently named an Ambassador of Goodwill. He and his wife, Mari, as well as his business partner, Dr. Joy Quitberg, travel to Mexico twice per year to help deliver eyeglasses and vision services to impoverished people, in partnership with the local Lions and the organization, “Eyes for Mexico.”
As part of his regular medical work each month, Dr. Radke travels to surrounding long-term care facilities to provide eye services for residents there. In his free time, he stays active with running, dancing, volleyball, tennis and by chasing around his grandson, Leonardo. He and Mari have two grown children, Brittany and Philip. Dr. Radke joined Sanford Health in 1988. Sanford Health is one of the largest healthcare systems in the nation, serving the Upper Midwest. Sanford services in Detroit Lakes include cardiology, allergy and
immunology, family medicine, oncology, optometry, hand surgery, dermatology and
many others.
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Thank you for voting me #1 Massage Therapist! Service offered • Relaxation Deep Tissue/ Trigger Point Therapy Pregnancy • Cupping Aromatherapy • Stone Massage 1131 Jackson Ave Detroit Lakes • 218-849-2870 • lakesmassage.abmp.com
RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE For years, families and patients have trusted their care to Sanford Health Detroit Lakes Clinic. Thanks to the community for recognizing Scott Lawrence, MD, Armand Radke, OD, Jon Larson, MD and our rehab department who serve with passion, compassion and expertise. sanfordhealth.org
Scott Lawrence, MD Family Medicine
Armand Radke, OD Optometry
Jon Larson, MD Family Medicine
038003-00135 5/18
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 47
HEALTH & FITNESS • BEST REHABILITATION FACILITY
ESSENTIA HEALTHST. MARY’S THERAPY CENTER
1112 Lincoln Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-847-0883 Phone: 218-847-2631 • Fax: 218-847-0048 The Therapy Center at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s has an extensive list of services offered, including pediatric therapy, cancer rehab, stroke rehab, pain management, dry needling, myofascial release, fall prevention, pool therapy, sports medicine and hand therapy, women’s health, communication skills, swallowing and feeding therapy, dementia evaluations and caregiver education, swelling management and more. In operation for more than 40 years, the Therapy
Center currently employs 45 rehabilitation therapists and other staff members who offer physical, occupational and speech therapy to all ages. The center has state-of-the-art equipment and a separate pediatric gym, outpatient gym, kitchen and private treatment rooms. The Therapy Center is located adjacent to other medical services at Essentia Health, including the clinic and hospital, allowing patients convenient access to those other Essentia facilities and staff.
Patients often comment on the Therapy Center’s “very highly qualified” staff
as being “good listeners” and simply “outstanding!”
• BEST HEARING SERVICES
BELTONE HEARING AID SERVICE
918 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-847-9717 • Maria Richard: 701-237-9977 mariar@beltonend.com • beltone.com Beltone Hearing Aid Service has been selling and servicing the latest in hearing aid products for more than 25 years. Beltone’s specialists will test patients for hearing loss and, if a loss is con-
firmed, meet with patients to review all their options. When appropriate, the patients will be fitted with hearing aids. “Patients love that they can hear at church — some are amazed at all the things
PAGE 48 | BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018
they couldn’t hear before, but now they can,” says a local Beltone representative. Free hearing aid cleaning is offered as part of Beltone’s lifetime commitment to patients, and service is available at any
Beltone location around the United States. For some patients, batteries are free for up to three years. The Detroit Lakes Beltone is currently owned by Nathan Voss and employs a staff of nine.
What goes great with good coffee?
GOOD NEWS! Bring this coupon in and $ receive 10.00 off a 1 year paid subscription of The Tribune. NOT VALID ON E EDITION. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. EXPIRES JUNE 15,2018 CODE SPRING
DETROIT LAKES NEWSPAPERS • 511 WASHINGTON AVENUE, DETROIT LAKES, MN • 218-847-3151 001725860r1
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 49
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • BEST COMMUNITY EVENT
THE NORTHWEST WATER CARNIVAL
Facilitated by the Detroit Lakes Jaycees detroitlakesjaycees@gmail.com
This 10-day summer spectacular brings thousands of people to Detroit Lakes every year to celebrate one of the city’s best and most beloved assets — water. With a schedule chock-full of beachfront games and parties, a big parade, kids’ activities, a water ski show, water fights, trolley rides, an ice cream social, a watermelon feed, family-friendly events and entertainment by the lake, community dances and much more, the Northwest Water Carnival always makes good on its goal of offering fun for everyone. Now in its 83rd year, the Water Carnival is organized and facilitated by the Detroit Lakes Jaycees, a nonprofit organization that holds events to raise money for community causes, especially in regard to children.
“The Jaycees and the Northwest Water Carnival are extremely proud to serve this great community,” the group says. “We look forward to seeing ev-
eryone at this year’s Water Carnival July 6-15.”
• BEST LOCAL ARTIST
HANS GILSDORF
Gilly Studios, Detroit Lakes 218-847-7584 Hans Gilsdorf is an artist and designer who most recently made headlines for his work on the Detroit Lakes Ice Palace, though he is also known in town for creating the “Once Upon a Time” sculpture outside of the Detroit Lakes Library and the sailboat sculpture on the City Beach, as well as for heading up the “Sunny in DL” project. Gilsdorf has worked in the arts all of his adult life, starting with private com-
missions and studying art at Arizona State University. He was in the motion picture industry for several years, creating sets, costumes and special effects for movies and commercials before obtaining a job in the Phoenix Zoo’s art department, making life-sized animal sculptures. He moved to Detroit Lakes with his family in 1999 so his wife, Mary Beth, could join her family’s business, Norby’s. After that, Gilsdorf
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started Gilly Studios and began to design children’s hospitals for Sanford Health in Fargo and Bismarck, N.D., as well as here in Detroit Lakes at Essentia HealthSt. Mary’s. He is currently writing a young adult novel trilogy. “I love what I do and I
hope it shows,” Gilsdorf says. “I love challenges, meeting new people, and unique projects, an example being the Ice Palace and my ice sculpture of the bigfoot in King Isbit’s Palatial Playground. I had never worked with ice before.”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • BEST RESORT
FAIR HILLS RESORT
24270 County Highway 20, Detroit Lakes 218-847-7638 • 800-323-2849 www.fairhillsresort.com Featured in National Geographic Magazine as one of the Top 10 Inclusive Resorts in America, and in Travel + Leisure as one of America’s best all-inclusive resorts, Fair Hills Resort is a true gem of the Lakes Area. In business since 1906 and owned by the same family for the past 92 years, Fair Hills is an “affordable old-fashioned summer camp on Minnesota’s Pelican Lake,” as Travel + Leisure describes it, that “earns raves from families who return year after year, generation after generation. The resort is decidedly no-frills and unpretentious — and that’s exactly what devotees
love about it.” With about 100 lakeshore cabins, the resort offers guests three square meals a day and activities three times a day, for all ages. Pony rides, fishing, kayaking, swimming, tennis, golf, sailing, scavenger hunts, boating and much more are available on site every day in the summers. For the public, Fair Hills offers a pontoon cruise and dinner show on Tuesday nights — the longest-running musical in the upper Midwest, the Fair Hills Hootenanny. The resort is also a popular and beautiful place for weddings and reunions. Fair Hills’ owners, Beth
• BEST LAKE
DETROIT LAKE
Detroit Lakes, MN
When you live in the land of sky-blue waters, picking one lake as the favorite is a challenge. Everyone’s favorite lake is the lake they choose to live on. But in this competition, the clear winner was Detroit Lake. Only a few people differentiated between Big Detroit
and Little Detroit, but let’s face it — Big or Little, Detroit Lake has a lot to offer. Beautiful homes, a fabulous mile-long public beach, bars, restaurants, lodging and fishing make Detroit Lake a standout among the 10,000-plus lakes in Minnesota, and the favorite here in Detroit Lakes.
and Dan Schupp, say guests frequently comment on the “unique experience” the resort offers them to “reconnect as a family like nowhere else.” Many of the vacationers return to the resort during the same week every summer, forming lasting relationships with other guests who do the same. Beth (Kaldahl) Schupp
was awarded Operator of the Year by Minnesota Resorts and Campground Association this year; her father also received this award when he ran Fair Hills. The Kaldahl family has been inducted into the MRCA Hospitality Hall of Fame; they also own Five Lakes Resort, The Barn at Five Lakes Resort, and Wildflower Golf Course.
Thank you for Voting us your
FAVORITE RESORT
www.fairhillsresort.com/mom
1-800-323-2849 001724896r1
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 51
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • BEST LOCAL THEATRE
HISTORIC HOLMES THEATRE
806 Summit Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-844-7469 • dlccc.org Boasting a wide variety of international, national, regional and local music, theatre and dance performances, the Historic Holmes Theatre promises some great options for fans of live entertainment. Located in a historic school building that has been converted, this
performing arts and events center is now home to an art deco theatre, large ballroom, exhibits of local artwork and what may be the world’s largest penny floor. Ticketholders describe the Holmes as a “great place to gather with friends for a fun night out.” Each
year, the theatre hosts more than 50 shows and other events, from renowned musicians like Arlo Guthrie to kids’ productions like Annie Jr.
The Holmes is owned by the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center, Inc., and has a staff of six. It has been in operation for the past 16 years.
GET YOUR
GAME ON FOR NEXT YEAR!
This year, the response was overwhelming to this project! Our readers love to brag about their favorites! Look for the next The Best of the Lakes fun to begin in March of 2019!
Congratulations to all the winners!
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511 Washington Avenue • Detroit Lakes • 847-3151 PAGE 52 | BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018
SHOPPING • BEST FLORIST/ GREENHOUSE
BERGEN’S GREENHOUSES, INC.
801 Willow Street West, Detroit Lakes • 218-847-2138 goodservice@bergensgreenhouses.com bergensgreenhouses.com Check out Bergen’s on Facebook and Instagram Known for quality, locally-grown plants and a friendly, knowledgeable staff, Bergen’s Greenhouses, Inc., has been in business for 97 years (45 of those in Detroit Lakes).
Now under fourth generation family ownership, Bergen’s sells a wide selection of annuals, perennials, tropical plants, holiday plants, trees, shrubs, garden decor and tools, and more.
“Direct from our greenhouses to your garden, now that’s locally grown!” say owners Chris and Mara Bergen and Susie and Kevin Johnson. “Our garden center team shares our passion
for plants — stop in and let them help you with your garden ideas.” “We love living, working and playing in DL!” they add.
GROWING HAPPINESS Thank You for
Voting us BEST FLORIST/ GREENHOUSE
A Huge Thank you to this great community for voting us the
in the Lakes Area
Best of the Lakes Area! 1050 HWY. 59 S., DETROIT LAKES 218-847-9775 Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm • Sat 8:30-12noon
www.ddappliance.net www.facebook.com/ddappliance
801 WEST WILLOW STREET, DETROIT LAKES, MN L I K E U S O N FA C E B O O K M O N D AY T H R U S AT U R D AY 8 A M – 6 P M • S U N D AY 10 - 4
( 218 ) 8 4 7 -213 8
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SHOPPING • BEST APPLIANCE STORE
D&D APPLIANCE, INC.
1050 Highway 59, Detroit Lakes 218-847-9775 ddrepair@ddappliance.net www.ddappliance.net www.facebook.com/ddappliance D&D Appliance, Inc is a full service, family held appliance store that has served the Lakes Area for the past 35 years. Offering a wide selection of new appliances and parts with expert installation and factory authorized service, D&D’s experienced service department also offers fast, reliable service for all of the store’s products. “We’re a true family-owned store with the same family ownership
since the business was started,” says owner Chris Gravdahl. “We’re also unique in the fact that we listen to each person to try and match them to the right appliance solution, rather than just promote whatever the manufacturer thinks we should. The customer’s needs always come ahead of the potential profit margin.” Customers often comment on the store’s quality service, helpful staff, and
wide selection of LG, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Maytag, Frigidaire, SpeedQueen, Electrolux and Amana appliance lines. Gravdahl says the best-selling SpeedQueen laundry machines are “hands down” the most durable and longest-living laundry machines on the
market today. Recently, D&D became an electrical contractor to complete appliance-related electrical connections and repairs. It is also a dealer for the popular Big Green Egg line of cooking products and accessories.
• BEST HARDWARE STORE • BEST MEAT MARKET
BEUG’S ACE HARDWARE
HOFFMAN’S MEAT MARKET
801 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes
114 North Street West, Detroit Lakes 218-847-7207
Established in 1935, Beug’s Ace Hardware is a full hardware store, offering electrical, plumbing, paint, and lawn and garden products as well as housewares. Beug’s is a third-generation family-owned store known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff. Owners Bruce and Mark Bueg
Hoffman’s Meat Market has been in business for 39 years, selling a large selection of meat products and also offering deer processing. Owner Randy Gravelle has been at the helm of Hoffman’s for the past nine years. Anywhere from eight to 12 employees work with him, depending on the time of year. “Customers are always telling us we have the best
say customers are always “amazed with the amount of merchandise we have — a little bit of everything.” Beug’s has a reputation for friendly, fast service. Some of its most popular services are window and screen repairs, and key duplication.
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steaks, hamburger, sticks and jerky,” Gravelle says. “We sell a lot of burger, sticks and jerky all year ‘round.” Hoffman’s also sells pork, poultry, sausages and other choice meat products. The business supplies hamburger to Sunlite Bar & Grill, which recently won a burger contest in town. “We take pride in the consistency and quality of our products,” Gravelle says.
SHOPPING • BEST ANTIQUES
SULAINE’S ANTIQUE MALL
603 Highway 10 East, Detroit Lakes 218-844-6830 mail@sulainesantiques.com SuLainesAntiques.com Facebook.com/sulainesantiques Celebrating its 15th year this December, SuLaine’s Antique Mall hosts more than 60 vendors who sell a wide variety of antiques and collectibles, including furniture, glassware, coins, sporting goods, toys, jewelry, home and garden decor, and much more. “Since there are so many vendors in our store, there
is always a great selection of goods,” say owners Linda and Arnie Kiehl and Brenda Scheidecker. “There truly is something for everyone, in every price range.” People who visit SuLaine’s often remark on the wide array of things to see and choose from, and on how neatly the vendors display their goods.
Customers also like the building’s wide aisles and accessibility, which makes
their “trip down memory lane” an even more enjoyable one.
• BEST GROCERY STORE
CENTRAL MARKET
310 Frazee Street East, Detroit Lakes 218-844-3663 thefreshplace.com
See Page 8 For More Information
Thank you for voting us #1!
Thank you for Voting us #1 for Antiques!
SuLaine’s Antique Mall
Hoffman’s Meat Market
603 Hwy 10 East • Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 218-844-6830
114 North St. West | Detroit Lakes, MN
218-847-7207
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Facebook.com/sulainesantiques
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 55
SHOPPING • BEST THRIFT/ DISCOUNT STORE
Lakes Area’s
LARGEST
and most complete
www.ThriftStoredl.com
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB THRIFT STORE AND MORE
A Huge Thank You to Those Who Voted Us The Top Thrift Store and To Those Who Donate Their Goods To Our Store. We Thank You For Your Patronage and Support!
605 Highway 10 East, Detroit Lakes 218-844-6556 www.thriftstoredl.com
complimented by customers for its friendly cashiers and exceptional service. “Our goal is to treat every customer as family and a welcome guest when shopping our store,” a store representative says. The Boys & Girls Club Thrift Store is the upper Midwest’s largest dealer of Amish-produced outdoor furniture, and also sells new Restonic beds and Perdue bedroom furniture along with new sofas, loveseats, recliners, sectionals and more purchased from Pro Furniture Warehouse in St. Paul. It has been in operation for more than 12 years; nine in its current location.
Thank You
From All Of Us At the Boys & Girls Club Thrift Store! 605 Hwy 10 East • Detroit Lakes
844-6556
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A full-service thrift store offering thrift family apparel, furniture, toys, sporting goods, books, household goods, linens and more alongside new merchandise in all those categories and beyond, the Boys & Girls Club Thrift Store is a fundraising operation for the local Boys & Girls Club. Governed by an all-volunteer board, the tax exempt store operates with around 25 employees and donates 100 percent of its profits directly to the Detroit Lakes Boys & Girls Club. With its ever-changing selection of new and used merchandise, affordable prices and clean, neat appearance, the store is often
SHOPPING • BEST GAS STATION/CONVENIENCE STORE
HOLIDAY
303 Frazee Street East, Detroit Lakes 218-847-1939 www.holidaystationstores.com Customers say it’s the people who work at Holiday, and their friendly interactions with them, that sets this chain of convenience stores apart from the rest. “Being connected to our local communities is one of the most important keys to continued success,” says manager Jerrod Schultes, adding that “people love our coffee and how quickly and
easily they can get whatever they need and be on their way.” Holiday is known for its coffee, fresh food and wide variety of the latest and most popular national beverage and snack options. In business in Detroit Lakes since 1965, the local Holiday is part of a chain of more than 500 full service convenience stores and
gas stations, operating in 10 states. About a year ago, the local Holiday relocated to a brand new store and car wash right across the street from its former location. The new store features a bigger
cooler section, larger coffee and drink area, more food selections, a seating area and additional gas pumps, among other improvements. It currently employs 16 people.
2248 Main Ave E West Fargo, ND 58078 Phone: 701-540-0664
J&K MARINE
24147 Wine Lake Road, Detroit Lakes 218-847-0324 • kevin@jkmarine.com www.jkmarine.com Offering boat sales, dock and lift sales and installation, marine parts, service, repairs and storage, J&K Marine has been in business for the past 26 years. In 1992, two young men started J&K Marine to help pay for college, profiting about $12,000 in their first year. Today, J&K is a multi-million dollar company with six locations, and is still owned by one of those founding young men, Kevin Tinjum. J&K is known for its ex-
cellent customer service. The business is open seven days a week and employs up to 65 people during peak season. It carries Alumacraft and G3 Fishing boats, Sanger Tow boats and South Bay and Cypress Cay pontoons, as well as selling, servicing and delivering Beach King docks and lifts. There’s a full display in J&K’s showroom on Highway 10. The company’s aim is “to keep everyone out on the water, enjoying the lakes area to the fullest.”
121 West Lake Drive Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Located on Detroit Lakes City Beach 218-847-7291 1149 East Frazee Avenue Vergas, MN 56587 Just down from the Loon on the corner of 228 and County Rd. 4 218-342-2148 11774 West Lake Ida Lane Lake Park, MN 56554 Located one mile west of the Road House near Cormorant Village 218-532-2628 6913 Hwy. 371 Walker, MN 56484 Located on Hwy 200 East one mile west of the Casino 218-547-2800
We would like to thank our loyal customers for their patronage. We will continue to provide the sales and service you deserve!
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• BEST OUTDOOR/ BOATING STORE
Detroit Lakes 24147 Wine Lake Road Located West of Detroit Lakes on Highway 10. Entrance across from Walmart
218-847-0324 www.jkmarine.com SALES AND SERVICE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
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SHOPPING • SPORTING GOODS
LAKES SPORT SHOP
930 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes • 218-847-2645 In business for the past 50 years, Lakes Sport Shop is a full line sporting goods store, offering a wide variety of athletic apparel and gear for sports of every season. Owners Bruce and Doug
Paskey say customers often comment on the shop’s “very helpful and knowledgeable” staff, as well as its wide selection of items. Lakes Sport Shop employs a staff of 10.
• BEST BOUTIQUE • BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
THE NINES
917 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes 218-844-8019 shopthenines247@gmail.com Shopthenines.com Find The Nines on Facebook and Instagram Since opening up The Nines five years ago this June, owners Lauren and Steve Zima have heard nothing but rave reviews from customers. “Our customers love how we receive new inventory every day, so it’s a fun place to visit every week,” says Lauren Zima. “Our customers also enjoy that we carry everything from casual and
comfy clothing to dressier outfits in sizes XS-3X!” The Nines bills itself as an affordable clothing, accessories and gift boutique that carries a little bit of something for everybody. Designed to be a one-stop shop that helps women put together outfits for every occasion, The Nines also has a “man cave” in the back for guys to relax in and
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an accompanying kids store right across the street — so it’s a fun stop for the whole family.
The Nines has a helpful staff of 15 people.
SHOPPING • BEST BUILDING SUPPLIES • BEST CARPET AND FLOORING
MENARDS
1465 Menard Drive, Detroit Lakes 218-846-9890 www.menards.com In business in Detroit Lakes since 2007, Menards is a family-owned and run Midwestern company that carries materials and supplies for a wide range of home improvement projects. From hardware tools to windows, lumber to pet supplies, Menards has something for everyone —
from the most experienced contractor to a beginning do-it-yourselfer. Menards has several departments, including building materials, electrical and lighting, millwork, cabinets and appliances, doors, flooring, paint, plumbing, garden center, household items, convenience gro-
ceries and more. Its staff is trained to work together to create a hometown hardware store atmosphere where customers are treated like family. “It’s not uncommon to see a contractor buying lumber with a carton of milk in their hand at the checkouts,” says Menards spokes-
person Jeff Abbott. “Thank you to all the loyal shoppers who continue to shop at Detroit Lakes Menards. We are humbled by your recognition and will continue to roll up our sleeves and work hard to provide great guest service.”
THANK YOU DeTrOiT LAKes FOR CHOOSING US!
Building SuPPliES, CarPEt & Flooring StorE
Building Materials • Hardware • Electrical • Millwork • Paint • Plumbing • Floorcoverings
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SHOPPING • BEST FURNITURE STORE
NOAH’S HOME FURNISHINGS
1026 Highway 59 South, Detroit Lakes 218-847-1835 noahs@noahshf.com noahshf.com Noah’s Home Furnishings has been selling quality furniture and flooring in Detroit Lakes for the past 35 years. Owned by Adam Noah and with a knowledgeable staff of 15, the store has a reputation for great service.
Mattresses and upholstery furniture are especially popular with customers. “We find the best deals and quality that our vendors have to offer and give those discounts and quality to our customers,” says Noah.
Thank you to all of our readers who voted for their favorites in the Best of the Lakes Readers Choice! With 106 different categories, we appreciate you taking the time to be a part of this project!
• BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE • BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE • BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE • BEST DOWNTOWN SHOPPING
NORBY’S DEPARTMENT STORE
823 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes • 218-847-5665 norbysdl@tekstar.com • norbysonline.com One of Detroit Lakes’ longest-running retailers, Norby’s Department Store is a fourth-generation, independently-owned family clothing store that aims to remind people of how shopping used to be. Owners Jean Anderson, Mary Beth Gilsdorf and Michael Norby say, “Our commitment to provide current brand name fashions at a value and give old-fashioned, hometown, friendly customer service make us distinctive.”
Norby’s sells men’s, women’s and children’s clothing along with adult shoes, accessories, cosmetics and giftware. It has been in operation for 112 years. “Customers cannot believe we have a store with all this merchandise in a town this size, and how friendly and helpful our salespeople are,” the owners say. “It is always gratifying to receive a pat on the back every so often, especially when it comes directly from our customers. Thank you!”
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THANK YOU! for voting us #1
Clothing / Men’s • Clothing / Children Customer Service • Downtown Shopping SECOND PLACE Clothing / Women’s www.norbysonline.com DOWNTOWN DETROIT LAKES M-F 9:30AM-6PM • SAT 9:30AM-5:30PM
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SHOPPING • BEST JEWELRY STORE
PRICE’S FINE JEWELRY
805 Washington Avenue, Detroit Lakes Phone: 218-847-5309 • Fax: 218-847-8850 www.prices-finejewelry.com prices@arvig.net Find Price’s Fine Jewelry on Facebook and Instagram A focus on quality, a relaxed atmosphere and the staff’s genuine desire to find the perfect piece of jewelry for each unique customer is what keeps families coming back to Price’s Fine Jewelry from generation to generation. Established in 1943, Price’s has helped many generations of families find the right pieces of jewelry
for their special occasions, like weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, births and more. Current owners Roger and Anita Price say, “It is with confidence and humility we continue our legacy of the jewelry business — one that was begun by our forefathers through faith, hard work, courage and sacrifice.” The goal of Price’s Fine Jewelry is to build relation-
ships with everyone who comes through the door. An American Gem Society Store, it adheres to values like honesty, integrity, truthful pricing, consumer protection and education. All engagement ring diamonds sold in the store are hand selected. Price’s went through a remodeling project 13 years ago, which gave the store a
home-like feel, with a fireplace seating area, fresh brewed Caribou coffee every day, perennial garden and expanded engagement/wedding room for the added comfort of customers. It is not a high-pressure store.
Thank You for Voting Us #1 Jewelry Store “Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.” - Eileen Caddy
Price’s Fine Jewelry est. 1943
218-847-5309
805 Washington Avenue • Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 www.prices-finejewelry.com 001725281r1
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SHOPPING • BEST NEW CAR DEALER • BEST USED CAR DEALER
WEBBER FAMILY MOTORS
1389 Wenner Road, Detroit Lakes 218-847-2601 webberfamilymotors.com Locally owned and operated, Webber Family Motors is a new and preowned car dealership serving the Lakes Area and beyond. All makes and models of preowned vehicles are offered, along with new Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models. Parts and service are also offered on site, with a quicklane for tires, brakes and fast in-and-out
oil changes. In addition, the Webber Collision Center repairs body damage on all vehicles and Webber Dock and Lift sells, services and installs Floe docks and lifts. Boat storage and winterization is also available. Webber Family Motors has been in operation for 11 years — six in its current location. The dealership is
a family-owned business, and owners Brock and Juanita Webber consider their staff of 55 to be part of the family. “We believe in customer satisfaction being our number one goal and welcome everyone — regardless of the vehicle they drive — to come in and get their vehicles serviced from our factory-trained technicians,” the Webbers
say. “We want to thank our customers for their business over and over again, but most of all our amazing employees. Without the great staff we are so fortunate to have, we wouldn’t have the business we do today!” Customers love the dealership’s quicklane specials, as well as its popular product lines like Ram trucks and Jeeps.
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THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1 NEW AND #1 USED CAR DEALER
BEST OF THE LAKES AREA 2018 | PAGE 63
PROUDLY SERVING THE LAKES AREA
Thank you for voting us #1 BEST RIBS BEST WINE LIST BEST RESTAURANT
SPANKYSSTONEHEARTH.COM
34785 CO. HWY. 4 • VERGAS, MN • 218-334-3555 001722051r1
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