THISYEAR’SWINNERS MADEALLOFTHE RIGHTMOVESTOBEAT THECOMPETITION! S WINNERS
The votes are in:
Set your bearing towards the winners’ circle with the Best
of Shoreline
BY SUSAN SHULTZ
The glorious Gold Coast of Connecticut is home to some of the most beautiful views, venues, and vacations for your palate. The votes are in and the winners have been crowned in a number of categories, with some perennial favorites returning and some newcomers topping their lists.
Thewinnersinfivegroups FavoriteSpots;Food &Drink;Health&Beauty;ProfessionalServices; andShopping across40categoriesareoutlined inthefollowingpages.Thesewinnersofferthebest ofthebest,fromasmallcheeseshopwithaglobal selectiontoa40-yearfishmarketbuiltonsustainableofferings,nopalatewillremainunsatisfied The beautifulbackdropofthecoastoffersthebestday spas,beautyservices,shopping,andmore Andlet’s notforgettheculturalgiftsofartgalleries,museums,andlivemusic,whichgiveresidentsafulfilled senseofmindandbody Finally,wehaveour practicalwinners thosecommunitypartnersin banking,automotiverepair,homeimprovement,
landscaping,gardening,andmore.Thewinnersin thisyear’scontesthighlightthediverseanddiscriminatingtastesoftheShorelinecommunitiesthey serve Agazethroughourwinnersoffersvisitorsto theregionplentyofoptionsforafunweekendof dining,shopping,andself-care.Thelistalsooffers residentsavaluedguidebookfortheservicesthey needmost.Theseindependentbusinessesdeserve toberecognizedfortheircontributionstothe communitiesinwhichtheyhavemadeanimpact.If youstopby,besuretosayawell-earnedcongratulations!Anddon’tforgettoshoplocal!
Visit WWW.CTINSIDER.COM/BEST/BEST-OF-SHORELINEforthefull listofwinners.
BY SUSAN SHULTZ
Connecticut’s Shoreline offers the best of the East Coast’s natural beauty. There are many places to enjoy the scenery with sunrises, sunsets, beaches, and water views. That canvas can only be enhanced by Shoreline readers’ Favorite Spots to rest and relax, get out and play, or benefit from CT’s vibing arts scene. >>
>>Whatbetterwaytoenjoythecoastthantakingina serene game of golf with the Long Island Sound as your stunning backdrop? If live music is more your jam, our vote-getters offer a variety of locations to kick back and take in up-and-coming or legendary artists Eclectic art galleries abound for those who enjoy the visual stimulation. And when it’s time to kick back and relax, there are stunning waterfront hotels exquisitely appointed for the discriminating traveler All of the above make the Connecticut Shoreline the ideal place to celebrate your wedding day our readers have chosen their “favorite spot” forthat,too!
BEST GOLF COURSE FenwickGolfCourse
BEST HOTEL MadisonBeachHotel
Runner-Up SaybrookPointResort&Marina Finalist OwenegoInn
BEST MUSEUM OR ART GALLERY SpectrumArtGallery& ArtisanStore
Runner-Up CindyStevensFineArt Finalist ConnecticutRiverMuseum
BEST PLACE TO SEE LIVE MUSIC
KatharineHepburn CulturalArtsCenter
Runner-Up CoastlineBrewingCompany&Pizzeria
BEST WEDDING VENUE MadisonBeachHotel
Runner-Up TheRiverhouseatGoodspeedStation Finalist TheWoodwinds
Top:CelticmusiciconsClannadarepartofthevariedmusicalperformancesattendeescanenjoyattheKatharineHepburnCulturalArtsCenter,affectionatelyknownas “TheKate.”PhotobyStephenFritzer Bottom:SpectrumArtGallery’s“Jammin’”exhibit PhotobySpectrumArtGallery
BY ALYSSA SEIDMAN
Soon enough, the holiday Shopping rush will sweep us all off our feet. But instead of running to a big-box store or Amazon to purchase the gifts for those on your nice list, let the merchants of the Shoreline assist you while you’re checking it twice. >>
>>Find the perfect present for your loved ones at any one of the treasured gift stores in our area But if diamonds are their best friend, our family-owned jewelers can help you select a stunning piece that’s sure to dazzle They can even create something completely custom-madeforthatspecialsomeoneinyourlife.Our business community is also the best choice when it comes to picking up everyday items. For the bookworms who love to get lost in a good story, cozy up with the latest page-turner or timeless classic at the independent bookstores on this list. Barnes & Noble has nothing on them! Some of the local businesses in this category can help you create the home and garden of your dreams. To make sure your lawns are adorned with all the right flora and fauna no matter the season, head to the Shoreline’s flower and garden centersforthebestselectionofsprouts.Ourproximity to Long Island Sound also makes our many marinas a go-to during the warmer months, but don’t forget to support these businesses over the off season. They’ll help keep your watercraft in tip top shape during the winter, that way you’ll be ready to set sail once the weatherwarmsup
Above:VillageGreeneGardensencompassessixgreenhouses.PhotobyVillage GreeneGardens.
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BEST FLOWER & GARDEN CENTER
VillageGreeneGardens
Runner-Up
VanWilgen’sGardenMart
Finalist
ShorelineGardenCenter
BEST INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE
BreakwaterBooks
Runner-Up
RJJuliaBooksellers
BEST JEWELRY STORE
WaterStreetJewelers
Runner-Up
SpectrumArtGallery&ArtisanStore
Finalist
ChristoJewelers
BEST MARINA GuilfordBoatYards&Marine
Runner-Up
SafeHarborPilotsPoint
Finalist
LouisMarine
Visit WWW.CTINSIDER.COM/BEST/BEST-OF-SHORELINE forthefulllistofwinners.
BY SUSAN SHULTZ
What’s more important than maintaining our health? The past few years have proven that making sure we’re strong and healthy is pivotal to enjoying a high quality of life. The Shoreline has many Health & Beauty options with all the resources to make sure you’re healthy in mind, body, and spirit.
Beautyisintheeyeofthebeholder,theysay,butthe most important beholder in this case is yourself! There is nothing more invigorating than treating yourself to a spa day, a manicure and pedicure, or a visit to the salon with the help of all the beauty experts in our area The Shoreline offers a variety of specialtygymsandfitnessclasses,buttryingyogaor Pilates with a coastal backdrop can’t be beat You can also visit a med spa to build your confidence. In particular,theShorelinehassomeofthemostluxurious spa locations to lose yourself and your stress by devoting a day to spoiling yourself And don’t forget yourannualeyeexam!
BEST BOUTIQUE GYM/YOGA/PILATES
Privé-SwissFitness|Madison
Runner-Up
SaybrookSoulSweat
BEST DAY SPA
BranfordRiverResortandSpa
Runner-Up
Privé-SwissFitness|Madison
Finalist
RainWellnessSpa
BEST EYE CARE
KingFamilyEyeCare| OldSaybrook
Runner-Up
VisualEyes
Finalist
EyePhysicians&SurgeonsPC
BEST HAIR SALON
JoBella
Runner-Up
SnipSnaps
Finalist
TimothyPammentSalon
BEST HEALTH/FITNESS CENTER
Privé-SwissFitness|Madison
Runner-Up
ValleyShoreYMCA
BEST MANICURE/NAIL SALON
BranfordRiverResort&Spa
Runner-Up
CozyNail&Spa
Finalists
PinkyNail&Spa
Sarah’sNailNook
BEST MED SPA ClarityMedicalAesthetics
Runner-Up
ResultsMedSpa
Finalist
Privé-SwissMedSpa|EssexVillage
Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name. Luckily for you, the Shoreline’s Professional Services providers are like family. They put the community’s interests ahead of their own time and time again a prime reason why they come recommended by our readers. >>
BY ALYSSA SEIDMAN
>>When dealing with sensitive matters, such as your personal or professional finances, it’s important to work with someone you trust. The community banks on this list are staffed with compassionate team members who take the stress out of financial planning. Their expertise buildsconfidenceineveryclienttheyworkwith, ensuring they feel financially prepared for whatevertheirfutureholds.Havingtroublewithyour heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system? Call our skilled HVAC specialists to come and take a look With years of experience servicing
the Shoreline, they ensure these systems are performing at their peak—which will save you moneyinthelongrun.Forthoseofuswhoyearn to have the lawns the likes of those in Homes & Gardens magazine, look no further than our local landscapers. They’ve spent years transforming front back and side yards into little Gardens of Eden with the help of their experienced green thumbs.When your car is running on empty—or experiencing any problem, for that matter—the mechanics on this list will help it run like new.
BEST COMMUNITY BANK
EssexSavingsBank
Runner-Up TDBank
GuilfordSavingsBank
BEST HVAC
J.J.Sullivan
Runner-Up AccurayMechanical
BEST LANDSCAPING COMPANY
MadisonEarthCare
Runner-Up
Anthony’sPropertyServices
Visit WWW.CTINSIDER.COM/BEST/BEST-OF-SHORELINE forthefulllistofwinners.
BY ALYSSA SEIDMAN
For a stunning area like Connecticut’s Shoreline, local Food & Drink purveyors have to live up to backdrop. Whether eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the choices abound! For breakfast you can grab a leisurely coffee with a friend on the weekend in a quaint local café, or a quick egg sandwich from the corner deli on the way to work. You also have the option of breaking fast with the family at your favorite breakfast joint.
Inthemoodtoparty?Checkoutthevarietyofbakeriesforyour celebration cake, and make sure to pair it with a bottle of bubblyfromyourfavoriteliquorstore.Foramorelow-keycelebration, take in a happy hour with your friends or coworkers to kick off the weekend in style. Fall means it’s time to enjoy the big game, and the Shoreline area has some of the most celebratedburgerjointsinthestate Pairthemwithasixpackfrom your local craft brewery and your guests will be cheering for more than a touchdown. Dinner options include those for the early birds, a fun family restaurant, fine dining for the foodies, ethnic choices including Indian and Mexican, the classic pizza joint, or an Irish pub And no Shoreline dining experience wouldbecompletewithoutsomefantasticseafood.
BEST ASIAN CUISINE
JiaMeiAsianKitchen
Runner-Up
SomSiamThaiRestaurant|Guilford
Finalist
Ayuthai
BEST AUTHENTIC IRISH PUB
TommySullivan’sCafe
BEST BAGELS
Cohen’sBagelCompany
Runner-Up
Deke’sBagels
Finalist
Duby’sBagels&Bakery
BEST BAKERY
Meriano’sBakeShoppe
Runner-Up
Cheri’sBakery
Finalist
PursuitofPastry
BEST BREAKFAST NOOK
Cristy’sRestaurant
Runner-Up
PaperbackCafe
Finalist
CrescentBeachStand
BEST BREWERY
CoastlineBrewingCompany &Pizzeria
Runner-Up
StonyCreekBrewery
Finalist
ThimbleIslandBrewingCompany
BEST BURGERS
HaywireBurgerBar
Runner-Up
374Kitchen+Cocktails
BEST COCKTAILS & BAR
1928CocktailClub
Runner-Up
374Kitchen+Cocktails
Finalist
TheWharfRestaurant
BEST CUP OF COFFEE
CommonGrounds
Runner-Up
GuilfordRoastingCompany
Finalist
PaperbackCafe
BEST DELI Bradley&Wall
Runner-Up
DeliUnlimited
Finalist
Hornet’sNestDeli
BEST DINER
BranfordTownhouse Restaurant
Runner-Up
ParthenonDinerRestaurant
Finalist
TwinPinesDinerRestaurant
BEST DONUTS
BeachDonutShop
Runner-Up
FlandersDonut&BakeShop
BEST ICE CREAM PARLOR
Ashley’sIceCream
Runner-Up
Jennifer’sIceCream
Finalist
HoneyconeCraftIceCream
BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT DarbarIndia
Runner-Up
KamanaBranford
Finalist
KamanaIndianCuisine|Guilford
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT CafeFiore
Runner-Up RossoVino
Finalist
Luigi’sRestaurant
BEST LIQUOR STORE
CoastalWine&Spirits
Runner-Up
Cindy’sWine&Spirits
Finalist MadisonWineExchange
BEST LOCAL BAKERY
Meriano’sBakeShoppe
Runner-Up
Cheri’sBakery
Finalist PaperbackCafe
BEST MEXICAN CUISINE LaLloronaProgressive MexicanCuisine
Runner-Up PicaChicaTacos
Finalist CuckoosNest
BEST NATURAL FOOD MARKET
Foodworks|OldSaybrook
Runner-Up
Foodworks|Guilford
Finalist
FourSeasonsMarket
BEST PIZZA CoastlineBrewingCompany &Pizzeria
Runner-Up GrandApizza
Finalist
LoMonaco’sRistoranteItaliano
BEST SEAFOOD MARKET FlandersFishMarket &Restaurant
Runner-Up
AtlanticSeafood
Finalist StarFishMarket
BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
DocksideSeafood&Grill
Runner-Up
Lenny’sIndianHeadInn
Finalist
Lenny&Joe’sFishTale
BEST SELECTION OF CHEESES FromageFineFoods&Coffee
Runner-Up
TheCheeseShopofCenterbrook
Finalist
MadisonCheeseShop&Cafe
BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH FlandersFishMarket &Restaurant
Runner-Up PaperbackCafe