Avery County Best of 2023

The Avery Journal-Times Presents

Best of the Best

2023

Sponsored by

Page 2 • Mountain Times Publications

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

AUGUST 2023

Avery County’s best and brightest shine at 2023 Best of Avery Awards

By Jamie Shell editor@averyjournal.com

2

023 has been an exceptional year for Avery County and its businesses, nonprofits and community servants. As the world continues its climb back from the challenges faced from the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Avery County has put its best food forward in doing what it has always done – serving the needs of, and representing the best of, Avery County.

The Avery JournalTimes 2023 Best of the Best awards celebrated its fifth year of being presented with an in-person celebration held for the second consecutive year at the Appalachian View venue in Newland.

Sponsors for the 2023 awards were Stonewalls, Life Care Center of Banner Elk, Appalachian Seal Coating and MediHome Hospice.

For this year’s ceremony, President of Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, Dr. Lee King, provided inspiring remarks as keynote speaker, with music provided by Todd Wright and the High Country Jazz Trio, and the event meal provided

by Stonewalls. The AJT’s Henry Volk served as Master of Ceremonies.

This year, awards were given in more than 150 categories.

Some categories were time-honored traditions such as Best Restaurant Service and Best Lawn and Garden Store, others were more recent additions — including Best Mirror and Shower Glass Installation and Best Acupuncture Clinic.

The efforts of local businesses didn’t go unnoticed by the community, as demonstrated by the enthusiasm of voters to show support for the Best of the Best of Avery business. The Avery Journal-Times commends each of the winners as they are recognized, and remains thankful for the tireless work each of them continue to give to the area.

Businesses and winners are featured in this special section of The Avery JournalTimes, as well as on The AJT website at www.averyjournal. com following print publication release.

Photo by Henry Volk Approximately 225 individuals attended the 2023 Best of Avery Awards at Appalachian View in Newland on August 22.

Longtime former Crossnore mayor and town aldermen member Jesse Smith jams with the High Country Jazz Trio at the 2023 Best of Avery Awards on August 22 at Appalachian View.

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Mountain Times Publications • Page 3

Thank you for voting us

Best Tanning Salon, Best Spa, Best Beauty ty y Salon, and Tammy Eller Best Spa Technician in Avery ry y County ty! y 828-898-4999 3593 Tynecastle Hwy, banner Elk, NC 28604 (Next to Fred & Larry’s Coffee)

Thank you for voting us Best Coffee Shop, Best Coffee Roaster, Best Bakery, Best Donuts, and Best Music Venue in Avery County!

Check Our Social Media for Live Music Schedule!

fredandlarryscoffee.com 3591 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC 28604

(828) 367-2110

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

AUGUST 2023

2022 Best of Avery County Winners

Photo by Dawn Shumate Photo by Dawn Shumate Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Alex Cirulis, Lauren Olds, Mike McKay Pictured are Cathy Buchanan and Pam Watson with Pictured are Michael Tesh and Ally Bailey with Master’s and Pam McKay with Art Cellar Gallery, winner of Best Touch, winner of Best Stone Fabricator in the 2023 Best Appalachian View, winner of Best Wedding Venue in Art Gallery in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards. the Best of Avery Awards. of Avery Awards.

Accountant - (with workplace) — Doug Tennant (Combs & Tennant) Antique Store — Twisted Twig Appliance Repair — Crystal Hicks Appliance Store — Lowes Home Improvement Art Gallery – Art Cellar Assisted Living — Avery County Group Home Attorney — C.L. Hughes III ATV Shop — Mountaineer Equipment Co. Inc. Auto Insurance Company — NC Farm Bureau Insurance Auto Repair Shop — Flanagan’s Auto Service, Inc. Auto Salesperson (with workplace) — Luis Sanchee (Boone Jeep) Auto Supply Store — NAPA Auto Parts Phillips Auto Parts, Inc. Bakery — Fred & Larry’s Coffee Bank — Mountain Community Bank Banquet Facility — The Barn at Cornerstone Bar — Bayou Smokehouse & Grill Barbecue Restaurant — Bayou Smokehouse & Grill Barber (with workplace) — Levi Harmon (Levi’s Barber Shop) Bartender (with workplace) — Amy Hernandez (Bayou Smokehouse) Beauty Salon — Sugar Bronze Bed & Breakfast — Perry House Bed and Breakfast Beer & Wine Store — Newland Cruz Thru Biscuit — Spear Country Store Body Shop — Carlos & Sons Body Shop Breakfast Restaurant — Mountain Grounds Coffee & Tea Co.

Brunch — Mountain Grounds Coffee & Tea Co. Buffet — Kaye’s Kitchen Building Supply Store — New River Building Supply Cabinet Company — Banner’s Cabinets Inc. Cable TV Company — Spectrum Cable Campground — Mountain River Family Campground Camping Supply & Military Surplus Store — Pack Rats Car Dealer (New) — Boone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Car Dealer (New) — Friendship Honda Boone Car Dealer (Used) — High Country Sales, Service and Rentals Car Wash — Banner Elk Car Wash Carpet Cleaner — Full Steam Ahead Carpet Cleaning Caterer (with workplace) — Joe Pozell (Stonewalls) Caterer (with workplace) — Maggie James (Stonewalls) Chicken Restaurant — What the Cluck Food Truck Chicken Tenders — What the Cluck Food Truck Chinese Restaurant — China House Restaurant Chiropractor (with workplace) — Dr. Joe Nitti (Back in Action) Christmas Tree Farm — Elk River Evergreens Church — The Ridge Christian Church Church Leader (with workplace) — Paul Cole (The Ridge Christian Church)

Civic/Community Organization — Yellow Mountain Enterprises Coach — Barbara Holdcroft (Avery County Special Olympics) Coach - Local Sports (with workplace) — Ricky Carver (Avery Middle School) Coffee Roaster — Fred & Larry’s Coffee Coffee Shop — Fred & Larry’s Coffee College — Lees-McRae College Contractor (with workplace) — John Morrison (Rocket Repair) Convenience Store — Newland Cruz Thru Dance Studio — Blue Ridge Performing Arts Academy, LLC Day Care Center — Children’s Castle Childcare Deli — Fred’s Backside Deli Dentist (with workplace) — Dr. Troy Hoover, DDS Dinner Club — Prime 21 Dinner Restaurant — Stonewalls Restaurant Donuts — Fred & Larry’s Coffee Drug Store — Premier Pharmacy, Inc. Dry Cleaner — McKenzie Cleaners, Inc. Electrician (with workplace) — Joel Stoeltzing (Linville River Electric) Electronics Store — Radio Shack EMT - (with workplace) — Edward Barrier (Avery County EMS) Exercise Facility — YMCA of Avery County Eyewear Store — Western Carolina Eye Associates, PA Family Doctor - (with workplace) — Dr. Robert Clark (Clark Family Medicine) Farm Supply Store — Three Nails Hardware Fast Food Restaurant — Bojangles

Fencing Company — VPC Builders, LLC Festival — Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival Fine Dining Restaurant — Stonewalls Restaurant Firefighter - (with workplace) — Hunter Huffman (Crossnore Fire Department) Flooring Store — A Flooring Outlet, Inc. Florist - (with workplace) — Marley Turbyfill (Calista Flower Co.) Flower Shop — Calista Flower Co. Food Service Worker - (with workplace) — Ally Sackman (Stonewalls Restaurant) Food Truck — BE Scooped French Fries — San Dee’s Cafe Funeral Director - (with workplace) — Garrick Smith (Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home) Funeral Home — Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Furniture Store — Abode Home Garden Shop — South Valley Garden Center General Store — Bayou General Store Gift Shop — The Eclectic Nest & Closet Gluten Free Restaurant — Mountain Grounds Coffee & Tea Co. Golf Course — Mountain Glen Golf Club Grocery Store — Food Lion Hamburger — Stonewalls Restaurant Hardware Store — Three Nails Hardware Heating & Air Company — Complete Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. Home Cooking Restaurant — Kaye’s Kitchen Home Décor Store — Abode Home Home Security — Mountain Heritage Systems Hospice — Medi Home Hospice Hospital — Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital

See BEST on Page 8

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Mountain Times Publications • Page 5

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Page 6 • Mountain Times Publications

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Anne Winkelman, Robin Morgan and Mary Jo Brubaker with Avery Chamber of Commerce, winner of Best Festival (Woolly Worm Festival).

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured is Medi Home Hospice’s Lareeca Johnson, winner of Best Nurse; Miranda Jordan, winner of Best Nurse Practitioner; and Dr. Thomas Kirkland (Best Physician) of Medi Home Hospice, winners in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for 38 years!

503 Pineola Street Newland, NC

(828)737-0314

Thanks for your support!

It's what keeps our business going.

You have our endless gratitude.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner!

Mon - Tues - Thur - Fri - Sat 8am - 2pm & 5pm - 8pm

Sunday Brunch 8am - 2pm

AUGUST 2023

Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10:00 - 6:00 Newland, NC (828)733-0186

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Mountain Times Publications • Page 7

“Thank you

for voting me Avery County’s favorite politician.

It’s my honor to serve this county as the mayor of Newland.”

- Derek Roberts

Page 8 • Mountain Times Publications

BEST

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

AUGUST 2023

CONTITUED FROM Page 4 Hot Dog — The Patio Grill at Linville Land Harbor Hotel/Motel — Cornerstone Cabins of Banner Elk Ice Cream/Slushie Shop — BE Scooped Insurance Agency — NC Farm Bureau Insurance Insurance Agent - (with workplace) — Travis Turbyfill (NC Farm Bureau Insurance) Internet Provider — Skyline Skybest Investment Firm — Edward Jones Financial Advisor; Richard A Honeycutt, AAMS™ Italian Restaurant — Bella’s Jacuzzi Dealer — Blue Ridge Backyards Japanese Restaurant — Nguyens Asian Grill Jeweler - (with workplace) — Mountain Jewelers Jewelry Store — Hardin Fine Jewelry Landscape Company — Cornerstone Landscaping & Property Services Landscape Company — Elevated Property Management Law Firm — C.L. Hughes, III, Attorney at Law Lawn & Garden Store — South Valley Garden Center Lawn Mower Store — Mountaineer Equipment Co., Inc. Lumber Store — Grandfather Lumber Lunch Restaurant — Mountain Grounds Coffee & Tea Co. Manufacturer — DeWoolfson Down Manufacturing, Banner Elk Martial Arts Studio — Caliber Martial Arts Massage Therapist - (with workplace) — Kayla Daniels (Alpha Massage Therapy) Mattress Dealer — Blackberry Creek Mattress & Stressless Store Medical Doctor - (with workplace) — Dr. Thomas Kirkland (Medi Home Hospice) Medical Practice — Clark Family Medicine Mexican Restaurant — Puerto Nuevo Mobile Phone Company — Carolina West Wireless Monument Company — Doug Buchanan Mill Branch Monument Company — Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Monument Company — Spear Memorials

See BEST on Page 12

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured is David Tate with Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce, winner of Best Parade (Banner Elk Fourth of July Parade) in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE BEST INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER Call, click or stop by and ask about our special offers!

898-1350 | www.skybest.com 20 High Country Square Hwy 184, Banner Elk

THANK YOU For Voting Us Best Investment Firm in Avery County!

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

THANK YOU AVERY COUNTY FOR VOTING US

BEST OF THE BEST VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT FOR 5 YEARS IN A ROW!

110 High Country Square, Banner Elk, NC 28604 828-898-4121 www.CamRanhBayNC.com Authentic Vietnamese & Japanese Cuisine Dine-In, Take-Out, Catering, Private Parties, Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

AUGUST 2023

Photo by Dawn Shumate Photo by Dawn Shumate Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Vu Nguyen, Mary Nguyen, Kayla Nguyen Pictured is Pastor Paul Cole and Mandy Cole with The Pictured are Chris Autry, Craig Autry, and Johnny and Bella Nguyen with Nguyen’s Asian Grill, winner of Ridge Christian Church, winner of Best Pastor and Best Thomas with Plumbfast, winner of Best Plumbing ComBest Japanese Food in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Church in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards. pany in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting Yellow Mountain Enterprises the Best Non-Profit Organization, the Best Civic/Community Organization, and Best Place to Work in Avery County!

Thank you for voting Yellow Mountain Treasure Box the Best Secondhand Store and the Best Place to Find a Bargain in Avery County!

Thank you for voting Avery County Group Home the Best Assisted Living in Avery County!

Thank you for voting Barb Holdcroft of Avery Special Olympics the Best Coach!

Yellow Mountain Enterprises Yellow Mountain Trophies, Tees & Awards

Yellow Mountain Treasure Box

255 Estatoa Street, Newland, NC 28657 828.733.2944

442 W. Mitchell Street, Newland, NC 28657 828.733.0149

The Master’s Touch Stoneworks 1921 Tynecastle Hw y, Banner Elk, N 28604 (828) 898-8333 sterstouchstoneworks.com

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Mountain Times Publications • Page 11

It is a honor and a privilege to service Avery County and receive such recognition for the services we provide. Medi Home Hospice is dedicated to providing “The Best” care through our exceptional standards and staff to serve our community and surrounding communities. This is simply a reflection of the team we have here at Medi Home Hospice and they make the journey of our patients better each and every day.

• Best Nurse - Lareeca Johnson, RN • Best FNP - Miranda Jordan, FNP • Best Physician - Dr. Thomas Kirkland • Best Hospice - Medi Home Hospice

1955 Newland, NC 28657 www.msahealthcare.com

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BEST

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

CONTITUED FROM Page 8 Mortgage Company — Movement Mortgage Company Music Venue — Fred & Larry’s Coffee Musical Group — Boone & Church Nail Salon — Hollywood Nails Spa Night Entertainment — Bayou Smokehouse & Grill Nonprofit Organization — Yellow Mountain Enterprises Nurse - (with workplace) — Lareeca Johnson (Medi Home Hospice) Nurse Practitioner - (with workplace) — Miranda Jordan (Medi Home Hospice) Nursing Home — Life Care Center of Banner Elk Oil Change — Banner Elk Exxon Optometrist - (with workplace) — Dr. Dan Krontz (Western Carolina Eye Associates) Orthopedist - (with workplace) — Dr. Giordanego (Baker Center for Primary Care) Outfitters Store — Mo’s Boots and Carhartt Paint Store — Three Nails Hardware Painter — Bryan Webb (Webb Painting) Parade — Banner Elk 4th of July Parade Pasta — Sorrento’s Italian Bistro Paving Company — Mike Nelson Grading, Paving & Sealcoating Pest Control Company — A1 Pest Control Pet Supply Store — My Best Friend’s Barkery Pharmacist - (with workplace) — Jason Lisk (Premier Pharmacy) Pharmacy — Premier Pharmacy, Inc. Physical Therapy Clinic — The Rehabilitation Center Physical Therapy

Physician - (with workplace) — Dr. Thomas Kirkland (Medi Home Hospice) Physician Assistant - (with workplace) — Bill McGuire (High Country Community Health) Pickleball Court — Buck Hill Campground Pizza Restaurant — Bella’s Place to find a Bargain — Yellow Mountain Treasure Box Place to Work — Yellow Mountain Enterprises Plumbing Company — PlumbFast Police Officer - (with workplace) — Chief Kevin Hodges (Banner Elk Police Dept.)

Politician - (with workplace) — Derek Roberts (Town of Newland) Power Equipment Shop — Mountaineer Equipment Co., Inc.) Produce Shop — Pixie Produce Propane Company — Blue Ridge Propane, Inc. Psychiatrist - (with workplace) — Dr. Nancy Sanchez (App Regional Behavioral Healthcare) Psychologist - (with workplace) — Eva Clark (Cannon Memorial Hospital) Public Servant - (with workplace) — Phillip Greene (Avery County Schools) Real Estate Agency — Elevation Real Estate, Beech Mountain, NC Real Estate Agent - (with workplace) — Dottie Moretz, Broker (Elevation Real Estate) Rental Agency — Linville River Log Cabins Rental Store — Avery Rent-All Resort — Beech Mountain Resort Restaurant Service — Stonewalls Restaurant Retail Store Employee - (with workplace) — Kim Miller (Bayou Smokehouse) Retirement Community — Cranberry House

Thank You For Voting Us The Best Electronics And Cell Phone Store in Avery County!

See BEST on Page 22

AUGUST 2023

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Jared and Suzanne Garland with Mountain River Campground, winner of Best Campground in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Mountain Times Publications • Page 13

Bayou staffers are THE BEST! The Bayou sincerely thanks our wonderful staff members and the people of Avery County for our 2023 Best of the Best Awards

Best General Store (Bayou General Store) . Best Bar . Best BBQ Best Sports Bar . Best Wings . Best Night Entertainment Best Bartender (Amy Hernandez) Best Retail Store Employee (Kim Miller) Bayou Smokehouse & Grill Restaurant Bayou General Store

Celebrating our 20 year anniversary in Banner Elk! Village Shops Downtown Banner Elk (828) 898-TxLa (8952)

Page 14 • Mountain Times Publications

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured is Jennifer Ollis with Linville River Log Cabins, winner of Best Rental Agency in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured is Angie Berry with Blue Ridge Propane, winner of Best Propane and Propane Accessories in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured Victoria Breckenridge with Mountain Grounds Coffee and Tea, winner of Best Breakfast, Best Brunch, Best Gluten Free, and Best Lunch in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured is Amy Hernandez of Bayou Smokehouse, winner of Best Bartender in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

AUGUST 2023

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured is Barb Holdcroft of Avery Special Olympics, winner of Best Coach in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured is Marley Turbyfill with Callista Flower Co., winner of Best Flower Shop and Best Florist in the 2023 Best of Avery Contest.

Thank you so much for voting us the

Best Heating and Air Company in Avery County for the fifth year in a row!

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Craig Simmons and Dana Simmons of Bella’s Italian Restaurant, winners of Best Pizza and Best Italian Restaurant in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Bailey Webb and Bryan Webb with BE Scooped, winners of Best Ice Cream/Slushie Shop and Best Food Truck in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Congratulations to the winners

Thank you for voting us

Best Lumber Company in Avery County!

AUGUST 2023

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Ally Sackman of Stonewalls Restaurant, winner of Best Food Service Worker, Logan Wolken of Stonewalls, winner of Best Waiter/Waitress, Maggie James of Stonewalls, winner of Best Caterer, along with Scott Garland, Tim Heschke and Amy Trzebiatowski of Stonewalls Restaurant, winners of Best Dinner Restaurant, Best Fine Dining, Best Hamburger, Best Salad Bar, Best Restaurant, Best Seafood Restaurant, Best Caterer, Best Chicken Restaurant and Best Chicken Tenders (What the Cluck food truck), Best Hotel/Motel and Banquet Center (Cornerstone Cabins) in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting

Clark Family Medicine the Best Medical Practice and

Dr. Robert Clark

the Best Family Doctor in Avery County

176 Jonas Ridge Hwy, Newland, NC 28657

(828) 742-1099

grandfatherlumber.com

A special thank you to Jessica and Amanda for your many years of service and dedication.

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Congratulations to all of the Best of the Best winners!

AUGUST 2023

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Jason Lisk, Anna Lisk, Edward Dean, Tricia Dean, Shayna Cole and Katrina Hicks with Premier Pharmacy, winner of Best Pharmacy and Best Drug Store in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Doug Gragg, Wayne Dugger and Dakota Harmon with Radio Shack, winner of Best Electronics Store in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

A Flooring Outlet, Inc. Thank You for Voting Us

Best Hospital: Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital Best Orthopedist: Matthew Giordanengo, DO Best Psychologist: Eva Trivett-Clark, MA, LPA, HSP-PA Best Psychiatrist: Luna Sanchez, MD apprhs.org

the Best Flooring Store in Avery County!

When experience counts, let A Flooring Outlet, Inc. assist you with all of your flooring needs.

In flooring, the choice has to be right!

565 Main Street East • Banner Elk, NC 28604

(828)-898-5484 aflooringoutlet.com

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Mountain Times Publications • Page 19

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured is Sheri Cornett with Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home, winner of Best Funeral Home in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards. Garrick Smith (not pictured) received the Best Funeral Director Award in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Photo by Dawn Shumate Children’s Castle accepted the award for Best Daycare.

Pictured are Diane Banner Rosado and Anastasia Thompson.

Thank you for voting us the

Best Beer and Best Wine Store Best Convenience Store and in Avery County!

Come in for a hot Hunt Brother’s Pizza!

2023

Come and Drive Thru!

350 Pineola St, Newland, NC 28657 • (828) 742-15

AUGUST 2023

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Shannon Clark, winner of Best Wedding Photography, along with Misty Johnson in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Mountain Times Publications • Page 21

“Thank you for voting us the Best Cabinet Company in Avery County!”

Banner’s Cabinets 299 Watauga St, Newland, NC 28657

(828) 733-2031 Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Cynthia Miller, Todd Elledge and Hank Taylor with Carolina West Wireless, winner of Best Mobile Phone Company in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

www.bannerscabinets.com

Avery County Best Window & Door Storee Best Building Supply y www.nrbld.com

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BEST

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

CONTITUED FROM Page 12 Salad Bar — Stonewalls Restaurant School — Freedom Trail Elementary School School Principal - (with workplace) — Kimberly Coleman (Avery Middle School) Seafood Market — Lowes Foods of Banner Elk Seafood Restaurant — Stonewalls Restaurant Secondhand Store — Yellow Mountain Treasure Box Shower Glass and Mirror Installation — J.A.C.K.S. Glass, Inc. Ski Rental — Ski Rentals at Fred’s Ski Shop — Ski Country Sports Ski Slope — Beech Mountain Resort Snow Removal Business — Elevated Property Management Soft Drink — Sips Soda Shop Spa — Sugar Bronze Spa Technician — Tammy Eller (Sugar Bronze) Sports Bar — Bayou Smokehouse & Grill Steakhouse — Stonewalls Restaurant Stone Fabricator — Master’s Touch Stoneworks Surgeon - (with workplace) — Dr. Thomas Haizlip (Tate Clinic) Sushi — Luna Thai & Sushi Restaurant Taco — Los Arcoiris Mexican Restaurant Tanning Salon — Sugar Bronze Taproom — Blind Elk Tap Room Tax Service — Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Teacher - (with workplace) — Jill Rogers (Williams Academy) Telephone Company — Carolina West Wireless Tire Store — Avery Tire Pros Tourist Attraction — Grandfather Mountain Town — Banner Elk

AUGUST 2023

Town Manager - (with workplace) — Eddie Yarber (Crossnore) Tree Service — K&C Tree Service, Inc. Trucking & Hauling — Pittman Trucking TV Dealer — Walmart Supercenter Urgent Care — Ballad Health Medical Associates Urgent Care Vape Shop — Quick Shoppe Vegan Restaurant — Luna Thai & Sushi Restaurant Veterinarian (with workplace) — Dr. Brent Jewell (Avery Animal Hospital) Vietnamese Restaurant — Cam Ranh Bay Waiter/Waitress - (with workplace) — Logan Wolken (Stonewalls Restaurant) Wedding Photographer - (with workplace) — Shannon Clark (Shannon Clark Photography) Wedding Venue — Appalachian View, LLC Window/Door Store — New River Building Supply Winery — Banner Elk Winery Wings — Bayou Smokehouse & Grill Women's Clothing Store — The Eclectic Nest & Closet Yoga Instructor — Jenna Stone (Avery Community Yoga)

Best of the Best

2023

Thank you for voting Jason Lisk the Best Pharmacist!

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are James and Tammy Ramsey with Sips Soda Shop, winner of Best Soft Drink in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting us the Best Pharmacy and Drug Store in Avery County!

107 Estatoa St, Newland, NC 28657 • (828) 733-0061

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Mountain Times Publications • Page 23

Thank you for voting us the Best Propane Company in Avery County!

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Michael Johnson and Kim Johnson with Complete Comfort, winner of Best Heating & Air Company in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Dale Trivette, Stephanie Roark, Debra Wilcox, Sharon Stewart, Brenda Coffey and Tasha Buchanan with Yellow Mountain Enterprises, winners of Best Civic/Community Organization, Best Nonprofit Organization, Best Place to Work, Best Place to Find a Bargain and Best Secondhand Store in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

14 Turbyfill Rd, Newland, NC 28657

(828)733-3603

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

AUGUST 2023

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Jacquilyn Balhouse and Jillyn Sidlo with Eclectic Nest, winner of Best Women’s Clothing Store and Best Gift Shop in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured is Eddie Yarber of Town of Crossnore, winner of Best Town Manager at the 2023 Best of Avery Awards with wife, Libby Yarber.

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Courtney Mabry and Timothy Jenkins with Cranberry House, winner of Best Retirement Home in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

46th Annual

m o m r o y r W l y l o l o l Woo Festival Wo orm Races Ca ash Prizes Crafts s . Food . Rides Live Entertainment E Please S NO PETS

Except for Woolly Woorms, of Course!

O tober 21 & 22 Octo Downtown Ba anner Elk, NC Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 9am-4pm

Saturday’s Winning Worm Wins $1,000 Sunday’s Winning Worm Wins $500

®

All proceeds from the festival are given back to our community to enhance our schools and children’s programs, and to promote businesses and tourism in Avery County.

The Official Woolly Worm Festival of North Caarolina!

www.WoollyWorm.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING THE WOOLLY WORM FESTIVAL AS THE BEST FESTIVAL! JOIN US OCTOBER 21 & 22.

Avery County Chamber of Commerce 828-898-5605 www.AveryCounty.com

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Photo Submitted Avery County Farm Bureau accepted awards for Best Insurance Agent, Best Insurance Agency and Best Auto Insurance. Pictured from the Banner Elk office are Barry Crawford, Angela Jenkins and Susan Johnson.

Thank You

For Voting Dottie Moretz Best of the Best Avery Real Estate Agent & Elevation Real Estate Best Real Estate Agency!

Striving to Provide the Best Service & Care Possible to Every Client.

828-387-4600

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

“The folks of Avery County are the Best of the Best to work for!

Thank you all!”

- Joel Stoeltzing, Linville River Electric

828-260-7467

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured is Tammy Eller with Sugar Bronze, winner of Best Spa Technician in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

AUGUST 2023

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Bethany Higgins and Brenda Isaacs with VPC Builders, named Best Fencing Company and Best Home Builder in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Builders R ESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL

Residential Commercial Home Projects

Voted Best Homebuilder

828.295.0707

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Mountain Times Publications • Page 27

Thank you for voting us the Best Daycare in Avery County!

Children’s Castle Childcare Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Edward Hinson and Brent Keith with Skyline Skybest, winner of Best Internet Provider in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

1019 Walt Clark Rd, Newland, NC 28657 (828) 733-2030

Thank You Avery County for voting us the

Best Trucking Company Three Years in a Row

Newland, NC • 828-733-2169

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

AUGUST 2023

Thank you for voting for us!

Best Plumbing Company

PROFESSIONAL PLUMBING SERVICES & DRAIN CLEANING

(828) 742-1777

www.plumbfastllc.net • plumbfastllc@gmail.com

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Hallie Sullivan, April Gilbert and Logan Taylor with Mountain Community Bank, winner of Best Best Bank in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Get outside.

Get

Inspired.

Folks come to Grandfather Mountain for all sorts of reasons — to get close to nature or simply get away from it all. But after a day on the mountain, and in the new interactive Wilson Center For Nature Discovery, everyone leaves inspired.

g r a n d fa t h e r. co m NEW —

Wilson Center for Nature Discovery — NOW OPEN

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN ®

Wonders Never Cease

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Mountain Times Publications • Page 29

Three Nails Hardware Thank you for voting us the #1 Hardware Store, #1 Paint Shop and #1 Farm Supply Store in Avery County!

2022

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured is Landis Taylor Photo by Dawn Shumate of Grandfather Mountain, Pictured are Susan McCulloch and Marcee Corn with winner of Best Tourist Twisted Twig, winner of Best Antique Store in the 2023 Attraction in the 2023 Best Best of Avery Awards. of Avery Awards.

2022

2022

2022

110 Estatoa St, Newland, NC 28657

(828) 733-0408

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND VOTING US THE 202

Best Mattress Store in Avery County We are proud to have helped so many people in the High Country Rest Well and Live Better.

LOCAL COMMUNITY

Locally OWNED

involvement

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: BOONE MALL AND FOSCOE . 828-963-5503 WWW.BLACKBERRYMATTRESS.COM

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Page 30 • Mountain Times Publications

AUGUST 2023

“Thank you for your business and your support!”

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Joel Stoeltzing, Lorena Stoeltzing, Josh Arnett and Carter Bumgarner with Linville River Electric, winner of Best Electrician in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

3616 Mitchell Ave Suite 8, Linville, NC 28646

(828) 742-1612

www.dentisttroyhoover.com

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Amy Hernandez, D. Frazier, MC Tedder, and Kim Miller of Bayou Smokehouse, winners of Best Bar, Best Barbecue Restaurant, Best Sports Bar, Best Wings, and Best Night Entertainment in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting us the Best Wedding Venue in Avery Cooun y.

AV

ppalachian ppalachian iew

an event & wedding review

1117 Sugar Mountain Rd #2, Newland, NC 28657 (828) 395-5495 • www.appalachianview.com

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Lynn Kilpatrick, Laura Hyder and Niki Hodges with Life Care Center of Banner Elk, winner of Best Nursing Home in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Alesia Calloway, Adale Woodruff, Dr. Joan Schmitt, Dr. Troy Hoover, Alicia Hoover, Mandy Edwards, Bridget Sullivan, Mackenzie Mckinney and Gracie Carswell with Troy Hoover, DDS, winner of Best Dentist in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank You for Voting us

Best Ski Slope B and Resort!

.. �-�1!:��-� MOUNTAIN RESORT

WWW.BEECHMOUNTAINRESORT.COM

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 31

Page 32 • Mountain Times Publications

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Photo by Dawn Shumate Edward Jones accepted the award for Best Investment Firm. Pictured are Richard Honeycutt, Stacey Clark, Karen Avery, Meredith Pitman, and Dawn Honeycutt.

AUGUST 2023

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured is John Morrison of John Morrison’s Rocket Repair, winner of Best Contractor in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting us Best Soft Drink!

THANK YOU

Thank you for voting us

Avery County

Best Chiropractor

for voting for us!

in Avery County!

Police Officer Kevin Hodges

Best Town

The Town of Banner Elk

Sipssodas.com

(828) 467-1016

141 Shawneehaw Ave Banner Elk, North Carolina

(828) 898-9000 www.bebackinaction.com

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Mountain Times Publications • Page 33

Thank you for voting us

BEST RENTAL STORE 2022

2023

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Amy Jones, Jack Jones and Zach Nelson with J.A.C.K.S. Glass, receiving the award for Best Mirror and Shower Glass Installation in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

We are so proud of

Mayor Eddie Yarber

for being voted Avery County’s Best of the Best Town Manager!

Equipment Rentals Sales Service 828-898-6301

www.averyrentall.com

2022

Page 34 • Mountain Times Publications

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

AUGUST 2023

“Thank you for voting me the

Best Wedding Photographer in Avery County!”

- Shannon Clark

shannonsclarkphotography.com (828) 467-1487

Photo Submitted Avery County Farm Bureau accepted awards for Best Insurance Agent, Best Insurance Agency and Best Auto Insurance. Pictured from the Newland office are Seth Phillips, Abigail Buchanan, Callie Sheppard, Adam Estep, Carla Burleson, Donna Duncan and Travis Turbyfill.

We would like to thank everyone who voted us

Thank you for voting us the Best Lawn and Gard Garden Store!

The Best of The Best.

Your Military & Outdoor Store Located in the heart of the High Country between Newland and Linville Falls, South Valley is a full-service garden center providing premium quality annuals, perennials, shrubs, shade trees, specialty conifers, and unique deciduous items. Along with top-notch plant material, we also have a mercantile full of local crafts, clothes, and canned goods. Our goal is to serve our community by supplying only the highest quality material at the most affordable prices!

Military Surplus Knives • Tools Camping & Sporting Goods

Thanks for 28 years

6900 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland, NC 28657

(828) 742-1048

www.southvalleygardens.com

100 High Country Square, Banner Elk, NC 28604 150 Linville St. Newland, NC 28657

828-733-3600

(619) 964-0038

www.thetwistedtwigantiques.com

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Mountain Times Publications • Page 35

Thank you for voting us the Best Tax Preparer in Avery County!

Call to make your appointment today.

1831 Millers Gap Hwy, Newland, NC 28657 Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Don and Kaye Reinhofer and Rupie with Kaye’s Kitchen, winner of Best Home Cooking Restaurant and Best Buffet in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards,

(828) 742-2122

Thank You For Voting

Thank you for making us Best of the Best Ice Cream Shop and The Best Food Truck in Avery County!

Bill McGuire

Best in Avery County!

High Country Community Health Avery Medical Phone - 828-737-0221 448 Cranberry Street Newland, NC 28657

144 Azalea Cir • Banner Elk (828) 504-0684

bescoopednc@gmail.com | bescooped.com 16 Hand Dipped Flavor-Malts-Milkshakes-Floats

Page 36 • Mountain Times Publications

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

AUGUST 2023

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured is Dr. Lee King with Lees-McRae College, winner of Best College in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured is Tran Phan with Hollywood Nails Spa, winner of Best Nail Salon in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured is Bill McGuire of High Country Community Health, winner of Best Physician’s Assistant in the 2023 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank You For Voting Us

Thank you for voting us the

Thank you for voting us

Best Produce Shop in Avery County!

• Best Breakfast Restaurant • Best Brunch • Best Gluten Free Restaurant • Best Lunch Restaurant 3990 NC-105 #10, Banner Elk, NC 28604 mountaingroundsnc.com

(828) 783-9069

the #1 Campground in Avery County!

8555 S US Hwy 19E,

3979 Mitchell Ave, Linville, NC 28646

(828) 640-6999

Newland, NC 28657

(828) 765-4810 www.mtnriverwnc.com

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Mountain Times Publications • Page 37

#1

Thanks for voting us Golf Course in Avery County!

Visit us at mountainglengolfclub.com • Book Tee Times • 2024 Tournament Applications • Membership Info

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Dawson Buchanan, Andrea and Ronald Buchanan, and Sara Nelson with South Valley Garden Center, who accepted the award for Best Lawn and Garden Store.

Mountain Glen Golf Course Golf Shop: 828-733-5804 Main Office: 828-733-5809 mountainglengolfclub.com

Thank you for voting us the Best Insurance Agency and Auto Insurance Company in Avery County!

Thank you for voting Travis Turbyfill the Best Insurance Agent in Avery County!

Avery County Farm Bureau

570 Cranberry St Newland NC 28657

98 High Country Sq. Banner Elk, NC 28604

828-733-9617

(828) 898-8566

9am-5pm Mon-Fri

8am-5pm Mon-Fri

Page 38 • Mountain Times Publications

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

AUGUST 2023

THANK YOU

THANK YOU FOR THE YEARS OF LOYAL TRUST YOU HAVE PLACED IN US!

Photo by Dawn Shumate Pictured are Jennifer Ollis, Natalie Jones, Amy Hernandez, Gwen Jones, Christian Day and Tammy Eller, winners of Best Spa (Sugar Bronze), Best Beauty Salon (Sugar Bronze), Best Tanning Salon (Sugar Bronze) and Best Spa Technician (Tammy Eller) at the Best of 2023 Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting

Cranberry House

the Best Retirement Home in Avery County.

Thank You customers for voting us Best of the Best

Thank you for voting us the Best Nail Salon in Avery County!

in Avery County 2023!

DIY Dog Wash • Nutrition Consultation Available

We Care About the Health of Your Pet High Quality Dog & Cat Food Raw Diet & Freeze-Dried Pet Foods USA Made Treats & Home-Baked Treats

Cranberry House MEMORY CARE

6215 N US Hwy 19E, Newland, NC 28657 (828) 733-5558 newlandseniors.com

Featuring Alternative Supplements for Your Pet's Dietary and Health Needs Toys, Collars, Leashes, and More We Pride Ourselves on Carrying Healthy Foods for Your Dogs & Cats 176 Shawneehaw Ave. Downtown Banner Elk, NC

828.898.5625

3597 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC 28604

(828) 898-9877

2022

AUGUST 2023

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Mountain Times Publications • Page 39

Page 40 • Mountain Times Publications

The High Country’s Premier Steak & Seafood Restaurant Voted Best Dinner Restaurant Best Fine Dining Restaurant Best Hamburger

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

AUGUST 2023

The High County’s Premier Food Truck P Experience

The High Country’s Best Vacation Rentals

The High Country’s Best Space for Gatherings

Voted Best Chicken Tenders

Voted Best Hotel/Motel

Voted Best Banquet Facility

Best Salad Bar Best Seafood Restaurant Best Steakhouse Best Restauant

Best Chicken Restaurant

Best Caterer Ally Sackman Voted Best Food Service Worker Logan Wolken Voted Best Waiter/Waitress

828-450-3279

Banner Elk, NC 28604 www.whattheclucktruck.net

828-898-3115

828-898-3115