Best of the Best 2015

The Watauga Democrat Presents

Best of the Best

2015 [ Sponsored by ]

2 015

Best of the Best

Page 2

April 12, 2015

Caroline Collins and Neville Chaney represent WJ Office.

PHOTO BY DAWN SHUMATE

BEST of the BEST

I

A salute to the success of local business

n the world of business, there are many measures of success — financial, quality of life and peer rankings among them — but the one measure that surpasses all is the measure that includes all of these things: the way a business is perceived by its customers.

On April 9, that was the one measure that mattered most as hundreds of business owners and their employees gathered at a sold-out gala event recognizing the best of the best of Watauga County’s business com-

On the cover:

munity.

The Watauga Democrat Best of the Best 2015 featured winners in more than 100 categories, spotlighting local business success stories from barbecue to veterinarian, in a true red-carpet event sponsored by WJ Office, Skyline/SkyBest and Peabody’s Wine and Beer Merchants.

For many of the business winners, the event was a repeat performance, having been chosen for as many as five consecutive years as the best in their field. For others, newcom-

ers to the awards ceremony, the gala was a first-time introduction to an event that included catering by McKethan Brothers BBQ, music by The Lucky Strikes and a keynote address from Boone Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dan Meyer.

Each winner, repeat or new, had one thing in common — they had been chosen for the honor by their customers. Earlier in the year, Watauga Democrat readers submitted ballots listing their favorites in dozens of categories.

Mountain Times Publications publisher Gene Fowler Jr. and advertising director Charlie Price presented the awards.

Those award winners, and many of their photos, are found in the following pages. For more coverage and photos of the event, see today’s Watauga Democrat, and visit www. wataugademocrat.com.

Subscribers to SkyLine/SkyBest cable TV can view a full replay of the event on channels 1 and 1001 at 6:45 p.m. April 17 and 8:30 p.m. April 19.

From top left, Shelia Watson of Goodwill, Chad Vincent of Vincent Properties, Lisa Adams of Highlands Union Bank, Toby Oliver of NC Farm Bureau Insurance, Douglas Franklin of Dougnet, Ashley and JP Pardy of Recess Ride Shop, Nick Presnell and Tiffany Wilkinson of Log House Florist and Diane Deal, Watauga County Clerk of Superior Court.

PHOTOS BY DAWN SHUMATE

Best of the Best

April 12, 2015

2015

Page 3

Congratulations to this year’s winners

2015

WJ Office is happy to have sponsored the Watauga Democrat’s 2015 Best of the Best Awards and Awards Dinner.

To receive the support from your customers recognizing you as the very best in your business is a most coveted award and an honor to strive for every day.

THANK YOU for selecting

as the Best of the Best

OFFICE OUTFITTER Serving the High Country for Over 35 Years!

OFFICE FURNITURE OFFICE SUPPLIES FROM AMERICA’S LEADING COMPANIES

JANITORIAL AND SANITATION SUPPLIES DIGITAL IMAGING

COFFEE SUPPLIES REPAIRS AND SERVICE

118 BIG VALLEY ST, BOONE, NC 28607 | (828) 264-3283 | WJOFFICE.COM

Best of the Best

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April 12, 2015

BEST of the BEST BEST FOOD & DRINK Barbecue Restaurant 1st Woodlands Barbecue & Pickin’ Parlor 2nd Bandanas 3rd Mo’s

From left: Travis Lovill, Edward Hinson, Brent Keith, Kim Shepherd, Drew Piscopo and Crystal Spencer represent SkyLine SkyBest, which received four awards at the gala. Below, same group before presented four awards.

PHOTOS BY DAWN SHUMATE

Beer Brewery 1st Appalachian Mountain Brewery 2nd Blowing Rock Ale House 3rd Lost Province

Chinese Restaurant 1st Hunan 2nd Taste Grill 3rd China Buffet SEE BOB, PAGE 6

Thank you for voting me Best Public Servant and Best ChristmasTree Farm.

A special thank you to my Family and

We count it a privilege to care for your surgical needs.

2015

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Paul Dagher, MD, FACS

2015

Tim Edmisten, MD, FACS

Anne-Corinne Beaver, MD, FACS

2 013 .com emocrat ataugaD www.W

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Lionel van der Westhuizen, MD

Diane Cornett Deal Watauga County Clerk of Court & owner of Cornett Deal Christmas Tree Farm 142 Tannenbaum Lane, Vilas, NC 28692 828-964-6322 • www.cdtreefarm.com

2 012 www.Wat augaDem ocrat.com

Emily Moore, PA-C

Watauga Surgical Group, P.A. Over 50 years of service to the High Country

965 State Farm Road | Boone, NC 28607 | 828-264-2340 www.wataugasurgical.com

April 12, 2015

Best of the Best

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WINE GIFT & BEER

BASKETS

WEDDING

& PARTY

PLANNING

GOURMET G

MIXERS

FOOD

Above from left: Jeff Collins and Gregg Parsons of Peabody’s Wine & Beer raise a glass.

PHOTOS BY DAWN SHUMATE

GLASSLeft, Sallie and Bill Aceto before the awards ceremony.

2015

WARE

CELLAR

DESIGN & D CONSULTING C

828.264.9476 • 1104 HWY 105, Boone

www.PeabodysWineandBeer.com

Follow us on

Best of the Best

Page 6

BOB

2nd 3rd

FROM PAGE 4

Coffee Shop 1st 2nd 3rd

Thank you for voting us

Best Chinese Restaurant in Watauga County 5th Year in a Row!

Higher Grounds Coffee Shoppe Bald Guy Espresso News

Deli/sub 1st 2nd 3rd

Valle Crucis Bakery Blowing Rock Market Which Wich

Fast Food Restaurant 1st 2nd 3rd

Come Back Shack Chick-fil-A Wendy’s

Fine Dining

HUNAN CHINESE RESTAURANT 828-262-0555 Southgate Shopping Center (Beside Walmart) 1750 Blowing Rock Road, Boone, NC (For GPS Users)

Serving the High Country Since 1990

1st 2nd 3rd

The Peddler Steak House Joy Bistro Bistro Roca

French Fries 1st 2nd 3rd

McDonald’s Bojangles’ Comeback Shack

Hamburger 1st 2nd 3rd

Come Back Shack Five Guys Blowing Rock Ale House

Home Cooking Restaurant 1st 2nd 3rd

Dan’l Boone Inn Proper Cracker Barrel

Hot Dog 2015

1st 2nd 3rd

Trolly Stop Cookout Family Billiards

Ice Cream / Yogurt Restaurant

thank you for voting us

best pet store and allowing us to take care of your pet’s needs - The Pet Place Team

Sweet Frog Kilwins Menchies

Italian Restaurant 1st 2nd 3rd

Casa Rustica Bella’s Primos

Japanese Restaurant

JOIN US ON APRIL 25TH SNIPS WITH WATAUGA HUMANE SOCIETY PET ADOPTIONS AND CRAFT SALE DR. MAST - ROUTINE SHOTS AND WELLNESS VISITS WOOF PACK SERVICES - ASK THE TRAINER HUTCH HUSKY - PROVIDING ENTERTAINMENT FUN BEGINS AT 11 AM- CHECK FACEBOOK OR CALL FOR MORE INFO

SHOPS AT SHADOWLINE Boone, NC • 828 268 1510 Petplaceboone.com

1st 2nd 3rd

FOLLOW US ON

1st 2nd 3rd

Makoto’s Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar Hokkaidos Japanese Seafood and Steakhouse Taste Grill

Mexican Restaurant 1st 2nd 3rd

Dos Amigos Los Arcois Puerto Nuevo

Pizza Restaurant 1st 2nd 3rd

Mellow Mushroom Bandanas Papa Johns Capones

Restaurant Service 1st

April 12, 2015

Café Portofino

Over Yonder The Peddler Steak House

Seafood Restaurant 1st 2nd 3rd

Mike’s Inland Seafood Thompsons Puerto Nuevo

Sports Bar 1st 2nd 3rd

The Rock Sports Bar and Grill Town Tavern Blowing Rock The TApp Room

Steak House 1st 2nd 3rd

The Peddler Steak House Outback Sagebrush

Sushi Restaurant 1st 2nd 3rd

CoBo Sushi Bistro and Bar Makoto’s Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar Taste Grill

BEST RETAIL Antique Shop 1st 2nd 3rd

Antiques on Howard Boone Antique Mall Appalachian Antique Mall

Appliance Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Lowe’s Home Improvement Sears Sunrise

Art Shop 1st 2nd 3rd

Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff Art Mart Michael’s

Auto Parts 1st 2nd 3rd

Charlie’s NAPA Auto Parts Advance Auto Parts Critcher’s Auto Parts

Auto Repair 1st 2nd 3rd

Alray Tire and Auto Idols Tire Custom Muffler

Bakery 1st 2nd 3rd

Stick Boy Bread Company Indulge App Cookie Company

Bank 1st 2nd

Highlands Union Bank Yadkin Bank

Bed and Breakfast 1st 2nd 3rd

Taylor House Inn The Inn at Ragged Garden Mast Farm Inn

Body Shop 1st 2nd 3rd

Hampton’s Body Shop Mack Brown Custom Muffler SEE BOB, PAGE 7

Best of the Best

April 12, 2015

Page 7

2015

Thank you to our loyal customers for voting us

Best Used Car Dealer!

Tessa and Bernard Russo represent the Taylor House Inn. PHOTO BY DAWN SHUMATE

BOB

Carpet Store FROM PAGE 6

Bookstore 1st 2nd 3rd

Cornerstone Bookstore Black Bear ASU Bookstore

Bicycle Store 1st 2nd

Boone Bike and Touring Magic Cycles

Cable Company 1st 2nd 3rd

SkyLine SkyBest Charter Direct TV

Car Dealer (New) 1st 2nd 3rd

Friendship Honda of Boone Everett Nissan Modern Toyota/Subaru

Car Dealer (Used) 1st 2nd 3rd

Winebarger Motors Friendship Honda Everett Nissan

Carpet Cleaner 1st 2nd 3rd

1472 old bristol rdad boone, nc 28607 828-297-3711 winebargermotorsinc.com

Bush Carpet Cleaning Dolbier Full Steam Ahead

1st 2nd 3rd

Midway Carpet and Tile Abbey Carpet The Carpet House

Caterer 1st 2nd 3rd

CR Catering (Casa Rustica) Gadabouts Bandanas

2015

WE WANTED TO THANK EACH AND EVERYONE THAT VOTED FOR US, TO OUR GUESTS, TO ALL OF YOU WORKING WITH US THAT MADE IT POSSIBLE!

Cell Phone Service 1st 2nd 3rd

Carolina West Wireless Verizon AT&T

Computer Repair/Service 1st 2nd 3rd

Dougnet Nordic PC Geeks at Work

Computer Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Staples Nordic PC Dougnet

Cosmetologist 1st 2nd 3rd

Pam Johnson Debbie Warren Janet Rainey

Dance Studio 1st 2nd 3rd SEE BOB, PAGE 8

Studio K High Country Dance Northwestern Dance Studio

N ESTLED IN H ISTORIC V ALLE C RUCIS 4584 H WY 194 S • B ANNER E LK , NC • 828-963-5581 WWW . TAYLORHOUSEINN . COM

Best of the Best

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BOB

2nd

1st 2nd 3rd

Department Store Belk TJ Maxx JC Penney

1st 2nd 3rd

Boone Drug Walgreens Rite Aid

1st 2nd 3rd

A Cleaner World Invershiel

Paul H. Broyhill Wellness Center Anytime Fitness Dynamic

Eyewear Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Blue Ridge Vision Greystone Eye Center Sunglass Hut

Farm Supply Store 1st 2nd 3rd

David Miller’s Farm Supply Farmers Rentals Boone Rent-all

Fencing Company 1st

Log House Florist Bouquet Florist Carol Aldridge

Fuel Oil Dealer

Exercise Gym 1st 2nd 3rd

Midway Carpet and Tile Town Home The Flooring Outlet

Florist / Flower Shop

Dry Cleaner 1st 2nd

Wallace Propane Town Home Mountain Home and Hearth

Flooring Store

Drug Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Millers

Fireplace Shop

FROM PAGE 7

1st 2nd 3rd

April 12, 2015

1st 2nd 3rd

Appalachian Energy Blue Ridge Energies Wallace Propane

Furniture Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Appalachian Furniture Tatum Gallery Badcock

General Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Mast General Store Goober Pea’s Cove Creek

SEE BOB, PAGE 10

VPC Builders

Barney and Delores Hampton have been with the family business, Hampton Funeral Service, since 1974.

PHOTO BY DAWN SHUMATE

” u o Y k n “ Tha

2015

for voting us

t s e B e h t Best of Barbecue y t n u o C a g u a t a in W

The Woodlands

Barbecue & Pickin’ Parlor

Highway 321 Bypass, Blowing Rock www.woodlandsbbq.com (828) 295-3651

April 12, 2015

Best of the Best

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We would like to express our Gratitude and Thanks for the support from our customers.

2015

Old World Galleries it's all about the Love Your Full Service Jeweler

Jewelry

Art

Antiques

697 West King St. • Boone, NC • 828-264-6559

Debin and Dr. R. Lee Warren accept the award for best dentist.

PHOTO BY DAWN SHUMATE

Since 1974

Thanking our community for and support for over 40 years.

Boone United Methodist Church Pastor Jason Byassee shares remarks before giving the invocation at the Best of the Best Awards.

PHOTO BY ANNA OAKES

2015

Best of the Best

Page 10

April 12, 2015

BOB FROM PAGE 8

Gift Shop 1st 2nd 3rd

Tatum Galleries Cornucopia Boone Drug

Glass Replacement 1st 2nd 3rd

Action Auto Glass Appalachian Auto Glass Millers

Golf Course 1st 2nd 3rd

2015

Boone Golf Course Willow Valley Hound Ears

Hardware Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Lowe’s Home Improvement New River Building Supply Watauga Building Supply

Heating and Air Conditioning 1st 2nd 3rd

Edmisten Heating and Cooling Mountaineer Heating and Cooling Scott Brothers Heating and Air

Home Décor Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Tatum Galleries Town Home TJ Maxx

Charlene Hedley of Antiques on Howard.

PHOTO BY DAWN SHUMATE

SEE BOB, PAGE 11

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.

We appreciate your business and the confidence you have placed in us.

Thank You for Trusting us as “Your Hometown Family Florist” for Over 45 Years!

2015

2015

249 Wilson Drive, Unit 4 • Behind Boone Mall 828.264.3896 • info@loghouseflorist.com

Best of the Best

April 12, 2015

BOB

2nd 3rd

FROM PAGE 10

Home Security 1st 2nd 3rd

Pest Control Company

SkyLine SkyBest Charter AT&T

Allen Wealth Management Edward Jones Michael E. Steele, CFP

Jewelry Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Old World Galleries The Stone Saslows

Landscape Company 1st 2nd 3rd

Ground Effects Landscape & Maintenance Welch’s Lawn Care Maple Ridge Landscaping and Garden Center

Lumber Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Mountain Lumber Company New River Building Supply Lowes Inc.

Mattress Store 1st

Blackberry Creek Mattress

Men’s Clothier 1st 2nd 3rd

Belk Mast General Store Mo’s

Motorcycle / ATV Shop 1st 2nd 3rd

JB Fletcher’s Cycle Center Frank’s Action Cycle Sports Action Cycle

Music Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Kudzu Music Appalachian Music Shop 641 rpm

Nail Salon 1st 2nd 3rd

Natural Nails Spa City Nails Westglow Spa

Natural Food Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Bare Essentials Natural Market Earth Fare Prairie Provisions

Night Spot 1st

WJ Office Staples

Courtyard by Marriott La Quinta Chetola Resort

Investment Company 1st 2nd 3rd

1st 2nd

Oil Change

Internet Provider 1st 2nd 3rd

Office Outfitters

SkyLine SkyBest Creekside Electronics TME

Hotel 1st 2nd 3rd

Blowing Rock Town Tavern Genos

Appalachian Mountain Brewery

1st 2nd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd

Page 11

nks, f r v

s

Best Acupuncture Clinic!

Oil Exchange AJs Clark Tire

A-1 Termite & Pest Control Terminex Quality Pest Control

Pet Store 1st 2nd 3rd

The Pet Place Pet Supplies Plus Millers Farm Supply

Photography Studio 1st 2nd 3rd

Timeless Treazures Photography Burton Photography April Green Photography

Power Equipment Shop 1st 2nd 3rd

Offering Comprehensive Laboratory Assessments and Wellness Curriculums

Farmers Rentals & Power Equip Boone Rent-all A&B Outdoor

2015

Printing Shop 1st 2nd 3rd

Precision Printing Creative Printing Go Postal

610 State Farm Rd., Ste. B (behind WCEA) • Boone, NC 28607 (828) 265-8668 • www.blueridgeintegrativehealth.com

Propane Company 1st 2nd 3rd

Wallace Propane Freeman Gas Blue Ridge Energies

Second Hand Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Goodwill Industries Anna Bananas Welcome Home Thriftique

Ski Shop 1st 2nd 3rd

Recess Ski Country Sports 1st Tracks

Ski Slope 1st 2nd 3rd

Appalachian Ski Mountain Sugar Mountain Beech Mountain

Spa 1st 2nd 3rd

Westglow Resort & Spa Heavenly Touch Chetola

Sporting Goods Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Footsloggers Sage Sports Hibbets

Storage Facility 1st 2nd 3rd

Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar

Blue Skies Storage Alpine Storage App Mini Storage SEE BOB, PAGE 13

2124 Blowing Rock Road, Boone 828 264 7976

Best of the Best

Page 12

April 12, 2015

Thank you for voting us

Best Sports Bar in Watauga County!

2015

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Wing Nite

Karaoke Nite

Trivia Nite

.45¢

Check our website for Weekend Specials & Events

THEROCKSPORTSBAR.COM 276 WATAUGA VILLAGE DR (828)386-1723

WAL-MART SHOPPING CENTER

FACEBOOK.COM / THEROCKBOONE

Westglow Resort & Spa, represented by Olivia Church and Shannon Gunning, took home the title of best spa.

PHOTOS BY DAWN SHUMATE

Jessica Collins passes through the buffet line at the gala.

Best of the Best

April 12, 2015

BOB FROM PAGE 11

Telephone Company 1st 2nd 3rd

SkyLine SkyBest AT&T Verizon

Alray Tire & Auto Clark Tire Idols Tire

Travel Agency 1st 2nd 3rd

MickeyTravels Templeton Tours Cruise One

Window or Door Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Mountain Lumber Company Millers Watauga Building Supply

Wine Store 1st 2nd 3rd

Peabody’s Wine and Beer Merchants Grandfather Vineyard and Winery Eric’s Cheese and Wine

Women’s Boutique 1st 2nd 3rd

Acupuncture Clinic 1st 2nd 3rd

Tire Store 1st 2nd 3rd

BEST PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Lililu on King Lucky Penny ReDeux

Page 13

Thank you for voting

Dr. Joseph E. Allen, Jr.

Blue Ridge Acupuncture & Integrative Health Wellspring Boone Healing Arts Center 2015

Animal Clinic 1st 2nd 3rd

Animal Hospital of Boone Animal Emergency New River Vet

Attorney 1st 2nd 3rd

Nathan Miller Scott Casey Eggers, Eggers, Eggers, Eggers

Assisted Living 1st 2nd 3rd

Best Ophthalmologist in Watauga County I look forward to serving you in the year to come.

Deerfield Assisted Living Glenbridge Brian Estates

Auto Salesperson 1st 2nd 3rd

Dick Brookshire Walt Hollingsworth George Green

SEE BOB, PAGE 16

150 Market Hills Drive, Boone, NC (888) 626-2020 • graystone-eye.com

HELPING PEOPLE LOVE WHERE THEY LIVE Hardware Store Appliance Store

2015

2 015

(828) 262-0773 • 1855 Blowing Rock Rd.

Page 14

Best of the Best

April 12, 2015

Attendees and honorees enjoy dinner catered by McKethan Brothers BBQ at the sold-out Watauga Democrat Best of the Best Awards on Thursday.

PHOTO BY ANNA OAKES

Best of the Best

April 12, 2015

Page 15

Charlie Travis, left, with Joy Travis and Morgan Shaw, shine through with their award for best jewelry store.

PHOTO BY DAWN SHUMATE

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE

Best Mattress Store in Watauga County!

We are proud to have helped so many people in the High Country Rest Well and Live Better.

OUR WAY OF SAYING THANKS

BUY 1

pillow 2015

Rest Well Live Better Locally

OWNED

LOCAL COMMUNITY involvement

2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: BOONE MALL AND FOSCOE • 828-528-4161 WWW.BLACKBERRYMATTRESS.COM FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

GET 1

free

*excludes Tempurpedic Coupon must be presented at time of purchase

Best of the Best

Page 16

BOB

Funeral Home FROM PAGE 13

Beauty Salon 1st 2nd 3rd

Changes Salon Serendipity RSalon

1st 2nd 3rd

Dr. Greg Hawthorne Dr. Brad Batchelor Dr. John P. Fidler

Bryce Holder Gwyn Parsons Combs, Tenant and Carpenter

Dr. R. Lee Warren Dr. Todd Moore Dr. Julia Tyson

1st 2nd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd

Blalock Electric Gary Trivette Electric Jared Munday

1st 2nd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd

Vincent Properties Blue Ridge Real Estate and Investment Caldwell Banker

Real Estate Agent

Evelyn Shelton, RN Libby Wooten Sherry Hayes

1st 2nd 3rd

Thank You!

Bill Aceto Chad Vincent Carole Cox SEE BOB, PAGE 18

Thanks for your confidence in Greenway Medical Associates

We Sincerely Appreciate Your Business!

BEST AUTO BODY REPAIR

Diane Deal Sherry Perry Andy Ball

Real Estate Agency

Toby Oliver Daniel Minton Joey Lucas

2015

Brooks Plumbing & Heating Co. William Forbes Roy Tripplet

Public Servant

Farm Bureau Insurance High Country Insurance Allstate Insurance

Carrying on our Daddy’s tradition for over 50 years.

Greg Heisler Ray Greene Scott Andrews

Plumbing Contractor

VPC Builders 444 Kramer Built

Nurse

Dr. Marshall C. Murrey Dr. Leslie Smith Dr. Tim Dailey

Dr. Joseph E. Allen - Graystone Eye Dr. Daniel Krontz Dr. Jack Lawrence

Pastor

All-American Hearing Centers Blue Ridge Hearing Miracle Ear

Insurance Agent

Family Doctor 1st 2nd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd

Susan C. Sweeting, RN Bridgett Thompson, PA Leanne Young – Fritchie, FNP

Ophthalmologist

Dr. Beverly F. Womack Dr. Carrington Pertalion, CNM Dr. Camile Andrews

Insurance Agency

Electrical Contractor 1st 2nd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd

Home Builder

Dentist 1st 2nd 3rd

Hampton Funeral Service Austin and Barnes Funeral Services

Hearing Aid Service

CPA 1st 2nd 3rd

1st 2nd

Nurse Practitioner

Gynecologist

Chiropractor 1st 2nd 3rd

April 12, 2015

2015

Marshall C. Murrey, MD Anita Henderson, MD Karen Williams, FNP and staff

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2 013 ocrat.com ataugaDem www.W

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2 012 www.Watau gaDemocrat .com

950 State Farm Road, Suite 300 Boone, NC 28607 828-264-0550

April 12, 2015

Best of the Best

Page 17

Congratulations!

Pam Johnson 2015’s Best of the Best Cosmetologist!

Not only are you the best at your job, but you are also the best wife and Mom! You’re always #1 with us! We are so proud of you!

Walter, Zack and Kaylee

2015

Anita Clemmer represents the best natural store, Bare Essentials Natural Market.

PHOTO BY DAWN SHUMATE

2015

Thanks for “picking” us as your music store!

Thanks to all of our customers for voting us Best of the Best Tire Store and Auto Repair Shop.

828-265-4742 | 124 Realty Row | Boone, NC Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

guitars | banjos | ukes | violins print music | accessories repairs | lessons

come see us!

2348 Hwy 105, Suite 8 Boone, NC 28607 Mon-Fri: 10-6 Sat: 10-4 828-264-4765 www.KudzuMusic.net

Best of the Best

Page 18

BOB Valley Crucis Bakery&Cafe

Thank you for voting us Best Deli in Watauga County!

2015

3rd

FROM PAGE 16

Retirement Community 1st 2nd 3rd

Appalachian Brian Estates Deerfield Ridge Glenbridge

Surgeon 1st 2nd 3rd

3657 Hwy 194 S, Broadstone Rd. Next to Mast Store Valle Crucis, NC

828-963-2555

Dr. Howard Johnson Dr. Susan Mast Dr. Cara Roten

Keeping families comfortable for over 35 years.

2 015

Cornett Deal Christmas Tree Farm Taylor’s Nursery & Tree Farm What Fir Tree Farm

Church 1st 2nd

Watauga River New River Can’t Tell

Hiking Trail 1st 2nd 3rd

Boone Fork Trail Profile Trail Bass Lake

Picnic Spot

Christmas Tree Farm 1st 2nd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd

Anne Donadio Marshall Thomas Kim Shields

BEST MISCELLANEOUS

Located at:

Fishing Hole

Mountain View

Veterinarian 1st 2nd 3rd

Boone United Methodist

Dr. Tim D. Edmisten Dr Paul Dagher Dr. John Sloboda

Teacher 1st 2nd 3rd

April 12, 2015

Willow Valley Baptist Church Alliance Bible Fellowship

1st 2nd 3rd

1st 2nd 3rd

Thunder Hill Rough Ridge Howard’s Knob

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery Price Park Moses Cone

Soft Drink 1st 2nd 3rd

Cheerwine Coke Mountain Dew

Truck 1st 2nd 3rd

Ford Nissan Chevrolet

Waterfall 1st 2nd 3rd

Trash Can Falls Linville Falls Elk River

2015

Thank You!

You’ve put your best foot forward and made Studio K the Best of the Best.

DANCE WORKSHOP 289 DANIEL BOONE DR BOONE, NC 28607

828-264-0130 www.edmistenhvac.com

828.265.6621 WWW.STUDIOKDANCER.COM

Best of the Best

April 12, 2015

Page 19

Ellen, Toby and Joyce Hampton represent their family’s business, Hampton’s Body Shop.

PHOTO BY DAWN SHUMATE

Sending a special thank you to our family of patients who have supported and placed their trust in us for 42 years.

R. Lee Warren, DDS, MAGD R. Lee Warren, DDS, PA OFFICE HOURS BY APPOINTMENT

www.boonencdentist.com

We are very excited to be welcoming family members to our staff in July.

Congratulations to our lovely daughters.

Blaire Warren, DDS Debin Warren, BSDH GENERAL DENTISTRY 142 DOCTORS DRIVE BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA 28607

(828) 264-2762 FAX (828) 386-1468

Page 20

Best of the Best

April 12, 2015

Sandra Reese and Stephanie White of Lowe’s Home Improvement show off the two awards the store received at the event.

PHOTOS BY DAWN SHUMATE

Live music was presented by the Lucky Strikes, with Jamie Blanton on drums (left) and Jim Fieri on piano and vocals. Not pictured are Doug Brantz (guitar and vocals) and Steve Roark (saxophone, keyboard and vocals).

Dick Brookshire, who has been in the business for 30 years, has certainly earned the title for best auto salesperson.

April 12, 2015

Best of the Best

Page 21

2015

Thank you for voting us

BEST SPA Jake Chaney of WJ Office, the premier sponsor of the 2015 Best of the Best Awards, addresses the attendees and honorees.

PHOTO BY ANNA OAKES

828.295.4463 | WESTGLOW.COM

828.295.5141 | BLOWING ROCK

Thanks for voting us

2 015

Best Restaurant Service in Watauga County

970 Rivers Street, Boone, NC 828-264-7772 • www.CafePortofino.net

David Shore of Edmisten Heating and Cooling shows off his award.

PHOTO BY DAWN SHUMATE

Follow us on Facebook & stay up to date on special events and daily specials!

Best of the Best

Page 22

April 12, 2015

atau a

2015 www.WataugaDemocrat.com

Guests at the event line up for catering from local restaurant, Bandanas. From left: Lee, Debin and Debbie Warren and Joy Travis.

Five yea yearss in a row!! r w!!

2011

2012

2013

PHOTOS BY DAWN SHUMATE

2014

2015

THANK YOU CUSTOMERS FOR YOUR LOYAL SUPPORT! 2550 HWY 421 NORTH, BOONE • 828-297-5055 WWW.APPALACHIANFURNITURESTORE.COM

Attorney Nathan Miller shown with Best of the Best award in the attorney category.

Best of the Best

April 12, 2015

Page 23

VPC Building’s Whitney Burns, Casey Hayes and Matt Vincent show out for this year’s event.

PHOTO BY DAWN SHUMATE

Thanks to all of our wonderful customers who voted us

Best Fuel Oil Dealer •Propane •Heating Oil •Fireplaces •Outdoor Kitchens •Tankless Water Heaters

THANK YOU For voting me

Best of the Best Cosmetologist!

Thank you for voting us Best Women's Boutique!

2015

Come see our new Spring styles!

2015

I appreciate your recognition and the continued support and patronage of my clients.

PAM JOHNSON Hair Creations 643 K-2 Greenway Road Boone, NC 28607

www.gbenergy.com • 828-262-3637

549 West King Street Boone, NC 28607 (828) 264-4120

828.268.0402 ext.14

Page 24

Best of the Best

April 12, 2015

Pam Johnson, who won the award for best cosmetologist, is pictured with her son Zach, daughter Kaylee and husband Walter.

PHOTOS BY DAWN SHUMATE

Best of the Best Teacher in Watauga County went to Anne Donadio.

April 12, 2015

Best of the Best

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Matt and Gloria Scott, along with Samantha Lee, represent Higher Grounds Coffee Shoppe.

PHOTO BY DAWN SHUMATE

We want to thank the community and especially our clients for voting us

Best New Car Dealer

AND Runner Up Auto Salesperson 2015

Walt Hollingsworth

(828)264 6006 or (866)906 6764 1440 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone NC www.FriendshipHonda.com

Best of the Best

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Your Votes!

April 12, 2015

2015

Hosting meetings & events for up to 60 in our beautiful Mountaineer Room

Stop in for Starbucks and great breakfast!

828-265-7676

Courtyard by Marriott 1050 Hwy 105 · Boone, NC

www.marriott.com/hkybn

Mitzi and Doug Wallace of Wallace Propane prove that running a family business pays off.

PHOTOS BY DAWN SHUMATE

Doug and Mitzi Wallace of Wallace Propane would like to thank all their employees for helping them earn Best of the Best!

2015

Family owned.

Family operated.

Boone, NC • 828-297-1115

Appalachian Furniture’s Grace Ward and Merle Adams accept the award for best furniture store.

April 12, 2015

Best of the Best

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The Trolly Stop, represented by Michelle Trivette and Lynn Hallowell, takes home the bacon with the best hot dog award.

Midway Carpet and Tile’s Marsha Bristle and Mike Miller take pride in their two awards.

PHOTOS BY DAWN SHUMATE

Thank you to all of our loyal clients for voting us

Best Nail Salon 5 Years in a Row!

2015

Manicures • Pedicures • Acrylic Spa Manicures • Kids Menu • Waxing

Natural Nails Spa 828-265-1515 WWW.NATURALNAILSBOONE.COM

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Best of the Best

April 12, 2015