Thank You ReadeRs FoR Voting Us Best

A gift of flowers is welcome for almost every occasion. Something delicately beautiful and thoughtful can brighten any day from a formal occasion to just a simple afternoon with friends. Longmont Florist is proud to have brightened the Longmont community for close to 50 years, and customers keep coming back for more. Though their flowers, live plants and gifts are always the highest quality, it’s their people that make the real difference. Staff and designers help find the perfect solution to any request. Owner Brad Golter says, “We try really hard to say yes and then beat our customers expectations.”

Second: The Flower Bin Garden Center & Nursery,1805 Nelson Rd., Longmont (303) 772-3454, theflowerbin.net

Third: King Soopers - In Longmont : 995 S. Hover St, (303) 702-0099 // 1611 Pace St., (303) 776-7570 // 2255 Main St, (303) 772-7950 // kingsoopers.com

Best Frederick Business

Georgia boys BBQ Company 141 5th St., Frederick, (303) 833-3140, georgiaboysbbqcompany.com

Georgia boys in Frederick is finishing its first year with pride. More than just a fantastic barbecue joint, they bring the best of the south to a town in the north. Good food and family-friendly entertainment and events make Georgia boys a place to gather

The location not only gives the town award-winning BBQ, it also gives it a good place to just hang out and get a little food and an icy cold beverage while you’re there. There aren’t a lot of places to just go spend time with both family and friends around here and that’s a major part of their approach. Clearly, since this is the second time they’ve won this award, it works for them.

Georgia boys offers something for everyone; good ol’ Georgia soul food and a homey atmosphere for the family and a wall of Colorado draft beer and a large selection of televisions in the sports bar for your entertainment.

Second: Pete’s Place, 201 Fifth St., Frederick, (303) 833-2818, petesplace-papafranks.com

Third: Discount Tire & Service, 7133 Colorado Blvd., Frederick, (303) 833-3383, discounttwo.com

Best Furniture Store

Woodley’s Fine Furniture

1400 S. Main St., Longmont, (303) 651-1015, woodleys.com

Furnishing a home with décor and pieces that fully represent your style will elevate a space to feeling like your home. At Woodley’s Fine Furniture, the selection abounds. Their skilled staff assists customers in pairing the right statement with each room.

What sets them apart? “It has a lot to do with the fact that we’re a locally, family-owned company; two brothers married two sisters who all live here in Longmont,” Sean Cain, manager, says. “We build a lot of our own furniture from our own factory, too. We’re not just a retailer, but we also have a factory in Longmont.”

Second: American Furniture Warehouse, 10550 Jake Jabs Blvd., Longmont, afwonline.com

Third: Concepts Furniture, 800 S. Main St., Longmont, (303) 772-4178 conceptsfurniture.com

BEST GARDEN/NURSERY CENTER

The Flower Bin Garden Center & Nursery

1805 Nelson Rd., Longmont, (303) 772-3454, theflowerbin.net

“Buy local” is a big catch phrase in Colorado business these days, but how about buy local AND grow local? That’s where The Flower Bin differs from most nurseries. The Flower Bin is special not only because their plants are sourced straight from their growing range in Platteville, but also because of their staff.

“Our success is due to our team,” says owner Don Weakland. “All of our people are permanent and have been here for years and years. The average is at least 15 years.”

And, of course, he credits his customers who, he says, “appreciate the outstanding, locally-grown plants and our expert staff who can help with any gardening question. We have been in business for 44 years; our customers keep us going.”

Second: Home Depot, 393 S. Hover Rd., Longmont, (720) 494-0319 homedepot.com

Third: Lowe’s Home Improvement, 355 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont (303) 684-5900, lowes.com

Best Gift Shop

Adorn Home & Gift Gallery

668 4th Ave., Unit B, Longmont, (303) 651-6933

Owner Sharald Church, is proud of the very special collection of items from over 150 vendors housed inside Adorn Home & Gift Gallery “We’re a shop that always has a unique appeal and an artisan feel,” she says. “We have a lot of regular customers who drop in frequently to check out the new merchandise that we get in almost daily—our turn around is fast!”

Adorn Home & Gift Gallery has a sister store, Adornables Little Ones Boutique, that carries a fun mix of merchandise for children. Sharald says the Old Town area of Longmont appealed to her because of the pedestrian focus.

“We especially targeted the Old Town area because it is still a walking community,” she says. “We love downtown Longmont and think it’s a great community with a lot to offer.”

Second: Magic Fairy Candles, 800 S. Hover, Unit 25, Longmont (720) 771-0359, magicfairycandles.com

Third: Cheese Importers, 103 Main St., Longmont, (303) 772-9599 cheeseimporters.com

Best Grocery Store

King Soopers

In Longmont: 995 S. Hover St., (303) 702-0099 // 1611 Pace St., (303) 776-7570 2255 Main St., (303) 772-7950 // kingsoopers.com

King Soopers is perhaps the best known grocery store in Colorado and with good reason. There are 139 King Soopers in Colorado, and with consumer interest growing in organic foods, King Soopers has met that demand head on. In addition, they provide local produce when possible and encourage consumers to ‘go-green’ by discouraging the use of the plastic bags. King Soopers includes a pharmacy, deli, floral department and butcher as well as the usual canned or boxed goods found elsewhere. With their higher quality customer service, their wide selections of high quality produce and meats, King Soopers could not be beat this year as a consumer favorite.

Second: Lucky’s Market, 700 Ken Pratt Blvd., #201, Longmont, (303) 827-3684, luckysmarket.com

Third: Natural Grocers, 1745 Main St., Longmont, (303) 684-8200, naturalgrocers.com

Best Gunbarrel Business

Avery Brewing Company

4910 Nautilus Ct., Boulder, (303) 440-4324, averybrewing.com

Colorado is well known for its craft beer scene. Avery Brewing Company is a crowd favorite amidst the competition. What was once a home brewing experiment in the early ‘90s by Adam Avery, (now president and brewmaster), has gained enough momentum to place Avery Brewing Company in the ranks of the top craft brewers. Today, the company is still growing and so is the adoration.

Avery Brewing Company has a line of brews suited for every beer bro and babe. From seasonal selections to barrel-aged brews, they are to be reckoned with. Offering brewery tours, paired eats and beers, flights and fun, a stop at Avery Brewing Company isn’t one to miss.

Second: King Soopers, 6550 Lookout Rd., Gunbarrel Shopping Center, Boulder, (303) 530-1020 kingsoopers.com

Third: Cafe Blue American Grill, 5280 Spine Rd., Boulder, (303) 530-4345, cafebluegunbarrel.com

BEST HARDWARE/HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE

Ace Hardware 1727 Main St., Longmont, (303) 776-5173, acelongmont.com

At Ace Hardware the people make the place succeed, according to co-owner Kirsten Pellicer, who has been working at the store with her parents since she was a teenager

“Locally and nationally, we’re known as the helpful place,” says Pellicer “You can’t be helpful without the people who are out there everyday interacting with the customers and telling them how to do their projects. That’s really what we’ve built our business on.”

Pellicer’s parents bought the local hardware store 25 years ago and opened Ace, confident of their commitment to the Longmont area.

“My parents loved it here so much, they invested in the community and bought a business,” says Pellicer “Longmont is just a wonderful community and it has been so good to us.”

Second: Budget Home Center, 780 Boston Ave., Longmont, (303) 678-8800, budgethomecenters.com

Third: Home Depot, 393 S. Hover Rd., Longmont, (720) 494-0319, homedepot.com

Best Jewelry Store

BEST HYGIENE BUSINESS Mary’s Market & Deli

11809 N. 75th St., Hygiene, (303) 774-8330, purpledoormarket.net

Mary’s Market & Deli, which is now known as the Purple Door Market as of May 1, 2015, is a gem in the sea of Colorado grocers. The name change is courtesy of new owners, Amy Ruf and Greg Vann, who also own Purple Door Farm.

Purple Door Market is a quaint store that houses delicious selections of food, one of a kind treats and produce that is harvested from the sister farm, Purple Door Farm. Featuring an in-store deli, selecting the right cut of meat for dinner is only one stop away. Sip on an espresso drink from the café and browse the aisles at Purple Door Market.

Second: Crane Hollow Cafe, 7502 Hygiene Rd., Hygiene, (303) 776-1551

Third: Rabbit Brush Gallery, 7504 Hygiene Rd., Longmont (303) 651-1106, rabbitbrushgallery.com

Snyder Jewelers 2201 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, (303) 776-2992, snyderjewelers.com

Linda Snyder, third generation owner of Snyder Jewelers, knows that running a business isn’t just making a sale. It all comes down to building relationships. Not only does she treat customers like family, she also serves the community as co-founder of A Woman’s Work, and Board of Directors member of TRU Community Care Hospice as well as contributing to many local charities. Her relationship to the community has been honored in the form of her induction into the Boulder County Business Hall of Fame on April 29, 2015.

Snyder says, “I am very proud to continue in the tradition of my parents and grandparents. They worked hard but truly enjoyed this business. It’s the best job in the world! We get to help people celebrate life’s most special moments.”

Second: Classic Gold Jewelers, 383 Main St., Longmont, (303) 774-1322, classicgoldjewelers.net

Third: Ron R Fine Jewelry, 452 Main St., Longmont, (303) 651-1125

Best Liquor Store

PJ’s Wine & Spirits 665 Frontage Rd., Longmont, (303) 485-8600, pjwinespirits.com

Fine wine, spirits and beer can make or break any get together or major event. At PJ’s Wine & Spirits in Longmont, finding the perfect beverages will make an event as tasty as it is memorable.

Offering a wide-ranging selection of alcohol, there is a bottle to suit the need of every customer In fact, they just added a 12 door cooler to hold their expanded selection of chilled wine and craft beers. PJ’s Wine & Spirits selections are both affordable and abundant. They have the lowest prices in Colorado not just for a week, but every day!

“There is not a store in northern Colorado that carries as many specialty items. Our friendly and experienced staff is here to help you with any of your needs.”

Second: Twin Peaks Liquor, 999 S. Hover Rd., Longmont, (303) 684-9165, twinpeaksliquor.com

Third: Fox Creek Liquors, 1610 Pace St. #700, Longmont, (720) 494-0771, foxcreekliquors.com

2065 Main St., Longmont (303) 485-1055 www.asushihana.com

BEST LYONS BUSINESS Oskar Blues Grill & Brew

303 Main St., Lyons, (303) 823-6685, oskarblues.com

Cracking open a can of brew can be the relaxing end to a long day that we all look forward to, and Oskar Blues brew is hops above the rest. With a location for their best brews and bites, a visit to Oskar Blues Grill & Brew is a must.

Whether hops are your style or you’re a smoother swallow kinda guy/gal, Oskar Blues Grill & Brew will most definitely have the pint to top off your experience. The restaurant/brewery are hard to miss, since the large Oskar Blues silo is hard to miss. An Oskar Blues Grill & Brew stop is bound to support the best liquids and solids street cred.

Second: The Stone Cup & Kitchen, 442 High St., Lyons (303) 823-2345, thestonecup.com

Third: Lyons Fork, 450 Main St., Lyons, (303) 823-5014, lyonsfork.com

Best Mattress Store

Verlo Mattress Factory 455 Weaver Park Rd., Longmont, (303) 651-9024, verlo.com

There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep. Waking up on the right side of the bed can put the pep in your step that’s necessary to get through a long workweek and back-breaking daily schedule.

Verlo Mattress Factory houses a wide selection of mattresses ranging from hard mattresses to soft and plush. Whether you like your bed to be firm or with give, the Verlo Mattress Factory staff will help you to select the best fit for your body and preference.

With a mattress guarantee that ensures that you stay well rested and happy, there’s no better place to find the bed of your dreams.

Second: American Furniture Warehouse, 10550 Jake Jabs Blvd., Longmont, afwonline.com

Third: Appliance Factory & Mattress Kingdom, 1401 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, (303) 651-9270 appliancefactory.com

Best Mead Business

Brick House BBQ 237 Main St., Mead, (970) 535-9040, brickhousebbqmead.com

Locally owned Brick House BBQ has been serving up their savory hickorysmoked barbecue since 2008. Owners Glen and Jenni Rademacher have perfected the Kansas City-slash-Texas recipe that keeps bringing hungry customers back for ribs, brisket and smoked sausages (not to mention the prime rib that you’ll find every Friday). “People from both places tell us it’s the most authentic they have ever tasted,” says Jenni Rademacher, who also creates the amazing homemade desserts – the chocolate caramel cake, coconut cream cake, seasonal cobblers and Taffy Apple Crisp with Granny Smith apples. “I like to just get creative and make stuff up.”

Second: Red Rooster Restaurant, 4330 Colorado Hwy 66, Longmont, (970) 535-0889 facebook.com/pages/Red-Rooster-Restaurant/152512004789706

Third: Happy Tails Pet Sitting & Services, PO Box 324, Mead, (970) 535-0910 petsit.com/pet-sitter-mead-co-289103

Best Musical Instrument Store

Miller Music 464 Main St., Longmont, (303) 772-8500, millermusic.com

For over 40 years and two generations, Miller Music has provided award winning customer service to the people of Longmont and musicians from far and wide.

Since its inception in 1974, Ken Miller, and now his son Seth Miller, have evolved from a small lessons studio and retail store to a full scale music store, offering so much more. Whether you’re in need of lessons, instrument rental or repair, electronics repair, professional audio gear, accessories or instruments, Miller Music is a “one-stop-shop” for all of your music needs. Each team member of Miller Music carries years of experience in their field, providing the most professional, efficient and cost effective service around. When it comes to quality and customer service, never settle for less.

Second: Guitars Etc.,460 Main St., Longmont,(303) 776-8388, guitarsetc.net

Third: Jensen Guitars, 350 Main St., Longmont, (303) 827-3163, jensenguitars.com

Best Niwot Business

Sugar Beet Station 7960 Niwot Rd., Niwot, (720) 491-0676, facebook.com/SugarBeetStation

Whether you are creatively inclined, or you just want to look that way, Sugar Beet Station in Niwot is just the store for you. Offering a wide selection of finished décor and whimsical pieces, as well as supplies to make your own, making a stop in the store may whisk away the time, but never the fun. From cute wreaths to faux flowers to birdhouses and more, there is a perfect addition for your home or next project.

And even if you don’t think you have the crafty skills or the talent to do it yourself, the expertly skilled staff members at Sugar Beet Station teach classes in a manner that help even the most novice amateur to become a craft pro.

Second: Niwot Tavern, 7960 Niwot Rd, Niwot, (303) 652-0200, niwottavern.com

Best Pet Supply Store

PetSmart 1125 S. Hover Rd., Longmont, (303) 702-9526, petsmart.com

Third: Colterra Food & Wine, 210 Franklin St., Niwot, (303) 652-0777, colterra.com

If you have a pet, from fishy to fido, you’ve probably been to PetSmart. It’s a go-to location for any pet related need. Food? They have that. Toys? That too. What about habitats, dietary supplements, veterinary care, medications grooming and training? No problem.

The one thing you won’t find at PetSmart is cats and dogs for sale. Rather than contribute to overpopulation problems, PetSmart holds adoption events in conjunction with local Adoption Partners. The pet adoption goes through the local agency and PetSmart doesn’t see the funds. They do provide adoption kits for new pet owners, with in-store discounts on products and training.

Whether they’re a new family member or a lifetime companion, PetSmart loves your pet like you do.

Second: Petco, 205 Ken Pratt Blvd., #280, Longmont, (720) 652-4642, petco.com

Third: Four Paws & Co., 1225 Ken Pratt Blvd., #108, Longmont, (303) 485-1565, fourpawsandco.com

Best Prospect Business

The Rib House 1920 S. Coffman St., Longmont, (303) 485-6988, theribhouse.com

Longmont’s Prospect neighborhood was designed around the ideas of community and livability The architecture is invigorating, varied and colorful. Tree-lined streets, parks and public amenities encourage you to get out of your car and interact with your neighbors. The Rib House is a popular meeting place for those neighbors and visitors alike who come for the authentic barbecue, scrumptious sides and desserts, and the friendly, personal service. Owners Merry Ann and Tracy Webb migrated from Kansas City to Longmont in 1989, opened The Rib House in 2001, and the rest is history “We are honored and humbled to win this award!” Merry Ann says. “We truly appreciate the support of our friends in Prospect.”

Second: Big Daddy Bagels, 1940 Ionosphere St., Ste. D, (303) 834-8237 bigdaddybagels.comcastbiz.net

Third: Two Dog Diner, 645 Tenacity Dr., Longmont, (303) 772-2364, twodogdiner.com

BEST RECYCLED GOODS/THRIFT STORE

Habitat for Humanity Restore

1351 Sherman Dr., Longmont, (303) 776-3334, longmontrestore.webs.com

Habitat for Humanity (HFH) is a cause that helps to build houses for families in need. Together with volunteer efforts, the end result is one that touches the lives of all involved.

With a house comes the need for furniture, necessities and décor At Habitat for Humanity Restore, every in-home need can be fulfilled with the assortment of recycled or repurposed furniture and household additions.

“We are blessed to have great donors, customers and volunteers that help us to recycle, repurpose and reuse. All of the efforts of the HFH-St. Vrain ReStore are focused on raising money, so that we can build more homes for families in need. It is the love of God in action,” Andy McClure, manager, says.

Second: Goodwill 1750 Main St., Longmont, (720) 684-4334, goodwilldenver.org

Third: Lifestyle Consignments, 1225 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, (303) 485-2617 fabulousfurnishings.net

Best Shoe Store

Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.

373 Main St., Longmont, (303) 776-2920, longmontshoes.com

Brown’s Shoe Fit opened its Longmont doors in 1946 and they’ve been in the same spot ever since. Its long tradition of selection and service included an expansion in 1975 and an extensive remodel in 2006. “We are proud to serve Longmont, Boulder county and the surrounding areas for 69 years,” says Manager, Jason Wetzel.

Brown’s sole goal is to get you into the perfect pair of shoes, whether you are walking, running, hiking, sunning in sandals or just loafing in your loafers. Wetzel says, “We want people to find what they are looking for, have an enjoyable experience while shopping, and have a knowledgeable and friendly staff available to help them.” You’ll find good quality, name-brand footwear and accessories, and enjoy personalized, professional service on every visit.

Second: DSW, 180 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, (303) 702-5191, dsw.com

Third: Big 5 Sporting Goods, 1610 Main St., Longmont, (720) 652-6593 big5sportinggoods.com

Best Sporting Goods

Dick’s

Sporting Goods

210 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, (303) 682-5740 dickssportinggoods.com

Dick’s Sporting Goods offers a full selection of equipment and apparel for fitness, team sports, recreation and outdoor enthusiasts. Customers will also find footwear for any need, as well as gear to support favorite teams and players in both college and professional sports. The wide selection and the staff’s level of service and knowledge keeps people coming back and voting them a Longmont favorite.

Second: Big 5 Sporting Goods, 1610 Main St. Longmont, (720) 652-6593 big5sportinggoods.com

Third: Sports Authority, 2251 Ken Pratt Blvd. Longmont, (303) 651-9697 co.longmont.sportsauthority.com

BEST STORAGE FACILITY Nelson Road Self Storage

1819 Nelson Rd., Longmont, (303) 776-1111 nelsonroadselfstorage.com

Moving is never fun. In fact, moving is usually stressful, especially when you have to store belongings from your home as well. However, at Nelson Road Self Storage, they make the transition from one home to the other seamless. With service that is customer-focused, storing housewares for the short or long-term is made easy Nelson Road Self Storage is a local privately owned company that takes pride in service that is driven by being helpful. Their units are clean and their consideration for the customer is what sets their storage service apart from others.

Second: The Attic, 831 1st Ave., Longmont (303) 678-0666, longmontministorage.com

Third: Public Storage, 2331 Wedgewood Ave. Longmont,(720) 378-4814, publicstorage.com

BEST TIRE STORE Discount Tire

379 S. Hover St., Longmont, (303) 774-9869 discounttire.com

Most of us don’t think about our tires until we get a flat or it’s time to get the snow tires mounted. But the team at Discount Tire thinks about tires every day, and how to serve your tire needs the best they can. “We work hard to earn the right to call you our customer,” says manager Rick Thompson. You can count on their knowledge to get you set up with the right tires to match your automobile and driving needs. And integrity is a big thing here, too. “We keep people safe, we treat them fairly, and we do what’s right for our customers.” At Discount Tire, that’s just the way they roll.

Second: Big O Tires, 1205 S. Main St., Longmont (303) 772-1462, bigotires.com

Third: Peerless Tires 4 Less, 1380 S. Main St., Longmont (303) 776-0143, peerlesstyreco.com