People's Choice | December 2011

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Skagit Publishing

People’s Choice winners for 2011

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

BEST NEW BUSINESS!

DENTAL EMERGENCIES

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• Root Canals

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(Minimized Radiation)

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• EXPERIENCED Children’s Dentistry

• Denture Stabilization

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(360) 856-4540 Dr. Brandon L. Atkinson, DMD Dr. Jason Kaopua, DMD

727 Trail Road, Ste B CareCredit

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Patient Payment Plans

Sedro-Woolley, WA

www.AtkinsonFamilyDentistry.com

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• Spanish-speaking Staff

• Wisdom Teeth Extraction • Dentures

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• Implant Placement

Burlington

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New State-of-the-Art Facility

SENIOR & CASH

Discounts

editor Ralph Schwartz

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advertising operations manager

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Deb Bundy dbundy@skagitpublishing.com | 360.416.2126

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Display Advertising Manager

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Mark Dobie mdobie@skagitpublishing.com

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Advertising director

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Sarah Hickman shickman@skagitpublishing.com

People’s Choice winners for 2011

advertising operations Katie Erickson, Abby Jackson, Jenny Overman, Christina Poisal, Patricia StowelL

photographer scott terrell

design & layout Jody Hendrix

Advertising consultants Linda Fahnlander linda@skagitpublishing.com Stephanie Harper sharper@skagitpublishing.com Marcus McCoy mmccoy@skagitpublishing.com Michelle O’Donnell modonnell@skagitpublishing.com Kathy Schultz kschultz@skagitpublishing.com Katie Sundermeyer ksundermeyer@skagitpublishing.com Paul Tinnon ptinnon@skagitpublishing.com John Williams jwilliams@skagitpublishing.com

SKAGIT PUBLISHING 1215 Anderson Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 98274 P: 360.424.3251 F: 360.424.5300 Restocking: 360.416.2171 ©2011 by Skagit Publishing | All rights reserved goskagit.com

Best Greenhouse/Nursery, Christianson’s Nursery features an 1888 schoolhouse.

Nasty Jack’s Antiques features vintage books & one-of-a-kind items in La Conner.

Best Businesses.............. 4-13 Best People & Places..... 14-17 Best Food & Drink.......... 18-22 Full Index..................................23 Cover photo by Scott Terrell: Five Guys Burgers and Fries manager John Collins, center, and employees pose inside the restaurant, voted Best New Business of 2011.

Skagit Publishing People’s Choice | 2011

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best Businesses

best new business Five Guys Burgers and Fries

After I learned this year’s “Best New Business” winner, I quickly found out the voters were on to something.

“You haven’t eaten at Five Guys?” my colleagues asked during a “People’s Choice” planning meeting, right after they told me who received our cover-worthy honor for 2011.

If you haven’t heard of Five Guys Burgers and Fries, then you are part of a dwindling group.

The company’s website, http://fiveguys.com, says the restaurant has “grown a cult-like following.” The response when Five Guys opened Sept. 15 in Burlington, off George Hopper Road across from Costco, bears this out.

“The day we opened, we had a line out the door for hours,” said John Collins, general manager of the Burlington store. Posts anticipating the opening were circulating on Facebook and Twitter months in advance, he said.

Two months after opening day, Collins said you can still find a line of people out the door on weekends.

“It’s a popular place to be,” he said.

So what is it about Five Guys that has caused the masses to drink the Kool-Aid? (OK, the restaurant doesn’t serve Kool-Aid, but it does have 106 varieties of soda!)

Collins laughs off any suggestion that there’s a deep secret to the company’s success. It boils down to a few key concepts, he says — simplicity, freshness and quality.

The menu is as the name says: burgers and fries, and little else.

“Whatever we make, we want to be the absolute best at,” he said. “Anybody can say, ‘Ours is the best.’ We let the food speak for itself.”

I’m no restaurant reviewer, but the burger sure was tasty. (Five Guys also won Best Hamburger.) It was the eatery’s standard burger, with one-half pound of beef, cheese, lettuce and tomato, pickles and everything else.

What I noticed most was some piquant flavor — was it in the sauce? — that led me to wonder if there wasn’t a secret formula after all.

Best New Business/ Best Hamburger

Five Guys Burgers and Fries Owners: franchised; general manager John Collins Address: 1870 Marketplace Drive, Burlington Years in business: 3 months What’s offered: Burgers and fries, grilled cheese, hot dogs, 106 soda flavors, complimentary peanuts

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More to know: Five Guys doesn’t use a microwave or freezer. French fries are fresh-cut and cooked in peanut oil. The restaurant has hired 45 local employees and reaches out to the community by sponsoring festivals and high school sports teams.

Website: http://fiveguys.com

Best Antique Store Nasty Jack’s Antiques Owners: Marlo and Gary Frank Address: 103 E. Morris St., La

Skagit Publishing People’s choice | 2011

Conner Years in business: 40 What’s offered: Antique furniture, vintage books and magazines, antique collectibles, unique gifts, stained-glass windows, on-site furniture refinishing and repair, kiddie rides.

More to know: “Furniture, gifts, and fun.” Nasty Jack’s also has an old-time photo studio specializing in Western and pirate themes. Get your picture taken in front of a real saloon bar. Seasonable ice cream and espresso.

Website: www.nastyjacksantiques. com and on Facebook goskagit.com

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best Businesses Best Appliance Store

Best Art Gallery/ Custom Framing

Anderson Appliance

Wilson’s Picture Framing

Owners (early 2011): Gary and Terry Anderson Address: 2520 Cedardale Road, Mount Vernon and 5306 Pacific Highway E., Fife Years in business: 34 What’s offered: Sales and service of appliances More to know: Anderson Appliance has been privileged to offer quality appliance sales and service in the Skagit Valley for 34 years. We thank the community for its support.

Website: www.

AndersonAppliance.com

Owners: Guy Wilson Address: 822 N. 4th St., Mount Vernon Years in business: 20 What’s offered: Custom framing, custom matting, fillets, shrink wrapping, glazing options More to know: Wilson’s philosophy is that all art deserves to be framed and preserved, whether it’s worth one dollar or $1,000.

If you love it, you should have it framed. Wilson’s frames everything from note cards, calendar pages and children’s art to signed and numbered lithographs, and

Alpha Yaya Diallo & the Bafing Riders

Friday, February 10 7:30pm

Deep Blue

ArcheDreams for HUMANKIND Sunday, February 12 2:00pm

Mick Moloney

Green Fields of America Friday, March 30 7:30pm

The Good Lovelies Friday, April 27 7:30pm

360.416.7727 mcintyrehall.org goskagit.com

Skagit Publishing People’s Choice | 2011

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best Businesses originals. All work is done on-site.

Website: http:// wilsonpictureframing.com

Best Auto Repair/ Body Shop Avon Body Shop Owners David, Scott and Tim Solver (parents Larry and Janene Solver are retired) Address: 14015 Avon Allen Road and 19983 E. Hickox Road, Mount Vernon Years in business: 40 What’s offered: Collision repair, auto body repair, frame repair, painting, wheel alignment, full mechanical repair More to know: Avon Body Shop

is a full-service collision repair shop. Lifetime warranty on all repairs. The business works with all insurance companies and has the latest technology for vehicle repair — computer frame measuring, water-based paint and a downdraft bake booth.

Website: www.avonautobody.com

Best Barber Shop Ken’s Hairstyling Owners Gary Molenaar Address: 403 S. 2nd St., Downtown Mount Vernon Years in business: 53 What’s offered: Hair coloring, Perms, Feather Extensions. Men’s, women’s and children’s hair.

Visit one of our three beautiful clinics:

Nannette Crowell, MD

2100 Little Mountain Lane Mt. Vernon, WA 98274

(360)416-6735 C. Dan Siapco, MD

Carlindo Pereira, MD

Maria VanNurden, OD, MS

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2131 Hospital Drive Sedro Woolley, WA 98284 26910 92nd Ave NW #C6 Stanwood, WA 98292

More to know: Gary’s dad Ken opened the shop up in 1958.

Over these many years they have developed a home town feel and have served generations of customers. In 1984 Gary took over the business and has been a mainstay of Mount Vernon ever since. They would like to thank everybody who has been faithful to Ken’s over the years.

Best Bank/ Financial Institution Skagit State Bank Owner: 760 local stockholders including seven on the Board of Directors Address (home office): 301 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington Years in business: 54 What’s offered: Checking, savings, personal and business loans, lines of credit, mortgages More to know: Skagit State Bank is an independent community bank serving local people and businesses from 12 offices in Skagit, Whatcom and Snohomish counties. Under the leadership of Cheryl R. Bishop, assets have grown to $720 million; the bank has 167 employees. Many team members have been with the bank for the majority of their careers.

Website: http://skagitbank.com

Thank you for voting us Best Vision Center four years in a row!

Visit our website: www.ncascade.com

Skagit Publishing People’s choice | 2011

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best Businesses

Riverside Chiropractic

We’ve shared your laughter, we’ve shared your tears.

Thank you for voting us

Best Buy

Best Caterer again this year!

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Owners: publicly traded Address: 1851 Marketplace Drive, Burlington Years in business: 46 What’s offered: TV, cameras, computers, phones, music and movies, appliances More to know: Best Buy is a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services. The Geek Squad offers computer services and accessories for residential and commercial clients.

Website: www.bestbuyinc.com

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Best Computer Store

Owners: Gary Hanson Address: 17958 Cove Lane, Mount Vernon Years in business: 34 What’s offered: general contractor More to know: Hanson Brothers is a licensed and insured privately owned commercial and private contractor specializing in all aspects of construction.

The business has been doing projects in Skagit and the surrounding counties for more than 34 years. The company’s drive for quality and integrity has contributed to its success.

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Owners: Doctors of Chiropractic Lanny Jacobs, Doug Jacobsmeyer and Lori Johnson Address: 2118 Riverside Drive, Suite 105, Mount Vernon Years in business: 26 What’s offered: Treatment of all injuries and musculoskeletal pain, health maintenance, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, activator and diversified techniques More to know: Riverside Chiropractic’s friendly staff helps patients recover from injury or maintain a healthy body. Workers comp and most insurance companies accepted. The office takes its own X-rays.

Owners: Macy’s Inc. Address: 700 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington Years in business: 153 What’s offered: While it won for its selection of clothing, the chain also specializes in bed and bath, shoes, jewelry and watches, handbags and accessories.

More to know: Macy’s delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers. Macy’s stores and macys. com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of its customers.

Website: www.macys.com

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Best Chiropractor’s Office

Macy’s

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Owners: Mike and Scott Blade Address: 1100 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon Years in business: 99 What’s offered: New Chevrolets, used vehicles, fleet and commercial, service, parts, RV center More to know: Voted the No. 1 dealer 14 years in a row. Blade was the No. 1 volume Chevy dealer north of Seattle in 2010.

Website: www.bladechevy.com

Best Construction Company

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Avenue Catering, your avenue to perfection.

Phone: 360-755-5880 cateringbyavenue.com

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best Businesses Best Day Spa, Best Styling Salon & Best Cosmetic/Skin Care

Best Dental Office Atkinson Family Dentistry

Envy Owners: Heather and Curt Lindsey Address: 1705 E. College Way, Mount Vernon Years in business: 5 What’s offered: Hair cuts, facials, body wraps and scrubs, pedicures and manicures, waxing, bridal service package More to know: Envy salon was opened February 2007. Curt and

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Owners: Brandon Atkinson, DMD and Jason Kaopua, DMD Address: 727 Trail Road, SedroWoolley Years in business: 12 What’s offered: General and cosmetic dentistry, extractions, root canals, implants, crowns, bridges, dentures More to know: Atkinson Family Dentistry’s goal is to provide exceptional dentistry to all in the community. The office accepts most dental insurance, and DSHS for children and pregnant women. It also accepts Dental Care Solutions membership discounts and union dental plans. It has a new state-ofthe-art facility and digital-imaging X-rays.

Website: www.

AtkinsonFamilyDentistry.com

Heather decided it would be a good project for the two of them, and they turned out to be right. Envy body opened in 2009, enabling the business to offer a full-service experience including hair color, keratin straightening, spray tanning, massage, Nova Lash eyelash extensions and Great Length hair extensions.

Website: www.envysalonforhair.com Owners: Brad and Linda Pickett Address: 714 E. Division St. and 215 E. Fir St., Mount Vernon Years in business: 23 What’s offered: Dry cleaning, shirt service, draperies, wedding gown preservation, in-house alterations and linens.

More to know: Modern Cleaners was established in 1947 and purchased by Brad and Linda Pickett in 1989. In addition to two Mount Vernon locations, Modern Cleaners offers free pickup and delivery to home or office in

Skagit Publishing People’s choice | 2011

Best Dry Cleaner

Modern Cleaners

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best Businesses Anacortes, Burlington, La Conner and Mount Vernon. The company offers gentle, speedy processing of garments using eco-friendly methods. The business appreciates its loyal customers, who have voted it “People’s Choice” from 20022011.

Website: www.moderncleaners. com.

Best Event Planning Creative Celebrations Owner: Colleen Smiley Address: N/A Years in business: 26 What’s offered: Full-service event planning, including corporate events, weddings and nonprofit fundraisers. Charity auction consulting and on-site services.

More to know: Whether you are planning a wedding, corporate party or any other special event, you want to be able to enjoy the occasion. That can be difficult when you are the one responsible for all the details. Creative Celebrations relieves that stress, making sure your special event is organized down to the last detail.

Website: www. creativecelebrations.com

Best Florist Hart’s Floral Owners: Kurt Kazda and Colleen McNight Address: 410 Commercial St., Mount Vernon Years in business: 69 What’s offered: Floral arrangements, gift baskets for home and business, weddings, green and blooming plants, plant baskets More to know: Hart’s has a talented, energetic staff and a spacious shop. The florist has won the People’s Choice award since 1996. Hart’s prides itself on being the oldest, largest and best florist in Skagit County.

Website: www.hartfloral.com

Best Funeral Home Lemley Funeral Home Owners: Rick Lemley and Chuck Ruhl Address: 1008 3rd St., SedroWoolley Years in business: 76 What’s offered: Funeral and cremation services More to know: Lemley is a thirdgeneration family funeral home dedicated to the community, offering choices and guidance in selecting funeral and cremation services, memorial markers and pre-need counseling.

Website: www.lemleychapel.com

Enjoy being Inside...

Stay toasty warm on cold days and cool on warm days!

As friendly to the environment as it is to your budget.

• Extended warranties for complete piece of mind • Attractive financing programs through GE Money • Up to 50% energy savings

Last Chance for Federal Tax Credits UP TO $500 see store for details

Best Thanks For Voting Usitioning

Cond Furnace - Heating - Air

Store For 2011!

17737 State Route 536 Mount Vernon, WA 360-428-0969 • 1-800-367-1359 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30 Sat. 9-5, Closed Sundays

www.handysheating.com

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best Businesses Best Furnace/ Heating/AC store Handy’s Heating Owners Bill Handy Address: 17737 Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon Years in business: 20 What’s offered: Furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioning, water heaters, gas fireplaces, services and repairs More to know: Handy opened his business in 1992 from his garage with a single employee. Two years later, he had 15 employees and moved to his current location.

Website: http://handysheating.com

Best Furniture Store Hansen’s Furniture Owners: Don and Cindy Gerrior Address: 916 and 1101 W. Division St., Mount Vernon Years in business: 71 What’s offered: Furniture for the living room, bedroom, dining room; mattresses, recliners and a complete children’s store More to know: Hansen’s Furniture

with great quality and everyday low pricing has been serving the valley since 1940. The knowledgeable staff assists with all home furnishing needs. More than 42,000 square feet of showroom space. Purchases can be hauled away or set up for immediate delivery.

Website: www.hansensfurniture. com

Best Greenhouse/ Nursery Christianson’s Nursery

Owners: John and Toni Christianson Address: 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon Years in business: 66 What’s offered: An enticing selection of common and uncommon plants. More than 550 rose varieties, rare perennials and Owners: Linda R. Bachmann annuals, and a vast quantity of Address: 724 S. 1st St., Mount herbs, fruit trees and berries.

Vernon More to know: Christianson’s is Years in business: 31 a traditional nursery offering the What’s offered: Gifts and cards, most complete selection of plants in home decor, holiday gifts and Northwest Washington. The nursery decor, women’s clothing, shoes, has a year-round staff of certified, accessories professional horticulturists. Its More to know: The staff at My location is surrounded by tulip Favorite Things say they love it fields in the spring and has a when they hear, “I know I can number of historic features, always find the gift I need at My including an 1888 schoolhouse, Favorite Things.” Whether it’s a an 1895 seed room and its 1946 one-of-a-kind gift or a “me” present, propagation greenhouse. the shop has a lot of choices. Gift Website: www. wrapping and shipping available, christiansonsnursery.com. and poodle hugs are free.

Best Gift Shop

My Favorite Things

Best Hardware Store

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Best Dry Cleaner for 2002 through 2011 360-336-2322

714 W. Division • 215 N. Fir • Mount Vernon SERVING YOU IS OUR BUSINESS. PLEASING YOU IS OUR GOAL. 10

Skagit Publishing People’s choice | 2011

Owners: Jeff Kaptein Address: 1420 Riverside Dr., Mount Vernon Years in business: 31 What’s offered: Paint, lawn and garden, plumbing and electrical; garden, housewares, fish and tackle, sporting goods, marine hardware More to know: Kaptein’s ACE Hardware is locally owned and has been serving Mount Vernon and Skagit County since 1980. The store is service driven and believes goskagit.com

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best Businesses

Owners: Kaitlyn Huynh Address: 1835 S. Burlington Blvd. #121, Burlington Years in business: 2 What’s offered: Manicure, pedicure, CND shellac, Harmony Gelish, pink and white powder, waxing, eyelash extensions and facials goskagit.com

Owners: N/A Address: 2116 E. Section St., Mount Vernon Years in business: 26 What’s offered: General health care, including pediatric and

Voted Best Mexican Restaurant 2 Years in a Row! Thank you from Laura and Lorenzo and all the W IN N ER staff for voting for us again as the BEST MEXICAN H

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Jabooda

North Cascade Family Physicians

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Best Medical Facility

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Owners: Bridget Meidinger, Robyn Bates, Julie Mains, Stephanie Wilhonen Address: 1775 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington Years in business: 24 What’s offered: Custom design, extensive jewelry selection, repair and cleaning, insurance appraisals, pearl restringing More to know: Charles Fine Jewelry is locally owned and operated. One of the things that sets it apart from others is its full in-house jewelry repair and custom design by master goldsmith Jay Bowen. Most of the store’s clients are surprised to learn how easy, quick and economical custom design is. The store offers a large selection of loose diamonds and gemstones, along with a full selection of finished jewelry.

Website: www.charlesfinejewelry. com

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Charles Fine Jewelry

adolescent health, women’s health/ gynecology, men’s health, aging issues More to know: Family medicine or family practice provides comprehensive care for the individual and family. Family physicians diagnose and treat the full range of issues people bring to a doctor. All physicians are board certified by the American Academy of Family Practice.

Website: www.ncfp.net

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Best Jewelry Store

More to know: Jabooda is committed to exceptional customer service. It provides a relaxing, positive and motivational atmosphere. The staff provides the highest level of professionalism to each and every client.

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its staff offers the best help in the business. Winner of People’s Choice for nine years.

Website: www.skagitace.com

RESTAURANT!

Unique Authentic Family Recipes Warm Welcoming Atmosphere Catering Lunch Specials Monday thru Friday

Happy Hour Deals Appetizers Mexican Style Steaks House Specialties

Buffet Sundays in our Mount Vernon and Bellingham locations.

3 GREAT LOCATIONS!

902 Hwy 20, Sedro-Woolley 98284 360-856-6810 2121 E. College Way, Mount Vernon 98273 360-848-7793 190 E. Bakerview Road, Bellingham 98226 360-527-3181

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best Businesses Best Real Estate Office Windermere, Skagit Valley and Anacortes

Best Sporting Goods Store Holiday Sports Owners: Gary and Diane Steen Address: 895 Nevitt Road, Burlington Years in business: 29 What’s offered: Fishing, hunting, marine, clothing and footwear More to know: Holiday Sports is a locally owned and operated business staffed by associates living in your community. The staff is proud to be part of a business that takes pride in addressing customer concerns and having product knowledge.

Owners: James N. Scott, Nathaniel J. Scott, Joshua J. Scott, Megan Scott, Gary Franklin Address: 1030 E. College Way, Mount Vernon; 3018 Commercial Ave., Anacortes Years in business: 35; 23 What’s offered: Residential and commercial sales and property management More to know: Windermere agents are committed to their clients and focused on providing exceptional real estate sales and management services. They are proud of their hard-earned reputation as advocates for their clients and equally proud of their commitment to the community.

Website: www.WindermereSkagit. Owners: Jill Partridge com; www.AnacortesRealEstate.

Address: 224 Stewart Place, Suite com 200, Mount Vernon Years in business: 3 What’s offered: Regular, medium and stand-up beds, spray tans. Beach scenes in every room

Best Tanning Salon

Beaches Tanning Salon

More to know: Beaches Tanning Salon is so excited about winning the People’s Choice. The business strives daily to provide the best tanning experience with familyfriendly service and the greatest variety of tanning products.

Website: www.beachestanningmv. com

Best Tattoo or Piercing Parlor Tiny Tim’s Owners: Tim and Lise Sconce Address: 500 W. State St., SedroWoolley Years in business: 22 What’s offered: Tattoos (no piercing) More to know: Husband and wife Tim and Lise, and son Rader, who grew up in tattoo shops, all tattoo for a long line of regulars and new customers.

Website: http://tinytimstattoos. com

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Burlington, WA 98233

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Extended hours for emergencies, Monday through Saturday until 10pm and Sunday 9am to 3pm.

We are also pleased to offer round-the-clock patient monitoring.

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Thank you for voting us the Best Veterinary Clinic again!

360-757-3722 goskagit.com

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best Businesses Best Thrift Store Bargains Galore

Years in business: 24 What’s offered: General and orthopedic surgeries, dentistry, acupuncture, physical rehabilitation and laser therapy, internal medicine More to know: Chuckanut Valley’s veterinarians feel that pets are family members. The doctors strive to provide pets with the highestquality care along with personalized service. New clients welcome.

Website: www.chuckanutvet.com

Owner: nonprofit Address: 224 Chenoweth St., Mount Vernon Years in business: 17 What’s offered: Furniture, toys and games, clothes, electronics, books and music More to know: Bargains Galore is a nonprofit dedicated to selling donated, tax-deductible goods received from generous people throughout the community. Profits provide financial assistance to Mount Vernon Christian School.

Website: http://bargainsgalorethrift. org Owners: MDs Nannette Crowell and Dan Siapco

Best Vision Center

North Cascade Eye Associates P.S.

Address: 3 locations: 2100 Little Mountain Lane, Mount Vernon; 2131 Hospital Drive, SedroWoolley; 26910 92nd Ave. NW #C6, Stanwood Years in business: 26 What’s offered: Comprehensive medical and routine eye exams, pediatric eye care, full-service optical with licensed opticians, cataract surgery, corneal consultations and surgery, LASIK and refractive surgery More to know: Located in the heart of Skagit County, North Cascade Eye Associates is dedicated to providing its Northwest Washington neighbors world-class eye care in their own backyard.

Website: www.ncascade.com

Best Travel Agency

AAA Mount Vernon

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Best BBQ 2010 & 2011

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Owners: DVMs Greg Ingman, Peter Brown and Jake Searle Address: 896 N. Burlington Blvd., Burlington

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Owners: AAA Washington Address: 1600 E. College Way, Suite A, Mount Vernon Years in business: 10 What’s offered: Leisure cruises; independent and escorted tours; air, car and hotel accommodations More to know: AAA is the largest travel agency in Washington state, enabling the agency to offer competitive pricing and value for all types of travel. AAA’s years of experience make for a quality vacation experience.

Website: www.aaa.com

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finalist 2009, 2008, 2007

Thank You for your Support!

1300 So. 2nd, Mount Vernon • 360-419-8BBQ(8227) www.reveriebbq.com Skagit Publishing People’s Choice | 2011

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best People & Places Council, the National Federation of Independent Business and the Skagit/Island Counties Builders Association.

Best Accountant John Brown, CPA

Best Attorney

Owners: John R. Brown Address: 1129 Riverside Drive, Suite B, Mount Vernon Years in business: 36 What’s offered: Tax returns, new business startup and planning, small business bookkeeping, financial statements and audits More to know: John Brown’s professional affiliations include the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts, the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Washington Association of Accountants, the Northwest Estate Planning

Owners: Mike Lewis and Ken Evans Address: 506 Main St., Mount Vernon Years in business: 37 What’s offered: Legal service More to know: Ken Evans represents clients with divorce and criminal cases.

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Hablamos Espanol!

Timothy Price, Edward Jones

Ken Evans (Lewis, Evans and Pollino)

“Thank you for voting me Best Insurance Agent for 8 years in a row!

Keith Sorestad, Agent 820 Township St. Sedro-Woolley, WA 360-855-1831

Best Financial Consultant

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The team at the Mount Vernon Edward Jones: L-R Kayti Borg, Timothy Price and Kari Mayo)

Owner: Timothy U. Price Address: 1616 N. 18th St., #140, Mount Vernon Years in business: 12 What’s offered: Financial planning and investing More to know: Tim helps his clients recognize their goals and how to achieve them. Client service is a priority. Whether you are an individual investor or a participant in a company retirement plan, Tim is ready to assist you with college funds for kids, achieving a dream or planning for retirement.

Website: www.edwardjones.com

8 time winner!

“Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.”® State Farm Insurance Companies • Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois

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statefarm.com® goskagit.com

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best People & Places Best Insurance Agent Keith Sorestad’s State Farm Insurance and Financial Services Owners: Keith Sorestad Address: 820 Township St., SedroWoolley Years in business: 35 What’s offered: Multiline insurance and financial products More to know: The people of Skagit County have voted Keith Sorestad at State Farm the Best Insurance Agent eight years in a row. Keith and his team of five fully licensed agents meet customers’ financial needs and offer auto, home and life insurance.

Website: www.ksorestad.com

Best Performing Arts Group META Performing Arts Owner: nonprofit (Artist Director/ Executive Director Kate Kypuros) Address: N/A Years in business: 14 What’s offered: Young member of the community may participate in a youth theater group that performs two musicals yearly.

Summer camps for three age groups. Performing-arts and audition workshops. Educational collaboration with the Lincoln Theatre.

More to know: Formerly known as the Northwest Children’s Theater, META Performing Arts is the home of theater arts for the youths of the greater Skagit Valley. META offers opportunities to learn and perform in live theater productions, workshops, and classes with goskagit.com

professionals and adult role models.

Website: www. metaperformingarts.org

Best Physician

Best Photographer Sweetpea Memories Photography Owner: Shannon Meadows Address: 1007 Sterling St., SedroWoolley Years in business: 4 What’s offered: Portraits for maternity, newborn, children, graduates and families. Free sessions to cancer patients, military deployments and homecomings.

Event photography. Affordable Birthday Club for newborn to 18.

Boudoir sessions.

More to know: Sweetpea Memories loves capturing memories to last a lifetime. The business provides more than just great images; it offers a unique creation to represent your family’s story, to be shared for generations to come.

Website: www.sweetpeamemories. com

Morrie Johnson Address: Skagit Regional Clinic, 1400 E. Kincaid, Mount Vernon Years in business: 32 What’s offered: Internal Medicine, General Surgery Website: SkagitValleyHospital.org

Best Assisted Living/ Retirement Mountain Glen Retirement Community Owner: N/A Address: 1810 E. Division St., Mount Vernon Years in business: 25 What’s offered: Independent and assisted living More to know: Mountain Glen provides retired seniors with the comfortable, carefree lifestyle they’ve been dreaming of in Mount Vernon.

Website: www.mtnglen.com

Best Accountant Thank you for voting us an 8 time winner!

John R. Brown C E R T I F I E D P U B L I C A C C O U N TA N T S

Achieving the next level John R. Brown, CPA 1129 Riverside Dr. Ste B • Mount Vernon • 336-6511 Skagit Publishing People’s Choice | 2011

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best People & Places Best Bed and Breakfast Katy’s Inn Owners: Cindy and David Tracey Address: 503 S. 3rd, La Conner Years in business: 27 What’s offered: Bed and breakfast More to know: Katy’s Inn has been voted Best Bed and Breakfast in Skagit County for four years running. Located in the heart of La Conner, this four-room B&B offers private baths, cookies and milk at bedtime, great breakfast, a view of the channel and a hot tub — all within walking distance to town.

Website: www.katysinn.com

Best Golf Course Best Hotel/Motel Avalon Golf Links Owners: Ron Hass Address: 19345 Kelleher Road, Burlington Years in business: 21 What’s offered: 27-hole golf course, pro shop, affordable golf memberships, tournaments, golf outings

Best Business Conference Facility

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Owners: Dan Mitzel, Colonel Betz, Don DeBode Address: 1860 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington Years in business: 5 What’s offered: Satisfaction guarantee, complimentary breakfast, indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, meeting spaces, Sakura Japanese Steakhouse/Sushi Bar More to know: Clean rooms, friendly service, comfortable surroundings. Come in and meet the Hampton Inn’s award-winning hotel team, and experience Skagit Valley hospitality.

Website: www.burlingtonsuites. hamptoninn.com

Best Museum Children’s Museum of Skagit County

Best Western CottonTree Owners: David Petersen Address: 2300 Market St., Mount Vernon Years in business: 26 What’s offered: An event and meeting space with full-service catering More to know: CottonTree offers 10,000 square feet of space for events or meetings. Five rooms can accommodate groups of up to 400 people. Chef on duty. CottonTree prides itself on treating every client as an individual and looks forward to helping create the perfect event.

Website: www.cottontreeinns.com

Hampton Inn

More to know: One of the most unique and beautiful public golf courses in the state of Washington. Overlooking the picturesque Skagit Valley and offering panoramic views of the Olympic and Cascade ranges, Avalon boasts three exceptional 9-hole layouts that together make up one of Washington’s finest golf experiences.

Website: www.avalonlinks.com

Skagit Publishing People’s choice | 2011

Owners: Nonprofit Address: In Cascade Mall, 550 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington Years in business: 9 What’s offered: Educational entertainment, hands-on learning, family memberships, birthday parties, special events, field trips More to know: The Children’s Museum of Skagit County is a place children can truly be free — to learn, play and just have fun in a low-tech, hands-on environment.

The museum’s programming is fun for all ages. Parents and grandparents can learn alongside their children.

Website: www. skagitchildrensmuseum.net goskagit.com

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best People & Places Best Performing Arts Venue McIntyre Hall Performing Arts and Conference Center

Best Place to Exercise Riverside Health Club

Owners: Karen Westra and Denise Skelton Address: 2225 Riverside Drive, Owners: Skagit Regional Public Mount Vernon Facilities District Years in business: 41 Address: 2501 E. College Way, What’s offered: weekly 80+ group Mount Vernon and water fitness class, private and Years in business: 7 group personal training, women’s What’s offered: Arts and cultural only gym, TRX suspension training events, ticketing sales, facility rental studio, racquetball, kid’s club with multiple spaces for a variety of More to know: Riverside Health events: concerts, theater, lectures, offers a broad range of services, conferences, receptions, dinners, making the club a comfortable place auctions, reunions, weddings, etc. for anyone to exercise. Members enjoy access to the pools, a women’s only gym, weight rooms, a racquetball court and three group fitness studios.

Website: www.riversidehealthclub. com

Best Place to Host a Party/Best Live Music Venue Longhorn Saloon Owners: Steve Mains Address: 574 Cains Court, Bow Years in business: N/A What’s offered: Beer, burgers, oysters, live music, dancing More to know: The Longhorn Saloon, a lively Edison watering hole, serves great beer, burgers and oysters. An outside seating area is available next to a scenic slough.

Live dance music Saturday and Sunday nights by local musicians.

Best Wedding/Reception Facility More to know: McIntyre Hall serves the region with quality cultural, educational and entertainment opportunities. From international artists to homegrown talent, McIntyre presents more than 100 performances throughout the year. It serves as a space for a variety of business and social gatherings. The hall’s mission is to be a catalyst for artistic vitality by hosting, presenting and creating arts and educational opportunities that enrich, inspire and entertain.

Website: www.mcintyrehall.org goskagit.com

The Grand Willow Inn Owners: Connie and Matt Weech Address: 17926 Dunbar Road, Mount Vernon Years in business: 8 What’s offered: event venue More to know: The Grand Willow

Inn provides a beautiful setting for your event. The inn can host up to 200 inside or outside in its lovely gardens. The inn staff goes above and beyond to make sure your every wish is taken care of.

Website: www.grandwillow.com

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best Food & Drink Best Baked Goods and Desserts, Best Breakfast Spot Calico Cupboard Owner: Linda Freed Address: 121 B Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon; 901 Commercial Ave., Anacortes; 720 S. First St., La Conner Years in business: more than 30 What’s offered: Products made from scratch using natural, organic, fresh, unprocessed produce and ingredients. Vegetarian fare, plus gluten-free and heart-healthy options

More to know: Gluten-free options include breakfasts, lunches, select baked goods and two breads: country white and whole-grain goodness.

Website: www. calicocupboardcafe.com

Best Barbecue Reverie BBQ Owners: Matt & Cheryl Kaufman Address: 1300 S. 2nd St., Mount Vernon Years in business: 11 catering, 5 restaurant What’s offered: Pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs and chicken, homemade sides More to know: Reverie offers

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award-winning barbecue, fantastic soups and side items, and generous portions. It also offers a variety of menu options for catering your event for 50 to 500 people.

By supporting Reverie, you also support its outreach. The restaurant serves free meals at the end of every month.

Website: www.reveriebbq.com

Best Catering Company Avenue Bistro and Catering Owners: Barbara Atterberry and Robert Atterberry Address: 676 S. Spruce St., Burlington Years in business: 6 What’s offered: fresh food, luscious decor, boxed lunches, weddings and banquets, parties of four or thousands More to know: Food ... everyone loves it! It’s that love of food that Avenue Catering brings to every customer. Avenue Catering’s awardwinning staff creates the finest meals, whether you are planning a breakfast meeting, boxed lunches, an appetizer reception or a fullservice dinner. Avenue Catering prides itself on supporting local farms, bakers and dairies. The business is a repeat winner of Best Catering Company, and it won Best New Business when it started.

Website: www.cateringbyavenue. com

895 Nevitt Road • Burlington • 360.757.4361 18

Skagit Publishing People’s choice | 2011

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best Food & Drink

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Owner: J.J. Schutza, general manager Address: 1075 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington Years in business: 21 What’s offered: Hamburgers, fries, milkshakes More to know: Red Robin strives every day to make great food with unbridled connections to every guest.

Website: www.redrobin.com

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“We’ll be there.”

Proudly Serving Skagit Valley for 98 Years Blade Chevrolet and RVs 1100 Freeway Drive Mount Vernon, WA 98273

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Owner: Nicole Irene Rambow Address: 2222C Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon Years in business: 4 What’s offered: espresso, smoothies, pastries and smiles More to know: Peace, love and coffee! Nikki’s strives for excellence.

The goal is to make sure every customer is satisfied at every visit with the service and the quality of the beverages. Nikki’s works to improve every day and take pride in the product it serves.

Best Family Restaurant

Your #1 Auto Dealer 7 9 9 1 998 14 years in a row 11999 220000012

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Best Coffee/ Espresso

Owner: Terry Cheng Address: 2719 Commercial Ave., Anacortes Years in business: 15 What’s offered: Doughnuts, pastries, espresso More to know: The Donut House’s main goal is to satisfy its customers. If they need something out-of-the-ordinary, whether it’s a large order or for a birthday, the Donut House can make it happen anytime. Open 24 hours.

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Owner: Xin Ze Luo Address: 1300 Riverside Dr., Mount Vernon Years in business: 12 What’s offered: Szechuan, Cantonese, American cuisine, sports bar More to know: Hong Kong Restaurant uses the freshest meats and vegetables, vegetable oil and no MSG. The restaurant is known for fast, friendly service and a great value at lunchtime; party trays for all occasions; and a great family dining atmosphere. Full-service bar draws a lot of repeat customers.

The Donut House

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Sales: 800-726-6949 Service: 360-424-3231 www.BladeChevy.com

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best Food & Drink Best Fine Dining Max Dales Owners: Danny Pickering and Paul Pickering Address: 2030 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon Years in business: 61 What’s offered: Great steaks, prime rib and seafood; extensive menu; daily specials; cozy lounge; friendly service More to know: Max Dales offers a warm atmosphere with private booths. Daily happy-hour specials in the martini lounge. Reservations accepted.

Website: www.maxdales.com

Best Italian Restaurant Il Granaio Authentic Italian Restaurant Owners: Alberto and Jennifer Candivi Address: 100 E. Montgomery St. #110, Mount Vernon Years in business: 11 What’s offered: Fresh pasta and ravioli made in-house daily. Cooking classes led by Master Chef Alberto

Candivi. Gluten-free options. Happy hour 4 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Daily four-course Sunset Special dinner for $15.95.

More to know: Located in Mount Vernon’s Old Town Grainery Building, Il Granaio features a warm, inviting atmosphere that can accommodate parties, meetings, a relaxing lunch or an intimate dinner. The restaurant won first place in KING5’s Best of Western Washington for 2010.

Website: www.granaio.com and www.ilgranaiorestaurant.blogspot.com.

Best Japanese Restaurant Sakura Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar Owners: Alex Kim Address: 1830 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington Years in business: 4 What’s offered: Full restaurant and bar includes steak and sushi More to know: Sakura offers a fun-filled environment for family and friends. Fresh sushi, tender steak and lively entertainment.

Great drinks from sake to martinis.

Website: www.sakuraburlington.com

Thank You Thank you for nominating us! If you didn’t, stop in sometime and find out why we’ve earned this award for 3 consecutive years!

we love having you here.® Burlington • 1860 S. Burlington Blvd. • Burlington, Washington www.burlingtonsuites.hamptoninn.com • (360) 757-7100 ©2010 Hilton Worldwide

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FREE fresh waffles

100% satisfaction guarantee

Skagit Publishing People’s choice | 2011

Best Lunch Spot The Lunch Box Owners: Bill and Cathy Adelman Address: 311 Pine St., Mount Vernon Years in business: 11 What’s offered: sandwiches, salads, homemade soups, cinnamon rolls, baked goods and espresso More to know: The Lunch Box offers great food at a great price, and friendly service. Owners Bill and Cathy Adelman were honored by the city of Mount Vernon as Citizens of the Year in January 2011 for outstanding service to the community.

Best Mexican Restaurant

Lorenzo’s Owners: Laura and Lorenzo Velasco Address: 2121 E. College Way, Mount Vernon; 902 Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley; 190 Bakerview Road, Bellingham Years in business: 7 What’s offered: Family-oriented ambiance and great-tasting Mexican food.

More to know: Founded by a traditional Mexican family to bring a little authentic Mexican flavor to Skagit County. Lorenzo’s priority is to create delicious meals and provide great customer service.

Website: www. lorenzosmexicanrestaurant.com

refreshing swimming pool

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best Food & Drink Best Oysters Blau Oyster Co., Inc. Owners: Paul Blau Address: 11321 Blue Heron Road on Samish Island Years in business: 77 What’s offered: Oysters in the shell, shucked meats, live crab in season, manila steamers, pickled herring, frozen scallops, prawns More to know: For more than 75 years, Blau Oyster Company has farmed Pacific oysters in Samish Bay. Year after year the business plants, tends and harvests its crops on a broad strip of land between high and low tides.

Website: http://blauoyster.com

Best Seafood Restaurant Anthony’s Restaurant at Cap Sante Boat Haven

Owner: Budd Gould Address: 1207 Q Ave., Anacortes Years in business: 1 (Anacortes location)

What’s offered: Fresh Northwest seafood complemented by fresh local produce, Northwest wines and microbrews More to know: Located on the waterfront, Anthony’s at Cap Sante Boat Haven serves lunch and dinner daily, as well as happy hour and Sunday lunch with breakfast items. Banquets and private dining available for 24. Two outside decks.

Anthony’s owns and operates a wholesale seafood company to ensure the finest, highest-quality fresh seafood.

Website: www.anthonys.com

Best Pizza ChiRopRaCtiC CliniC You don’t have to live with pain Specializing In Personal Care

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Lanny Jacobs, D.C. Douglas E. Jacobsmeyer, D.C. Lori Photini Johnson, D.C. Jodi Mullen, LMP

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Address: 1320 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. 1034 S. Burlington Blvd., Burlington. 108 N. Township St., Sedro-Woolley. 1710 Commercial Ave., Anacortes.

What’s offered: Great quality.

Great value. Great customer service.

More to know: Papa Murphy’s has established itself as the largest Take ‘N Bake pizza company in the world – and is now the fifth-largest pizza company in the United Sttes with over 1,200 stores in 37 states.

Handmade fresh. Home baked great. That’s Papa Murphy’s.

Website: www.papamurphys.com

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Free Initial Consultation

360-424-6104

2118 Riverside Dr Ste 105 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

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best Food & Drink Best Sunday Brunch

Bob’s offers high-quality burgers, fast and friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Website: www. bobsburgersandbrew.com

Bob’s Burgers and Brew Owners: Jon Rickert, Mike Duffy, Jay Duffy, Jim Duffy Address: 9394 Old Hwy. 99 North, Burlington Years in business: 7 What’s offered: Full-service restaurant and lounge; breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch; salads, sandwiches, burgers, steaks and fish; beer on tap and liquor More to know: Originated in Whatcom County, Bob’s is a fastgrowing chain of 12 restaurants with locations that include Tulalip, Everett and Eastern Washington.

Best Tavern Train Wreck Bar Owners: Nick Crandall Address: 427 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington Years in business: 4 What’s offered: quality food, icy cold beverages, friendly service, local owners and loyal customers More to know: Warm, cozy atmosphere from the brick walls to the rough-hewn rustic tables.

Unpretentious yet upscale, with

excellent food that keeps people coming back. Great place to grab a quick bite or a leisurely meal. The extensive menu caters to all tastes.

The Train Wreck offers live music and excellent entertainment year round.

Website: www.trainwreckbar.com

Best Thai Restaurant Thai House Owners: Denny Sritong Address: 616 S. First St., Mount Vernon Years in business: N/A What’s offered: Thai cuisine More to know: Thai House offers fresh, high-quality ingredients carefully selected to ensure extraordinary flavors.

Best Vegetarian/ Health Food

Lemley Chapel would like to thank everyone that voted us Skagit County’s Best Funeral Chapel for 2011.

– Rick Lemley, Chuck Ruhl

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Office: 360-855-1288 Fax: 360-855-1868 email: info@LemleyChapel.com

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Skagit Valley Food Co-op Owners: Community-owned nonprofit Address: 202 S. First St., Mount Vernon Years in business: 38 What’s offered: Natural grocery, produce, health and beauty, cheese, meat and deli More to know: The Food Co-op believes in good, clean food and follows buying guidelines to stock its shelves with brands customers can trust. The deli offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, a juice bar, salads, a bakery and homemade ice cream. People who choose to become member-owners may take advantage of additional sales.

Everyone is welcome.

Website: www.skagitfoodcoop.com

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Best Businesses Best New Business/Best Hamburger: Five Guys Burgers and Fries.........................................................4 Best Antique Store: Nasty Jack’s Antiques..........................4 Best Appliance Store: Anderson Appliance..........................5 Best Art Gallery/Custom Framing: Wilson’s Picture Framing..............................................................5 Best Auto Repair/Body Shop: Avon Body Shop...................6 Best Barber Shop: Ken’s Hairstyling........................................6 Best Bank/Financial Institution: Skagit State Bank.......6 Best Car Dealer: Blade Chevrolet & RV’s................................7 Best Chiropractor’s Office: Riverside Chiropractic..........7 Best Clothing Store: Macy’s...................................................7 Best Computer Store: Best Buy..............................................7 Best Construction Company: Hanson Bros. Construction Inc....................................................7 Best Day Spa, Best Styling Salon, Best Cosmetic/Skin Care: Envy...........................................8 Best Dental Office: Atkinson Family Dentistry.....................8 Best dry cleaner: Modern Cleaners........................................8 Best Event Planning: Creative Celebrations.........................9 Best Florist: Hart’s Floral...........................................................9 Best Funeral Home: Lemley Funeral Home............................9 Best Furnace/Heating/AC store: Handy’s Heating.........10 Best Furniture Store: Hansen’s Furniture..........................10 Best Gift Shop: My Favorite Things........................................10 Best Greenhouse/Nursery: Christianson’s Nursery.......10 Best Hardware Store: Kaptein’s ACE Hardware...............10 Best Jewelry Store: Charles Fine Jewelry.........................11 Best Manicure Salon: Jabooda...........................................11 Best Medical Facility: North Cascade Family Physicians..............................................11 Best Real Estate Office: Windermere, Skagit Valley and Anacortes...............................12 Best Sporting Goods Store: Holiday Sports...................12 Best Tanning Salon: Beaches Tanning Salon.....................12 Best Tattoo or Piercing Parlor: Tiny Tim’s....................12 Best Thrift Store: Bargains Galore......................................13 Best Travel Agency: AAA Mount Vernon............................13 Best Vet Clinic: Chuckanut Valley Veterinary Clinic............13 Best Vision Center: North Cascades Eye Associates P.S..........................................13

Best People & places Best Accountant: John Brown, CPA....................................14 Best Attorney: Ken Evans (Lewis, Evans and Pollino)........................................14 Best Financial Consultant: Timothy Price, Edward Jones....................................................14 Best Insurance Agent: Keith Sorestad’s State Farm Insurance and Financial Services..............................................15 Best Performing Arts Group: META Performing Arts................................................................15 Best Photographer: Sweetpea Memories Photography............................................15 Best Physician: Morrie Johnson.............................................15 Best Assisted Living/Retirement: Mountain Glen Retirement Community...................................15 Best Bed and Breakfast: Katy’s Inn....................................16 Best Business Conference Facility: Best Western CottonTree............................................................16 Best Golf Course: Avalon Golf Links....................................16 Best Hotel/Motel: Hampton Inn...........................................16 Best Museum: Children’s Museum of Skagit County...........16 Best Performing Arts Venue: McIntyre Hall Performing Arts and Conference Center..........17 Best Place to Exercise: Riverside Health Club..................17 Best Place to Host a Party/ Best Live Music Venue: Longhorn Saloon........................17 Best Wedding/Reception Facility: The Grand Willow Inn..................................................................17

Best Food & Drink Best Baked Goods and Desserts, Best Breakfast Spot: Calico Cupboard............................18 Best Barbecue: Reverie BBQ...................................................18 Best Catering Company: Avenue Bistro and Catering........................................................18 Best Chinese Restaurant: Hong Kong Restaurant...........19 Best Coffee/Espresso: Nikki’s Espresso.............................19 Best Doughnuts: The Donut House......................................19 Best Family Restaurant: Red Robin....................................19 Best Fine Dining: Max Dale’s...................................................20 Best Italian restaurant: Il Granaio Authentic Italian Restaurant....................................20 Best Japanese Restaurant: Sakura Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar...........................20 Best Lunch Spot: The Lunch Box...........................................20 Best Mexican Restaurant: Lorenzo’s.................................20 Best Oysters: Blau Oyster Co., Inc.........................................21 Best Pizza: Papa Murphy’s........................................................21 Best Seafood Restaurant: Anthony’s Restaurant at Cap Sante Boat Haven.....................21 Best Sunday Brunch: Bob’s Burgers and Brew..................22 Best Tavern: Train Wreck Bar..................................................22 Best Thai Restaurant: Thai House.......................................22 Best Vegetarian/Health Food: Skagit Valley Food Co-op...........................................................22