BESTOF POLK 2024WINNER
PRESENTED BYTHE POLK STANDARDJOURNAL You Voted. We Tallied. Presenting the Winners of the 2024 Best of Polk Contest
SHOPPING GATHERING WITH GRACE
Its unique vendors with their handcrafted specialties have made Gathering with Grace such an inviting place for Polk shoppers they voted it as the Best Place to Shop in the county. Located at 401 North Piedmont Avenue in Rockmart, Gathering with Grace is set apart from many other stores as it offers space to area vendors.
Owned for three years by Bobbie Fuller, the business has one employee and eight vendors. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Thursday when it is open until 8 p.m., Gathering with Grace is also open by appointment.
“Our primary purpose is to provide a pleasant shopping experience,” Fuller said. “We enjoy the challenge of finding and supplying merchandise not found in big department and chain stores.”
Fuller said Gathering with Grace specializes in antiques, vintage, home and garden décor, gifts, fashions, accessories, florals and trendy new merchandise. In-house services include custom orders and interior decorating.
“Our handmade and repurposed items are our most prized merchandise,” Fuller said. “Part of our mission is to preserve and enhance the history of Polk County through art renderings, photography and hand-painted signs.”
Fuller is not new to the retail business having owned two other local stores similar to Gathering with Grace in past years. In addition, she has also taught art and craft classes and clients commission her for their artwork. Fuller said she believes in helping her community and is proud Gathering with Grace offers Ken’s Food Pantry year-round, as well as participates in numerous community fundraisers.
“Gathering with Grace is honored to have been chosen in Best of Polk,” Fuller said. “Thanks to everyone for your continued support of my small business.”
YOU VOTED, WE TALLIED.
Now the results are in, and are available to the public. Inside this special section you will find the winners of the 10th annual Best of Polk contest.
We at The Polk County Standard Journal newspaper are very thankful for all of the members of the community who participated in this contest. We have worked very diligently to put together a special section that is worthy of all the special winners of the 2024 Best of Polk. We hope you new enjoy getting to know some of the best businesses, and people in Polk County. We know that we did!
- The Standard Journal staff
BESTOF POLK 2024WINNER
MITCHELL CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS
Whether suffering from back or neck pain or having been at the computer all day or unable to sleep or searching for a more holistic wellness plan, or simply just wanting to age well, residents from across Polk County say the best place to go is Mitchell Chiropractic & Wellness. The Rockmart business has again been voted Best Chiropractor of Polk County.
Owned by Dr. Douglas Mitchell for the past 18 years, Mitchell Chiropractic & Wellness states its goal is simply to help people feel better. The reviews on Facebook are filled with such comments as “amazing,” “the best,” “won’t go anywhere else,” “Dr. Mitchell is great,” “friendly,” “caring” and “wish I’d done this a long time ago.”
Mitchell said his business is unique because it offers “great personal care to each and every person” who enters the door. Mitchell Chiropractic & Wellness employees three people, including office manager Melinda Campbell and massage therapist Tiffany Babb.
Located at 111 Felton Drive in Rockmart, Mitchell Chiropractic & Wellness is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
For more information or to set up an appointment, call 770-684-4963, or email Dr. Mitchell at DrDMitchelldc@yahoo.com or fax, 770-684-4965.
Dr. Douglas Mitchell, DC 770-684-4963
DrDMitchelldc@yahoo.com
WIN NER!
BEST BAKERY & BEST DONUTS
MAC’S BAKERY
From great testimonials offered by fans to the mouth-watering pictures on its website, Mac’s Bakery lives up to its winning reputation. The Polk County business opened 66 years ago and has become part of family traditions for many area residents. One comment on its website came from a longtime customer who remembers when she was just a little girl and her Cinderella birthday cake came from Mac’s Bakery.
“I have always loved this place so much,” Kayla K. writes on the bakery website, adding that she remembers her Cinderella birthday cake was beautifully decorated and tasted great. “If you’re passing through...I recommend you coming here and giving the place a try. It’ll be worth it.”
Kayla K. is just one of the many fans who loves Mac’s Bakery so much they again voted it as the Best Bakery and Best Donuts in Polk County. Located at the corner of MLK Jr. Street at 258 West Elm Street in Rockmart, Mac’s Bakery is a fixture in the Polk County community.
“In 1958, my uncle started making specialized cakes, made fresh daily from scratch,” Mac’s Bakery president and owner Wanda Haney said. Haney has served as president and owner for the past 28 years. The bakery employs nine people and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mac’s Bakery menu features donuts, cookies, pastries, pies, brownies and more, including its special Red Velvet Crumb Cake. Stop by or order online for carryout.
Mac’s Bakery | 770-684-3030 www.macsbakerycakes.com
For 72 years, whenever Polk County residents and businesses needed accounting services, they often turned to Read, Martin & Slickman (RMS), CPAs, a regional partnership of certified public accountants serving Northwest Georgia. As one of the top accounting firms in the region, RMS takes pride in its long history and its ability to assist clients with all their accounting and financial needs.
RMS serves individuals, locally-owned businesses, large corporations, financial institutions, governmental entities and more. Its products and services include tax services, accounting services, auditing and assurance services, bookkeeping services, management advisory services, estate and trust planning and employee benefits plans.
In the Best of Polk awards, RMS was voted Best CPA Firm and one of its owners, Molly Edwards was voted Best CPA for Polk County. Edwards and Jennifer Brynteson, both CPAs are partners in owning RMS, having bought the firm 15 years ago. Located at 301 Main Street in Cedartown and 201 E. 1st Street in Rome, RMS employs two people at its Cedartown office and seven in the Rome office, in addition to its two partners.
With more than two decades of experience in public accounting, Edwards is a Certified Public Accountant licensed to practice in Georgia. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting and a Master of Business Administration degree from Berry College. Edwards is responsible for accounting, income tax planning and income tax preparation for individuals and numerous entities. She also works with clients in employee benefits, including tax filings and employee benefit plan audits.
A member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Edwards is also a member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Cedartown Chapter of Kiwanis International. She is a past president of the Rome Chapter of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants, serves as a board member for the Cedartown Chapter of Kiwanis International and is a graduate of the 2008 Polk County Adult Leadership Class. To reach Edwards, call her at the number below or email her at medwards@rms-cpas.com.
WIN NER!
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT SHIRLEY EASTERWOOD
Cedartown native Shirley Easterwood has made it her life’s work to help families fulfill the American dream of owning a home. Since becoming a real estate agent in 2005, Easterwood has used her talents to serve those families—work that has landed her at the top of her profession. For the seventh time, Easterwood has been voted Best of Polk’s Best Real Estate Agent of the year.
“I feel like I am not only helping people, but I am helping Cedartown continue the tradition of welcoming families to our charming small town,” Easterwood said. “As a full-time agent, I am committed to excellence. I have developed strengths and mastered skills that enable me to offer dedication and professionalism to every client. I strive to educate buyers, matching them with the right home, assisting sellers with marketing and skillful negotiations.”
On winning for a seventh time, Easterwood said it is a “privilege to be a Realtor in such a wonderful community.”
“I am deeply blessed and honored to be voted best Realtor,” she added. “I am thankful for my family, friends, clients and customers for all their support.” Easterwood works with Hardy Realty.
Founded in 1925, Hardy Realty is the oldest and largest locally-owned real estate firm in Northwest Georgia, providing best-in-class service in residential and commercial real estate for all market segments. Best of Polk voters honored Hardy Realty as runner-up in the Best Real Estate Company category.. In addition to its main office on Martha Berry Boulevard in Rome, Hardy Realty has satellite offices on Broad Street in downtown Rome and on Main Street in downtown Cedartown. Jimmy Byars is Hardy Realty’s CEO and broker—positions he has held for more than 30 years.
“Working for Hardy Realty is like working with family,” Easterwood said. “I have found the help and support that I need to grow my business while forming lifelong friendships.” Easterwood is a member of the Greater Rome Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors and Georgia Association of Realtors. She and her husband of 48 years, Johnny Easterwood have three grown children—Chasity, Brad and Brandon. Easterwood enjoys being involved at her church, doing interior design, listening to praise and worship music and spending time with her family.
Anyone with real estate needs can contact Easterwood at 770-855-4287, or email her at SEaster499@aol.com.
WIN NER! BEST GOLF CLUB CHEROKEE GOLF CLUB
Some say it is the best kept secret in Northwest Georgia and indeed, with its lush perfectly manicured 18-hole, par 72 golf course with bentgrass greens, Cherokee Golf Club is certainly the favorite for those who have experienced its beauty. Located at 150 Club Drive in Cedartown, Cherokee Golf Club is a private golf club and restaurant that has served as the backdrop for countless family celebrations, memorable events—and winning rounds of golf—for 63 years.
Founded in 1961, by 12 members of the community, Cherokee Golf Club has become the heart of Cedartown, says its general manager Drew Robinson, adding that it is the only private country club in Polk County. Owner Rocky Tillery took over the business five years ago with Cherokee Golf Club now one of two golf courses owned by the Cedartown businessman. Rocky and Patty Tillery also own Cedar Valley Golf Course in addition to Polk County Public Service, R&B Supply Co., Cedartown Automotive and Croker’s Hardware.
With its grand renewal, Cherokee Golf Club now boasts new tennis courts and many other special amenities. The course itself is perhaps the top amenity. It offers strategic hazards and challenging tee shots that accommodate all ability levels. It has a popular driving range and a pro shop with everything from golf balls and clubs to signature Cherokee apparel. Other favorite features at Cherokee Golf Club include a custom linear pool with a new pool house and four lighted courts that serve both tennis and pickleball enthusiasts. The club, which has 30 employees also offers golf and tennis lessons. Whether searching for a quick bite to eat, or a place to have a business lunch or dinner, or a meal out with family and friends, The Cherokee Golf Club Restaurant offers the atmosphere and food to match, including many southern cuisine options for lunch and dinner.
“Cherokee Golf Club is a lovely location for events, as well as golf,” Robinson said. “You do not have to be a member to have an event at Cherokee. Our Grand Oak Ballroom can accommodate up to 150 guests for receptions, reunions or any special occasion.”
For more information about joining Cherokee Golf Club or having an event at the club, call 770-748-2800, or email golfclubmail@gmail.com.
In grammar lessons, it is taught the word “the” is a definite article. Without a doubt, the definite steak of choice--again--for Polk County residents is The Steak House. It is the one. For more than 25 years, the restaurant, which is officially known as The Steak House of Rockmart, but simply called The Steak House by its many fans has served the community.
The Edge family has always owned The Steak House and today, with its 35 employees, the family continues to serve up the best steaks in the county. While it is known for its great steaks, the restaurant also has a rotating menu that includes everything from meatloaf to pasta to ham to chicken and dressing to barbecue pork and ribs to shrimp to fish and chips and much more. Its famous sides and extras sometimes include calamari, chicken soup, garlic mashed potatoes, turnip greens, peach cobbler, salads, fried green tomatoes, roasted potatoes, baked beans, corn nuggets, banana pudding, chocolate banana pudding and fried cabbage, just to offer a taste. The menu specials change, so call the number below or check out the restaurant’s Facebook page to see what’s being served on a particular day.
The Steak House is open Thursday from 4:30 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Located at 414 Baldwin Road in Rockmart, the restaurant hosts many events and special occasions, as well as offering its food services elsewhere.
“In addition to a successful restaurant—thanks to our loyal customers—we’ve built a catering business that averages about 100 events per year,” co-owner Kevin Edge said. “About 80 percent of those caterings are weddings. For our clients who don’t need catering services, we can accommodate rehearsal dinners and other special occasion dinners at the restaurant. We cater breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
While The Steak House celebrates its 26th anniversary this year, Edge said the family has actually been in the restaurant business since 1993. He said the owners’ combined experience includes customer service and business experience, as well as a hotel and restaurant management degree from Georgia Southern University.
“Our primary purpose is to provide excellent customer service in a family friendly environment while serving the best steaks in the South or anywhere else,” Edge said, adding that The Steak House is located in an old farmhouse, circa 1900s that the family renovated to accommodate a restaurant. The original barn is often used as a charming background for guests and local photographers. To reach The Steak House, call 770-684-0401. Call 770-547-1483 for the catering department.
The Steak House | 770-684-0401 (restaurant), 770-547-1483 (catering) www.facebook.com/thesteakhousega
With a reputation as an honest, family-owned business, Barber Performance and Body is the one locals turn to when their vehicles have been involved in a collision or when they simply need to have routine maintenance services. In addition to repairs and body work, the shop offers regular maintenance services, diagnostic services, restoration and ceramic coating.
Its social media pages are filled with customer appreciation posts as Barber Performance and Body takes the time to thank its many customers for trusting them to take care of their vehicles. This year’s winner of Polk County’s Best Auto Body Shop and Best Auto Repair is again Barber Performance and Body, located at 234 Wooten Road in Cedartown.
Co-owned by Steven Barber, Nicholas Barber and Spencer Barber, Barber Performance and Body has been in business for three years. The Barbers are I-CAR certified experts in auto repair.
“We inspect vehicles for structural damage after collision, review damage reports, prepare cost estimates and plan work repairs according to OEM standards,” Spencer Barber said. The business is a collision, maintenance and repair shop for all makes and models and also does paint corrections along with ceramic coating on interiors and exteriors.
Barber Performance and Body is open for business Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 678-901-0509, email barberperformanceandbody@gmail.com, or check out the photos and comments regarding Barber Performance and Body’s many success stories on its Facebook page.
Barber Performance and Body | 678-901-0509 facebook.com/barberperformanceandbody
AUTO & RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
AUTO BODY SHOP
Barber Performance and Body
Chet’s Body Shop
AUTO DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT
Peach State Ford
DJ’s Auto Sales
AUTO DETAIL/CLEANING
Auto Detail Lux
Hooks Detailing
AUTO REPAIRS
Barber Performance and Body
McNabb Tire & Wheel
AUTO-NEW CAR DEALERSHIP
Peach State Ford
AUTO-USED CAR DEALERSHIP
Days Pre-Owned Supercenter
Peach State Ford
CAR SALESMAN
Brian Reed
Bob Little
CAR WASH
Tip Top Carwash
Peach State Ford
OIL CHANGE
Barber Performance and Body
McNabb Tire & Wheel
TIRE CENTER
McNabb Tire & Wheel
Andrew’s Tire Co
TOWING SERVICE
McEntire’s Towing
Andrew’s Tire Co
BEAUTY
ESTHETICIAN
Megan Little - WeCare Health & Wellness
Lauren Hardin
HAIR SALON
Iconic Beauty Salon
Razzle Dazzle Salon
HAIR STYLIST/COSMETOLOGIST
Shalon Wilson
Jonathan Godinez
MAKEUP ARTIST
Jonathan Godinez
Laycie Brookshire (1st Place Tie)
NAIL SALON
Iconic Beauty Bar Salon
Tip-Top Nail Shop
TANNING SALON
Sun Kissed Tanning Salon & Boutique
Totally Bronz Tanning Salon
ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION
FESTIVAL / EVENT
Cedar Valley Arts Festival
Rockmart Cultural Arts Holiday Festival
GOLF COURSE
Cherokee Golf & Country Club
Meadow Lakes Golf Course
LOCAL BAND
Them Mixon Boys
Luther’s Mountain
2024 BEST OF POLK Winners & Runner-Up
MUSEUM
Rockmart History Museum
Rockmart Cultural Arts Center
PARK
Seaborn Jones Park
Peeks Park
FOOD & DRINKS
APPETIZER
El Coyote Mexican Restaurant
Zorba’s
ASIAN RESTAURANT
Kizuna Hibachi
Hibachi Express
BAKERY
Mac’s Bakery
Life is Sweet
BAR-B-QUE
Bar L Bar-B-Que
Sidekicks
BISCUITS
Bojangles
JC’s Snack Shack
BREAKFAST
Bojangles
Linda’s Place Restaurant
BRUNCH
John Henry’s @ Meadow Lakes
Huddle House
BUFFET
Chef Chen
El Coyote Mexican Restaurant - Rockmart
BURGER
Hometown Pizza
Zorba’s Restaurant
CATERING
Pirkles Deli & Catering
Hometown Pizza and Grill
CHICKEN SANDWICH
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A - Cedartown
COFFEE
Sanity Coffee Co.
Ellianos - Rockmart
DELI
Triangle
Pirkles Deli
DESSERT
Mac’s Bakery
Life is Sweet
DONUTS
Mac’s Bakery
Sugarless Sweets
FAJITAS
El Coyote Mexican Restaurant
The Border Mexican Restaurant
FRENCH FRIES
Checkers
Chick-fil-A
FRIED CHICKEN
Triangle Deli
The Avenue Home Cooking Cafe
HAPPY HOUR
Cedar & Smoke
Monarca Wings & Mexican Restaurant
HOME COOKING
The Avenue Home Cooking Café
The Farmers Store
HOT DOG
Bar l bbq
Sidekicks
HOT WINGS
Hometown Pizza & Grill
Action Room Billiards
ICE CREAM
Eden’s Ice Cream & More
Chick-fil-A - Rockmart
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Zorba’s Restaurant
Petro’s Pizza Restaurant
MAC & CHEESE
Chick-fil-A
Hometown Pizza & Grill
MARGARITA
El Coyote Mexican Restaurant
Cedar & Smoke
MEDITERRANEAN
Zorba’s Restaurant
Petro’s Pizza Restaurant
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
El Coyote Mexican Restaurant
The Border Mexican Restaurant
MILK SHAKE
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A - Cedartown
PIZZA
Hometown Pizza & Grill
Pizza Farm Restaurant
RESTAURANT
Hometown Pizza & Grill
Zorba’s Restaurant
RIBS
Exotic Que
Taco Man Restaurant - Cedartown
SALAD
Pizza Farm Restaurant
Hometown Pizza & Grill
SANDWICH
Soli’s Soups, Salads & Sandwiches
Pirkles Deli
SEAFOOD
Zorba’s Restaurant
Pizza Farm Restaurant
SMOKED BRISKET
Exotic Que
SOUP
Soli’s Soups, Salads & Sandwiches
House of China
STEAK
The Steak House
Pizza Farm Restaurant
SWEET TEA
Hometown Pizza & Grill
Pizza Farm Restaurant
HEALTH & WELLNESS
CHIROPRACTOR
Douglas Mitchell - Mitchell Chiropractic & Wellness
Jack Morgan
DENTIST
Dr. Gober - Rockmart Family Dentistry
Dr. Kirby L. Brown
FAMILY DOCTOR
Dr Pamela D. Hearn
Dr. Neil Gordon
FITNESS/HEALTH CLUB/GYM
Silver Comet Crossfit
Cedartown Health Spa
NURSE PRACTITIONER
Jordan Vaughn
Cynthia Singleton
PHARMACIST
Sondi Vest
Bill Bradford - Braford Drug Store
PHARMACY
Smith Lockwood Drug & Jewelry
Bradford Drug Store
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Ally Love, ATC, DPT
Jamie Hutcheson
PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER
Atrium Health Floyd Physical Therapy &
Rehabilitation Cedartown
Advance Rehab Rockmart
SENIOR ASSISTED LIVING
Big Springs Place
KIDS & EDUCATION
CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE
Triple Grace Boutique
DANCE STUDIO
Second Steps Studio
The Ballet Garden
DAY CARE
Cedars Preschool at Rockmart
Cedartown First Methodist Preschool & Learning Center
FAMILY FUN PLACE
Fun Wheels
The West Cinema
KID FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
El Coyote Mexican Restaurant
The Hive
PEDIATRICIAN
Karen Eberhart, MD
TEACHER
Russ Arnold (CMS)
Susan Morris (Van Wert Elementary)
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Victory Baptist Church
Aragon Baptist Church
REAL ESTATE & FINANCE
ACCOUNTANT
Molly Edwards, CPA
Marshal Thaxton
ACCOUNTING FIRM
Read Martin & Slickman CPAs
Liberty Tax
APARTMENT COMMUNITY
Hummingbird Pointe
BANK
Century Bank
Regions Bank
BANKER
Wesley Hulsey - Coosa Valley CU Rockmart
Carissa Aiken (1st Place Tie)
CREDIT UNION
Coosa Valley Credit Union
Family Savings Credit Union
FINANCIAL CONSULTANT
Steve Kinney - Edward Jones
Carissa Aiken
MORTGAGE LENDER (INDIVIDUAL)
Dorrie Johnson - Coosa Valley
Carson McCrary
MORTGAGE SERVICES
Coosa Valley Credit Union
Carson McCrary
REAL ESTATE AGENT
Shirley Easterwood
Derinda Stephens
REAL ESTATE COMPANY
Integrity Realty Group
Hardy Realty SERVICES
ALTERATIONS
Margaret Jacobs
Perfect Fit
BARBER SHOP
Smitty’s Barber Shop
West Avenue Barber Shop
2024 BEST OF POLK Winners & Runner-Up
DRY CLEANER
Brackets Cleaners
Ed’s Cleaners
ELECTRICIAN
Dan Moore - SDM
Atkins Electrical
FLORIST
Busseys Florist & Gifts
Whitehead’s Florist and Gifts
FUNERAL HOME
Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home &
Crematory
Gammage Funeral Home
HEATING AND AIR
T & C Heating and Air
Gilmer Heating & Air
HOTEL
The Manor at Becks Lake
Crown Inn
INSURANCE AGENCY
The Sosa Agency - Alfa Insurance
Nathan Dean Agency
INSURANCE AGENT
Juan Sosa
Michelle Ruper - State Farm
LANDSCAPING SERVICE
Paschal Lawn Care, LLC
Robinson Lawn Care
OVERALL ATTORNEY
Vickey Atkins
Carey Pilgrim
OVERALL LAW FIRM
Vicky Atkins
McRae, Smith, Peek, Harman & Monroe
PEST CONTROL COMPANY
Culver Exterminating
Trawick’s Pest Control
PET BOARDING
Precious Paws
Cedartown Pet Botique
PET GROOMING
K-9 Grooming
Precious Paws
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sara Jo Smith Photography
Gail Conner Photography
PLUMBING SERVICE
Little’s Plumbing
Puckett Plumbing
PROPANE GAS COMPANY
Blossman Gas
River City Propane
ROOFING COMPANY
Kenny Sullins Roofing
Fincher Brothers Roofing
VETERINARIAN
Dr. Todd Hughes - Polk Veterinary Care
Dr. Morgan Teems
WASTE / TRASH SERVICE
One Tripp Trash Removal
C&C Timber Woodyard & Transfer Station
GFL Environmental
WEDDING VENUE
Spring Lake Events
SHOPPING
ANTIQUES
Gathering with Grace Rockmart Vintage & Gifts
CONVENIENCE STORE
The Farmer’s Store
Antioch Store
FORMAL WEAR
Holmes Clothing & Formalwear
FURNITURE STORE
Gathering with Grace
Tilley’s Home Furnishings
GIFT SHOP
Gathering with Grace Tru Hat Co.
HARDWARE STORE
Morgan Hardware
Croker’s Hardware
HOME DECOR
Gathering with Grace Rockmart Vintage & Gifts
JEWELRY STORE
Gathering with Grace Rockin Rooster and Happy Hen
MEN’S CLOTHING
Tru Hat Co.
Holmes Clothing’s
NURSERY/GARDEN SHOP
Barn at the Willow
Morgan Hardware
PAWN SHOP
Cedartown Pawn Shop
TriCity Pawn Rockmart
THRIFT STORE
Our House
Gathering with Grace
TRACTOR SUPPLY AND EQUIPMENT
Haney Powersports
Tractor Supply
WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE
Gathering with Grace
The Clay Birch Boutique
As a young boy, Jeff Minge always looked forward to going with his dad to The Farmers Store in Cedartown. He could never have imagined that someday he would be an owner of the iconic Polk County business. The Farmers Store celebrates the half-century mark this year with co-owners Minge, and Mike Lester having now led the business for more than five years. Proud to be “locally owned, locally raised and locally grown,” The Farmers Store is a convenience store, gas station and delicatessen.
“Our staff and customers—they are loyal and the very heart of our business,” Minge and Lester stated. “We wouldn’t have won this award without them.” The Farmers Store was voted Best Convenience Store in Polk County.
Located at 2240 Buchanan Highway in Cedartown, The Farmers Store is where many locals enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served Monday through Friday beginning at 5 a.m. and on Saturday, starting at 6 a.m., with a long list of selections, including biscuits with a choice of sausage, bacon, bologna, ham, tenderloin, red link, smoked sausage, steak, cheese, egg or plain with butter and jelly. The breakfast platter includes eggs, meat, a biscuit, grits and toast. Lunch is served Monday through Friday beginning at 11 a.m.
Visit the store on Facebook to see each day’s lunch special, which includes a meat and vegetables. Items served daily Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. include homemade vegetable soup, chili, Brunswick stew, pulled barbecue pork sandwich, oven-roasted hot dogs, corn dogs and homemade slaw.
The deli is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with an extensive menu that includes hot wings, chicken tenders, chicken livers, burgers and baskets with homestyle fries, onion rings, slaw, tater tots, potato wedges and Texas toast. The Farmers Store offers a large selection of sandwiches and wraps including chicken, buffalo chicken, barbecue, grilled cheese, fried bologna, egg salad, chicken salad, pimento cheese, hot dogs and club sandwiches. The salad menu features homemade chicken salad, garden salad, grilled chicken salad and a chef salad.
The Farmers Store is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. With 10 employees, Minge serves as president of the business with Lester as secretary. Minge, who has been self-employed for more than 30 years, is also the owner of a residential and commercial septic company in Polk County. Lester, who has more than 32 years of automotive repair experience and owned his own shop for 23 years, is now a teacher at Polk County Schools’ Cedartown Campus where he teaches students automobile repair. Both men are excited about The Farmers Store winning the award and are thankful for their customers.
“This store is like a family to us,” Minge and Lester both stated. “Now as an owner, to see generation after generation come in, it continues the family atmosphere. People will never know how much we appreciate them.”
The Farmers Store | 770-748-6964 www.thefarmersstore2.com
APARTMENT COMMUNITY
HUMMINGBIRD POINTE APARTMENTS
Offering a mixture of comfort, style and convenience, Hummingbird Pointe has again been chosen as the Best Apartment Community in Polk County. Built in 2010, the 64-unit, two-story apartment community is located at 63 Cherokee Road in Cedartown and is an affordable housing community with income limits and set rents where the head of household is 55 years of age or older.
“We offer spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments that have total electric energy efficient appliances, including garbage disposals, stove, refrigerator with ice makers and dishwashers with washer and dryer connections in each apartment,” community manager Sabrina Field said. “All units are designed as accessible for mobility or hearing and site impaired. We offer two-story buildings with elevators with a patio or balcony.”
The apartment community is professionally managed by CAHEC Management Co., based in Columbia, S.C. For more information or to take a tour of available units, visit the website or call the number listed below.
Nestled in the heart of Cedartown, Hummingbird Pointe enjoys serene surroundings and offers a tranquil setting for its residents. The apartment complex has a beautiful community building with a computer room, exercise room and a library. There are walking paths and gazebos for residents as they enjoy the outdoors. In addition, there are grills, a putting green, shuffleboard court, onsite laundry and planned activities. Conveniently located, Hummingbird Pointe is just a few miles away from three different shopping centers and less than five miles away from Polk Medical Center.
Hummingbird Pointe Apartments | 770-748-0720
Hummingbird@cahecmanagement.com
WIN NER! BEST FUNERAL HOME
ALVIS MILLER & SON FUNERAL HOME
Three generations of the Miller and Smith families have been there to serve as they walked alongside Polk County residents during some of the most difficult days of their lives. Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home and Crematory is the place many turn to when a loved one dies and because of its caring, professional and personal approach, the funeral home has been declared the best in the county.
Steve Miller, joint owner of both Alvis Miller & Son in Rockmart and Smith & Miller Funeral Home in Cedartown, entered the funeral home business in 1981, along with his parents, Alvis and Doris Miller. He is part of those three generations of family who have taken care of loved ones who have passed away in Polk County. Now his son, Christopher Miller, the co-owner of Alvis Miller & Son provides families the utmost care in their time of need.
“Our commitment to our community continues as we mark our 43rd anniversary,” Miller said. “On Oct. 1, 1981, the Alvis Miller family began its ministry in funeral service and we wish to thank you for the support shown to our families throughout the years.”
Believing that a funeral should be healing and meaningful, the funeral home does much more than simply scheduling and flower arranging. Its staff helps families personalize a service to truly honor the life that was lived. There are also gathering spaces to make it convenient to bring together friends and family to support each other during a difficult time. The funeral home’s experienced staff works to pay attention to every last detail so the family can focus on remembering their loved one.
“We are very proud to still be a family-owned business and are available to personally take care of the needs of our communities,” Chris Miller said. “We are a full-service funeral home offering traditional funeral services and cremation service with Polk County’s only on-site crematory.”
While it offers a number of services, its preplanning help has been a relief to many families. Most people agree that planning ahead for one’s funeral wishes is a good idea, so Alvis & Son Funeral Home helps create a written plan that protects a loved one’s family by relieving the burden that falls on a family when there is a death. Without a plan in place, family members are left with dozens of decisions to make while in the middle of grieving. Such plans offer peace of mind, makes a person’s wishes known, provides flexible funding options and relieves the burden on the family. Contact the funeral home at the number below to meet with a preplanning specialist. Whether interested in learning more about its preplanning services, or for those with an immediate need, Alvis & Son Funeral Home is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call Alvis Miller & Son in Rockmart at 770-684-5437 or Smith & Miller Funeral Home in Cedartown at 678-901-1234.
Tabor
Not just a place to stop by when feeling sick, Smith-Lockwood Drug & Jewelry is a great place to visit anytime when searching for a special gift item, candy or piece of jewelry. However, when Polk County residents do get sick, they say Smith-Lockwood is the best place to get medicine for what ails them.
The independent, family-owned pharmacy has been serving Polk County residents for 77 years. Now in its third generation of owneroperators, the pharmacy is located at 114 South Marble Street in Rockmart.
Otis E. Smith and James M. Lockwood bought the store from Barrow Drugs in 1947. Smith passed the business along to his son, Steven Bennett Smith, whose daughter, Sondi Smith Vest now owns and operates the pharmacy with her husband, David. Both husband and wife are pharmacy school graduates from the University of Georgia. Vest is a 1996 UGA graduate with a bachelor of science degree and an RPh (registered pharmacist) designation. Her husband is a 1997 UGA pharmacy graduate where he received his PharmD (doctorate of pharmacy) degree.
Smith-Lockwood has 12 employees, including four pharmacists who are all native to Rockmart. In addition to the pharmacy, the store part of the business offers a large line of gifts, candies and jewelry.
“We want to thank our loyal customers,” Sondi Vest said. “Without our customers, we could not remain in business.”
Smith-Lockwood is one of the longest—if not the longest--ongoing independent pharmacies in the state operating within the same family, according to the owners.
“Our family is dedicated to serving the citizens of Rockmart and Polk County and remaining in the Historic Downtown District,” Vest said.
More than just a place to get a great cup of coffee, Sanity Coffee Co. is where folks often meet to catch up, celebrate, do business, have fun or support a worthy cause. Such was the case when this winning Polk County business recently hosted the beautiful Christmas Charity Gala at the In the Woods venue. A strong community partner, Sanity Coffee Co. is often the go-to choice for area groups, such as local Christian book club meetings and monthly Ladies Night get-togethers, as well as a favorite to provide coffee for such events as the Polk County Chamber of Commerce Member Appreciation Breakfast. Sanity Coffee Co. regularly hosts community events, such as it did with Storytime with Santa during the recent holiday season.
Not just a simple “cup of Joe,” which has been a nickname for coffee since the 1930s, Sanity’s menu includes: Caramel Macchiato, White Chocolate Mocha, The Sanity, Candy Apple Latte, Butterbeer Latte, Caramel Creme Latte, Peppermint White Mocha, Turtle Latte, Red Bull Refresher, Upside Down Toffee Nut and Dark Chocolate Mocha, to offer a sampling. Whether it’s the perfect latte, cappuccino, cold brew or chai tea, Sanity Coffee Co. is ready to serve. Owned by longtime friends Halie Parker and Jessica Ellington, Sanity Coffee Co. has been in business for two years and employs six people at its two locations. Sanity Coffee Co. in Rockmart and Sanity Coffee in Cedartown are open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Rockmart location opened in October 2023, the same month the original Cedartown location celebrated its first anniversary. Both locations offer online ordering with menus that also include seasonal drinks, signature drinks and the classics. Regular customers might want to purchase a coffee subscription to lock in 12 large coffees per month at a discount price. Visit Sanity Coffee Co. on Facebook or Instagram for more information or send an email to sanitycoffee@gmail.com, or call 706-266-9037. Sanity Coffee Co. is located at 1215 Rockmart Highway in Cedartown and 212 N. Marble Street in Rockmart.
Sanity Coffee Co. | 706-266-9037 https://sanity-coffee-co-square.site
WIN NER! BEST THRIFT STORE OUR HOUSE THRIFT STORE
The allure of finding unique items, saving money and discovering vintage treasures continue to propel the thrifting industry. It has become the favorite past-time for many people and entire websites and social media pages are dedicated to touting the thrifting victories of shoppers across the country. The best thrift store in Polk County is again Our House Thrift Store located at 504 South Main Street in Cedartown. But perhaps one of the best things about the best thrift store is its mission. It changes lives.
Our House Thrift Store is a nonprofit that operates to raise funds specifically for the local domestic violence shelter.
“Our mission is to provide safety and supportive services to victims of domestic violence and to increase community awareness and involvement,” according to Our House Thrift Store Executive Director Kelsei Poulin.
In addition to Poulin, the 20-plus-year-old business employs Amie Henderson (manager), Joyce Ballew (assistant manager), Abigail Bryant and Alannah Ordoyne.
“Our House Thrift Store credits our success to the amazing staff and all of the help from volunteers who show up and give their time to continue our mission to serve our community,” Poulin said, adding that she is thankful Our House Thrift Store has again been selected as the Best Thrift Store in Polk County. The thrift store is vital to the mission of the domestic violence shelter because it helps fund the shelter and serves as a donation hub for the site and its clients.
“When donating to Our House Thrift Store, the products and revenue stay in Polk County,” Poulin said. “Please remember Our House when getting ready to donate.” The store sells everything from dishes and home décor, jewelry and clothes to linens, toys, games and furniture.
The thrift store is open for shoppers, as well as those interested in donating or volunteering on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 770-749-8886, or email plkwomen@bellsouth.net or ourhousethrift8886@gmail.com.
“We want those who are suffering through domestic violence to know you are not alone,” Poulin said. “It is not your fault and we are here to help 24/7 on our crisis line at 770-749-9330. We also have a Facebook page for the thrift store and shelter to stay up-to-date on all of our happenings.”
Our House Thrift Store | 770-749-8886 www.facebook.com/polkcountyourhouse
MEGAN LITTLE, LE
JORDAN VAUGHN, F-NPC
With its stated mission to provide personalized services to each client to enhance their natural beauty and overall physical health in a safe and relaxed environment, WeCare Health and Wellness is a favorite choice for Polk County residents. The medical aesthetics and wellness center offers Botox, fillers, facials, hormone therapy, medical weight loss, IV therapy and more.
The facility has trained medical professionals on site to provide personal consultations and to educate clients on the services best suited for their needs, as well as to explain the science behind them. The first aesthetic and wellness practice to open in Polk County, WeCare is locally owned and operated by Jordan and John Vaughn. They also have a second location in Rome.
WeCare founder and nurse practitioner, Dr. Jordan Vaughn has again been named Best Nurse Practitioner in the Best of Polk contest, while Megan Little has been voted Best Esthetician. Vaughn thanked the voters for their support and said she and the others at WeCare Health and Wellness will continue to bring their clients the best services.
“I was born and raised in Rockmart,” Vaughn said. “While working in the ER most of my career, I knew I waned to do more with my education. I wanted to bring something to my community. With my husband’s drive for business and my knowledge of medicine, we were able to create WeCare.”
Vaughn has worked in the medical field for more than 12 years. Little is a graduate of the Dalton School of Esthetics and said she enjoys helping clients “release their inner beauty and build confidence.” Now in its fourth year as a thriving Polk County business, WeCare moved to its current location at 701 Hogue Avenue in Rockmart in February 2023.
“We took an old historic medical practice and transformed the building into a modern space,” Vaughn said. “There is so much history here and we are so proud to see it live on.”
As one of the top spas in Northwest Georgia, WeCare works to create an individual package for each client to help them walk out feeling renewed and energized. For a full listing of what WeCare offers, visit its website at www.wecarehealthandwellnesss.com. WeCare is open Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is closed Saturday and Sunday.
WeCare Health and Wellness
706-266-8873
www.wecarehealthandwellness.com
POLK
WIN NER!
BEST BANK CENTURY BANK OF GEORGIA
Treating its customers like friends and family has again found Century Bank of Georgia the winner of favorite bank in the Best of Polk competition.
Founded in 2000 in Cartersville, Century Bank expanded to Rockmart in 2011. The bank has six employees and is owned by almost 400 individual shareholders living in and around Northwest Georgia.
With Rockmart and Polk County such great places to live and work, the team at Century Bank of Georgia states it is proud to be part of the community. The bank was also named one of the top 100 community banks in the U.S. in recent years.
Comprised of banking professionals who focus on the needs of the bank’s clients, the team at Century Bank also makes it a priority to give back to the community. In addition, when decisions need to be made, clients have the benefit of knowing they can meet in person with local decision makers when discussing their personal or business needs.
