Avery County Best of the Best 2020

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pictured are employees of Baker Center for Primary Care (front row, L-R) Meredith Younce, Zoe Daniels, Carol Potter, Deni Burleson, Julia Perry and (back row, L-R) Sarah Seaver, NP, Debbie Case, TJ Ollis, Heidi Powell, Leslie Pollard, Katelind Ingalls, NP, Dr. Beth McKeon, MD, winners of Best Medical Practice in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

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The Best of Avery County

020 has been quite the year. Plans for our Second Annual Best of Avery County Awards ceremony, like many plans and scheduled events during the course of this year, were altered due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Local businesses have taken the challenges posed by the current climate in stride, however, by exhibiting the tenacity and resilience that makes Avery County the greatest place to live and work.

Today, more than ever, our businesses face unique challenges to provide not only outstanding products and services, but also to earn the loyalty and appreciation of their customers. In this competitive area, Avery County is no different.

We at The Avery Journal-Times are distinctly honored to have the privilege of celebrating local business for our Second Annual Best of the Best in Avery County awards. Not only were more than 150 categories of businesses and individuals voted on and recognized by our readers and communities, but this production is a celebration of those who succeed at what they do each and every day.

How do we know this? It’s simple: We know because those businesses represented in this section were chosen by the most discriminating of judges... you.

Any business owner in Avery County can tell you that it’s not easy to be voted as one of Avery County’s Best of the Best. Our

Pictured is Luke Hamilton, of New River Building Supply, accepting 2020 Best of Avery certificates for Best Window/Door Store, Best Lumber Store and Best Building Supply Store.

readers voted on a wide range of categories, from accountant to women’s clothing, and most everything in between. At The Avery Journal-Times, we simply tally the results and present the winners.

Yet, there is common ground found among the winners. They all fill a need in our community, and in so doing go out of their way to make the customer experience one to be remembered.

Each of the businesses and organizations featured in this special section, on our website at www.averyjournal.com and in our print newspaper are focused on a winning attitude and making winning choices. That’s how they have earned their accolades, and that is how any successful

business will remain as one of the county’s best for years to come.

At The Avery Journal-Times, we commend and applaud each business listed here and thank our event sponsors: Blue Ridge Energy, Mayland Community College, Stonewalls and WJ Office, City for their daily efforts in making Avery County the best county in the High Country.

Congratulations to each of you. You have earned and truly deserve the title you have been awarded.

To view the companion 2020 Best of Avery County Virtual Awards Ceremony hosted by the staff of The Avery Journal-Times, click to www.averyjournal. com.

Pictured is Dr. Thomas Haizlip, Jr. MD, accepting the Best of Avery County award for Best Surgeon.

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

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Best of the Best

Our first location on Back Street in West Jefferson.

Offices and warehouse now located at 118 South Big Valley Street, Boone NC 28607

Reflections from an Entrepreneur

By Neville Chaney While in a family-owned pizzeria in Charlotte one evening, I had to chuckle at a plaque that was on the wall that hit home. It said, “The only thing more over-hyped than natural childbirth is owning your own business.”

How true.

Let me introduce myself. I’m Neville Chaney, President of WJ Office. A partner and I purchased West Jefferson Office Equipment from Gene and Preston Lyle back in December of 1976. Our first location was on Railroad Avenue right beside the cattle market. With three employees (including me) we continued what Gene and Preston had started many years earlier – serving the region with office products, furniture, and machines.

With two of three employees living in Boone and the bulk of our business coming from that area, we decided to relocate there 18 months after the acquisition and set up a better retail site for customers and less travel for our staff.

Avery County remained a vital part of our business and after 44 years, we still have many strong ties through our service to the many fine businesses in the region.

The folks honored at the Best of the Best of Avery County should and will have a great deal of which to be proud. Many of these businesses are stalwarts of the community and are well-known and highly respected.

Some are “newbies” by comparison, yet they have made their presence felt and appreciated during their time.

As a business owner, you don’t always receive as much appreciation as you deserve. Your name, your financial future, your reputation are all “on the line” every day.

Most of us have had (or have now) a second home mortgage in which the lending institution can move you out if you do not meet your financial obligations. Yet, that risk and the confidence to confront and handle that risk must be there in order to succeed. About 80% of small businesses fail in the first five years, and the number

climbs to 90% failure at the 10-year mark.

So, how does success happen and how is it defined?It’s my hypothesis that success depends on where you are in life. If you’re in business, it’s when you can make payroll this week. Or, as a young couple, success is when the baby starts sleeping through the night. As your children reach the high school and college years, success is when you and your spouse are on vacation and all the kids are working!

But as the majority of people worldwide view it, success can be problematic. Consider the vast number of entertainers, athletes, and leaders who seem to “have it all” but it’s still not enough. Quite often “successful” people make decisions that cause them to lose their most important relationships, their economic fortunes, or even their lives.

It’s interesting to note that the level of success can be seen when you can do something just a wee bit better. In 2001, Tiger Woods was the highest ranked professional golfer that year and shocked the world with golf earnings of $5.6 million. . He won that much money by playing in 19 tournaments that year. Dan Forsman (who you probably have never heard of) finished 100th in the same year. He was a very good golfer and played in 25 tournaments. His earnings? $456,000. Why do I mention this? Because Dan earned less than 10% of the money that Tiger earned. He played in 25% more tournaments and as Paul Harvey would say “the rest of the story” is that the average score between Tiger and Dan was just less than two strokes per round!

Nick Saban, football coach at the University of Alabama since 2007, is another individual who could be considered “Best of the Best.” With multiple national championships and one of the best victory records ever, Nick appears to be the type of person who can never “let down” and enjoy his success. He may have just won the national championship, have confetti falling all around

and on him, folks jumping up and down in celebration, and yet, if you saw his face you may wonder “what’s wrong?” Some folks have trouble enjoying success and start worrying about “what’s next?”

The great (and late) John Wooden, considered the greatest NCAA basketball coach of all time, won 10 national championships in 11 years during his 30-year tenure coaching at UCLA. However, one of his tenets of success was a dogged determination to reach goals. And what many folks don’t know about John Wooden is that it took him 18 years to win his first national championship!

Then he won nine out of the next 10 in his 30-year career.

American radio speaker and author Earl Nightingale was another favorite of mine. He said that “success is making progress toward a worthy goal.” John Wooden had the “worthy goal” of winning a national championship.

Each year he made progress toward that worthy goal.

When he finally reached it, he didn’t stop. In his book “Pyramid of Success” he wrote “you should define your personal vision and live the vision so that it inspires others.” Be true to yourself and treat others with respect.

Whether we own a business or work hard in an organization to serve others, the satisfaction of being “that person who your dog thinks you are” enables you to give your all each and every day. Success creates a peace of mind. It’s the inner fulfillment of knowing that the person in the mirror gave it his/her very best that day.

There’s nothing left in the tank. Don’t compare yourself to other people. Enjoy each day. Remember to be grateful each day for all the many blessings that you’ve been given. We were put on this earth to love and to serve AND to love to serve.

Congratulations to all the winners of the Best of the Best Awards. Congratulations to the residents of Avery County who have helped to make them the Best of the Best. Thank you also for your support. Stay safe and shop locally.

118 South Big Valley Street, Boone NC 28607 | 828-264-3283 | toll free 800-289-5802 | www.wjoffice.com

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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Wednesday, September 2, 2020

AVERY COUNTY’S BEST OF THE BEST 2020 Accountant Amy Brown Antique Store Back Alley Pickers Appliance Repair Crystal Hicks Art Gallery The Art Cellar Assisted Living The Heritage of Sugar Mountain Attorney C.L. Hughes III Auto Insurance Company Avery County Farm Bureau Auto Repair Shop Flanagan’s Auto Repair Auto Salesperson Donald Bare Auto Supply Store NAPA Bail Bondsman All Cell Bail Bonds, Nancy C. Thomason Bakery Little Deer Café Bank First Community Bank Banquet Facility Best Western Mountain Lodge Bar 5906’ Beech Mountain Barbecue Restaurant Carolina Barbecue Barber Levi Harmon Beauty Salon All About You Bed and Breakfast Perry House Inn Body Shop Carlos & Sons SEE BEST ON PAGE 7

Pictured are Mason Gardner, Shannon Garland, Twila Hughes, Susan Clark, Deb Gragg, Andy Stofer, Gail Haller, and Angie Jackson with Avery Co. Health Department, winners of Best COVID-19 Response.

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

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Thank you for voting us...

Best Dinner Restaurant

Best Steakhouse

Best Fine Dining Restaurant

Best Salad Bar

Best Best Specialty/Gourmet Food Seafood Restaurant

Best Catering Service

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Pictured is Shannon Maness with Best Western Mountain Lodge, winners of Best Banquet Facility and Best Hotel/Motel in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pictured is Mary Karam of Cam Ranh Bay, winner of Best Waiter/Waitress in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for making us Best of the Best Ice Cream in Avery 2020!

Thanks for voting us

Best General Store in Avery County!

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"[BMFB $JS t #BOOFS &ML (239) 222-2175 CFTDPPQFEOD!HNBJM DPN

Come visit us at Eastern America’s Highest Town

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

BEST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Breakfast Restaurant Kaye’s Kitchen Buffet Kaye’s Kitchen Building Supply Store New River Building Supply Cable TV Company Skyline/Skybest Car Dealer (Used) Heritage Motors Carpet Cleaner Highland Pro-Clean Catering Service Stonewalls Chicken Restaurant Carolina Barbecue Chinese Restaurant China House Chiropractor Dr Kelly McLaurin, NW Chiropractic Christmas Tree Farm Avery Farms Church Newland First Baptist Church Leader Tee Gatewood Civic/Community Org. Kiwanis Coach (Local Sports) Matt Wiseman Coffee Shop Little Deer Café College Lees-McRae College

Contractor VPC Builders Convenience Store Crossnore Exxon Cosmetologist Missy Pittman COVID-19 Response Business Avery County Health Dept.

Dance Studio Avery County Cloggers Day Care Center Kingdom Kids Deli Dunn’s Deli Dentist Dr. Jonathan Lindsey, DDS Dinner Restaurant Stonewall’s Dog Groomer Furvana Drug Store Premier Pharmacy Dry-Cleaner McKenzie Cleaners Electrician Quality Electric EMT Elmer Jones Exercise Facility Williams YMCA Farm Supply Store Three Nails Hardware Fast Food Restaurant Sandee’s Café

Pictured is Kelli Pittman of Dainty Darling, winner of Best Women’s Clothing Store and Gift Shop.

SEE BEST ON PAGE 15

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

Pictured is Charles Flanagan with Flanagan’s Auto Repair, winners of Best Auto Repair in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured is Levi Harmon with Levi’s Barber Shop, winner of Best Barber in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

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BEST HOME BUILDER AND BEST CONTRACTOR It is our honor to serve you.

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pictured are Christina Harrison, Aubrie Bunton and Shasta Smith (back row) and Carol Smith, Shantae Kohler, Cathy Nieman and Beth Goode (front row) of Life Care of Banner Elk, winner of Best Nursing Home in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured is George Ware with Mountain Heritage Systems, winners of Best Home Security in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured are Pizzaiolo Dana Simmons and General Manager Craig Simmons with Bella’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurant, winners of Best Pizza Restaurant and Best Italian Restaurant in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting us the

Best Propane Company in Avery County!

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

THANK YOU Avery County for voting for us!

Best Police OfďŹ cer Kevin Hodges

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Best Politician Allen Bolick

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Best Town Manager Rick Owen Best Town Parade Banner Elk 4th of July Parade

Avery County Farm Bureau

Best Town To Live Banner Elk The Town of Banner Elk

14 Turbyfill Rd, Newland, NC 28657

(828) 733-3603

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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Pictured is Mike Dunn with Dunn’s Deli and The Perry House, winner of Best Deli and Best Bed and Breakfast in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

“We want to thank everyone for voting for us. We care so much for our clients. We are truly blessed!�

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pictured are Andrew and Jael Johansen with Highland Pro Clean, winners of Best Carpet Cleaner in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you to our customers for voting us the Best Coffee Shop and Best Bakery in Avery County!

- Missy Pittman and Amber Smith

Little Deer CafĂŠ

LINVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

3616 MITCHELL AVE #1, LINVILLE, NC 28646

828-733-0199

Best Chiropractor in Avery County!

(828) 733-9333

WWW.LITTLEDEERCAFE.COM

Thank you for voting Jones Carpet & Furniture the Best Furniture Store in Avery County!

Come and see our new double sided mattresses!

Northwest

(828) 733-4848

(VWDWRD 6W 1HZODQG 1& ‡

Thank You Avery County for voting me Best Attorney ...again C. L. Hughes, III 104 Elk St., Newland, NC

828-733-7172

Dr. Kelly McLaurin, D.C.

725 Cranberry St, Newland, NC 28657

Thank you for voting us Best Antique Store in Avery County!

Royale Komfort Doublesided Queen Matresses Only $595!

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

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Pictured are Allen Bolick and Rick Owen, winners of Best Town to Live and Best Town Parade in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured is Jacob Gragg of Pixie Produce, winner of Best Produce Shop in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured is Dave Marich with Highlander’s, winners of Best Night Entertainment in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

If you think our Breakfast is good... wait ‘till you try our Lunch and Dinner!

Breakfast & Lunch 8am - 2pm

Dinner Served 5pm - 9pm

Mon - Tues - Thurs - Fri - Sat Sunday Brunch 9am - 2pm

503 Pineola Street, Newland, NC (828) 737-0314

Missing our buffet? So are we!

We’ll bring it back as soon as we get back to our regular capacity. Meanwhile come and check out our NEW Sunday Brunch.

We are proud to have served our community throughout this Covid-19 event

Visit our website for our complete schedule & current menus.

www.KayesKitchen-NC.com

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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Pictured are Scott Garland and Tim Hechke with Stonewalls Restaurant, 2020 Best of Avery winners of of Best Dinner Restaurant, Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Best Seafood Restaurant, Best Specialty/Gourmet Food, Best Catering Service, Best Salad Bar, and Best Steakhouse.

#1

Thanks for voting us Golf Course in Avery County!

Membership applications and bookings for the 2021 season available by phone or online.

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

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pictured are owner Erika Siegel and Becky Christhilf of My Best Friend’s Barkery, winner of Best Pet Supply Store in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting Banner Elk Elementary the best school, Julie Johnson the best teacher, and Justin Carver the best principal in Avery County!

Avery County Board of Education 775 Cranberry St, Newland, NC 28657 (828) 733-6006

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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THANK YOU

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL ASPHALT PAVING FOR 10 YEARS Parking Lots Housing Developments Roads Septic System Drainage We can handle all your paving & sealing needs

VOTED #1 IN AVERY COUNTY

E N L S E O K I N M PAVING & SEALING NEWLAND, NC

828-387-1529 HWY 194 NEWLAND, NC

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pictured are Edward Dean, Shayna Cole and Cassie Stines; also pictured are Jason Lisk, Emily Clark, Veronica Davis and Charli Nelson with Premier Pharmacy, winners of Best Pharmacy and Best Drug Store.

ALL CELL BAIL BONDS NANCY CALHOUN THOMASON Owner/ Bail Agent

Thank you for voting us

MCKENZIE DRY CLEANERS

Best Dog Groomer!

828-898-5677

Newland, NC 28457 We're a local bail bond company only minutes away from the town of Newland, NC in Avery County with over 15 years of service and experience. Proudly Serving All Western NC Counties!

CALL US TODAY- JUST MINUTES AWAY!

“When you just need to get out!"

Thank You for Your Confidence!

Our customers always win our vote!

828-733-3925

McKENZIE DRY CLEANER

OPEN 24 HOURS 7 DAYS A WEEK www.calhounendeavors.com Email: bailagentnancy@gmail.com

3889 NC HWY 105 SOUTH BANNER ELK, NC 28604

a Proud member of NCBAA, NC Bail Academy, & Surety Guild

DRY CLEANING, WASH & FOLD LEATHER & SUEDE 828-898-5677

Pick Up/Drop Off

828.550.3538

Tynecastle Hwy Sugar Mountain NC Furvana

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Pictured are Store Manager Tom Thomas and Market Manager Jason Clarke of Lowes Foods, winners of Best Seafood Market in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

BEST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Fine Dining Restaurant Stonewalls Fire Fighter Michael Richards Flooring Store A Flooring Outlet Florist/Flower Shop Mountaineer Garden Center Formal Wear J & J’s Tuxedo Funeral Home Reins- Sturdivant Furniture Store Jones Carpet & Furniture Garden Shop

Mountaineer Garden General Store Fred’s General Mercantile Gift Shop Dainty Darling Golf Course Mountain Glen Grocery Store Food Lion Hamburger San Dee’s Café Hardware Store Three Nails Hardware Heating and Air Company Complete Comfort Heating Oil Dealer Blue Ridge Energy Propane and Fuels SEE BEST ON PAGE 20

Thank you to our local community for supporting us through the pandemic.

We appreciate you!

Italian Restaurant and Pizza Restaurant Please remember to wear a mask and practice social distancing when you visit us!

Bella’s

3585 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828) 898-9022 | bellasbannerelk.com

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pictured are Brad Blackwell, Leighann Cogdill, Will Young, and Jack Costin of Ski Beech, winners of Best Ski Slope in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured are Tiffany Ramsey, Glorie Buchanan, Mike Clark and Gwen Lowrance with First Community Bank, winners of Best Bank in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

THANK

YOU

Pictured is ‘Pepper,’ the ofďŹ cial greeter with Mountaineer Garden Center, winners of Best Florist, Best Landscaper, Best Lawn and Garden Store, and Best Garden Shop in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank You Avery County

For Voting Us The Best Place To Find A Bargain & Best Non-Profit!

Avery County for Voting Us

Thank you for voting us the Best Mexican and Best Lunch Restaurant in Avery County!

The Best Optometrist

Andrew L. Williams, O.D.

Avery Eye Care Center 4aM]ORaah EcaRRc ΄ ͚

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We appreciate your support of our ministry to help those in need AND for supporting our Thrift Store “RAM’s RACK�, Which makes all of this possible.

Serving Avery County for 38 Years.

2120 Tynecastle Hwy #1 Banner Elk, NC 28604 110 Linville St, Newland, NC 28657

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pictured is Store Manager Andy Grill with Food Lion, winner of Best Grocery Store in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured are Karen and Tim Bounds of Mountain Jewelers, winners of Best Jewelry Store, with Tim winning Best Jeweler in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured are Jonathan and Jenna Lindsey with Jonathan Lindsey, DDS, winners of Best Dentist in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured is Mary Blalock of Laurel Mountain Internal Medicine, winner of Best Nurse Practitioner in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured are Nicole McKenzie, Ashlee Combs, Judith McKenzie and Kevin McKenzie of McKenzie Dry Cleaners, winners of Best Dry Cleaner in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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Pictured are Haley Penland, Kayla Forbes, Stevie Millsaps, Brooke Ingham, Tammy Johnson, Spring Wolfhertz, Mary Catheryn Gautir, and Kara Penland of Kingdom Kids, winner of Best Day Care Center in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for 35 years!

Established 1985 Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10:00-6:00 Newland, NC (828)733-0186

THANK YOU AVERY COUNTY FOR VOTING US

BEST

OF THE BEST VIETNAMESE AND JAPANESE RESTAURANT FOR 2 YEARS IN A ROW!

110 High Country Square, Banner Elk, NC 28604

828-898-4121 www.CamRanhBayNC.com

Authentic Vietnamese & Japanese Cuisine Dine-In, Take-Out, Catering, Private Parties, Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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Wednesday, September 2, 2020

BEST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Home Builders VPC Builders Home Cooking Restaurant Hickerman’s Country Kitchen Home Decor Store Diane Davant Home Security Mountain Heritage Systems Hospital Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hotel/Motel Best Western Mountain Lodge Ice Cream/Slushy Shop BE Scooped Insurance Agency Avery County Farm Bureau Insurance Agent Travis Turbyfill Internet Provider Skyline/Skybest Investment Firm Edward Jones Italian Restaurant Bella’s Italian Japanese Restaurant Cam Ranh Bay Jeweler Tim Bounds Jewelry Store Mountain Jewelers Landscape Company Mountaineer Garden Center Law Firm Tie Lawn & Garden Mountaineer Garden Lawn Mower Store Lowe’s Home Improvement Lumber Store New River Building Supply SEE BEST ON PAGE 25

Pictured are Karen Fugate (Director of Membership & Athletics), Bonnie Clark (Associate Executive Director), Dennis Betz (Fund Development & Accountability), Sheila Bauer (Community Outreach Director), Holly Magid (Personnel & Finance Director) and Lauren Wilson (Healthy Living Programs Director) of Williams YMCA of Avery County, winner of Best Exercise Facility in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank You for Voting Us the Best!

Internet, Television & Telephone Company

Thank you for voting us

Best Real Estate Agency in Avery County!

Call, visit us online or stop by and ask about current specials on our services.

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

828-898-3500

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Pictured are Cindy and Les Broussard with Banner Elk Cafe, winners of Best Wings in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured is Donna Burnop of Back Alley Pickers, winner of Best Antique Store in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

We, at The Barn at Cornerstone would like to thank everyone who voted for us. We appreciate all of the love and support from our family, friends and our community.

Blessings, Ray and Kim

THE BARN AT CORNERSTONE A RELAXING, ELEGANT AND RUSTIC BARN VENUE Located in the mountains on eight beautiful acres, our property features meandering streams, two ponds and waterfalls making it the perfect setting for your wedding. The barn and pavilion is yours for the entire weekend allowing you to decorate, play games and relax in the authentic log cabins nestled around the barn and pavilion 64 Cornerstone Circle Banner Elk, NC 28604 www.thebarnatcornerstone.com Facebook.com/Thebarnatcornerstone

‡ Photo: Kim Schrader

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pictured are Kevin Ramsey, Kaye Reinhofer, Tony Villanueva, Jeff “Rupie� Ruppard, Susan Russ, and Faith Lynn of Kaye’s Kitchen, winners of Best Breakfast Restaurant and Best Buffet in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured is Elmer Jones, winner of Best Emergency Medical Technician in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured is Tracy Simms with Blue Ridge Realty, winner of Best Real Estate Agent in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank You customers for voting us

THANK YOU

For Voting Us Best Investment Firm in Avery County!

Thank you for voting us 2020’s BEST LAWN MOWER STORE

Best of the Best in Avery County 2019! %*: %PH 8BTI t /VUSJUJPO $POTVMUBUJPO "WBJMBCMF

8F $BSF "CPVU UIF )FBMUI PG :PVS 1FU )JHI 2VBMJUZ %PH $BU 'PPE 3BX %JFU 'SFF[F %SJFE 1FU 'PPET 64" .BEF 5SFBUT )PNF #BLFE 5SFBUT 'FBUVSJOH "MUFSOBUJWF 4VQQMFNFOUT GPS YoVS 1FU T %JFUBSZ BOE )FBMUI /FFET 5PZT $PMMBST -FBTIFT BOE .PSF We Pride Ourselves on Carrying Healthy Foods for Your Dogs & Cats 4IBXOFFIBX "WF %PXOUPXO #BOOFS &ML /$

828.898.5625 3616 Mitchell Ave. Suite 7 Linville, NC 28646

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2014 Tynecastle Highway, Banner Elk, NC

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Pictured is Chief Kevin Hodges with Banner Elk Police Department, winner of Best Police OfďŹ cer in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pictured are Hank Phillips and Glen GrifďŹ th with Avery Tire Pros in Newland, winner of Best Tire Store in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank You! for making us the

1

#

The Staff

HOME COOKING RESTAURANT IN AVERY COUNTY

$7 +,&.(50$1¡6 <28¡5( 3$57 2) 7+( )$0,/<

Back Row L to R: Hunter Moncus, Cody Ellis, Ken Ockerman, Teaira Black Front Row L to R: Autumn Ockerman, Kayci Shaw

HICKERMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COUNTRY KITCHEN serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 7AM-2PM daily 2015 Tyne Castle Hwy (across from Lowes Home Improvement)

Banner Elk, NC Call us for a great meal 828-898-4223

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

BEST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Lunch Restaurant Puerto Nuevo Massage Therapist Amber Smith Medical Doctor Dr. Robert Clark, MD Medical Practice Baker Center for Primary Care Mexican Restaurant Puerto Nuevo Mobile Phone Company Verizon Monument Company Spear Memorials Mortgage Company BB&T Nail Salon Blossomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nails Night Entertainment Highlander Non-Profit Organization Ramâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rack Nurse Tie-Mary Crawford, Tamara Goforth, Lisa Newberg Nurse Practitioner Mary Blalock Nursing Home Life Care Center of Banner Elk Optometrist Dr. Andrew Williams, DO Outfitters Store High Mountain Expeditions Paint Store Three Nails Hardware Painter Webb Painting Paving Company Mike Nelson Paving Pest Control Terminix SEE BEST ON PAGE 31

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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Avery Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best of the Best

Pictured are Angie Berry, Mike Chester, Bryan Harmon, Phillip Carver, Justin Stines, Susan Jones, Roger Oberhelman, and Patrick Howard of Blue Ridge Propane, winner of Best Propane Company in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

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

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pictured on the back row are RJ Weaver, Roy Ingram, Dean Gibbs, Blake Johnson, Allen Phillips and Jesse Heafner; Pictured front row are Daniel Mattern, owner Michael Johnson and Bob Burleson with Complete Comfort Heating and Air, winner of Best Heating and Air Company in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured are Mark Rus and Kurt Steinbaugh with High Mountain Expeditions, winners of Best Outfitters Store in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting us

the BEST NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Pictured are Bill Leonard and Carrie Smithey of Ski Country Sports, winner of Best Ski Shop in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting us the Best Tree Service in Avery County!

All of us at

Mountaineer Garden Center, Florist and Greenhouses in Banner Elk would like to thank all of our customers for your support.

We are grateful that you have chosen us for the

Best of the Best Award Texas Hold ‘Em Poker every Monday 6:00PM - Close.

Free Line Dancing Lessons every Tuesday 5:30-6:30.

Trivia Every Wednesday! 7:00 PM Karaoke Every Friday 8pm-midnight.

Special and LIVE MUSIC from 8-11pm!

4527 Tynecastle Highway s Banner Elk, NC

(828) 898-9613

in 4 garden categories.

Together we can keep the High Country in bloom!

TREE SERVICE, INC. 1731 Beech Mountain Road Elk Park, NC 28622 (828) 733-3320

Mountaineer Garden Center

1735 Tynecastle Hwy Banner Elk, North Carolina Call (828) 898-5219 mountaineergardencenter.com

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Page 27

Pictured is Fred Pfohl of Fredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s General Mercantile, winner of Best General Store in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured is Chrissy Kasper of Avery County Cloggers, winner of Best Dance Studio in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured are Crystal Ward and manager Chris Goforth of NAPA Banner Elk, winners of Best Auto Supply Store in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured are Amber Smith with Soma Massage and Missy Pittman with Classic Cuts, winners of Best Message Therapist (Smith) and Best Cosmetologist (Pittman) in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting us Best Christmas Tree Farm in Avery County!

Thank you for voting us the best monument company in Avery County!

SPEAR

MEMORIALS est. 1946

*5$1,7( 0$5%/( %521=( Head Stones, Address Rocks, Pet Stones, Decorative Garden Stones, Family Name Engraved Stones, Monuments, and more.

Avery Farms Avery Family

We mail order Christmas Trees 615 Avery Lane, Plumbtree, NC 28664

Â&#x2021; averychristmastrees.com

6677 S. US 19E Hwy. Newland, NC 28657

828-765-2611 828-719-6249

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

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Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pictured are Pamela Benfield, Rick Garret, Sheila Shell, Michelle Donaldson, Jean Brown, Amy Erwin and Janet Millsaps with Ram’s Rack (Reaching Avery Ministries), winners of Best Nonprofit and Best Place to Find a Bargain in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured are Luke Pittman and Thomas Pittman with Pittman Trucking, winner of Best Trucking Service in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Pictured are Josh Crowder and manager Greg Revis with NAPA Newland, winners of Best Auto Supply Store in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting us

BEST RENTAL STORE & BEST POWER EQUIPMENT SHOP

Thank You to Our Customers

Best Women’s Clothing and

Best Gift Shop

445 Pineola Street | Newland NC

Equipment Rentals Sales Service 828-898-6301

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Page 29

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

We believe in saying thanks.

Avery County Farm Bureau Josh Anthony Agency Manager 828-733-9617

Thank you for voting us the best of the best!

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Donna Duncan (]LY` *V\U[` 6MÄJL (NLU[ 828-733-9617

115 Main St E Banner Elk, NC (828) 898-5100

Barry Crawford )HUULY ,SR 6MÄJL (NLU[ 828-898-8566

570 Cranberry St Newland NC 28657

98 High Country Sq. Banner Elk, NC 28604

828-733-9617

(828) 898-8566

9am-5pm Mon-Fri

8am-5pm Mon-Fri

First

Community Bank Your First Financial Resource

Member FDIC

FirstCommunityBank.com

Thank You!

Thank you for your trust and confidence.

Thank you for voting us the

Best Home Security Company

Garrick Smith and Brandy Hampton

in Avery County!

430 Pineola St, Newland, NC 28657 (828) 733-0141 www.mhstechnologies.com

(828)733-2121 296 Ash St, Newland, NC 28657

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Page 30

Pictured is Bar Manager Cameron Elliott with 5506â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Beech Mountain, winner of Best Bar in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pictured is Jim Swinkola with Banner Elk Kiwanis, winner of Best Civic/Community Organization in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting me

the Best Accountant and Best Tax Service in Avery County!

- Amy G. Brown, CPA P.C.

Thank You, Avery County, for voting us

Best of the Best Tourist Attraction, Again in 2020!

4501 Tynecastle Hwy # 16, Banner Elk, NC 28604

(828) 898-7607

2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646 (800) 468-7325 www.grandfather.com

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Page 31

BEST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Pet Supply Store My Best Friend’s Barkery Pharmacist Jin Joon Pharmacy Premier Pharmacy Physical Therapy Dr. Joe Nitti, DC Physician Dr. David P. Kimmel, MD Pizza Restaurant Bella’s Italian Place to find a bargain Ram’s Rack Place to work Lees-McRae College Plumber William Forbes Police Officer Kevin Hodges Politician Allen Bolick Power Equipment Shop Avery Rent-All Pre-Planning Agent Brandy Hampton Produce Shop Pixie Produce Propane Company Blue Ridge Propane Real Estate Agency The Summit Group Real Estate Agent Tracy Simms Rental Agency Mountain Realty Rentals Rental Store Avery Rent-All Salad Bar Stonewalls School Banner Elk Elementary School Principal Justin Carver Seafood Market Lowes Foods Seafood Restaurant Stonewalls Ski Rental Extreme Ski and Snowboard Ski Shop

Ski Country Sports Ski Slope Ski Beech Small Engine Repair Linville Small Engine Soft Drink Coca-Cola Specialty/Gourmet Food Stonewalls Steakhouse Stonewalls Surgeon Dr. Thomas Haizlip, Jr. MD Tax Service Amy Brown, CPA Teacher Julie Johnson Telephone Company Skyline/Skybest Tire Store Avery Tire Pros Tourist Attraction Grandfather Mountain Town Manager Rick Owen Town Parade Banner Elk 4th of July Town To Live Banner Elk Tree Service Hunter’s Tree Service Trucking/Hauling Service Pittman Trucking Veterinarian Dr. Brent Jewell, DVM Vietnamese Restaurant Cam Ranh Bay Waiter/Waitress Mary Karam Wedding Venue Barn at Cornerstone Window or Door Store New River Building Supply Winery Linville Falls Winery Wings Banner Elk Café Women’s Clothing Store Dainty Darling

Pictured back row are Cody Smith, Emily Farthing, Alaina Farthing, Marsha McManus, and Dara Barnes; pictured front row are Terri Melton, Zoe Schmidinger and Alison Phillips of Summit Group, winner of Best Real Estate Company in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Look what

America NOTICED!

School district budgets Public hearings Property auctions Local tax changes Adoptions Find out about these and much more in your local newspaper!

Participate in Democracy.

Read your Public Notices.

HERITAGE MOTORS THANK YOU!

BEST USED CAR DEALER and BEST USED CAR SALESPERSON DONALD BARE visit us soon 1969 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC www.heritagerides.com (828) 898-3330

Thank you for voting us

the Best Day Care Center!

Thank You Avery County for voting us the Best Assisted Living

264 Sugar Mountain Rd. #2 828-733-6249

199 Elk St, Newland, NC 28657

(828) 737-0350

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Page 32

Pictured is Kenny Calhoun with Carlos and Sons, winners of Best Auto Body Shop in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting us

Best BBQ Restaurant and Best Chicken Restaurant!

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pictured is Davin Underwood of Little Deer Cafe, winner of Best Coffee Shop and Best Bakery in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

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

500 Pineola St. Newland, NC 28657

110 Estatoa St, Newland, NC 28657

(828) 737-0700

(828) 733-0408

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Pictured is Kelly McLaurin with Northwest Chiropractic, winner of Best Chiropractor in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

A Flooring Outlet, Inc. 7KDQN \RX IRU YRWLQJ XV

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Page 33

Pictured is Agent Travis TurbyďŹ ll and Deborah Lecka of Avery County Farm Bureau. TurbyďŹ ll is the winner of Best Insurance Agent in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting us the

Best Produce Shop in Avery County!

When experience counts, let A Flooring Outlet Inc. assist you with all of \RXU Ă RRULQJ QHHGV ,,Q Ă RRULQJ WKH FKRLFH KDV WR EH ULJKW Q Ă RRUULQJ QJ WWKH FFK FKRLFF K KDV WWR E EH UULJKW

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3979 Mitchell Ave, Linville, NC 28646

(828) 640-6999

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Page 34

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Pictured are Jake Smith and Rachel Small of VPC Builders, winner of Best Home Builders and Best Contractor in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank You Avery County for voting us the

Best Trucking Company

Newland, NC 828-733-2169

Pictured is Tony Hunter of Hunterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tree Service, winner of Best Tree Service in the 2020 Best of Avery Awards.

Thank you for voting me the Best Veterinarian in Avery County!

- Dr. Brent Jewell

Avery Animal Hospital 351 W. Mitchell St. Newland, NC 28657 Phone: (828)733-9810

THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Boone 2491 US Hwy. 421 South 828-264-8894

Lenoir 100 Cooperative Way 828-754-9071

Sparta 1889 Hwy. 21 South 336-372-4646

Page 35

Morganton 434 E. Fleming Drive 828-437-1344

West Jefferson 2375 NC Hwy. 163 336-846-7138

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THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY

Wednesday, September 2, 2020