Celebrating Watauga County’s Best of the Best
Approximately 300 community members gathered in Appalachian State University’s Grandview Ballroom to celebrate the winners of the 17th annual Watauga Democrat Best of the Best.
The April 14 event was a significant celebration of local businesses that were voted the “best of the best” in various categories. There were more than 240 categories in this year’s rendition of Best of Watauga, which was made possible through the generous support of sponsors Austin and Barnes Funeral Home, Dougnet Computer Consulting, Jared Munday Electric, Inc., Los Arcoris Mexican Grill & Cantina, Mountaineer Heating & Cooling, AppleJuice, Capones, and A-1 Pest Control Services.
"What a special night," Mountain Times Publications Sales Manager Mark Mitchell said. "We love having the opportunity to come together with friends and neighbors to honor their excellence. It is truly quite special. What makes it our favorite event of the year is that, after the community votes on who they feel is
Thank you for votingus
Best Service, Breakfast & Brunch !
Hours: SUN TUES: 7AM-3PM
the Best of the Best, we get to share in their celebration."
A record number of Watauga Democrat readers voted for their favorite businesses to determine winners in more than 240 categories. Voters' enthusiasm demonstrated that local businesses' efforts do not go unnoticed in Watauga County.
“This was the biggest and smoothest Best of Watauga event I’ve been part of,” said Mountain Times Publications Executive Editor and Watauga Democrat editor Moss Brennan. “It was amazing to see all the different businesses sitting and talking to each other. From the best computer repair to the best pet boarding facility, this event brings together so many people to celebrate great achievements."
After eating a meal catered by Grandview Catering and listening to the smooth sounds of jazz played by The Society All Stars, recipients
and their guests enjoyed impressive views of the App State Football stadium and the surrounding mountainous landscape as award winners were announced. Each table was also adorned with a beautiful floral arrangement from Log House Florist.
The Watauga Democrat and Mountain Times Publications applaud each of the winners and are thankful for their support of Watauga County’s newspaper of record.
Thank You forchoosing us as your 2026 Physician &Pediatrician
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Racquel Jones and Will Cornett with 5 Star Express Car Wash, which won Best Car Wash.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Mitch Dienst, Austin Key, Laura Carpenter, Yvonne Roberts, Charlotte Dean, and Tim Jolley with A-1 Pest Control Services, which won Best Pest Control Company.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured is Judah Goheen with Abbey Carpet & Floor, which won Best Flooring Store.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured is Gray Huffman with Alray Tire & Auto, which won Best Tire Store and Best Auto Repair Shop.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Tommy Smith and Ariel Malec with AMOREM Hospice & Palliative Care, which won Best Hospice Care.
And the Winners are....
BEST ACCOUNTANT
Luke Copeland CPA PC
BEST ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC
Blue Ridge Acupuncture
BEST ANTIQUE STORE
Appalachian Antique Mall
BEST APPLIANCE REPAIR
R & C Appliance Service LLC
BEST APPLIANCE STORE
A1 Vacuum
BEST ART GALLERY
Turchin Center
BEST ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY
Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living
BEST ATTORNEY
Dustin N. Stacy, The Law Office Of
Dustin N. Stacy
BEST AUTO BODY SHOP
Hampton's Body Shop
BEST AUTO DEALER NEW
Modern Toyota
BEST AUTO DEALER USED
RC Motors
BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP
Alray Tire & Auto
BEST AUTO SALESPERSON NEW
Lori Holton, Modern Toyota
BEST AUTO SALESPERSON USED
RC Motors
BEST AUTO SUPPLY STORE
NAPA Auto Parts Of Boone
BEST BAKERY
Stick Boy Bread Company
BEST BANK (NOT CREDIT UNION)
Lifestore Bank
BEST BANQUET FACILITY
Chetola Resort
BEST BAR
Town Tavern
BEST BARBECUE RESTAURANT
The Pedalin' Pig
BEST BARBER
Kevin, Kevin's Kutz
BEST BARTENDER
Sarah Ruble, Pepper's
BEST BEAUTY SALON
Mane Habit Salon
BEST BED & BREAKFAST
Gideon Ridge Inn
BEST BEER & WINE STORE
Peabody's Wine & Beer
BEST BICYCLE SHOP
Boone Bike & Touring
BEST BISCUIT
Betty's Biscuits
BEST BOOK STORE
Cornerstone Books Of Boone
BEST BREAKFAST RESTAURANT
Troy’s 105 Diner
BEST BREWERY
Booneshine Brewing Company
BEST BRUNCH
Troy’s 105 Diner
BEST BUILDING CONTRACTOR SERVICE
Devin Hollars Construction, LLC
BEST BURRITO
Los Arcoiris
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Sophie Derrico, Hannah Pauley, Alyssa Reed, Anna Eller and Ali Aita with Anna Banana’s Fine Consignment, which won Best Secondhand Store.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Jason Deathridge and Kevin Wright with the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, which won Best Theater/Performance Venue.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Sean Fagan, John Kucher, and John Kucher Jr. with Appalachian Auto Glass, which won Best Windshield Repair Service.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Grace Ward and Merle Adams with Appalachian Furniture, which won Best Furniture Store.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Joseph Wheeler, Jeremiah Wheeler, Joshua Wheeler and Jordan Buchanan with Apple Juice iRepair, which won Best Cell Phone Repair.
BEST CABLE TV COMPANY
Skyline/Skybest
BEST CAMPGROUND
Boone KOA
BEST CAR WASH
5 Star Express Car Wash
BEST CARPET CLEANING SERVICE
Dolbier Floor Care & Restoration
BEST CATERING SERVICE
Dan'l Boone Inn
BEST CBD/HOLISTIC HEALTH STORE
Be Natural Market
BEST CELL PHONE REPAIR
Apple Juice Irepair
BEST CELLULAR SERVICE
Carolina West Wireless
BEST CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT
Victoria Critcher, The Foley Center At Chestnut Ridge
BEST CHICKEN RESTAURANT
Chick-Fil-A
BEST CHICKEN TENDER
Come Back Shack
BEST CHILDREN'S STORE
DoodlyScott’s
BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT
Taste Grill
BEST CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE
Marathon Chiropractic Clinic
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Brett Henson, Foundation
Chiropractic
BEST CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
Cornett Deal Christmas Tree Farm
BEST CIVIC/COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
Homestead Recovery Center
BEST COFFEE ROASTER
Hatchet Coffee
BEST COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY
Appalachian Commercial Real Estate, LLC
BEST COMPUTER REPAIR
Dougnet Computer Consulting
BEST CONVENIENCE STORE Cove Creek Store
BEST COSMETOLOGIST
Jezabel LeBatard, Mane Habit Salon
BEST CREDIT UNION (NOT A BANK) Nc State Employees Credit Union
BEST CREMATION SERVICE
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory
BEST CREPERIE Mo's Sweets
BEST DANCE STUDIO Studio K
BEST DAY CARE CENTER Kid Cove
BEST DELI
Wildwood Community Market & Deli
BEST DENTIST
Dr. Julia Snyder, Mountaineer Dental
BEST DENTIST OFFICE
The Dentists of Mountaineer
Dental
BEST DJ
John Paul Lacy, DJ Grooves Entertainment
BEST DONUTS
Local Lion
BEST DRUG STORE Boone Drug
BEST DRY-CLEANING STORE A Cleaner World
BEST ELECTRICIAN SERVICE
Jared Munday Electric, Inc.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Bob Barnes, Tessie Rudel, John Rudel, Jordan Rudel, Bridgett Taylor and Mike Townsend with Austin & Barnes Funeral
which won Best Cremation Service and Best Funeral Home.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Haley Glass, Nicole Shipley, Joy Siler, Brooke Handy and Wes Williams with Beyond Pilates, which won Best Pilates Studio.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Marc and Lorah Young with Blackberry Creek Mattress, which won Best Mattress Store.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured is Dr. Derrick Denman, DC with High Country Pain Relief, which won Best Pain Management Provider.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Leigh Ann Ferguson and Baker Ferguson with Boone Belles, which won Best Women’s Clothing Store.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Desiree Nieves and Emma Wandscher with Blue Ridge Vision, which won Best Optometrist Office and Best Eyewear Store. Not pictured is Dr. Chad Henson, who won Best Optometrist.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Jackie Soto and Dawn Talton with Boone Drug, which won Best Pharmacy and Best Drug Store. Jackie Soto won Best Pharmacy Technician and Dawn Talton won Best Pharmacist.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Jen and Doug Partt with Boone Paint, which won Best Paint Store.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Hope and Bill Caroselli of Blue Ridge Realty, which won Best Long Term Rental Company.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Pam Hagaman, Jeffery Greene, Tabatha Oakes, Emmy Hagaman and Zoe Kline with Boone Physical Therapy, which won Best Physical Rehabilitation Service and Best Physical Therapy Office. Jeffrey Green PTA Best Physical Therapy Provider.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Scott Warren, Kristy Hackler, Bishop Glover and Jackie Dyer with Boone Realty, which won Best Real Estate Agency.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Natalie Bovino and Ken Johnson. Natalie Bovino, of Foxfire Health, won Best Nurse Practitioner.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Mariah and Bailey Gore with Card My Yard, Boone, which won Best Printing & Custom Screening Shop.
BEST EYEWEAR STORE
Blue Ridge Vision
BEST FAMILY DOCTOR
Dr. Marshall Murrey, Greenway
Medical Associates
BEST FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Tweetsie Railroad
BEST FAST FOOD RESTAURANT
Come Back Shack
BEST FENCING COMPANY
Mountain Fence & Deck
BEST FINE DINING RESTAURANT
Peddler Steak House
BEST FIREPLACE SHOP
Wallace Propane
BEST FLOORING STORE
Abbey Carpet & Floor
BEST FLORIST
Fuschia Moss, King Street Flowers & Gifts
BEST FLOWER SHOP
Log House Florist
BEST FLY-FISHING GUIDE/GUIDE SERVICE
Rivergirl Fishing Co
BEST FOOD SERVICE WORKER
Ty Grimes, Come Back Shack
BEST FOOD TRUCK
Boone Mountain BBQ
BEST FORMAL WEAR STORE
South's Specialty Clothiers
BEST FRENCH FRIES
Come Back Shack
BEST FUEL OIL DEALER
Blue Ridge Energy
BEST FUNERAL DIRECTOR
Kenny Newberry,
Hampton Funeral & Cremation Service Inc.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Mackenzie Ward, Laci Holcomb, Jesse Johnson and Chris Staggs with Capone’s Untouchable Pizza, which won Best Pizza Restaurant.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are David Kennedy, Hannah Kennedy, Todd Mortensen, Miel Mortensen, Brock Buchanan, and Anna Buchanan with Carolina Cabin Rentals, which won Best Rental Company SHORT TERM.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Jarred Cornette and Amber Ibarra with Carolina West Wireless, which won Best Cellular Service.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Ben Oliver and Kenan Cox with Chick-fil-A, which won Best Chicken Restaurant.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Ty Grimes, Jack Mooney and James Dedmon of Come Back Shack, which won Best Chicken Tenders, Best Fast Food Restaurant, Best French Fries and Best Hamburger. Ty Grimes also won Best Food Service Worker.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Tiffany and Joe Ingham with Cornerstone, which won Best Book Store.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured Susan Young, Ginny Leaman, Beulah Stout, Dava Stanley, Matt Lutz, Dr. Paul Dagher and Karen Dagher with Watauga Surgical. Dr. Paul Dagher won Best Surgeon.
BEST FUNERAL HOME
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory
BEST FURNITURE STORE
Appalachian Furniture
BEST GARDEN SHOP
Mustard Seed Market
BEST GENERAL STORE
Mast General Store
BEST GIFT SHOP
Mustard Seed Market
BEST GLASS REPLACEMENT COMPANY
Miller Industries
BEST GOLF COURSE
Boone Golf Club
BEST GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Boone Fire Department
BEST GYM/FITNESS CENTER
Watauga County Recreation Center
BEST GYNECOLOGIST OFFICE
UNC Health Appalachian Women’s
Health
BEST HAMBURGER
Come Back Shack
BEST HANDYMAN SERVICE
Townsend Property Solutions
BEST HEATING & AIR SERVICE COMPANY
Mountaineer Heating & Cooling
BEST HOME BUILDER COMPANY
Sky House Construction
BEST HOME COOKING RESTAURANT
Blue Ridge Diner
BEST HOME DECOR STORE
Mustard Seed Home
BEST HOME RESTORATION SERVICE
Dolbier Floor Care & Restoration
BEST HOME SECURITY SERVICE
Jared Munday Electric, Inc
BEST HOSPICE CARE
Amorem Hospice & Palliative Care
BEST HOT DOG
Shake-N-Dog
BEST HOTEL/MOTEL
Graystone Lodge
BEST ICE CREAM
Jeremiah's Italian Ice
BEST INSURANCE AGENCY AUTO/HOME/LIFE
NC Farm Bureau Insurance
BEST INSURANCE AGENT AUTO/HOME/LIFE
Ben Bolick, Blue Ridge Insurance
BEST INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER
Skyline/Skybest
BEST INVESTMENT FIRM
Allen Wealth Management
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Bella's Of Boone Italian Restaurant
BEST JACUZZI DEALER
Superior Spas
BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Makoto's Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
BEST JEWELER
B.W. Miller, The Goldsmith
BEST JEWELRY STORE
Village Jewelers
BEST LANDSCAPING COMPANY
All Seasons Landscape Supply
BEST LATE-NIGHT STORE
Mo's Cloud Cafe
BEST LAW FIRM
Eggers Eggers Eggers & Eggers, Attorneys At Law
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Amanda Berry and Chrisa Ansley with Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living, which won Best Assisted Living Facility.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Devin Hollars, Holly Hollars, Walker Ramsey and Brock Hollars with Devin Hollars Construction, LLC, which won Best Building Contractor Service.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Cameron Taylor, Lacey Hicks, Derrick Bond, Mason Stewart, Dale Ellis, Leah Hampton and Hunter Stewart with Dolbier Floor Care & Restoration, which won Best Home Restoration Service and Best Carpet Cleaning Service.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Sarah Welsh, Greg Welsh and Matthew Howarth with DoodlyScott’s, which won Best Children’s Store.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured is Dr. John Lonas of Blue Ridge Pediatrics, who won Best Pediatrician. Also pictured is his wife, Jane Lonas.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured is Dustin N. Stacy, of The Law Office of Dustin N. Stacy, who won Best Attorney.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Douglas Franklin, Deanna Franklin, Greg Porter, Carter Tipton, Tyler Williams and Stuart Green with Dougnet Computer Consulting, which won Best Computer Repair Consulting
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Erin Howard, Linda Francisco, Abby Utter and Maggie Stevens of Boone Dermatology. Erin Howard won Best Physicians Assistant.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured is Matt Moretz with The Festive Elk, which won Best Wedding Rentals.
Howard
Stamey's
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Kenny Hicks, Allie Woods, Kimberly Towle, Blake Wolfe and Alex Dale with NC Farm Bureau Insurance, which won Best Insurance Agency Auto/Home/Life.
Pictured are Brooke Hollar, Maddy Moore, Mackenzie Rominger, Hannah Critcher, Jade Sanders, Cameron Barnes, Lauren Phillis, Amelia Vanwormer, Jenn Davis Stout, McKenna Gragg, Kaitlin Prevost, Dori Norris, Macy Critcher and Susan Sweeney
Photo by Savannah Beal
of First Morning Out, which won Best Preschool Child Care.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured is Hailey Brasser and Jailyn Rondeau of King Street Flowers & Gifts. Fuschia Moss won Best Florist.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Graham Roten, Brandon Guy, John Norris, David Arnette, Dusty Hartsoe and Howard Graham, with Graham Roten Enterprises, LLC, which won Best Snow Removal Business and Best Trucking/Hauling Service.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Selina Bell, Justin Patel, Angus Lamond and Scott Wiggins with Graystone Lodge, which won Best Hotel/Motel.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Toby Hampton, Ellen Hampton, Andrew Hampton, Leah Hampton and Hunter Stewart with Hampton’s Body Shop, which won Best Auto Body Shop.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Kenny Newberry, Rhonda Newberry, Alan Perry and Tom Redman of Hampton Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. Kenny Newberry won Best Funeral Director.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured is Jezabel LeBatard of Mane Habit Salon, who won Best Cosmetologist.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Hope and Bill Caroselli of Blue Ridge Realty. Hope Caroselli won Best Real Estate Agent.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Matt Arnold, Kayla Lasure, Lindy Morris and Tara Stollenmaier with the Hunger & Health Coalition, which won Best Non-profit Organization.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured is Kaylan McVey, BSN, RN of Watauga Medical Center, who won Best Nurse.
BEST NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
Lily’s Snack Bar
BEST NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Hunger & Health Coalition
BEST NURSE
Kaylan Mcvey , BSN, RN, Watauga Medical Center
BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER
Natalie Bovino, Foxfire Health
BEST OFFICE SUPPLY STORE
WJ Office
BEST OIL CHANGE SHOP
The Oil Exchange
BEST ONCOLOGIST
Dr. Kenneth Kotz, UNC Health Appalachian Medical Oncology
BEST OPTOMETRIST
Dr. Chad Henson, Blue Ridge Vision
BEST OPTOMETRIST OFFICE
Blue Ridge Vision
BEST ORTHODONTIST
Dr. Nicole Scheffler, OP Smiles
BEST ORTHODONTIST OFFICE
Op Smiles
BEST ORTHOPEDIST
Matthew Howard PA-C, Orthocarolina
BEST OUTFITTER'S STORE
Mast General Store
BEST PAINT STORE
Boone Paint
Moretz Paving BEST
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Tiffany Wilkinson and Lisa Greer with Log House Florist, which won Best Flower Shop.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Bertha Alicia Alvarez, Leonela Alvarez, Alfredo Alvarez, Esmeralda Garcia and Jaime Garcia with Los Arcoiris, which won Best Mexican Restaurant, Best Burrito and Best Taco Restaurant.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured is Ella and Luke Copeland CPA PC, who won Best Accountant.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Asher Abrams and Tori Goss with Makoto’s Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, which won Best Japanese Restaurant.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured is Dr. Nicole Scheffler of OP Smiles, who won Best Orthodontist.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Colin and Allison Fields with Noble Tattoos & Piercings, LLC, which won Best Tattoo Shop.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Drew Petrey, Coreen Sylvester, Joshua Jones and Brooks Norris with Mountaineer Heating & Cooling, which won Best Heating & Air Service Company.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Dr. Nicole Scheffler and Dr. Ishita Taneja with OP Smiles, which won Best Orthodontist Office.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Zach Church, Lucas Church, Ivy Church and Jodie Church with RC Motors, which won Best Auto Dealer (used). Zach Church also won Best Auto Salesperson (used).
BEST PEDIATRICIAN
Dr. John Lonas, Blue Ridge Pediatrics
BEST PEST CONTROL COMPANY
A-1 Pest Control Services
BEST PET BOARDING
Woof Pack Pet Services
BEST PET GROOMING
The Doggy Barn
BEST PET SUPPLY STORE
The Pet Place
BEST PHARMACIST
Dawn Talton, Boone Drug, Greenway
BEST PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
Jackie Soto, Boone Drug, Greenway
BEST PHARMACY
Boone Drug
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
Kim Scott, Timeless Treazures
BEST PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
Timeless Treazures Photography
BEST PHYSICAL REHABILITATION SERVICE
Boone Physical Therapy
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY PROVIDER
Jeffery Greene, PTA,
Boone Physical Therapy
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY OFFICE
Boone Physical Therapy
BEST PHYSICIAN
Dr. John Lonas, Blue Ridge Pediatrics
BEST PHYSICIANS ASSISTANT
Erin Howard, Boone Dermatology
BEST PICKLEBALL COURTS The Summit Pickleball
BEST PIERCING SHOP Elevated Body Art
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured is Lori Holton of Modern Toyota of Boone, who won Best Auto Salesperson (new). Modern Toyota of Boone also won Best Auto Dealer (new).
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Kelsey Church and Kristen Potter with SkyLine/SkyBest, which won Best Cable TV Company and Best Internet Service Provider.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Karen McCaskill and Christina Justice with Superior Spas, which won Best Jacuzzi Dealer.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Maggie Farrington, Tara Stollenmaier, Stacey Griffin and Keith Griffin with Magic Bound Travel, which won Best Travel Agency.
BEST PIZZA RESTAURANT
Capone’s Untouchable
BEST PLACE TO WORK
ECR Software Corporation
BEST PLUMBER
Garrett Norris, Norris Plumbing Co.
BEST POLICE OFFICER
Kat Eller, Boone Police Department
BEST POWER EQUIPMENT STORE
Boone Rent-All
BEST PRE-SCHOOL CHILD CARE
First Morning Out
BEST PRINTING & CUSTOM SCREENING SHOP
Card My Yard, Boone
BEST PROPANE STORE
Wallace Propane
Marjory
BEST
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Matthew Howard PA-C, Tina Johnson, Luci Brooke Creed and Lathan Arnett of OrthoCarolina. Matthew Howard PA-C won Best Orthopedist.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Jezabel LeBatard, Amber Foster, Galy Gabriel, Anna Greene, Harley Mclelland, Alivya Stamey, Sarah Bledsoe and Aracely Espinoza with Mane Habit Salon, which won Best Beauty Salon.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are TJ Thompson and Terry Thompson with Thompson’s Seafood and Country Cooking, which won Best Seafood Restaurant.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Gracie Moses and Amber Gelinas with Town Tavern, which won Best Sports Bar and Best Bar.
which won Best Breakfast Restaurant, Best
We Sincerely Appreciate Your Business! Carrying on our Daddy’stradition with family care forover 60 years.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Justin Byrum, Danielle Gainey, Conner Snyder and Rebekah Hebert with Troy’s 105 Diner,
Brunch and Best Restaurant Service.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Tracy Parrish, Bonnie Church and Chris Sholar with Twisted Tree Wellness, which won Best Spa/MedSpa.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Heather Jordan, Heather Christian, Kacy Stille, Courtney Damian with UNC Health Appalachian Women’s Health, which won Best Gynecologist Office.
BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY
Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate
BEST RESORT
Chetola Resort
BEST RESTAURANT SERVICE
Troy's 105 Diner
BEST RETAIL STORE
Lucky Penny
BEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Appalachian Brian Estates
BEST ROOFING CONTRACTOR SERVICE
MBA Roofing
BEST RUNNING STORE
Mountain Running Company
BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Thompson's Seafood And Country Cooking
BEST SECONDHAND STORE
Anna Banana's Fine Consignment
BEST SEPTIC SERVICES ACH Septic Services LLC
BEST SHOE/BOOT STORE Mo's Boots
BEST SKI RENTAL
1st Tracks Ski & Snowboard Shop
BEST SKI SHOP Recess
BEST SKI SLOPE
Appalachian Ski Mountain
BEST SNOW REMOVAL BUSINESS
Graham Roten Enterprises, LLC
BEST SPA OR MEDSPA Twisted Tree Wellness
BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE
Regear Outdoors
BEST SPORTS BAR Town Tavern
Thank youfor votingusWatauga County ’s
Best Building Contractor in 2026 •Renovations •Addi tions• NewC onstruction
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Joy and Charlie Travis with Village Jewelers, which won Best Jewelry Store.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Judah Goheen, Tiffany Leonard, Anna Trivette with Winkler Organization, which won Best Student Housing.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Kelly Watkins and Morgan Riddle with Woof Pack Pet Services, which won Best Pet Boarding.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Andrew Wallace, Zach Dollar, Jeremy Ball and Landon Wallace with Wallace Propane, which won Best Fireplace Shop and Best Propane Store.
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light
By Down Studios
Pictured are Mark Gilleskie, Hal Hood, Haley Graham, Deanna Clark, Margaret McGlamery, Judy Current, Stuart Bell, Brian Greer with LifeStore Bank, which won Best Bank (Not A Credit Union).
BEST STEAKHOUSE
Peddler Steak House
BEST STORAGE FACILITY
Boone Self-Storage
BEST STUDENT HOUSING
Winkler Organization
BEST SUB SHOP
Jersey Mike's Subs
BEST SURGEON
Dr. Paul Dagher, Watauga Surgical
BEST SUSHI RESTAURANT
Cobo Sushi Bistro & Bar
BEST TACO RESTAURANT
Los Arcoiris
BEST TANNING SALON
Planet Tan
BEST TATTOO SHOP
Noble Tattoos & Piercings, LLC
BEST TEACHER
Sara Boyce, Parkway Elementary
BEST THEATER/PERFORMANCE VENUE
Appalachian Theatre
BEST THERAPIST
Dale Hudler, Homestead Recovery Center
BEST THERAPIST'S OFFICE
Caring Mind Counseling
BEST TIRE STORE
Alray Tire & Auto
BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION
Tweetsie Railroad
BEST TOWN
Boone
BEST TRAVEL AGENCY
Magic Bound Travel
195 New Market Centre, Boone SkyLine SkyBest -217 Wilson Dr., Boone
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Jared Munday and Connor Munday with Jared Munday Electric, Inc., which won Best Electrician Service and Best Home Security Service.
Photo by Savannah Beal Homestead Recovery Center won Best Civic/Community Organization. Mollie Bolick, Homestead Recovery Center’s executive director, won Best Public Servant and Dale Hudler, also of Homestead Recovery Center, won Best Therapist.
Pictured are Mollie Bolick, Laura Coffey Butler, David Sanders, Cierra Burgess, Amanda Hoke, Mike Oxentine, Christian Gregson, Brittany Matheson, Crystal Trivette, Heather Smith, Marisa Cornell, Maggie Aylor, Katlynd Taylor, Madison Gomez, Cassidy Colton, Ken Connelly, Dale Hudler and Mackenzie Laney.
We ex te nd our heartf el tg ra ti tu de to ou re nt ir ec omm uni ty fo rt he tr emendo us support and distinction best ow ed upon Ke nnyNew berry as the est eemed Best of the Best Fu ner al Dir ect or.W it ho ve r2 5y ear s of dedic at ion at Ha mp to nF uner al and Cr ema tion Servic e, Ke nny’su nw av ering passion, em pa thy, and de vo tion shine brig ht ly in his tir eless wo rk wi th fa milies ev ery day. It is ou rp rivileg et os erv ea nd stand along side yo ud uri ng li fe’s most challenging momen ts.
Photo by William Becker
Cynthia Carlson, Terri Lockwood, Lauren Porter, Jennifer Glow, Kim Fox, Craig Carlson, Josh Honeycutt, JB Lawrence, Dusty Washburn, Will Kelly and Tony Floyd with Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate, which won Best Residential Real Estate Agency. Howard Hanna Mortgage Services won Best Mortgage Company.
BEST TREE SERVICE
Willow Creek Tree Service
BEST TRUCKING/HAULING SERVICE
Graham Roten Enterprises LLC
BEST URGENT CARE CLINIC
Blowing Rock Medical Park Plus
Urgent Care
BEST VAPE SHOP
Mo’s Cloud Cafe
BEST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT
Coyote Kitchen
BEST VETERINARIAN
Dr. Keith Chesnutt,
Animal Hospital Of Boone
BEST VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT
Sabeing Boone King
BEST WEDDING RENTALS
The Festive Elk
BEST WEDDING STORE
Juniper James Bridal
BEST WEDDING VENUE
Chetola Resort
BEST WHITEWATER RAFTING SERVICE
Rivergirl Fishing Co.
BEST WINDSHIELD REPAIR SERVICE
Appalachian Auto Glass
BEST WINERY VENUE
Grandfather Winery
BEST WOMEN'S CLOTHING STORE
Boone Belles
BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Briana, High Country Yoga
BEST YOGA STUDIO
High Country Yoga
BEST ZIPLINE COMPANY
Hawksnest Adventures
Best Oncologist: Dr.Kenneth Kotz
Best Surgeon: Dr.Paul Dagher
Best Psychiatrist: Dr.Benjamin Ramsey
Best Gynecology Office: Women’s Health
Best Nurse: Kaylan McVey, BSN, RN unchealthappalachian.org
Photo by Dawn O’Neal-Shumate/Light By Down Studios
Pictured are Gop Tran, Lyn Tran, Anna Tran and Annie Tran with Natural Nails & Spa, which won Best Nail Salon.
