Best Accounting Firm
First place: Dehnert, Clarke & Co., P.C., Irvington, DCCoCPA.com, 804-438-5656 The team at Dehnert, Clarke & Co. is adept at providing specialized services for retirees who have relocated to the waterfront of Irvington. The firm’s CPAs will make house calls for clients who are unable to reach its office, and help businesses with computer or tax software questions. The company specializes in tax planning and preparation. Second place: Malvin, Riggins and Company P.C., Newport News, MalvinRiggins.com, 757-881-9600 Third place: Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, Norfolk, DHGLLP.com, 757-624-5100
Best Air Charter Service
First place: Bay Aviation, Topping, BayAviationOnline.com, 804-436-2977 Michael Kuhnert, owner of Bay Aviation, doesn’t view his job as just booking flights; instead, he says he’s “selling magic.” Bay Aviation’s flight school (open for aspiring pilots ages 16 and up), has helped nearly 50 students receive their pilot certification, and its scenic tours have taken more than 2,000 people to the skies in a WWII-era Fairchild PT-19. Second place: Martinair, Inc. at Landmark Aviation, Norfolk, FlyMartinAir.com, 800-777-7401
Best Antiques
First place: Kilmarnock Antiques Gallery, Kilmarnock, Virginia-Antiques.com, 800-497-0083 Kilmarnock Antiques Gallery furnishes items for serious and first-time collectors alike, says Steve Bonner, who opened the store with his wife in 1997. The store’s selection of tall case clocks, oriental rugs and furniture makes it a destination for antique hunters from around the state, who will find it open 361 days a year. Second place: Roane’s Antiques at the Cottage, Mathews, RoanesAntiques.com, 804-815-9044 Third place: Comer & Co. Antiques, Kilmarnock, ComerAndCo.com, 804-435-2100
Best Architecture Firm
First place: Randall Kipp Architecture Inc., Irvington, KippArchitecture.com, 804-438-6287 Randall Kipp’s designs blend a modern Bauhaus-inspired style with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of Virginia’s tidewater region. Kipp, who opened his Irvington practice in 1996, integrates buildings into the surrounding landscape using features like glass walls and floors to create panoramic views, and balcony overhangs calculated to provide sun during the winter and shade in the summer. Second place: Arive Architecture + Interiors, Virginia Beach, Arive-AI.com, 757-333-7533 Third place: GuernseyTingle, Williamsburg, GuernseyTingle.com, 757-220-0220
Best Automotive Repair Shop
First place: Bay Auto Service Inc., Kilmarnock, 804-435-3766 Bay Automotive’s approach? “Treat the customer like we’d want our family to be treated,” says owner Jimmy Robertson. This means empowering customers with their car care after informing them of issues, and not pushing for unnecessary repairs or purchases. The shop, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, has operated with six service bays since 1991. Second place: Haskins Bayside SuperServiceCenter, Port Haywood, HaskinsBaysideAutoRepair.com, 804-725-7490 Third place: Kilmarnock Auto Clinic, White Stone, KilmarnockAutoClinic.net, 804-435-3542
Best Book Store
First place: Prince Books, Norfolk, Prince-Books.com, 757-622-9223 After you pick up a copy of the latest bestseller at Prince Books, you’ve got plenty of places to read. The store is a stone’s throw from Town Point Park, the National Maritime Center and the Elizabeth River. If you’d rather stay inside, the cozy Lizard Café serves soups and sandwiches to enjoy while you get lost in your book. Second place: The Book Nook, Kilmarnock, 804-435-3355 Third place: Barnes & Noble, Virginia Beach, BN.com, 757-671-2331
Best Bridal Boutique
First place: Blush Bridal Boutique, Newport News, BlushGowns.com, 757-595-7797 Since opening 12 years ago, Blush Bridal Boutique has specialized in catering to style-conscious brides on a budget, matching them with consigned gowns by big-name designers like Pronovias and Maggie Sottero. More recently, the salon has started selling made-to-order new gowns. Second place: Maya Couture, Norfolk, MayaCouture.com, 757-461-1690 Third place: Bridal Boutique of Gloucester, Hayes, BridalBoutiqueOfGloucester.com, 804-642-5157
Best Car Dealer
First place: Priority Auto Group, Chesapeake, PriorityAuto.com, 757-366-5000 New additions to the 19-year-old Priority Auto Group family include Honda and Toyota dealerships in Hampton, Nissan dealerships in Newport News and Williamsburg, and Nissan and Mazda dealerships near the nation’s capital. Through the Priorities for Life program, owners of used and new vehicles purchased at Priority are guaranteed oil and filter changes, towing, and installed parts for life. Second place: Northern Neck Chevrolet, Montross, NNChevrolet.com, 804-493-8901 Third place: Beach Ford, Virginia Beach, BeachFordVirginiaBeach.com, 757-486-2717
Best Children’s Clothing Store
First place: Carousel Children’s Boutique, Williamsburg, CarouselChildrens.com, 757-229-1710 Carousel’s collection for children, from premature babies and infants to size 16, covers play time and posh time, including cotillion garments, christening gowns and a broad selection of holiday attire. Brands at the 25-year-old Merchant Square mainstay include Ella Moss, Lucky Brand and Under Armour. Second place: Sprout Children’s Boutique, Virginia Beach, SproutChildrensBoutique.com, 757-422-0644 Third place: The White Rabbit, Norfolk, 757-627-4169
Best Cosmetic Surgery Practice
First place: Virginia Facial Surgery: Dr. David Mueller, Virginia Beach, VAFacialSurgery.com, 757-496-8066 In addition to being an accomplished facial, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Mueller is a skilled painter whose works have been shown at institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as an assistant professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Second place: Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads, Newport News, PSCHR.com, 757-873-3500 Third place: Associates in Plastic Surgery, Virginia Beach, AssociatesPlasticSurgery.com, 757-491-3535
Best Cycle Shop
First place: Conte’s Bike Shop, Virginia Beach, ConteBikes.com, 757-491-1900 Conte’s Bike Shop hosts regular free classes and workshops for cyclists of every level, plus morning rides led by staffers on the weekend. The 59-year-old shop also sells everything form beach cruisers and kid’s bikes to road bikes for more advanced riders, and can service professional bicycles as well. Second place: East Coast Bicycle Shop, Norfolk, EastCoastBicycles.com, 757-622-0446 Third place: Fat Frogs Bike and Fitness, Virginia Beach, FatFrogsBikes.com, 757-427-9488
Best Day Spa
First place: The Tides Inn, Irvington, TidesInn.com, 804-438-5000 The Journey Spa at the Tides Inn offers body treatments like the “Tide and Thyme” (which includes body polishing, a scalp massage and a mini facial massage) and the “Ginger Zest,” which includes a clay wrap, facials, and a host of massage options, including its popular ginger essence hot stone massage. Many of the services can even be performed right in your room. Second place: LaSource Spa, Kilmarnock, MyLaSource.com, 804-436-2985 Third place: Changes City Spa, Norfolk, ChangesAreGood.com, 757-625-5300
Best Dental Practice
First place: Midgette Family Dentistry, MidgetteFamilyDentistry.com, 757-483-4700 Treating sleep apnea is one of Midgette Family Dentistry’s specialties. Partnering with Virginia Neurology & Sleep Centers, the practice helps diagnose and treat the disorder, which can put sufferers at an increased risk for problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. Midgette provides surgeries, oral appliances or other treatments to help control the problem. Second place: Dr. David Newman, Kilmarnock, 804-435-1220 Third place: Dr. Ben Lennon, Mathews, DrBenLennon.com, 804-725-9485
Best Dermatology Practice
First place: Pariser Dermatology, Newport News, PariserDermatology.com, 757-595-8816 Pariser Dermatology, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, has 20 doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners working at six locations throughout Hampton Roads (four on the peninsula and two on the southside). The practice offers both medical and cosmetic procedures, including psoriasis and rosacea treatments, microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Second place: Virginia Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, Norfolk, VirginiaMohs.com, 757-455-5009 Third place: Atlantic Dermatology Associates, Virginia Beach, AtlanticDermatologyVB.com, 757-481-1666
Best Event Planning Company
First place: A Signature Event, Chesapeake, Signature-Event.com, 757-810-8371 Before you can plan a wedding, you need to get engaged—enter A Signature Event’s Perfect Proposal package. The service secures vendors and locations and comes up with memorable concepts to ensure an unforgettable proposal. The company also plans private parties, non-profit fundraisers and corporate events. And clients can feel confident that they’re in good hands—founder Veronica Thompson has nearly 20 years of experience in hospitality and planning. Second place: Shay Lynne Weddings, Newport News, ShayLynneWeddings.com, 757-262-7820 Third place: Festevents, Norfolk, Festevents.org, 757-441-2345
Best Eye Care Provider
First place: Beach Eye Care, Virginia Beach, BeachEyeCare.com, 757-425-5550 Beach Eye Care has been seeing to the region’s optical health for a quarter century. The practice’s eight providers, consisting of both optometrists and ophthalmologists, perform procedures like laser vision and KAMRA Inlay on-site. As added convenience, the practice’s three locations offer limited weekend hours. Second place: Dr. William Ryan, Tappahannock, 804-443-3901 Third place: Cullom Eye and Laser Center, Williamsburg, CullomEyeCenter.com, 757-345-3001
Best Financial Planning Firm
First place: Virginia Asset Group, Virginia Beach, VirginiaAssetGroup.com, 757-747-2556 Virginia Asset Group knows that financial planning can be daunting, so the firm walks clients through the ins and outs of investments, stocks and bonds, while also offering hands-on advising in a diverse number of investment vehicles. Combined, the team offers more than 175 years of experience. Second place: Wells Fargo Advisors, Kilmarnock, WellsFargo.com, 800-289-9040 Third place: Davenport & Co., White Stone, InvestDavenport.com, 804-435-7705
Best Fine Jewelry Store
First place: Burkes Fine Jewelers, Kilmarnock, BurkesJewelers.com, 804-435-1302 Some things never change—at Burkes Fine Jewelers, that’s a good thing. The store has been at the same location since 1969, selling “coastal easy-living, easy-wear jewelry.” The store has a particular affinity for custom designed pieces, such as Bay Bangles, a collection of interchangeable sea-themed bracelet toppers like sailboats, anchors and mermaids. Second place: Ross’s Rings and Things, Kilmarnock, RossRingsandThings.com, 804-435-3529 Third place: Long Jewelers, Virginia Beach, LongJewelers.net, 757-498-1186
Best Florist
First place: The Wild Bunch, Kilmarnock, TheWildBunchFlower.com, 804-435-1044 Owner Cindy Naylor, a UK native who has been in the U.S. for 25 years and opened the Wild Bunch 12 years ago, provided floral design for 40 weddings last year, for brides from as far away as London. Designs have included boutonnieres of succulent rose and hypericum and table arrangements crafted with carrots and cabbage. Second place: Jeff’s Flowers of Course, Inc., Newport News, JeffsFlowers.com, 757-827-5333 Third place: Flowers From The Heart, Mathews, 804-725-3020
Best Gift Shop
First place: Colonial Collectibles, Warsaw, ColonialCollectibles.net, 804-333-0581 Colonial Collectibles is a family affair. Current owners Hannah Sisson and her aunt Julia took over the business in 2015—24 years after Hannah’s grandmother opened it. This year, the store, which specializes in everything from scarves and jewelry to home décor (with a decidedly southern flair), is adding a new boutique section, which will sell bath and body products. Second place: River Birch Gift Shop, Locust Hill, Facebook.com/RiverBirchGifts, 804-758-8814 Third place: Papeterie, Kilmarnock, PapeterieVa.com, 804-435-1125
Best Hair Salon
First place: Heads Up Hair Works Inc., Kilmarnock, 804-435-7507 The Shreveport, Louisiana, of Steel Magnolias had Truvy; Kilmarnock has Georgie Fary and Kelly Oliver, co-owners of Heads Up Hair Works. Since opening 20 years ago, the salon has offered cuts, color and styling services to generations of families, along with manicures, pedicures and massages. The staff of eight prides itself on its services for bridal parties. Second place: Sara Brown Salon, Kilmarnock, SaraBrownSalon.com, 804-435-0373 Third place: Rittenhouse Salon, Kilmarnock, 804-435-7878
Best Home Builder
First place: Morse Enterprises, Inc., Mathews, HomesByMorse.com, 804-725-1941 You could say that for Ian Morse, owner of Morse Enterprises, contracting is in his blood: his uncle and cousins, as well as his grandfather, all work or worked in construction. The 15-year-old business offers services in design, new construction, additions and renovation. Check the website where Morse offers helpful hints for navigating the construction process. Second place: Connemara Corp., White Stone, 804-435-1551 Third place: Charles Ross Homes, Williamsburg, CharlesRossHomes.com, 757-565-5630
Best Hospital
First place: Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, Virginia Beach, Sentara.com, 757-507-1520 The 160-bed Sentara Princess Anne hospital treats patients in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Eastern North Carolina, and counts cardiac care, orthopedics, and gynecology among its areas of specialty. It is also home to a Comprehensive Breast Center that is fully accredited in mammography, biopsies and cancer detection. Second place: Sentara Norfolk General, Norfolk, Sentara.com, 757-388-3000 Third place: Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital, Kilmarnock, GoodHelpForALifetime.com, 804-435-8000
Best Independent Home Décor Store
First place: Decorum Furniture, Norfolk, DecorumFurniture.com, 757-623-3100 Though it began by specializing in Scandinavian furniture and textiles when it opened 41 years ago, Decorum has expanded to take a truly global focus on the goods it stocks. The store’s 30,000-square-foot showroom is full of everything from rugs and lamps to bedroom sets and sofas, mostly in a contemporary style. Second place: Bay & River Home Décor, Kilmarnock, 804-436-1900 Third place: The Pedestal, Kilmarnock, 804-435-1783
Best Independent School
First place: Norfolk Collegiate School, Norfolk, NorfolkCollegiate.org, 757-480-1495 When Norfolk Collegiate (then Carolton Oak School) opened in 1948, facilities consisted of a single house; today, the school offers lower, middle and upper school education for more than 600 students, with facilities including the 26,000-square-foot Meredith Center for the Arts and a $2.6 million turf field. Second place: Chesapeake Academy, Irvington, ChesapeakeAcademy.org, 804-438-5575 Third place: Hampton Roads Academy, Newport News, HRA.org, 757-884-9100
Best Interior Design Firm
First place: Pillar & Peacock, Irvington, PillarAndPeacock.com, 804-306-3275 Though designers Brandeis Short and Adrianne Bugg have done commercial work, they have a particular fondness for residential projects. Says Adrianne, “We’re passionate about creating something that’s true to the client.” This year, Pillar & Peacock plans to open a new shop in Florence, Alabama, and is developing its own retail line. Second place: The Pedestal, Kilmarnock, 804-435-1783 Third place: Feather Your Nest, Warsaw, CindyLloydWDFeatherYourNest.com, 804-761-3715
Best Kitchen Design Firm
First place: Jim’s Cabinet Creations, White Stone, 804-435-2061 In business for 27 years, Jim’s Cabinet Creations offers everything from semi- to fully-custom designed cabinets, as well as countertops in materials like granite and quartz. The team at Jim’s—who have more than 150 years of experience between them—also provides delivery and installation services. Second place: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen, and Lighting Gallery, Newport News, Ferguson.com, 757-509-6850 Third place: Dee, David & Co. LLC, Lottsburg, DeeDavidAndCo.com, 804-724-0829
Best Landscaping Company
First place: River Birch Landscaping: Brian Major, Locust Hill, 804-758-2316 River Birch Landscaping owner Brian Major began working on yards on the weekends at the age of 15. Today, with 30 years of experience, Major heads his own full-service landscaping company. River Birch addresses clients’ specific needs along with the expertise of “knowing what things work best in the area,” says Major. Second place: Ransone’s Nursery and Maintenance, Weems, RansoneLandscape.com, 804-435-3788 Third place: Appleseed Nurseries and Landscape, Eastville, WePlantHappy.com, 757-678-5600
Best Law Firm
First place: James M. Sease PC, Mathews, 804-725-4700 Attorney James M. Sease says he and his wife moved to Mathews to “raise their triplets on the water.” Twenty-two years later, Sease is still drafting wills and assisting clients with bankruptcy and real estate issues (along with general practice). The firm also has a Richmond office. Second place: Hubbard, Terry & Britt, Irvington, Irvington-Law.com, 804-438-5522 Third place: The Decker Law Firm, Norfolk, PeteDecker.com, 757-622-3317
Best Massage Therapy Group
First place: Advanced Fuller School of Massage Therapy, Virginia Beach, AdvancedFullerSchool.com, 757-340-7132 “Our motto is that bodywork is a part of our personal development, and is an evolutionary life process,” says Natalie Bender, director and owner of Advanced Fuller School of Massage Therapy. Opened in 1983, the group is both a business and a school, offering competitive prices for standard sessions based on the therapist’s education level. Second place: LaSource Spa Best Massage Therapy Group, Kilmarnock, MyLaSource.com, 804-436-2985 Third place: DeStress Express Massage and Spa, Newport News, DeStressExpress.com, 757-873-8968
Best Med Spa
First place: Virginia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, Norfolk, VirginiaMOHS.com, 757-455-5009 Under the supervision of a dermatologist at Virginia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, clients can choose from services such as Botox, Juvederm, CoolSculpting (a fat reduction procedure) and MiraDry, a service for reducing underarm odor and sweat. The practice’s staff includes dermatologists and three licensed master aestheticians. Second place: Skin A Medical Spa, Norfolk, SkinAMedicalSpa.com, 757-228-5100 Third place: 344 Beauty Bar, Virginia Beach, 344BeautyBar.com, 757-321-1914
Best Men’s Clothing Store
First place: R Bryant Ltd., Williamsburg, RBryantLTD.com, 757-253-0055 Staying stylish is a full-time job, a fact that R Bryant is aware of, and more than willing to accommodate. The 34-year-old business is open every day of the year except Christmas. The store specializes in classic and traditional looks from brands such as Peter Millar and Vineyard Vines, and describes itself as “the last remaining true haberdashery in Williamsburg.” Second place: Jimmy & Sook, Irvington, JimmyAndSook.com, 804-438-6010 Third place: Weekends Fashions, Kilmarnock, WeekendFashions.com, 804-577-4041
Best Men’s Haircut
First place: Jake’s Place, Norfolk, JakesPlaceGhent.com, 757-627-5253 The Jake’s experience includes a cut and a shave, as well as a scalp treatment and even a MAN-icure. Other indulgences include gray blending, a pedicure, and even handshake maintenance (comprising a nail trim, cuticle treatment, warm moisturizing and a hand massage). Second place: Lester’s Barbershop, Kilmarnock, 804-296-4210 Third place: Bridgewater’s Salon & Spa, Hayes, BridgewatersSalonAndSpa.VPWeb.com, 804-693-6272
Best Orthodontic Practice
First place: Faber Orthodontics, Tappahannock, BracesByDrBeth.com, 804-445-2045 Dr. Beth Faber opened her orthodontic practice in Tappahannock 30 years ago. Six years later, she opened a second outpost in Kilmarnock. Today, she treats children and adults using the latest technology, including Invisalign and SureSmile lingual braces (in which the wires and brackets are installed behind the teeth, keeping them out of view). Second place: Drs. Savage, Sabol & Visser, Virginia Beach, DrSavageSabolVisser.com, 757-428-1110 Third place: Parks Orthodontics, Yorktown, ParksOrthodontics.com, 757-874-6655
Best Outdoor Outfitter
First place: Bass Pro Shop, Hampton, BassPro.com, 757-262-5200 At 105,000 square feet, one could think of Bass Pro Shop as the great indoors—even if it is preparing customers to enjoy the outdoor life. Along with selling goods as big as ATVs and boats, and as small as fish fryers and camping lanterns, the store has a 19,000-gallon fresh water aquarium, archery range and 40-foot climbing wall. Second place: Green Life Adventure Sports, Norfolk, GreenLifeAdventureSport.com, 757-228-1953 Third place: Wild River Outfitters, Virginia Beach, WildRiverOutfitters.com, 757-431-8566
Best Pediatric Practice
First place: CHKD Medical Group, Norfolk, CHKD.org, 757-668-7179 As a freestanding children’s hospital, the CHKD medical group works exclusively with the smallest of patients. Between the system’s 35 locations throughout eastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, CHKD offers intensive care, sports medicine, urgent care and regular check-ups, among other services. It also provides parenting classes on a range of topics. Second place: Riverside Fishing Bay Family Practice, Deltaville, RiversideOnline.com, 804-776-8000 Third place: Children’s Clinic, Newport News, ChildrensClinicOnline.net, 757-595-0358
Best Pet Boarding
First place: Sandy Creek Pet Resort, Gloucester, SandyCreekPetResort.com, 804-693-2311 At Sandy Creek Pet Resort dogs are walked seven times a day and given plenty of play. The kennels can accommodate up to 50 pets, including reptiles, pigs and more. Additionally, Sandy Creek will pick up, deliver, and shuttle pets to vet appointments, even make house calls to tend to horses, llamas or small animals. Second place: Muddy Paws, Norfolk, MuddyPawsNorfolk.com, 757-965-9702 Third place: Bayside Pet Emporium, White Stone, 804-435-3548
Best Photographer
First place: Yours Truly Photography, Kilmarnock, YoursTrulyPhotography.com, 804-436-0200 Along with wedding photography, the 9-year-old company’s specialty, Yours Truly shoots family portraits and events. It also offers photo restoration, video transfer, film processing and will create wedding albums, even for couples who may have used a different photographer on their big day. Second place: Ashley Peterson Photography, Gloucester, AshleyPetersonPhotography.com, 804-577-7123 Third place: Tara Lins Photography, Warsaw, TaraLinsPhotography.com, 804-580-1108
Best Physical Therapy Group
First place: Carousel Physical Therapy, Kilmarnock, CarouselPT.com, 804-435-3435 Carousel may seem like an unusual name for a physical therapy group, but for the founder, the connection was organic—the term connotes wellness and happiness. The practice specializes in treating chronic pain, particularly within areas like neurology, orthopedics, and endocrinology that haven’t responded to treatment. Second place: Tidewater Physical Therapy, Gloucester Courthouse, TPTI.com, 804-694-8111 Third place: Belfield Physical Therapy, Warsaw, BelfieldPT.com, 804-333-8222
Best Real Estate Firm
First place: Isabell K. Horsley Real Estate Ltd., Urbanna, HorsleyRealEstate.com, 804-758-2430 Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the firm, where the founder’s grandson, Nelson Horsley Jr., now serves as principal broker. Specializing in condominiums, commercial and residential properties (including waterfront cottages and estates), agents see buyers through every step of the process. Second place: Virginia Country Real Estate Inc., Hayes, VirginiaCountryRealEstate.com, 804-642-6126 Third place: Coldwell Banker Chesapeake Bay Properties, Kilmarnock, ChesapeakeBayConnection.com, 804-436-9145
Best Shoe Store
First place: The Shoe Attic, Williamsburg, Shoe-Attic.com, 757-220-0757 Pumps with heels in the shape of a teapot and cup adorned with playing cards and tiny silverware, and unicorn wedges sparkling with sequins and iridescent snakeskin—such is the fancy footwear of Irregular Choice, one of the many brands carried by the Shoe Attic. The shop also carries more conservative styles from brands like Dolce Vita and Seychelles. Second place: The Shoe Store, Kilmarnock, 804-435-3020 Third place: DSW, Chesapeake, DSW.com, 757-361-5807
Best Shopping Area/Mall
First place: MacArthur Center, Norfolk, ShopMacArthur.com, 757-627-6000 In addition to browsing the 140 stores at MacArthur Center, shoppers can attend book readings at Barnes & Noble, cooking classes at Williams-Sonoma or makeup lessons at Sephora. Keep track of special events like these as well as current deals and discounts via the shopping center’s website. Second place: Lynnhaven Mall, Virginia Beach, LynnhavenMall.com, 757-340-9340 Third place: Williamsburg Premium Outlets, PremiumOutlets.com, 757-565-0702
Best Sporting Goods Store
First place: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Virginia Beach, DicksSportingGoods.com, 757-493-6400 Dick’s doesn’t just supply helmets and hockey sticks; it also gives little leaguers and rec players of all kinds the chance to get into the game in the first place. Through its Community Program, Dick’s Sporting Goods offers sponsorships and donations to local teams, and can design uniforms and help leagues set up websites. Second place: Sports Centre, Kilmarnock, SportsCentreOnTheBay.com, 804-435-1211 Third place: Bass Pro Shop, Hampton, BassPro.com, 757-262-5200
Best Veterinary Hospital
First place: Kilmarnock Animal Hospital, Kilmarnock, 804-435-6320 Kilmarnock Animal Hospital’s two veterinarians handle everything from surgeries to routine check-ups, x-rays and spaying and neutering. The practice primarily sticks to cats and dogs (sorry, no birds), though it has treated snakes and rats, and the occasional cow (on their home turf). The practice also has offices in Warsaw and Heathville. Second place: Anderson’s Corner Animal Hospital, Toano, ACAH.com, 757-566-2224 Third place: Crossroads Pet Clinic, White Stone, CrossroadsPetClinic.com, 804-435-1844
Best Wedding Venue
First place: The White Dog Bistro, Mathews, TheWhiteDogBistro.com, 804-725-7680 The White Dog Bistro is currently renovating a 7,000-square-foot pavilion on a 7-acre property in Mathews, one and a half miles from the Bistro, for the “shabby chic barn wedding,” says owner Mac Casale. The restaurant hopes to have the space, which will hold 400 guests, available for the fall 2016 wedding season. Second place: The Tides Inn, Irvington, TidesInn.com, 804-438-5000 Third place: Belle Grove Plantation, BelleGrovePlantation.com, 540-621-7340
Best Women’s Clothing Store
First place: The Dandelion, Irvington, TheDandelion.com, 804-438-5194 When the Dandelion opened 40 years ago, the focus was on children’s clothes; today, though the store still carries a small selection, the inventory is decidedly more grown up. The Dandelion stocks women’s clothes, with an emphasis on classic and contemporary fashions by labels like Eileen Fisher and Michael Stars, plus accessories and gifts. Second place: The Shoe Attic, Williamsburg, Shoe-Attic.com, 757-220-0757 Third place: Foxy in Kilmarnock, Kilmarnock, 804-435-2200
