Tattoo
TRIBAL RITES TATTOO AND PIERCING
1716 Main St., Suite B, Longmont, 303-776-9333 Louisville Winner: InkSmith Tattoo and Piercing Honorable Mention: Junkyard Ink (Louisville); Main Street Tattoo (Longmont); Electric Tattoo (Longmont)
When you decide to get some ink, you want the best of the best, and that’s what you’ll get when you go to Tribal Rites Tattoo and Piercing. Established in 1994, the artists at Tribal Rites have created thousands of brilliant, one-of-a-kind tattoos for folks in Boulder County for more than 20 years. And if tattoos are a bit too forever for you, Tribal Rites can hook you up with a perfect piercing, sure to complement your best features. Just in the market for some new jewelry? Tribal Rites has you covered, from captive rings to barbells, from navel curves to plugs. Drop by the store or check out their website to see the numerous metals (and stone, wood and bone!) they carry.
Hot Tub
MOUNTAIN MIST SPAS
1240 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite 4, Longmont, 303-772-1125 Runner Up, East County: Mr. Pool, Inc. (Boulder)
We can’t say for sure that one of the hot tubs at Mountain Mist Spas is going to transport you back to 1986, where you’ll have to relive a crazy evening to ensure your nephew is born, but we can tell you that you’ll be the owner of a high-quality, supremely relaxing hot tub. The company is locally owned and operated and has served Boulder County since they opened their doors in 1983. In addition to hot tubs, Mountain Mist Spas also sells saunas and grill lines. Along with their highly certified spa technicians and a well-stocked parts department, it’s no wonder our readers say they’re the best in East County.
Computer Repair
PC DOC, INC.
4876 Idylwild Trail, Boulder (Gunbarrel), 303-527-5050 Longmont Winner: Computer Specialists of Longmont Louisville Winner: The Wired Connection Honorable Mention: Jim’s TV and Computer Repair (Longmont); Lance & Lisa’s Computer Repair of Longmont (Longmont)
It’s never a good day when your computer has a virus. It won’t get out of bed, it has a soaring temperature, and it only eats chicken noodle soup. When your computer is experiencing any of these symptoms — or more normal computer-type glitches — then give PC Doc, Inc. a call, as our readers voted this biz number one for computer repair in East County. The Doc can help with all computer woes, including physical repairs, upgrades, tune ups and even custom builds. Get that computer all fixed up so you can get back to the important things: scrolling Facebook, playing computer games and shopping online.
Tobacco / Pipe Shop
THE LITTLE DOG PIPE AND TOBACCO
620 Main St., Longmont, 303-678-7792 Lafayette Winner: Smoker Friendly Honorable Mention: Barlow’s Premium Cigars & Pipes (Lafayette); Havana Manor Cigar Lounge (Louisville); Public Smoke Shop (Longmont)
Pipes are an important piece of the smoking process. Without a pipe, how would one smoke marijuana or tobacco? Well, sure there are cigarettes and bongs and vaporizers and who knows what else they’ve come up with, but the point is you can get all these and more at The Little Dog Pipe and Tobacco in Longmont. They offer any accessories you may need to smoke, and they do it in a fun, friendly and affordable manner. Your head will be spinning with all the things you can purchase to improve your smoking experience when you stop in at The Little Dog, so do it today.
Toy Store
GRANDRABBIT’S TOY SHOPPE
180 E. Flatiron Circle Drive, Broomfield, 303- 465-8005 Longmont Winner: Tim’s Toy Shop Honorable Mention: Treasured Bears (Longmont)
When Lynne Milot founded Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe nearly 40 years ago, she admits to having no business experience or knowledge. That didn’t stop her from pursuing a dream of owning a business that recognizes the importance of being a parent — a business that could be a positive influence in the community. Today, the toy shop is doing better than ever with an average of $25,000 donated annually for 30 years to Colorado schools. Milot hasn’t lost her vision, either — offering high quality, aesthetically pleasing toys that contribute to a child’s learning and development, from infants to preteens.
Clothing — Kid’s
ONCE UPON A CHILD
700 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-772-5437 Runner Up, East County: Just Between Friends (Longmont) Honorable Mention: Gymboree (Broomfield)
Fact of life: Kids grow. Other fact of life: When kids grow, you can’t just let them run around naked. And therein lies the dilemma. Nobody wants to drop the big bucks to buy brand new kids’ clothes when they know that two-months later they’re going to be too small. And besides, after being worn such a short time, your kid’s now-too-small wardrobe is likely still looking like new, but don’t despair. You can take those gently worn clothes into Once Upon a Child and turn them back into cash. And while you’re there, you can use that cash to buy the next round of slightly larger apparel for that perpetual growth machine you call your child. It’s a win-win if ever there was one.
Dry Cleaner
ART CLEANERS
1631 Pace St., Longmont, 303-684-8585 300 E. Baseline Road, Lafayette, 303-665- 2223 Runner Up, East County: John’s Dry Cleaners (Lafayette) Louisville Winner: Continental Cleaners Honorable Mention: Boulder Cleaners Inc. (Louisville, Niwot); Environmental Cleaners (Boulder)
You’ve seen the white and green minivans around town. Those belong to Art Cleaners, the Boulder County dry cleaning service that features free pick up and delivery from any of their locations, using those iconic green and white vans. In addition to oh-soconvenient pick up and delivery services, Art Cleaners places a focus on being good to the environment by using GreenEarth cleaning solvent and system to clean your most precious articles of clothing. With a long history in Boulder County, choose Art Cleaners for all your dry cleaning needs.
Kitchen Supply Store
CHEESE IMPORTERS
103 Main St., Longmont, 303-772-9599 Lafayette Winner: Jax Ranch and Home Louisville Winner: The Singing Cook Honorable Mention: Food Emporium (Longmont); Budget Home Supply (Longmont)
Why was the cheesemonger lopsided?
Because they only had one Stilton.
Yes, that’s a joke about cheese, one that you may not get unless you have perused the shelves of Cheese Importers in Longmont. Cheesemongers indeed, this seller of the world’s finest cheeses (including Stiltons aplenty) also sell cured meats, honeys, jams and so much more. The foods for sale are showcased in the in-store restaurant that smells and tastes so good you’ll just have to take some ingredients home with you. Quality foods like these deserve only the finest kitchen equipment, a selection of which Cheese Importers has carefully curated to bring to your East County
Bookstore
THE BOOK CELLAR
724 Main St., Louisville, 303-604-2880 Longmont Winner: Barbed Wire Books Honorable Mention: Used Book Emporium (Longmont); Little Horse Books and Vintage (Louisville); Book Nook (Louisville)
Long before the advent of technology and computers and the Internet and smart phones and tablets and anything electronic, there was this thing made of paper. On the paper words came together to form stories, poems, memoirs, comics and more. All the papers were bound together and the end result was something called a book. As it turns out, thankfully, these book things are still around today! And our readers say the best place to get them is The Book Cellar in Louisville. From the bestsellers to little known gems, The Book Cellar has a treat for any and everyone. Stop by, turn off every device you own, and enjoy.
Farm
ISABELLE FARM
1640 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette, 720-438-0707 Runner Up, East County: Munson Farms Erie Winner: Anderson Farms Longmont Winner: Ollin Farms Honorable Mention: Longmont Dairy Farm, Inc. (Longmont)
We don’t have to tell you that buying local produce is good for the environment, good for the local economy, and good for you, because you, dear readers, already support Isabelle Farm in Lafayette for all of your fresh produce needs. This 110-acre, family-run farm grows more than 80 types of produce, which they sell at their farm stand (open year round!), through a CSA program and to local restaurants, food preservers and select grocery stores. Visit Isabelle’s farm stand at Thomas Open Space in Lafayette to meet Isabelle’s staff and learn how they grow produce. In addition to fresh produce, Isabelle also carries a high-quality selection of locally raised, pastured all-natural meats, dairy products and small-batch, handcrafted foods and upcycled crafts and gifts, as well as some antiques and art.
Clothing — Women’s
FABULOUS FINDS UPSCALE CONSIGNMENT
600 S. Airport Road, Longmont, 720-340-4152 Lafayette Winner: Jax Outdoor Gear Louisville Winner: Eleanor Honorable Mention: TRI Vintage & Wares (Lafayette); Found Underground Consignment (Louisville)
Fashion is about so much more than looking your best — it’s about expressing yourself and letting your inner beauty shine. Fabulous Finds Upscale Consignment is not just a clothing store, it’s a companion on the path to feeling beautiful. This is an experience you don’t want to rush — take your time exploring 5,000 square feet of brand name fashion and finding the treasures meant for you. What can be better than a new Coach bag, slammin’ True Religion jeans and a shabby chic Free People shirt? As frequent shoppers like to say, “Repurposing, reusing and refusing to pay retail!”
Independent Business
CURATING THE COOL
401 S. Public Road, Lafayette, [email protected] Runner Up, East County: Alpine Auto Detailing (mobile service throughout Boulder County) Longmont Winner: Bald Brewer Homebrewing & Winemaking Supplies Honorable Mention: Cheese Importers (Longmont); TRI Vintage & Wares (Lafayette)
Curating the Cool lives up to their name by collecting the coolest vintage and new gifts, art, clothing, collectibles, small furniture and home-goods. Since opening in 2013, our readers have named it best new business, best independent business, best furniture store, best gift shop and more.
Whether you’re looking for a vintage board game, Mork & Mindy figurines or a ceramic panther television lamp, Curating the Cool will not disappoint. You can shop online to see a smattering of what they have to offer, but let us recommend spending some time perusing their space on Public Road, because everyone knows the real joy in shopping for vintage goods comes in finding that hidden gem.
Camera
VICTORY CAMERA
275 Waneka Parkway, Suite 3E, Lafayette, 720-379-7789 Runner Up, East County: Picture This Pro (Louisville)
Longmont Winner: Key Camera/Procam Services
Remember all those movie scenes depicting photographers in darkrooms with the glare of a red light illuminating the actors’ features? Think Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire falling in love in Funny Face or Brad Pitt discovering more of Kevin Spacey’s psychopathic-ways in Seven. Although an iconic set for a dramatic/romantic scene, the darkroom is almost a lost art, and with it the act of developing film. But only almost, because at Victory Camera in Lafayette, film is not lost, but celebrated. Whether you’re cleaning house and no longer need your film camera or you’re a film enthusiast who wants more equipment, Victory Camera is there to buy or sell film cameras. Plus, they offer a variety of digital camera equipment as well to serve all your photography needs, professional or amateur.
Auto Repair
STAN’S AUTOMOTIVE
1950 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303-666-8914 Longmont Winner: Meining Automotive Inc. Louisville Winner: Louisville Tire & Auto Care Honorable Mention: Cooper’s Automotive (Lafayette)
According to its website, Stan’s Automotive says that “with the exception of bodywork and filling your gas tank, everything your car needs can be done here, in one place, under one roof, in the same location in which we’ve been for over 37 years, by our highly trained technicians.” Translation: if you don’t do good work, you’re not going to be in the auto repair business for very long, let alone 37 years. Our readers tell us Stan’s is fairly priced and does great work. What more can you ask for from an auto repair shop? Even though that’s enough, Stan’s also offers free rides to and from the shop while your car is being repaired.
Auto Detailing
BLACK DIAMOND CAR WASH
1414 Hecla Way, Louisville, 303-666-6696 Runner Up, East County: Alpine Auto Detailing (mobile service throughout East County) Erie Winner: House of Shine Honorable Mention: Longmont Auto Detail (Longmont); Jack’s One Stop (Longmont)
Ideally, you want your car to look its best. More often than not in Colorado, that’s a tall order to fill considering our flip-floppy weather, occasional hailstorms and endless supplies of dirt, mud and salt, especially during the frosty months. Black Diamond Car Wash is here to make your life easier with a range of services from a simple wash and air freshener to a meticulous detail service that will have you questioning if that is in fact still your car. Full-service washes are usually done within 15 minutes and that “new car clean” takes a whole day. But with courtesy rides, this car wash makes looking good easy and convenient.
Liquor Store
SUPERIOR LIQUOR
100 Superior Plaza Way, Superior, 303-499-6600 Lafayette Winner: Atlas Valley Purveyors Longmont Winner: PJ’s Wine & Spirits Louisville Winner: Union Jack Liquor Honorable Mention: Twin Peaks Liquor (Longmont)
A trip to the liquor store can help create a blueprint for your night. Whether you’re going home with an expensive bottle of champagne or a 30 pack of beer, there’s something for everyone. You can pick up a bottle of fine whiskey for a night by the fire or a multitude of ingredients to create your own signature cocktail. And at our readers’ favorite liquor store, Superior Liquor, there are options aplenty that cater to any kind of mood you want to set for your evening. Stocked and expansive, Superior Liquor will provide the elements for a good time.
Shoe Store
BROWN’S SHOE FIT CO.
373 Main St., Longmont, 303-776-2920 Runner Up, Easy County: DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse (Longmont) Lafayette Winner: Jax Outdoor Gear Louisville Winner: Runners Roost Honorable Mention: Shoes and Brews (Longmont)
We don’t thank our feet enough. They put up with so much to get us where we need to go. We owe them some lovin’. Why not start with a snazzy new pair of shoes? Reader favorite Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. has got you covered — well, at least your feet. The shoe store has a wide selection and its number one goal is to make you and your feet happy. Serving the Longmont community, and more, since 1946, trust the experts at Brown’s for your footwear needs. Stop in with the whole family, and you’ll find something for everyone.
Home Furnishings
CURATING THE COOL
401 S. Public Road, Lafayette, [email protected] Longmont Winner: Woodley’s Fine Furniture Louisville Winner: Fuzzy Antler Honorable Mention: TRI Vintage & Wares (Lafayette); Concepts Furniture (Longmont)
Looking to revamp your style after that last roommate moved out with all their furniture and knick-knacks? Or maybe you’re finally ready to invest in some quality furnishings for your post-college lifestyle? Head over to Curating the Cool because you never know what you might find. Whether it’s a refurbished chair or an antique alarm clock, this unique store is sure to offer something you’ve either been searching for or never knew you wanted until you saw it.
New Business
SKYHI CANDY & COLLECTABLES
409 S. Public Road, Lafayette, [email protected] Longmont Winner: Crystal Joys Honorable Mention: Grossen Bart Brewery (Longmont); The Roost (Longmont); Samples World Bistro (Longmont)
While you’re checking out all the great vintage goodies at Curating the Cool, you can check out East County’s best new business, SkyHi Candy & Collectables, featuring unique candy and cool collectibles. Maybe you’re jonesing for a relic from your childhood — some original Star Wars Legos, perhaps, or maybe a Captain America figurine. Pop in to SkyHi Candy & Collectables to see what they’ve got in stock — you might just find an unex pected doodad that sends you on a fantastical trip down memory lane.
Auto Dealer — Used
VALLEY NISSAN/SUBARU OF LONGMONT
1005 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-586- 2862 Runner Up, East County: Frontier Honda (Longmont) Niwot Winner: Gunbarrel Import Motors, Inc. Honorable Mention: Sprinkler Used Cars (Longmont); Stevinson Hyundai of Longmont (Longmont)
Whether your 1994 Ford Taurus finally broke down or you’re buying your teenage daughter her first car and want something reliable and affordable, the used car is an important fixture in American society. More and more folks are turning to used cars as a way to get around, and the quality is better than it’s ever been. Our readers say when it’s time to go get one, the best place to do so is Valley Nissan/Subaru of Longmont. With a wide variety of cars, good prices and excellent customer service, Valley Nissan/ Subaru provides the cars we need to get around town and up into the mountains.
