THE AVERY JOURNALTIMES PRESENTS
2025 Best of the Best
SPONSORED BY
2 • SEPTEMBER 2025 THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
www.mountaintimes.com
Avery’s Best celebrated in 2025 A
BY JAMIE SHELL | editor@averyjournal.com
pproximately 200 guests gathered at Appalachian View in Newland for a ceremony to celebrate the winners of the 6th annual Avery JournalTimes Best of the Best awards. The August 19 event, a significant celebration of local businesses, nonprofit organizations and more was made possible by the generous support of sponsors Stone Walls Restaurant, Life Care Center of Banner Elk, Medi Home Hospice, Avery County Farm Bureau, Linville River Electric and Yellow Mountain Enterprises. Mountain Times Publications Advertising Director Mark Mitchell greeted guests, while Avery Journal-Times Editor Jamie Shell and AJT Marketing Representative Landon Reed recognized each recipient before directing them to the professional photo station to show their accomplishments. Award winners in more than 150 categories were determined by Avery Journal-Times readers who voted for their favorite businesses. The efforts of local businesses and nonprofit organizations do not go unnoticed in Avery County, which was demonstrated by the enthusiasm of voters. After eating a meal catered by Stone Walls Restaurant of Banner Elk and listening to the smooth sounds of jazz played by Todd Wright Trio, recipients and their guests enjoyed the impressive scenery at Appalachian View and the surrounding mountainous landscape. The Avery Journal-Times applauds each of the winners and remains thankful for the tireless work they continue to give to the community and their support of Mountain Times Publications. Business and winners are featured in this special section of The Avery JournalTimes, as well as on the publication’s website at www.averyjournal.com following print publication release.
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER
Appalachian View Wedding Venue served as the host site again for the 2025 Best of Avery Awards, welcoming almost 200 guests for the annual ceremony.
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER
Staff with Stone Walls Restaurant were busy throughout the dinner providing courses to guests and service with a smile during the Best of Avery Awards.
www.mountaintimes.com SEPTEMBER 2025 • 3
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
2025 Avery Best Of Awards Winners
Shelby Taylor and Nena Carpenter of Taylor’s Taxes. Taylor’s Taxes won Best Accountant.
Kristen Phelps and Angela Arbogast with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. View. Wells Fargo won Best Bank.
• Best Accountant - Taylor’s Taxes
The Barn at Cornerstone
• Best Antique Store - Hidden Treasures
• Best Bar - Kettell Beerworks
• Best Appliance Repair Kohler Appliances
• Best Barbecue Restaurant Carolina Barbecue
• Best Art Gallery It’s All About The Art Gallery
• Best Barber - Levi’s Barber Shop
• Best Assisted Living Avery County Group Home
• Best Bed & Breakfast Little Main Street Inn
• Best Attorney - Gerald R. McKinney Law Offices, P.A. • Best Auto Insurance Company Avery County Farm Bureau • Best Auto Repair Shop Horne Automotive • Best Auto Supply Store - Napa Auto Parts • Best Bail Bondsman - All Cell Bail Bonds - Nancy Calhoun Thomason • Best Bakery - Fred & Larry’s Coffee Shop • Best Bank - Wells Fargo • Best Banquet Facility -
• Best Beauty Salon - Classic Cuts
• Best Beer and Wine Store Erick’s Cheese and Wine • Best Biscuit - Tartan Restaurant • Best Breakfast Restaurant Tartan Restaurant • Best Brewery - Kettell Beerworks • Best Brunch - Kaye’s By the River • Best Buffet - Kaye’s By the River • Best Building Supply Store New River Building Supply • Best Cable TV Company - Spectrum
PHOTOS BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Sammie and John Jones with Hidden Treasures Antiques. Hidden Treasures won Best Antique Store.
• Best Campground Mountain River Family Campground
• Best Civic/Community Organization Yellow Mountain Enterprises
• Best Camping Supply Mountain River Family Campground
• Best Coach - Avery County Barb Holdcroft
• Best Car Wash - Banner Elk Car Wash
• Best Coffee Roaster Fred & Larry’s Coffee Shop
• Best Caterer - Maggie James • Best Chicken Restaurant What the Cluck Food Truck • Best Chicken Tenders What the Cluck Food Truck • Best Chinese Restaurant Luna Thai & Sushi Restaurant
• Best Coffee Shop Fred & Larry’s Coffee Shop • Best College - Lees-McRae College • Best Contractor Gragg Construction and Design Center • Best Convenience Store - Quik Shop
• Best Chiropractor - Northwest Chiropractic - Dr. Kelly McLaurin
• Best Cosmetologist The Service Station - Katie Benfield
• Best Christmas Tree Farm Snowy Mountain Christmas Tree Farm
• Best Dance Studio - Blue Ridge Performing Arts Academy, LLC
• Best Church First Baptist Crossnore
• Best Day Care Center - Kingdom Kids
• Best Church Leader - Jeremiah Parker (First Baptist Crossnore)
• Best Dentist - Dr. Troy Hoover
• Best Deli - Williams Deli & Bakery • Best Dinner Restaurant - Stone Walls
4 • SEPTEMBER 2025 THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
PHOTOS BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Emily Billings, Chris Fjeld, Joy Royall and Susan Royall of Kettell Beerworks. Kettell Beerworks won Best Bar, Best Brewery, Best Pizza Restaurant, Best Sports Bar and Best Wings.
www.mountaintimes.com
Don and Kaye Reinhofer of Kaye’s By the River Restaurant. Kaye’s By the River won Best Brunch and Best Buffet.
• Best Donuts - Diggy Donuts Food Truck
• Best Food Service Worker - Ally Sackman
• Best Hamburger - Stone Walls
• Best Insurance Agent - Travis Turbyfill
• Best Drug Store - Premier Pharmacy
• Best Food Truck What the Cluck Food Truck
• Best Hardware - Brinkley Hardware
• Best Internet Provider - Spectrum
• Best Hardware Store Lowes Hardware Store #1834
• Best Investment Firm - Edward Jones
• Best Funeral Director - Garrick Smith
• Best Heating & Air Company - Complete Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning
• Best Japanese Restaurant -
• Best Funeral Home Beam Funeral Service & Crematory
• Best Home Builders Gragg Construction and Design Center
• Best Furniture Store Rustik By Underwood
• Best Home Cooking Restaurant Tartan Restaurant
• Best Garden Shop Christmas Tree Hill Garden Center
• Best Home Decor The Eclectic Nest and Closet
• Best General Store Fred’s General Mercantile
• Best Home Security - VPC Builders
• Best Electrician - Joel Stoeltzing (Linville River Electric) • Best Electronics Store Radio Shack of Newland • Best EMT - Edward Barrier (Avery EMS) • Best Exercise Facility Williams YMCA of Avery County • Best Family Doctor Dr. Thomas Kirkland • Best Farm Supply Store Red Barn General Store • Best Fast Food Restaurant - Bojangles • Best Fencing Company Avery Environmental Services • Best Festival Avery County Heritage Festival • Best Fine Dining Restaurant - Stone Walls • Best Flooring Store A Flooring Outlet, Inc. Best Florist - Lori Benfield • Best Flower Shop Mountain Visions Florist
• Best French Fries What the Cluck Food Truck
• Best Gift Shop The Eclectic Nest and Closet • Best Glass / Shower / Mirror Installer J.A.C.K.S Glass - Mike Jones • Best Gluten-Free Restaurant BE Scooped, LLC • Best Golf Course Sugar Mountain Golf Course • Best Grocery Store - Ingles Markets
• Best Hospice Medi Home Health and Hospice • Best Hospital - Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital • Best Hot Dog - Tartan Restaurant • Best Hotel/Motel Cornerstone Cabins of Banner Elk • Best Ice Cream/Slushie Shop BE Scooped, LLC • Best Insurance Agency Avery County Farm Bureau
• Best Italian Restaurant - Bella’s Nguyen’s Asian Grill • Best Jeweler - Mountain Jewelers • Best Jewelry Store Hardin’s Fine Jewelry • Best Landscape Company - Greenworks Landscape & Hardscape Company • Best Law Firm - Gerald R. McKinney Law Offices, P.A. • Best Lawn & Garden Store South Valley Garden Center • Best Lumber Store Lowes Hardware Store #1834 • Best Lunch Restaurant Tartan Restaurant • Best Manufacturer - DeWoolfson Down • Best Massage Therapist - Bule Hara Wellness LLC - Mackenzie Godoi * CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
www.mountaintimes.com SEPTEMBER 2025 • 5
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
Much Congrats!!! We are pleased to announce the following category award winners for 2025’s “Best of the Best,” acknowledged for excellence by readers of The Avery Journal-Times.
Dr. Thomas Kirkland Best Family Doctor Best Medical Doctor Best Physician
Lareeca Johnson Best Nurse
Miranda Jordan Best Nurse Practitioner
Medi Home Health & Hospice Best Place to Work Best Hospice Agency
Medi Home Health & Hospice
Congratulations and much thanks for your dedication to patients in the community!!!
(828) 733-0663
Proudly Serving the High Country
www.MSAhealthcare.com
@MSAMediHealthcare
6 • SEPTEMBER 2025
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
LINVILLE RIVER ELECTRIC, INC.
780 Cranberry Street (PO Box 934), Newland, NC 28657 | (828) 260-7467
www.mountaintimes.com
www.mountaintimes.com SEPTEMBER 2025 • 7
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
Celebrating Our Best of Avery Winners! Avery Association for Exceptional Citizens Yellow Mountain Enterprises, Avery County Group Home, and Yellow Mountain Treasure Box
2025
2025
Avery County Group Home BEST Assisted Living Yellow Mountain Treasure Box BEST Place To Find A Bargin
2025
2025
Yellow Mountain Enterprises BEST
2025
Yellow Mountain Enterprises BEST
Civic/Community Organization
Public Servant Lorie Singleton
Yellow Mountain Treasure Box
Jenny Kilgore
BEST Second Hand Store
2025
BEST Teacher
The mission of the Avery Association for Exceptional Citizens is to provide vocational, educational, residential, support services, and social opportunities to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Avery County. We are proud of our amazing staff, volunteers, and community who make this recognition possible. Thank you, Avery County, for your continued support!
8 • SEPTEMBER 2025 THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
www.mountaintimes.com
Trust in our care. With us, your loved one will get the attention and compassion they deserve.
Outpatient Therapy • Short-Term Inpatient Therapy • Long-Term Care
CAL L TO SCH EDU LE A TO UR. 151222
828.898.5136 185 Norwood Hollow Rd. • Banner Elk, NC 28604 • LifeCareCenterOf BannerElk.com
www.mountaintimes.com
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
Est. 1983
SEPTEMBER 2025 • 9
10 • SEPTEMBER 2025
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
PHOTOS BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Suzanne and Jared Garland with Mountain River Family Campground. Mountain River Family Campground won Best Campground and Best Camping Supply Store.
Thank you for voting for us as Avery County’s best tax service. Your support and belief in our services are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate your confidence.
Matt Bagley, J.C. Lakey and Ken Hamilton with Banner Elk Car Wash. Banner Elk Car Wash won Best Car Wash.
Snowy Mountain Christmas Tree Farm
www.mountaintimes.com
www.mountaintimes.com SEPTEMBER 2025 • 11
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
Thank You, Avery County! We’re honored to be your choice for trusted insurance and proud to serve our community every day.
Best Auto Insurance Company
Avery County Farm Bureau Insurance
Best Insurance Agency
Best Insurance Agent – Travis Turbyfill
Avery County Farm Bureau Insurance
570 Cranberry Street, Newland
98 High Country Sq, Banner Elk
ncfbins.com
ncfbins.com
(828) 733-9617
(828) 898-8566
12 • SEPTEMBER 2025 THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
www.mountaintimes.com
2023
2025 2024
www.mountaintimes.com SEPTEMBER 2025 • 13
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
ECLECTIC NEST
BRINKLEY HARDWARE
HIDDEN TREASURES
7547 N US HWY 19E, ELK PARK, NC 28622
221 MAIN ST #201, ELK PARK, NC 28622
137 MAIN ST, ELK PARK, NC 28622
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE • BEST GIFT SHOP • BEST HOME DÉCOR
BEST HARDWARE STORE
BEST ANTIQUE STORE
Carefully curated Women’s & men’s fashion, Fair Trade & Artisan gifts & Home Decor.
RELIABLE SERVICE & HOMETOWN TRUST.
ANTIQUE & VINTAGE TREASURES, & A GREAT PLACE TO FIND THE PERFECT GIFT.
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
14 • SEPTEMBER 2025 * CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
• Best Medical Practice - Baker Center • Best Mexican Restaurant - Puerto Nuevo • Best Mobile Phone Company Carolina West Wireless • Best Monument Company Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home • Best Mortgage Company Mountain Community Bank • Best Music Venue The Old Hampton Store • Best Musical Group Phil Moody Sings Karaoke • Best Nail Salon - Hollywood Nails
• Best Oil Change - Horne Automotive • Best Orthopedist - App Ortho • Best Outfitters Store - Mo’s Boots • Best Paint Store - Three Nails Hardware • Best Painter - Bryan Webb Painting Mike Crowley • Best Parade Banner Elk Fourth of July Parade • Best Paving Company - Appalachian Sealcoating and Paving • Best Pet Supply Store My Best Friend’s Barkery • Best Pharmacist - Shayna Cole
• Best Night Entertainment Welter Entertainment
• Best Pharmacy - Premier Pharmacy
• Best Nonprofit - AMOREM • Best Nurse - Larecca Johnson
• Best Physical Therapy Clinic Cannon Memorial Hospital PT
• Best Nurse Practitioner - Miranda Jordan
• Best Physician - Dr. Thomas Kirkland
• Best Nursing Home Life Care Center of Banner Elk
• Best Physician Assistant - Elk River Medical Associates - Elizabeth
• Best Photographer - Elizabeth Damico
Thank you for voting us
the Best Day Care Center!
• Best Pickleball Court Buckeye Rec Center • Best Pizza Restaurant - Kettell Beerworks • Best Place to Find a Bargain Yellow Mountain Treasure Box • Best Place to Work Medi Home Health and Hospice • Best Police Officer - Kevin Hodges • Best Politician Newland Mayor Derek Roberts • Best Produce Shop - Pixie Produce • Best Propane Company Blue Ridge Propane, Inc. • Best Public Servant - Lorie Singleton • Best Real Estate Agency Combs Carolina Properties • Best Real Estate Agent - Patricia Combs • Best Rental Agency Charmed Settings & Co. • Best Rental Store -
Thank you for voting us the #1 Campground and Best Camping Supply in Avery County!
8555 S US Hwy 19E, Newland, NC 28657
(828) 765-4810 www.mtnriverwnc.com
www.mountaintimes.com
Charmed Settings & Co. • Best Restaurant Service - Stone Walls • Best Resort - Sugar Top Resort Condominium Association, Inc. • Best Salad Bar - Stone Walls • Best School Banner Elk Elementary School • Best School Principal - Justin Carver (Banner Elk Elementary School) • Best Seafood Restaurant - Stone Walls • Best Secondhand Store Yellow Mountain Treasure Box • Best Ski Rental Fred’s General Mercantile • Best Ski Shop - Ski Country Sports • Best Ski Slope - Beech Mountain Resort • Best Snow Removal Business Greenworks Landscape & Hardscape Company • Best Soft Drink - Banner Elk McDonald’s * CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
www.mountaintimes.com SEPTEMBER 2025 • 15
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
The High Country’s Premier Steak & Seafood Restaurant Best Fine Dining Restaurant 7 years in a row
Best Food Service Worker — Ally Sackman Best Waiter/Waitress — Heather Barber Best Caterer — Maggie James 7 years in a row Best Dinner Restaurant
The High County’s Premier Food Truck P Experience
The High Country’s Best Vacation Rentals
The High Country’s Best Space for Gatherings
Best Chicken Restaurant
Voted Best Hotel/Motel 7 years in a row
Voted Best Banquet Facility 5 years in a row
Best Chicken Tenders Best Food Truck
1-5 Bedrooms Available
Best French Fries
Best Hamburger 7 years in a row Best Restaurant Service Best Salad Bar 7 years in a row Best Seafood Restaurant 7 years in a row Best Steakhouse 7 years in a row 828-898-5550
344 Shawneehaw Ave. South, Banner Elk stonewallsrestaurant.com
828-450-3279
2025
Banner Elk, NC 28604 www.whattheclucktruck.net
828-898-9115
2025
64 Cornerstone Cir, Banner Elk cornerstonerentals.com
828-260-3673
2025
64 Cornerstone Cir, Banner Elk cornerstonerentals.com
2025
16 • SEPTEMBER 2025
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
PHOTOS BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Ally Sackman, Maggie James, Heather Baber, Tim Heschke and Scott Garland with What the Cluck Food Truck. What the Cluck Food Truck won Best Chicken Restaurant, Best Chicken Tenders, Best Food Truck, and Best French Fries.
Banner a er Elk l Cha Chamber e off Commerce om er 4th th off JJuly yP Parade a e Thank you for voting i us Best Parade in Avery County! See you next Independence Day in Banner Elk!
THANK YOU, AVERY COUNTY! “I’m honored to be recognized as Best Contractor and grateful that
GRAGG CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN CENTER
was voted Best Home Builders in this year’s Best of Avery Awards.” -Mike Gragg
www.mountaintimes.com
Clay and Bev Cuthbertson with Snowy Mountain Christmas Tree Farm. Snowy Mountain Christmas Tree Farm won Best Christmas Tree Farm.
Thank you Avery County for your vote of confidence!
Proudly Serving the High Country for over 14 years.
• Personal & Business Income Tax • Accounting & Payroll Service
TAYLORS TAXES FROM DESIGN TO FINISH CONSTRUCTION CALL (828) 387-0148
426 Pineola St. Newland, NC 28657
828-733-0104
Shelby W Taylor taylorstaxes1040@yahoo.com
www.mountaintimes.com
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
SEPTEMBER 2025 • 17
18 • SEPTEMBER 2025 THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY * CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
• Best Spa - Hollywood Nails • Best Sports Bar - Kettell Beerworks • Best Steakhouse - Stone Walls • Best Surgeon Dr. Tom Haizlip (Tate Clinic)
• Best Tree Service - K&C Trees • Best Trucking & Hauling Pittman Trucking • Best TV Dealer Radio Shack of Newland • Best Vape Shop - Ascension Hemp Co.
• Best Sushi Luna Thai & Sushi Restaurant
• Best Veterinarian - Dr. Jessica Jewell (Avery Animal Hospital)
• Best Taco - Puerto Nuevo
• Best Vietnamese Restaurant Uncle Lee’s Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
• Best Tax Service Renee Gouge Tax Service • Best Teacher - Jenny Kilgore • Best Telephone Company Skyline Telephone Corp. • Best Tire Store - Horne Automotive • Best Tourist Attraction Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster • Best Town - Town of Banner Elk • Best Town Manager - Rick Owen
www.mountaintimes.com
• Best Waiter/Waitress - Heather Baber • Best Wedding Venue Appalachian View • Best Window/Door Store Appalachian Blinds & Closets • Best Wings - Kettell Beerworks • Best Winery - Linville Falls Winery • Best Women’s Clothing Store The Eclectic Nest and Closet • Best Yoga Instructor - Carol Ann
PHOTO BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Troy Hoover DDS, Alicia Hoover, Ashley Crenshaw, Dana Gragg, Mackenzie McKinney, Alesia Calloway of Troy Hoover, DDS. Troy Hoover, DDS won Best Dentist.
Thank you for or making us Best of the e Best Ice Cream Shop and The Best Gluten l Free Restaurant iin Avery County! t
Thank You for Voting us Best Garden Shop! We’re grateful for your continued support and can’t wait to help your garden grow for years to come.
We have a large wide selection of:
Now Pouring n a Full l Coffee Menu! n
• Hardy flowering trees and shrubs • Seeds and Bulbs • Quality Bedding Plants • Fertilizers • Bulk or Bagged Mulch
144 Azalea Cir • Banner a e Elk (828) 504-0684
Christmas Tree Hill Garden Center
OPEN 7am till 10 pm bescoopednc@gmail.com p @ | bescooped.com d. 16 Hand Dipped Flavor-Malts-Milkshakes-Floats -F
1881 Millers Gap Hwy • Newland, NC 828.733.4814
Thank you for voting us Best Festival
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
www.mountaintimes.com
SEPTEMBER 2025 • 19
PHOTOS BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Justin Turbyfill, Jean Buchanan, Brenda Coffey, Renee Ingram, Lorie Singleton, Dale Trivette, Beth Clark and Billy Jean McGuire with Yellow Mountain Enterprises. Yellow Mountain Enterprises won Best Civic/Community Organization, Best Public Servant, Best Assisted Living, Best Place to Find a Bargain, Best Secondhand Store, and Best Teacher.
Thank You For Voting Us Best Italian Restaurant And Best Pizza Restaurant In Avery County!
Thank You Customers for voting us
Best of the Best in Avery County 2025
Authentic Italian Cuisine And New York Style Pizza
Bella's Banner Elk
3585 Tynecastle Highway Food Lion Shopping Center Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-9022
bellasbannerelk@gmail.com
Tammy Johnson with Kingdom Kids. Kingdom Kids won Best Day Care Center.
Thank you for Voting us Best Best Beer Beer && Wine Wine Store! Store! Thank you for Voting us
ERICK’S CHEESE & WINE 4004 NC Highway 105 South, Suite 10 Banner Elk, NC 28604 828-898-9424 erickscheeseandwine.com
20 • SEPTEMBER 2025 THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
Thank you for voting us the
www.mountaintimes.com
Charmed Settings & Co
Best Produce Shop
Luxury Event Rentals | Weddings | Celebrations
in Avery County!
From dreamy tablescapes to statement décor, we handpick every piece so your event feels uniquely you. Serving the High Country & beyond
3979 Mitchell Ave, Linville, NC 28646
(828) 640-6999
You dream it. We style it. 828.260.7969
107 Estatoa Avenue • Newland, NC 28657 (828) 733-0061 • premierpharmacyinc.com
charmedsettingsandco@gmail.com charmedsettingsandco.com
PROUDLY SERVING THE HIGH COUNTRY SINCE 2014
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST NON-PROFIT!
Our professional care team has provided quality hospice and palliative care to Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties since 2014—originally as Caldwell Hospice Serving the High Country and, since 2021, as AMOREM. We are st your local, non-profit hospice and palliative provider— more resources and a new name, but still right at home in the High Country.
828.754.0101 l 1.844.4AMOREM—TOLL-FREE WWW.AMOREMSUPPORT.ORG
AMOREM is excited to bring the first hospice patient care unit to the High Country in late 2025! YOUR LOCAL, NON-PROFIT HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE MEDICINE PROVIDER
www.mountaintimes.com SEPTEMBER 2025 • 21
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
Our community rises when leaders step up
Your vision and commitment to lead the way is an inspiration to all. We salute the time and talent you bring to making our community a better place to live, work, and prosper. Let’s join together in honoring The Best of the Best nominees.
wellsfargo.com ©
2025 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. 8130207-2 MOD: 426
22 • SEPTEMBER 2025 THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
www.mountaintimes.com
PHOTOS BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Ally Sackman, Maggie James, Heather Baber, Tim Heschke and Scott Garland of Stonewalls Restaurant. Stonewalls Restaurant won Best Dinner Restaurant, Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Best Hamburger, Best Salad Bar, Best Seafood Restaurant, Best Steakhouse, Best Restaurant Service, Best Food Service Worker (Ally Sackman), Best Waiter/Waitress (Heather Baber) and Best Caterer (Maggie James).
Edward Dean, Shayna Cole, Katrina Hicks, Jennifer Nix, Destiny Love and Rhiannon Cuthbertson with Premier Pharmacy. Premier Pharmacy won Best Drug Store and Best Pharmacy, and Shayna Cole won Best Pharmacist.
We’re Honored to Be Your Best of the Best Voted Best Convenience Store in Avery County.
Fast. Friendly. Always here when you need us.
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Equipment • Rentals • Sales •Service 828-898-6301 •www.averyrentall.com
QUIK SHOP Quik Shop – Newland 713 Pineola Street • Newland, NC 28657 (828) 733-0294
www.mountaintimes.com SEPTEMBER 2025 • 23
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
Thank you for voting us the Best Florist in Avery County!
Mountain Visions Florist
1361 Sugar Mountain Dr #1, Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-3486
www.bannerelkflowers.com
24 • SEPTEMBER 2025 THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
PHOTOS BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Joel and Lorena Stoeltzing, Carter and Sierra Bumgarner, Hunter and Kenzie Shell, Todd and Patricia Combs, Angie and Bryan Stoeltzing with Linville River Electric. Linville River Electric won Best Electrician.
www.mountaintimes.com
Alex Robertson and Sheila Bauer of Williams YMCA of Avery County. Williams YMCA of Avery County won Best Exercise Facility and Best Yoga Instructor (Carol Ann).
www.mountaintimes.com SEPTEMBER 2025 • 25
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
PHOTO BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Aneda Johnson, Judy Hughes, Brenda Hoss and Leandra Slate with the Avery County Heritage Festival. Avery County Heritage Festival won Best Festival.
THANK YOU, AVERY COUNTY! Proud to be voted: Best Mexican Restaurant Best Taco
Authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and award-winning taste.
Puerto Nuevo Mexican & Seafood Restaurant 2941 Tynecastle Hwy • Banner Elk, NC (828) 898-3332
26 • SEPTEMBER 2025
PHOTOS BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Debra Matheson of A Flooring Outlet, Inc. A Flooring Outlet, Inc. won Best Flooring Store.
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
Lori Benfield with Mountain Visions Florist. Mountain Visions Florist won Best Flower Shop and Best Florist (Lori Benfield).
www.mountaintimes.com
Bradley Underwood with Rustik By Underwood. Rustik By Underwood won Best Furniture Store.
GREENWORKS G R E E N WO R K S
LANDSCAPE&HARDSCAPECO. LANDSCAPE&HARDSCAPECO.
The Master’s Touch Stoneworks N c g r e e n wo r k s . c o m | ( 8 2 8 ) 8 9 8 - 2 4 6 6
1921 Tynecastle Hw y, Banner Elk, NC 28604 ((828) 28)) 898-8333 3 m sterstouchstoneworks.com masterstouchstoneworks.com m
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
www.mountaintimes.com
Locally Owned and Operated for 20+ Years
#1 Patricia Combs Broker/Owner 828-260-6932
trishpmre@gmail.com
Visit my website today
SEPTEMBER 2025 • 27
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE BEST
TELEPHONE COMPANY Call, visit us online or stop by and ask us how you could save up to $180* on SkyBest Internet!
898-1350 | www.skybest.com 20 High Country Square Hwy 184 Banner Elk *Restrictions may apply.
28 • SEPTEMBER 2025 THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
PHOTOS BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Jeff Vance and Missy Vance with Christmas Tree Hill Garden Center. Christmas Tree Hill Garden Center won Best Garden Shop.
www.mountaintimes.com
Jacqui Balhouse, John Balhouse and Jillyn Sidlo with The Eclectic Nest & Closet. The Eclectic Nest & Closet won Best Gift Shop, Best Home Decor Store, and Best Women’s Clothing Store.
Thanks for voting us o e and nd Skii Rental Best General Sto Store
THANK YOU For Voting Us
Best Investment Firm in Avery County!
3618 Mitchell Avenue Linville, NC 28646
www.mountaintimes.com SEPTEMBER 2025 • 29
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
PHOTOS BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Abraham Cerra and Bailey Cerra of BE Scooped, LLC. BE Scooped, LLC won Best Gluten Free Restaurant and Best Ice Cream/Slushie Shop.
Bill Daniels and Tom McAuliffe with Sugar Mountain Golf Course. Sugar Mountain Golf Course won Best Golf Course.
Thank you 2025 for voting us Best Bakery Best Coffee Roaster Best Coffee Shop
2025
Thank you for voting us Best Vape Shop! Elevate Your Wellness Naturally Discover premium THCA products for holistic healing.
828-898-4999 ascensionhempco.com
Michael and Kim Johnson with Complete Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning. Complete Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning won Best Heating and Air Company.
Open Mic coming back soon! Please email fredandlarryscoffee@gmail.com if you are interested in signing up! In memory of
Check Our Social Media for Live Music Schedule!
1950-2024
fredandlarryscoffee.com
Larry
3591 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 367-2110
30 • SEPTEMBER 2025 THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
Mike Gragg, Lisa Gragg, Justin Gragg and Josh Gragg with Gragg Construction and Design Center. Gragg Construction and Design Center won Best Home Builders and Best Contractor.
www.mountaintimes.com
PHOTOS BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Providing Propane Providing Propane S Service ervice tto o tthe he High High C Country ountry S Since ince 1 1992 992
Thank y Thank you ou ffor or v voting oting u us s the the B Best est Propane Propane Company Company in in Avery Avery County! County!
(828) 733-3603
blueridgepropanenc@gmail.com
Open Mon - Fri: 7:30 - 4:00 14 Turbyfill Rd, Newland, NC 28657
www.mountaintimes.com SEPTEMBER 2025 • 31
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
Congratulations to all of the Best of the Best winners!
PHOTO BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Steve Brinkley, Tina Brinkley, Taylor and Blake Lunsford of Brinkley Hardware. Brinkley Hardware won Best Hardware Store.
Thank You For Voting Us the Best Electronics, TV Dealer, and Cell Phone Store in Avery County! Best Orthopedist: AppOrtho Best Medical Practice: Baker Primary Care Center
2025
2025
2025
520 Pineola Street, Newland, NC 28657 Call 828-733-5718
Best Hospital: Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital Best Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation Center Cannon Best Surgeon: Thomas Haizlip, Jr., MD unchealthappalachian.org
32 • SEPTEMBER 2025
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
www.mountaintimes.com
Rustik by underwood
proudly voted best furniture store in avery county PHOTO BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Heather Pannill and Justin Gragg with Cannon Memorial Hospital. Cannon Memorial Hospital won Best Hospital and Cannon Memorial Hospital PT won Best Physical Therapy Clinic.
Thank you for voting
Best Car Wash in Avery County!
Banner Elk Car Wash
1944 Tynecastle Hwy, | Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 719-7462
www.mountaintimes.com SEPTEMBER 2025 • 33
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
PHOTO BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Scott Garland, Amy and Savannah Tzrebiatowski with Cornerstone Cabins of Banner Elk and The Barn at Cornerstone. Cornerstone Cabins won Best Hotel/Motel, while The Barn at Cornerstone won Best Banquet Facility.
“Thank you for your business and your support!”
3616 Mitchell Ave Suite 8, Linville, NC 28646
(828) 742-1612
www.dentisttroyhoover.com
34 • SEPTEMBER 2025 THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
PHOTOS BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Vu, Mary, Kayla, and Isabell Nguyen of Nguyen’s Asian Grill. Nguyen’s Asian Grill won Best Japanese Restaurant.
Billie Jean McGuire and Cathy McDonald with DeWoolfson Down. DeWoolfson Down won Best Manufacturer.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY IN AVERY COUNTY!
A Division of Bank of Tennessee | Member FDIC
877.725.5222 Mountaincommunitybank.com
NMLS# 463203
www.mountaintimes.com
April Gilbert with Mountain Community Bank. Mountain Community Bank won Best Mortgage Company.
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
www.mountaintimes.com
PHOTOS BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Lynn Kilpatrick, Laura Hyder, Ariel Hill and Mary Blalock with Life Care Center of Banner Elk. Life Care Center of Banner Elk won Best Nursing Home.
Pictured are Phil Moody and Mitzi Moody. Phil Moody Sings Karaoke won Best Musical Group.
Casey and Katrina Hollifield with K&C Trees. K&C Trees won Best Tree Service.
SEPTEMBER 2025 • 35
Ariel Malec and Jessie Miller of AMOREM. AMOREM won Best Nonprofit Organization.
Thank you for 40 years!
Luke Pittman and Thomas Pittman with Pittman Trucking Company. Pittman Trucking Company won Best Trucking and Hauling.
Thanks for voting for us again! Your support is what keeps our business going. You have our endless gratitude! Breakfast & Lunch 8am - 2pm Mon - Tues - Thur - Fri - Sat
Dinner 5pm - 9pm Thur - Fri - Sat
Sunday Brunch 9am - 2pm
Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10:00 - 6:00 Newland, NC (828)733-0186
| 503 Pineola Street | Newland, NC 28657 14 | www.kayesbytheriver.com
36 • SEPTEMBER 2025 THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
www.mountaintimes.com
Pictured are Mary Jo Brubaker and Sara Brewer, accepting the award for Banner Elk Fourth of July Parade as Best Parade.
Lareeca Johnson, Hunter Boone, Miranda Jordan, Ashley Lyle and Tammy Johnson with Medi Home Health and Hospice. Medi Home Health and Hospice won Best Place to Work, Best Hospice, Best Family Doctor (Dr. Thomas Kirkland), Best Medical Doctor (Dr. Thomas Kirkland), Best Physician (Dr. Thomas Kirkland), Best Nurse (Lareeca Johnson) and Best Nurse Practitioner (Miranda Jordan).
Brittany and Trisha Gragg with Pixie Produce. Pixie Produce won Best Produce Shop.
Patricia Combs with Combs Carolina Properties. Combs Carolina Properties won Best Real Estate Agency and Patricia Combs won Best Real Estate Agent.
PHOTO BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Gracie Baker, Pam Watson, Seth Benfield, Amanda Nance, Scott Watson and Luke Baker with Charmed Settings & Co. Charmed Settings and Co. won Best Rental Store and Best Rental Agency.
Thank You for Voting for Gerald R. McKinney and his Firm as the Best in Avery County!
And on a Personal Note, Thank You for Your Prayers and Trust Over The Past Couple Years! (828) 733-3356
Thank you for voting us Best Tree Service!
499 Sokassa Road PO Box 9 Newland, NC 28657
GEREALD R. McKINNEY .,,,., ..,. Attorney at Law
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
www.mountaintimes.com
PHOTO BY DAWN O’NEAL-SHUMATE, LIGHT BY DAWN STUDIOS
Brad McGalliard and Dave Geisler with Sugar Top Resort Condominium Association, Inc. Sugar Top Resort won Best Resort.
Ally Bailey and Chad Gunter of The Master’s Touch Stoneworks. The Master’s Touch Stoneworks won Best Retail Store Employee (Ally Bailey) and Best Stone Fabricator (Ally Bailey).
Gracie Baker, Pam Watson, Seth Benfield, Amanda Nance, Scott Watson and Luke Baker with Appalachian View. Appalachian View won Best Wedding Venue.
Hallie Grubb with Skyline Telephone Corp. Skyline Telephone Corp. won Best Telephone Company.
Thank you so much for voting us the BEST HEATING AND AIR COMPANY in Avery County for the seventh year in a row!
Crossnore, NC
828-733-1300
SEPTEMBER 2025 • 37
completecomfort@charter.net completecomfortnc.com
Luke Bailey and Jim Brewer with Greenworks Landscape and Hardscape Company. Greenworks Landscape and Hardscape Company won Best Snow Removal Business and Best Landscape Company.
38 • SEPTEMBER 2025 THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
www.mountaintimes.com
Thank You Avery County for voting us the
Best Trucking Company
Newland, NC • 828-733-2169
www.mountaintimes.com SEPTEMBER 2025 • 39
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
“Kettell Beerworks would like to thank our many loyal customers for voting us Best of Avery!”
Best Bar
Best Brewery
Best Sports Bar
Best Pizza
Best Wings
Stop by our brewery & taproom located at 567 Main Street East, Banner Elk, to see what you’ve been missing!!
40 • SEPTEMBER 2025
THE BEST OF AVERY COUNTY
www.mountaintimes.com
Voted 1 #
TASTE WHY!