And the winners are: Best Of North Tahoe & Truckee 2016 results
TAHOE-TRUCKEE — Every year, we at the Sun-Bonanza take our Best Of contest seriously because we feel it’s one of the most important things a community newspaper can do — highlighting and celebrating the people, businesses, places and things that make Truckee/Tahoe such a great place to live, work and play.
As you look below at all 112 winners across several categories, remember that it was you, our readers, who made this happen by submitting nominees and voting in our online-only contest throughout the month of July.
This year was our most successful turnout yet, as more than 54,000 votes were recorded. Without the tireless dedication our residents, businesses and visitors put into enhancing and defining the lifestyle we all enjoy while living and playing in the region, well, Truckee/Tahoe would certainly look a lot different.
So we say congrats to all the honorees and runners-up on your much-deserved honors.
Your hard work and efforts make Truckee/Tahoe truly a great place.
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FOOD & DRINK
Best Restaurant
First Place: Truckee Tavern and Grill
Runner Up: Pianeta Ristorante
Honorable Mention: Cottonwood, Full Belly Deli
Located at 10118 Donner Pass Road in downtown Truckee, Truckee Tavern and Grill’s food and beverage offerings include the freshest, highest-quality local ingredients; farm-raised, hormone-free meats; and locally grown produce to give a sense of place. Menu items showcase the incredible diversity of food available in California. And to top it off, these offerings are paired expertly with the finest wine, spirit and beer selections.
Learn more: truckeetavern.com
Best Truckee Restaurant
First Place: Truckee Tavern and Grill
Runner Up: Pianeta Ristorante
Honorable Mention: Cottonwood, Moody’s
Best Incline Village Restaurant
First Place: T’s Mesquite Rotisserie
Runner Up: Lone Eagle Grille
Honorable Mention: Bite, Le Bistro
Billed as “Lake Tahoe’s locals’ favorite restaurant,” T’s in Incline Village, located next to 7-Eleven is an eating institution. Nothing compares to the mouthwatering fire-roasted chicken, tri-tip and pork from its rotisserie. Well, nothing except for its famous burritos and tacos. With huge servings and terrific service, it’s tough to beat this North Shore gem.
Learn more: tsrotisserie.com
Best Tahoe City Restaurant
First Place: Christy Hill
Runner Up: Wolfdale’s
Honorable Mention: The Bridgetender, Sunnyside
Located at 115 Grove St. in Tahoe City, Christy Hill sits just 100 feet above the shoreline of Lake Tahoe — offering diners a panoramic vista. Using the freshest and finest seasonal ingredients, Christy Hill offers Modern American cuisine with refined Mediterranean influences. Simply put, a night out at Christy Hill will certainly be remembered as a highlight of your night out or visit to Lake Tahoe.
Learn more: christyhill.com
Best Kings Beach Restaurant
First Place: Lanza’s
Runner Up: Char-Pit
Honorable Mention: Tahoe Central Market Deli, Jason’s
Lanza’s Restaurant is your North Shore stop for truly authentic Italian cuisine, highlighted by the famous meat sauce from Mama Lanza herself. Located off Highway 28 right next to Safeway, Lanza’s is the perfect spot for a date night — or, the perfect spot for an evening for the whole family. And don’t forget to try a Lanza’s Lemonade while you’re there.
More online: lanzastahoe.com
Best Squaw Valley Restaurant
First Place: PlumpJack Café
Runner Up: Mamasake
Honorable Mention: Fireside Pizza, Auld Dubliner
PlumpJack Café, located in the Village at Squaw Valley, is widely regarded as Lake Tahoe’s premier dining destination. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Jack Connell, PlumpJack’s menu changes each season so it can take advantage of the bounty of fresh produce available locally. The restaurant’s award-winning wine list provides the perfect complement to your meal, and renowned winemakers are on tap throughout the year for wine dinners and special events.
Learn more: plumpjacksquawvalleyinn.com/dine
Best Northstar Restaurant
First Place: Mikuni
Runner Up: Rubicon Pizza
Honorable Mention: Manzanita, Tacos Jalisco
Set against the glorious backdrop of the majestic Sierra, Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar blends fabulous scenery with equally fabulous sushi. Located in the heart of the village near the skating rink, Mikuni boasts decor that successfully blends contemporary Asian design with the ambiance of a European mountain lodge. If you’re in the mood for a high-energy experience, take a seat at the bar that sits in the center of the room. Or, if a cozy meal is more to your liking, sneak off to a quiet booth or table and relax in your own little world.
Learn more: mikunisushi.com/locations/northstar
Best Bar
First Place: Truckee Tavern and Grill
Runner Up: Alibi Ale Works
Honorable Mention: Bar of America, Cottonwood
Best Beer Selection
First Place: Mellow Fellow
Runner Up: Alibi Ale Works
Honorable Mention: FiftyFifty, Zanders Spirits
Specializing in American craft beers, locally made sausages, fresh made sandwiches, tasty snacks and great times, Mellow Fellow’s North Tahoe locations (Donner Pass Road in Truckee, and Highway 28 at the Nevada state line in Kings Beach) provide a restaurant and bar that’s fun for the whole family with games, daily events, and a comfortable setting. And the beer selection is constantly changing — as one beer goes out, another comes on.
Learn more: mellowfellowpub.com
Best Brewery
First Place: Alibi Ale Works
Runner Up: FiftyFifty
Honorable Mention: Tahoe Mountain Brewery, The Brewing Lair
Alibi Ale Works is a craft brewery located at 204 Enterprise St. Incline Village that produces a wide range of beers with pure Lake Tahoe water. Alibi’s goal is to keep your taste buds intrigued with diverse and interesting flavors. The brewery strive to maintain a beer lineup that is balanced among traditional European styles, super-fresh hop-forward American beers, and innovative one-offs that will expand your beer horizons. Also, barrel-aged and funky-sour-wild beers rotate frequently through Alibi’s tap line-up.
Learn more: alibialeworks.com
Best Asian Dining
First Place: Drunken Monkey
Runner Up: Mikuni
Honorable Mention: Thai Kitchen, Maki Ali
At Drunken Monkey Sushi, Chef Osamu (Sam) Okamoto has over 25 years of Asian and French cuisine experience, as well as extensive experience in vegetarian and gluten free cooking. All of Drunken Monkey’s our cuisines are innovative and creative, skillfully prepared, and affordably priced. Throughout the restaurant and in the sake lounge at 11253 Brockway Road, Drunken Monkey offers a robust selection of sake, Japanese and micro-brewed beer, and varietal wines to be paired with your meal, sampled by themselves or taken to be enjoyed at home.
Learn more: drunkenmonkeysushi.com
Best Sushi
First Place: Drunken Monkey
Runner Up: Mikuni
Honorable Mention: Mamasake, Maki Ali
Best Breakfast
First Place: Fire Sign Café
Runner Up: Marty’s Café
Honorable Mention: Donner Lake Kitchen, Squeeze In
Fire Sign Cafe is a family owned and family operated breakfast and lunch restaurant, open since 1978, located on the beautiful West Shore of Lake Tahoe at 1785 West Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City. Just about every item on the menu is made from scratch, and in addition to the award-winning restaurant, Fire Sign boasts its popular Annex coffeeshop, which is open to the public on the restaurant’s busy days.
Learn more: firesigncafe.com
Best Brunch
First Place: Marty’s Café
Runner Up: Fire Sign Café
Honorable Mention: Squeeze In, Old Post Office Café
Marty’s Cafe in downtown Truckee has an all-day breakfast and lunch menu featuring traditional favorites, Chef’s Daily Specials & Chef’s Seasonal Specialty Salads – made from the freshest ingredients. Executive Chef and Owner Marty Carlton has been a pioneer in serving French-California cuisine at affordable prices. He says the secret of cooking at Marty’s Cafe is about “simplicity at its finest; using common ingredients that the everyday customer can recognize, while still trying to be innovative.”
Learn more: martyscafetruckee.com
Best Cheap Eats
First Place: Full Belly Deli
Runner Up: Tacos Jalisco
Honorable Mention: T’s Mesquite Rotisserie, Red Truck
At Full Belly Deli, located in the Pioneer Center in Truckee, co-owners Eric Barton and Tom Marrin have a few things in common but the strongest bond is their love of a good deli sandwich. Through its love of serving up great food, FBD shows that there’s more to making a sandwich than just slapping two pieces of bread together. According to Chef Tom “When you’re eating with a fork, all you do is push your food around the plate, looking for that perfect bite. We aim to put it on bread and give you twenty perfect bites. That’s our motivation behind making sandwiches.”
Learn more: eatfullbellydeli.com
Best Coffee Shop
First Place: Coffeebar
Runner Up: Wild Cherries
Honorable Mention: Dark Horse, Tahoe House
Inspired by the coffee bars found on every street corner in Italy, Coffeebar in Truckee was founded on the principles of providing the highest quality coffee and food in a café environment. Coffeebar, which boasts two locations in town (on Jibboom Street and Donner Pass Road), considers itself an inclusive community that shares owner Greg Buchheister’s mission and true passion for excellence in coffee — and most importantly, an appreciation for life best lived.
Learn more: coffeebar.com
Best Deli
First Place: Full Belly Deli
Runner Up: New Moon Natural Foods Truckee
Honorable Mention: Tahoe Central Market Deli, PDQ Market
Best Dessert
First Place: Tahoe House
Runner Up: Cake Tahoe
Honorable Mention: Summit Swirl, Sugar Pine Cakery
Located at 625 West Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City, Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet offers an incredible array of fresh baked breads, pastries, coffee drinks, cookies, European style tortes, bottled sauces and dressings and world-class deli lunches — fully prepared meals to go with gourmet cheeses, meats, wine and more! It’s been family owned and operated since 1977 and it operates under many themes, most notably: “While you sleep, we loaf.”
Learn more: tahoe-house.com
Best Fine Dining
First Place: Truckee Tavern and Grill
Runner Up: Pianeta Ristorante
Honorable Mention: Cottonwood, Restaurant Trokay
Best Happy Hour
First Place: Truckee Tavern and Grill
Runner Up: Cottonwood
Honorable Mention: River Grill, Bar of America
Best Ice Cream
First Place: Susie Scoops
Runner Up: Summit Swirl
Honorable Mention: Cake Tahoe, Bud’s Ice Cream
Susie Scoops Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, located off Highway 28 in the heart of Incline Village, offers, fittingly, 28 different flavors, featuring locally made ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothies, shaved ice (18 flavors), shakes and malts (any flavors), floats, hand-dipped waffle cones, specialty sundaes, pints to go … and ice cream cakes. Decorated like an old-fashioned ice cream shop, Susie Scoops boasts indoor seating, plus an outside patio during the spring, summer and fall.
Learn more: susiescoops.com
Best Italian Restaurant
First Place: Pianeta Ristorante
Runner Up: Lanza’s
Honorable Mention: Zano’s, Azzara’s
Planeta Ristorante is located in Historic Downtown Truckee and is a must-dine location for visitors and locals alike. Specializing in creating delicious Italian foods, homemade pastas and stellar dining service since 1998, Chef Bill Arnoff puts out an extensive menu with nightly specials inspired by the delicious cuisine of Northern Italy, coupled with an impressive rotating wine list, with numerous options from California and Italy, and a full bar featuring classic cocktails and aperitifs.
Learn more: pianetarestauranttruckee.com
Best Lunch
First Place: Full Belly Deli
Runner Up: Red Truck
Honorable Mention: Marty’s Café, T’s Mesquite Rotisserie
Best Margarita
First Place: Casa Baeza
Runner Up: Truckee Tavern and Grill
Honorable Mention: Margs Taco Bistro, Cottonwood
When it comes to authentic Mexican food and spirits, Casa Baeza in downtown Truckee has your number. With an extensive and affordable menu — highlighted by more tequilas than you can count — and an unmatched level of small-town charm, this restaurant has it all. You won’t be salty coming here.
Learn more: 530-587-2161
Best Martini
First Place: Truckee Tavern and Grill
Runner Up: Moody’s
Honorable Mention: Cottonwood, PlumpJack Café
Best Mexican Restaurant
First Place: Tacos Jalisco
Runner Up: Casa Baeza
Honorable Mention: El Toro Bravo, Las Panchitas
There are several places to grab Mexican food in Truckee, but the odds-on favorite is Tacos Jalisco, located at 11400 Donner Pass Road, next to 7-Eleven. Boasting massive burritos, incredible tacos and tons of other authentic menu items, it doesn’t take long into your first visit to understand why.
Learn more: 530-587-1131
Best Pizza
First Place: Best Pies
Runner Up: Village Pizzeria
Honorable Mention: Glenshire Pizza Company, Front Street Pizza
Best Pies Pizzeria and Restaurant in Historic Downtown Truckee was created and opened by Chris Best and Elise Pannell in December 2010. Chris Best was born and raised in Staten Island, N.Y. — where the idea of a pizza place originated. His Italian family owns an Italian Restaurant named Nucci’s in New York, where he learned the secret family recipes. Chris’s love of skiing brought him to the Tahoe/Truckee area in 2004. He met Elise in 2008, and they decided to create something special in the town that they love. Special, indeed.
Learn more: bestpiestruckee.com
Best Sandwich
First Place: Full Belly Deli
Runner Up: PDQ Market
Honorable Mention: Tahoe Central Market and Deli, Marty’s Café, Mountain High Sandwich Co.
Best Seafood Restaurant
First Place: Morgan’s
Runner Up: Drunken Monkey
Honorable Mention: Lone Eagle Grille, Mikuni, Sunnyside
The idea behind Morgan’s Lobster Shack & Fish Market was to bring the freshest seafood and produce available to the Lake Tahoe area. With fresh fish arriving almost daily and using locally grown produce when in season, you’ll be sure to find something new and delicious, highlighted by traditional east coast fare such as lobster rolls, fried clams and haddock. At Morgan’s, located at 10087 W. River St., the crew follows the guidelines of the Monterey Bay Aquarium in support of sustainable seafood use.
Learn more: morganslobstershack.com
Best Server or Bartender
First Place: Ryan Dierks (Truckee Tavern and Grill)
Runner Up: Kristi Thompson (Alibi Ale Works)
Honorable Mention: Sophie, Cinnamon (Zano’s)
Best Steak
First Place: Truckee Tavern and Grill
Runner Up: Old Range Steakhouse
Honorable Mention: Cottonwood, Moody’s
Best Vegetarian
First Place: Red Truck
Runner Up: New Moon Natural Foods Truckee
Honorable Mention: Uncommon Kitchen, Full Belly Deli
After 20 years of experience in professional kitchens, Red Truck Chef Larry Abney turned himself loose on the streets with a big Red Truck serving sustainable organic eats with bold flavors. Now with a new café location at the Truckee Tahoe Airport in Martis Valley, you always know where to find the flavors of Red Truck, featuring samosas, naan hot dogs, naan sandwiches, falafel and much more.
Learn more: redtrucktahoe.com
Best Wine Selection
First Place: Uncorked
Runner Up: Truckee Tavern and Grill
Honorable Mention: The Pour House, Truckee River Winery
With locations in Squaw Valley, Tahoe City and Historic Downtown Truckee, Uncorked showcases a large selection of limited production wines from around the world. Tastings and by-the-glass wines change daily. View the Uncorked calendar for upcoming Wine Maker Events, or come in to enjoy wine tastings every day. Sit in Uncorked’s comfortable wine bar or relax with a nice glass of wine in available outdoor seating (summer months only).
Learn more: teloswine.com
Best Barista
First Place: Larissa Martinez
Runner Up: Drew Taylor (Dark Horse)
Honorable Mention: Greg Buchheister (Coffeebar), Allison & Matt (IV Coffee Lab)
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RECREATION
Best Ski Resort
First Place: Squaw Valley
Runner Up: Alpine Meadows
Honorable Mention: Sugar Bowl, Northstar California
Home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley is heralded as not only the best ski resort West of the Rockies, but it ranks up there with the best of the best in North America. Its ski runs are legendary — plus, the aerial tram ride up to High Camp is one of the best experiences one can have, winter or summer.
Learn more: squawalpine.com
Best Casino
First Place: Crystal Bay Club Casino
Runner Up: Grand Sierra Resort
Honorable Mention: Peppermill, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
Owners Roger and Elise Norman invite you to sample the hospitality and experience the ambiance of Tahoe’s most trendy casino. The Normans have invested millions to make the Crystal Bay Club Casino the place to dine and gamble on your trips to Tahoe. Whether you come for the world class entertainment, fine dining or just to toss a few and watch your favorite sports on the 30 state of the art, plasma televisions, Roger and Elise will make sure your visit is a memorable one.
Learn more: crystalbaycasino.com
Best Bike Shop
First Place: Paco’s
Runner Up: Olympic Bike Shop
Honorable Mention: The Backcountry, Cyclepaths
Make sure to visit Paco’s Truckee Bike & Ski at 12047 Donner Pass Road, which has been in business since 1979, providing biking and cross-country skiing services to the Truckee & Tahoe region. With an amazing amount of years of combined experience in the Nordic and Bicycling world, someone here will probably be able to answer your question, no matter how obscure. From avid recreational users to professional athletes, the staff at Paco’s the expertise to get you what you need.
Learn more: pacosxc.com
Best Fishing Shop
First Place: Ace Mountain Hardware and Sports
Runner Up: Swigards True Value Hardware
Honorable Mention: Reno Fly Shop
Each Mountain Hardware employee is equipped with the knowledge and tools to create great experiences for customers. From renovating your home to planning a hiking adventure, the staff is prepared with answers. What’s more, it’s a 100% employee-owned business. Mountain Hardware’s large selection and customer service are reflections of the staff’s passion for the business. The Mountain Hardware team is a family promises to continue serving the Sierra Region with pride at its location on Donner Pass Road in Truckee, at the Highway 89 intersection.
Learn more: mountainhardwareandsports.com
Best Fishing Guide/Charter
First Place: Mickey’s Big Mack Charters
Runner Up: Captain Chris
Honorable Mention: Matt Heron, Dave Lass
The Big Mack II is docked at Sierra Boat Company in Carnelian Bay, on Highway 28 between Kings Beach and Tahoe City. The spacious 43-foot sportfisher is designed specifically for Lake Tahoe and equipped with the latest in electronics and fishing gear. Mickey and his crew will ably assist you and share their expertise as you enjoy deep-lining for Mackinaw and top-lining for Rainbow and Browns. Some of Mickey’s “record” catches during the past 40 years include Mackinaws over 30 pounds, along with trophy Rainbows over 11 pounds and Browns.
Learn more: mickeysbigmack.com
Best Golf Course
First Place: Tahoe Donner
Runner Up: Coyote Moon
Honorable Mention: Gray’s Crossing, Ponderosa
Located just minutes off Interstate 80 in Truckee, the Tahoe Donner Golf Course is one of the premier public golf courses in the Sierra and is rated “excellent” by reviewers on TripAdvisor. This 18-hole, 7,002-yard par-72 championship golf course is located on 200 acres of pristine Sierra landscape with towering pines featuring stunning views and meandering creeks, granite rock formations, elevations changes and greens so consistently pure they have been recognized as the “Best Greens in the Tahoe Region.”
Learn more: tahoedonner.com/golf
Best Gym/Fitness Center
First Place: CrossFit Truckee
Runner Up: Tahoe Mountain Fitness
Honorable Mention: Stay Gold Fitness & Athletics, Performance Training Center
Founded in 2007, CrossFit Truckee has seen many transformations, but has always stayed true to its vision for family friendly, professional training for any athlete at any level. Keeping in line with the latest training methodologies and techniques, the gym’s transition in February 2016 to a new 4,300 square foot facility in beautiful Martis Valley near Truckee Tahoe Airport is no exception. With two dedicated training spaces, kids/family play area, numerous upgrades and new equipment, CrossFit Truckee’s team of trainers is fully prepared to help you complete all of your personal, sport and fitness goals.
Learn more: crossfittruckee.com
Best Hiking Trail
First Place: Tahoe Rim Trail
Runner Up: Shirley Canyon
Honorable Mention: PCT – Donner Summit to Squaw, Rubicon Trail
Best Picnic Spot
First Place: Donner Lake
Runner Up: Eagle Rock
Honorable Mention: The Brewing Lair, Commons Beach
Best Place to Camp
First Place: D.L. Bliss State Park
Runner Up: Desolation Wilderness
Honorable Mention: Stampede Reservoir, Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point
Best Rafting Company
First Place: Truckee River Rafting
Runner Up: IRIE Rafting Company
Honorable Mention: Tahoe Whitewater, Truckee River Taxi
Truckee River Rafting is Tahoe’s original raft company, family owned and operated since 1973. You begin your leisurely float in Tahoe City, along a peaceful stretch of the Truckee River, ending at the River Ranch Restaurant. Truckee River Rafting, located at 175 Rive Road in Tahoe City, is a self guided raft trip offering commercial grade rafts (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 person rafts) to spend the day on the river. The Truckee River Rafting trip floats you through tranquil stretches of scenic meadows, mountains and small rapids. Truckee River Rafting is fun for all ages (2 years and up) and sure to be a fun, family memory to have for years to come.
Learn more: truckeeriverrafting.com
Best Ski and Snowboard Shop
First Place: Tahoe Dave’s
Runner Up: Tahoe Sports Hub
Honorable Mention: Granite Chief, Village Ski Loft
Tahoe Dave’s, with locations in Tahoe City, Kings Beach and Squaw Valley, is your source for great ski and snowboard rentals. As the locals’ choice for ski and snowboard gear in Lake Tahoe for nearly 40 years, Tahoe Dave’s is committed to helping you have a great winter sports season. Take your pick of the largest selection of rental and demo equipment on the North Shore, including snowshoes, cross-country gear and rental clothing for the whole family.
Learn more: tahoedaves.com
Best Sporting Goods Store
First Place: Tahoe Sports Hub
Runner Up: Alpenglow Sports
Honorable Mention: Tahoe Mountain Sports, Ace Mountain Hardware and Sports
Located one block south of Historic Downtown Truckee on West River Street, the Tahoe Sports Hub is your year-round destination for mountain recreation, boasting Truckee’s largest selections of stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and paddle accessories! The Hub also boasts Truckee-Tahoe’s largest selection of rock climbing gear and disc golf accessories, and trail running shoes and orthotics. Whether you are looking for camping gear, footwear, swimwear or sunglasses, Tahoe Sports Hub has the gear and apparel to make sure you enjoy summer in the mountains.
Learn more: tahoesportshub.com
Best Place For Family Fun
First Place: Anywhere outside
Runner Up: West End Beach
Honorable Mention: Northstar California, Truckee River
Best Nordic/Cross Country Ski Center
First Place: Tahoe Donner Cross Country
Runner Up: Tahoe XC
Honorable Mention: Royal Gorge, Auburn Ski Club
Tahoe Donner is proud to offer a family friendly, world-class cross-country ski area with over 100 kilometers of trails suitable for all levels of skiers and snowshoers. Tahoe Donner’s trail system meanders through beautiful meadows and forests; follows bubbling creeks; and climbs for some stunning views of the Sierra Crest. Tahoe Donner also offers a limited number of trails for fat biking, as well as 3 kilometers of dog-friendly trails.
Learn more: tahoedonner.com/cross-country
Best Marina
First Place: Tahoe City Marina
Runner Up: Obexer’s Boat Company
Honorable Mention: Taboe Donner, Sand Harbor
Tahoe City Marina offers the very best in boating, dining and shopping on Lake Tahoe’s north shore. Located in the heart of downtown Tahoe City, it is one of the largest and oldest marinas on the lake, built in the 1940s. Offering services for every aspect of boating, the marina is dedicated to providing these services to customers in a highly efficient manner with an emphasis on customer satisfaction.
Learn more: tahoecitymarina.com
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RETAIL
Best Book Store
First Place: The Bookshelf
Runner Up: Amazon
Honorable Mention: Tipsy Gypsy
The Bookshelf is located at 11429 Donner Pass Road in Truckee, next to Wild Cherries. It’s long held the distinction of being the last-remaining local bookstore in the entire Truckee-Tahoe region. And, while it’s expected to close down later this year, it’s still open this summer, so be sure to swing by and support one of the region’s greatest treasures.
Learn more: bookshelfstores.com
Best Boutique Store
First Place: Mo, Jo, & Zoe
Runner Up: Tipsy Gypsy
Honorable Mention: Nomad, Dressed
Located at 10122 Donner Pass Road in Truckee, Mo, Jo, & Zoe is inspired and motivated by the love of the Truckee community and continued patronage of customers. The staff there enjoys seeing familiar faces and creating new relationships. Owners Mo and Jo believe that it is about getting to know people, and it is always more fun to shop when you are catching up with an old friend. So, next time you are around Historic Downtown Truckee, drop in and say ‘hi!”
Learn more: mojozoe.com
Best Florist
First Place: Wanda’s Flower Shop
Runner Up: Safeway
Honorable Mention: Elizabeth’s Creations, Flower Power
Wanda’s Flower Shop is celebrating its 25th year of specializing in unique arrangements for weddings, special events and all personal occasions. Delivery is available throughout just about every community in North Tahoe/Truckee, including the Nevada side in Incline Village. Be sure to stop into the shop at 395 North Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City for all your floral needs.
Learn more: wandasflowershop.com
Best Gift Shop
First Place: Bespoke
Runner Up: Riverside Studios
Honorable Mention: Trunk Show, Potlatch
Owned by Heather River and Brian Hess, Bespoke in Historic Downtown Truckee is the place you can always go to find the perfect gift — as well as a place of artistic inspiration. Bespoke focuses its inventory on one-of-a-kind goods from independent artisans, and its lovely shop is a mix of old meets new, focusing on “slow” products and local and regional handmade goods.
Learn more: bespoketruckee.com
Best Hardware/Home Improvement Store
First Place: Ace Mountain Hardware and Sports
Runner Up: Swigards True Value Hardware
Honorable Mention: Mountain Home Center, Ace Hardware Kings Beach, Ace Hardware Incline Village
Best Home Furnishings/Home Decor
First Place: Mountain Home Center & High Camp Home
Runner Up: Gratitudes Gifts & Home Decor
Honorable Mention: Hemmings & Jarrett
Best Jewelry Store
First Place: Lorien Powers Studio Jewelry
Runner Up: Riverside Studios
Honorable Mention: Trunk Show, Bluestone Jewelry
Lorien Powers is an artist who specializes in creating industrial and contemporary style jewelry. Lorien’s studio is in the corner of a historic building, the Truckee Hotel, which has been around for more than 100 years. Her work is all limited production, with many great pieces being one-of-a-kind, including custom designs. She enjoys working in a space that is industrial, recycled and contemporary, feeling most creative and artistic when surrounded by this sort of inspiration.
Learn more: lorienpowers.com
Best Liquor Store
First Place: Zanders Spirits
Runner Up: Safeway
Honorable Mention: Incline Spirits, New Moon Natural Foods Truckee
Located at 11008 Donner Pass Road in Truckee, Zanders Spirits is the only Liquor store in Truckee featuring everyday favorites to specialty items, such as small batch craft cocktail ingredients, craft beers and wines, along with an incredible spirits selection. And not only does Zanders carry your beverage choices, the quant shop has organic and conventional dairy, eggs, bacon and cheeses so you can avoid the long grocery store lines.
Learn more: 530zanders.wix.com/zanders
Best Pharmacy
First Place: CVS
Runner Up: Rite Aid
Honorable Mention: Safeway, Tahoe Forest Pharmacy
Best Place To Buy Shoes
First Place: Alpenglow Sports
Runner Up: Ace Mountain Hardware and Sports
Honorable Mention: Tahoe Shoe Company, DSW, Mo, Jo, & Zoe
Alpenglow Sports is an original California Mountain Shop that has been providing locals and visitors with inspiration, local knowledge and the best equipment to enjoy the great outdoors for over thirty-seven years. Based in the heart of Tahoe City, Alpenglow Sports takes pride in being community-minded and socially and environmentally responsible to ensure Lake Tahoe stays one of the best places to play, visit and live in California.
Learn more: alpenglowsports.com
Best Thrift Shop
First Place: Tahoe Forest Hospice Thrift
Runner Up: Pass It On Thrift
Honorable Mention: Mountain Kids/Echo Blue, Unique Boutique
Best Auto Dealer
First Place: Truckee Auto Mall
Runner Up: Dolan Toyota Reno
Honorable Mention: Big Bear Automotive, Truckee Automotive
Having provided dealer services to the Truckee Tahoe area for more than 15 years, Truckee Auto Mall owner Kevin Harper has developed the expertise that will change the way you buy cars forever. With him, you will always get the best possible deal on a car that will fit your needs, your budget and your goals. Visit the shop at 10975 Pioneer Trail to find out why.
Learn more: truckeeautomall.com
Most Unique Shop
First Place: Bespoke
Runner Up: Trunk Show
Honorable Mention: Cooking Gallery, Unique Boutique
Best Pet Supply Store
First Place: Pet Station
Runner Up: Scraps Dog Bakery
Honorable Mention: Hot Diggity Dog and Cat
With locations in Spanish Springs, Gardnerville, Incline Village, Truckee, Tahoe City and South Lake Tahoe, Pet Station is a full service pet store offering a wide variety of pets and supplies at competitive prices. Pet Station sells many different brands of high quality dog and cat food. The store carries a complete line of supplies and accessories for dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles, birds, fresh and saltwater fish.
Learn more: tahoepetstation.com
Best Grocery Store
First Place: New Moon Natural Foods
Runner Up: Safeway
Honorable Mention: Savemart, Raley’s
New Moon was founded in 1997 to provide the North Tahoe-Truckee area with a selection of natural foods and supplements you’d expect to find only in the Big City markets. With locations in Tahoe City and Truckee New Moon specializes in 100% Organic Produce, Natural Grocery, Bulk Foods, Organic Dairy, Frozen Items, Beer & Wine, and a huge selection of Nutritional Supplements, and much, much more.
Learn more: newmoonnaturalfoods.com
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TRAVEL & TOURISM
Best B&B or Cabin Getaway
First Place: The Cottage Inn
Runner Up: Cedar Glen Lodge
Honorable Mention: River Street Inn, Lost Trail Lodge
The Cottage Inn sits on 2 acres, housing 22 rooms in 8 cottages, plus a lodge at 1690 West Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City. At the lodge, guests are treated to breakfast and happy hour. The lodge is also where office operations take place. In addition to the rooms and lodging, there are 2 garden areas where guests are welcomed to lounge. And what’s more, The Cottage Inn lies a few steps from one of the finest private beaches on Lake Tahoe.
Learn more: thecottageinn.com
Best Day Trip
First Place: Sand Harbor
Runner Up: Emerald Bay
Honorable Mention: Sierra Buttes, Graeagle
Best Hotel/Motel
First Place: Cedar House Sport Hotel
Runner Up: PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn
Honorable Mention: Northstar, Truckee Hotel
Complete with an in-house touring company (Tahoe Trips & Trails) and a spectacular avant-garde restaurant (Stella), the Cedar House at 10918 Brockway Road in Truckee evokes a strikingly true feeling; a genuine sentiment that speaks directly to the heart of Tahoe. The hotel’s vision is to provide a mountain adventure that will exceed your every expectation. With an array of local activities available, it’s set up well to create the perfect summer getaway.
Learn more: cedarhousesporthotel.com
Best Local Attraction
First Place: Lake Tahoe
Runner Up: Donner Lake
Honorable Mention: Donner Summit, Commons Beach
Best Spa
First Place: Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Runner Up: Trilogy Spa
Honorable Mention: Stillwater Spa, Lighthouse Day Spa & Massage, Aloha Spa Tahoe
This spa resort at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, features 17 luxurious treatment rooms, a Fitness Center with state-of-the-art cardiovascular and weight-training equipment, a fully integrated wellness program including a variety of fitness classes, and a heated co-ed spa lap pool overlooking the slopes. After an extraordinary day of hiking or other outdoor activity, unwind and warm yourself by the cozy fireplace in your private restoration lounge or step into the dry-heat-lodge to detoxify, or the mentally uplifting eucalyptus steam room to energize.
Learn more: ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/lake-tahoe/spa
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ARTS & CULTURE
Best Art Gallery
First Place: Riverside Art Studios
Runner Up: Trunk Show
Honorable Mention: Carmel Gallery, Bolam Gallery
Riverside Art Studios is an inspiring art gallery owned and operated by five artists. It is nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada in Historic Downtown Truckee. In all, Riverside represents over 25 artists from the Tahoe region in areas of sculpture, printmaking, painting, ceramics, textiles and more, and the studio’s First Friday events are a wonderful addition to the thriving art scene at Truckee and Lake Tahoe.
Learn more: riversideartstudios.com
Best Community Event or Festival
First Place: Truckee Thursdays
Runner Up: Music on the Beach
Honorable Mention: Music in the Park Truckee, Concerts at Commons Beach
Best Live Music Venue
First Place: Crystal Bay Club Casino
Runner Up: Commons Beach
Honorable Mention: Salty Gebhardt Amphitheater Regional Park, Moody’s
Best Local Artist
First Place: Lorien Powers
Runner Up: Dani Baty
Honorable Mention: Andrew Bolam, Jaclyn Woznicki
Best Local Band or Musician
First Place: Dead Winter Carpenters
Runner Up: Sneaky Creatures
Honorable Mention: Drop Theory, Aaron Oropeza
Best Photographer
First Place: Whitby B
Runner Up: Court Leve
Honorable Mention: Olof Carmel, Jeremy Jensen
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PROFESSIONAL & OTHER SERVICES
Best Bank
First Place: Plumas Bank
Runner Up: Wells Fargo
Honorable Mention: US Bank, Bank of the West
Best Auto Body/Glass Shop
First Place: Ward and Sons
Runner Up: Auto Glass Express
Honorable Mention: Stone’s Tires, Shepherd’s Auto Body
Ward and Sons Automotive at 10296 Brockway Road in Truckee is run by a team of dedicated employees who refer to themselves simply as “car people.” And that means this team of certified technicians will ensure you receive the best practices in the industry.
Learn more: wardandsonsauto.com
Best Auto Repair Shop
First Place: Ward and Sons
Runner Up: Quality Automotive and Smog
Honorable Mention: Auto and Tire Doctor, Tanager Auto
Best Physical Therapist
First Place: Scott Williams
Runner Up: Greg Booth
Honorable Mention: Ladd Williams, Truckee Physical Therapy
Best Chiropractor
First Place: Spencer Cruttenden & Marcus Waters
Runner Up: John Walsh
Honorable Mention: Cathy Taylor
Best Courier Services
First Place: FedEx
Runner Up: UPS
Honorable Mention: Tahoe To Your Door, GSO
Best Dentist
First Place: Dr. Robert Colpitts
Runner Up: Dr. Tyson Lechner
Honorable Mention: Dr. Kyle Adams, Dr. Bryan E. Pierce
Best Doctor
First Place: Dr. Gregor B. Tirdel
Runer Up: Dr. Jeffrey Dodd
Honorable Mention: Dr. Peter Taylor, Dr. Stephanie Riley, Dr. Gina Barta
Best Financial Advisor
First Place: Austin & Abrams Financial Planning
Runner Up: Edward Jones
Honorable Mention: Fidelity, Tyler Lightcap
Best Health Care Provider
First Place: Truckee Tahoe Medical Group
Runner Up: Dr. Stephanie Riley
Honorable Mention: Dr. Peter Taylor, Dr. Nina Winans
Truckee Tahoe Medical Group has been committed to caring for local families for over 50 years. Its doctors and nurses specialize in comprehensive primary and preventative care, from birth to elderly. Family medicine physicians will take care of you if you have a strep throat or need to be in the hospital, if you need stitches or break a bone. They will help you treat your diabetes, high blood pressure or depression, among other conditions.
Learn more: ttmg.net
Best Insurance Company
First Place: Aegis
Runner Up: AAA
Honorable Mention: State Farm Insurance, Farmers, Truckee Community Insurance Services
Best Local Attorney
First Place: Rich Molsby
Runner Up: Kelley R. Carroll
Honorable Mention: Jim Porter, Alison Bermant
Best Mechanic
First Place: Ward and Sons
Runner Up: Auto and Tire Doctor
Honorable Mention: Quality Automotive and Smog, Avant Werks
Best Mortgage Company
First Place: Guild Mortgage-The Rice Team
Runner Up: Conway Lending Team
Honorable Mention: Sierra Mountain Mortgage
Best Nurse
First Place: Chris Hess
Runner Up: Justin Nistler
Honorable Mention: Lisa Wry, Melissa Ariza
Best Oil Change
First Place: Ward and Sons
Runner Up: Quality Automotive and Smog
Honorable Mention: Auto and Tire Doctor
Best Massage Therapy
First Place: Bodhi Therapeutics, Massage & Yoga
Runner Up: Zenergy
Honorable Mention: Gem Mountain Massage, Massage on the Lake, Tahoe Yoga and Wellness Center
Bodhi Therapeutics at 10833 Donner Pass Road specializes in massages, yoga and more. The word “Bodhi” is a Sanskrit and Pali term meaning “To Awaken,” ”To Understand or Know” or “Enlightenment.” As such, each bodywork session facilitates an opportunity for you to “Awaken” not only your Body but Mind and Spirit as well.
Learn more: truckeetahoemassage.com
Best Massage Therapist
First Place: Lauri Glenn
Runner Up: Karen Stubbs
Honorable Mention: Katie Giacomini, Emily Quinn
Best Pet Groomer
First Place: Spoiled Petz
Runner Up: Fancy Fur
Honorable Mention: Pet Station, Truckee Tahoe Pet Lodge, Jo-Mar Grooming & Boarding
Spoiled Petz, Pet Store & Grooming has been family owned and operated since 2012, with its first location in Truckee, formally known as Scraps Pet Store & Grooming. In 2016, it opened a branch in Reno as well. Spoiled Petz offers superior dog grooming services and pet supplies, and it specializes in holistic and all-natural pet food and grooming products. The Truckee location is at 12030 Donner Pass Road.
Learn more: truckeescraps.com
Best Pet Lodging
First Place: Truckee-Tahoe Pet Lodge
Runner Up: Canine Country
Honorable Mention: Dog Gone Crazy: Donner Truckee Veterinary Hospital
Truckee-Tahoe Pet Lodge is a luxury pet care provider with a 15,000 square foot facility located at 10960 West River Street in Truckee that is committed to exceeding expectations for the care of its pet boarding guests and their humans. The lodge’s mission is to have an exceptional facility and a top notch, professional and caring staff providing the individualized care and attention that makes it truly the next best thing to being home for your pet.
Learn more: truckeetahoepetlodge.com
Best Real Estate Agent
First Place: Christy Curtis
Runner Up: Amie Quirarte
Honorable Mention: Carmen Carr, Anna McGee
Best Real Estate Brokerage
First Place: Dickson Realty
Runner Up: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Honorable Mention: Tahoe Mountain Realty, Sierra Sotheby’s
At Dickson Realty Truckee, the real estate firm’s experts specialize in the Truckee-Lake Tahoe real estate market by offering local market knowledge, industry trends, expert analysis and insights into the area’s rich mountain lifestyle. Stop into the main office at 11836 Donner Pass Road, or its Donner Lake hub at 15947 South Shore Drive to find out why.
Learn more: dicksonrealty.com/truckeecommunities.html
Best Salon
First Place: Coupe Sixty-One
Runner Up: Mane Attraction Hair & Beauty Salon
Honorable Mention: Lux Hair, Glow Salon Truckee
Owned by Melissa Cox and located at 11209 Brockway Road in Truckee, Coupe Sixty-One is a unique salon where clients and stylists love their hair and their environmental footprint. It offers a variety of men’s and women’s cuts, highlights and several other services.
Learn more: coupesixtyone.com
Best Taxi Service
First Place: High Sierra Taxi
Runner Up: Uber
Honorable Mention: Truckee River Taxi, Tahoe Sierra Transportation
Locally and family owned, High Sierra Taxi is Truckee’s longest running taxicab company, boasting a fleet of all-wheel drive and spacious SUVs that will take you everywhere across the Truckee-North Tahoe region, including Reno Tahoe International Airport.
Learn more: facebook.com/HighSierraTaxi
Best Veterinarian
First Place: Dr. Wendy Robinson
Runner Up: Sierra Pet Clinic
Honorable Mention: Burton Creek Veterinary Clinic, Gina Kang
Best Landscape Company
First Place: Rock & Rose
Runner Up: Grateful Gardens
Honorable Mention: Peak Landscaping, Green Envy, Inc.
Rock & Rose, Inc. began as a one truck outfit in 1992, providing yard clean up services to the residents of the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. After obtaining contractor licenses in the states of California and Nevada and incorporating in 2000, Rock & Rose, Inc. has grown into the largest landscape company in the Tahoe/Truckee region while continuing its focus on personal customer service. Rock and Rose also features a nursery at its location at 10739 Glenshire Drive in Truckee.
Learn more: rocknrose.com
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LOCAL LIFE
Best Date Spot
First Place: Pianeta
Runner Up: Truckee Tavern
Honorable Mention: Soule Domain, Cottonwood
Best Firefighter
First Place: Erik Jitloff
Runner Up: Todd Seaborg
Honorable Mention: Nick Tennant, Randall Gates
Best Law Enforcement Officer
First Place: Bob Womack
Runner Up: Randy Misch
Honorable Mention: Randy Fisher, Eric Strecker
Best Local Athlete
First Place: Daron Rahlves
Runner Up: Julia Mancuso
Honorable Mention: Travis Ganong, Michelle Parker
Best Local Government Official
First Place: Tony Lashbrook
Runner Up: Alicia Barr
Honorable Mention: Morgan Goodwin, Jennifer Montgomery
Best Local Radio Personality
First Place: Lindsay with an A
Runner Up: Mr. D
Honorable Mention: JD Hoss, Katie Mac
Best Nonprofit Organization
First Place: Tahoe Husky Rescue
Runner Up: Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe
Honorable Mention: High Fives, Project MANA
The volunteers a Tahoe Husky Rescue have been fostering huskies for over 10 years, and finally decided to start Tahoe Husky Rescue in the summer of 2015. For now, the nonprofit is a home-based rescue foundation, and while its focus is on huskies, the crew hopes to expand to more breeds to rescue in the upcoming years.
Learn more: tahoehuskyrescue.org
Best Place to View a Sunset
First Place: Donner Summit
Runner Up: Sand Harbor
Honorable Mention: East Shore of Tahoe
Best Smile
First Place: Alison Schwedner
Runner Up: Dr. Kristen Morgan
Honorable Mention: Alison McEnany, Roy Tuscany
Best Teacher
First Place: Jessica Fowler
Runner Up: Joanne Knox
Honorable Mention: Elizabeth Bell, Danielle Gallagher, Heidi Verkler
Best Volunteer
First Place: Annica Bryan & Family
Runner Up: Chelsea Walterscheid
Honorable Mention: Patti & Gary Boxeth, Keith Thomas
Most Unique Local Resident
First Place: Viviane Sabol
Runner Up: Sherry McConkey
Honorable Mention: Holly Hust, Donovan Ragu, Walking Bob
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