The readers have their say.
To prove that Arkansas's variety of exemplary places, people and things is inexhaustible, the Arkansas Times once again presents the Best of Arkansas. This year's issue includes, as ever, a list of our readers' choices in categories ranging from lingerie to liquor stores, a longer look at some of the winners and our own Editors' Picks. David Koon takes a seat at Breckenridge Village — one of those huge, luxe recliners with cup holders, so comfortable you'll watch the credits until the very end. Will Stephenson interviews poet Bryan Borland about his publishing house, the award-winning Sibling Rivalry Press, whose output has won a space in the Library of Congress. Lindsey Millar delves into Hall High and headbands in a Q&A with former Razorback basketball player Bobby Portis. Leslie Newell Peacock, weary of fixing things with a bent coat hanger, visits Fuller and Son hardware for that peace that surpasses all our misunderstandings of plumbing and the like. Benjamin Hardy, wondering if it's possible for a reporter to be dapper, checks out men's clothing winner The Independent. Also find a list of Natural State superlatives contributed by correspondents willing to share their personal bests.
To add a bit of fun, we've put a particular object — a symbol of the best weekly newspaper in Arkansas — in our photographs. To use a bit of news parlance, we hope you'll be hooked to read on.
Goods and services
Shopping center
The Promenade at Chenal
Runners-up: The Mall at Turtle Creek (Jonesboro), Midtowne, Park Plaza Mall, Pleasant Ridge Town Center.
Grocery store
Kroger
Local winner: Terry's Finer Foods
Runners-up: Edwards Food Giant, The Fresh Market, Whole Foods Market
Women's clothing
Box Turtle
Runners-up: Barbara Jean Ltd., Beyond Cotton, Dillard's, E. Leigh's
Men's clothing
The Independent
Runners-up: Barakat Bespoke, Baumans, Dillard's, Greenhaw's Fine Men's Wear
Hip clothing
Box Turtle
Runners-up: Culture Clothing Co., E. Leigh's, Fringe Clothing, Scarlet
Children's clothing
The Toggery
Runners-up: Carter's, The Children's Place (Conway), Dillard's, Target
Vintage clothing
Goodwill
Local winner: Galaxy Furniture
Runners-up: Cheap Thrills (Fayetteville), Mid-Towne Antique Mall, Savers
Lingerie
Victoria's Secret
Local winner: Cupids
Runners-up: Adam and Eve, Barbara Jean, Dillard's
Shoes
Dillard's
Local winner: Warren's Shoes
Runners-up: DSW, Shoe Carnival, Shoe Connection
Antiques
Mid-Towne Antique Mall
Runners-up: Blue Suede Shoes, Fabulous Finds, Sweet Home/Clement, Morris Antiques
Furniture
I.O. Metro
Runners-up: Ashley Furniture, Galaxy Furniture, Hank's Fine Furniture, Nichols Furniture
Garden store or nursery
The Good Earth Garden Center
Runners-up: Botanica Gardens, Cantrell Gardens, Green Tree Nursery, Hocott's Garden Center
Hardware/home improvement
Fuller and Son
Runners-up: Cantrell Hardware, Home Depot, Kraftco Hardware and Building Supply, Lowe's Home Improvement
Eyewear
LensCrafters Success Vision
Local winners: Burrow's and Mr. Frank's Optical
Runners-up: James Eye Care, Kavanaugh Eye Care
Fresh vegetables
Little Rock Farmers' Market
Runners-up: Argenta Farmers Market, Bernice Garden Farmer's Market, Hillcrest Farmers Market
Outdoor store
Ozark Outdoor Supply
Runners-up: Academy Sports and Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops, Gander Mountain, Gene Lockwood's
Bicycle shop
Chainwheel
Runners-up: Angry Dave's Bicycles, The Community Bicyclist, The Highroller Cyclery (Fayetteville), Spokes
Gun store
Fort Thompson Sporting Goods
Runners-up: Arkansas Armory, Bass Pro Shops, Don's Weaponry Inc., Gander Mountain
Commercial art gallery
Gallery 26
Runners-up: Boswell Mourot Fine Art, Cantrell Gallery, Hearne Fine Art, M2 Gallery
Mobile phone
AT&T
Runners-up: Cricket Wireless, Sprint, Verizon
Internet service provider
AT&T
Runners-up: Aristotle, Centurylink, Comcast, Conway Corp., Cox Communications
Real estate agency
Crye-Leike
Local winner: The Janet Jones Co.
Runners-up: The Charlotte John Co., Clark Partners Realty Group, Keller Williams Realty
Auto service
Firestone Tire and Rubber Co.
Local winner: Jett's Gas and Service
Runners-up: Austin Brothers Tire and Service, Discount Tire & Brake Inc., Helmich Auto Service
Auto stereo
Arkansas Car Stereo
Runners-up: Auto Audio, Best Buy, Carnes Audio Visual
Travel agency
Poe Travel
Runners-up: Sue Smith Vacations, The Travel Shop
Hotel
The Capital Hotel
Runners-up: 21c Museum Hotel (Bentonville), DoubleTree Hotel, Embassy Suites, Little Rock Marriott
Private school
Pulaski Academy
Runners-up: The Anthony School, Catholic High School for Boys, Episcopal Collegiate, Mount St. Mary Academy
Public school
Central High School
Runners-up: eStem Charter School, Jefferson Elementary, North Little Rock High School, Parkview Magnet High School
Apartment complex
The Park at Riverdale
Runners-up: Brightwaters Apartments, Lanai Apartments, Pleasant Woods, The Pointe Brodie Creek
Bank
Arvest Bank
Runners-up: First Security Bank, Bank of the Ozarks, Regions, Simmons Bank
Barber shop
Jerry's Barber Shop
Runners-up: The Art of Men's Cuts (Bryant), The Local Hair Shop, Sport Clips
Salon
Fringe Benefits
Runners-up: Avatar, Caracalla Salon and Body Spa, Joels, Suite.102.Salon
Spa
Rejuvenation Day Spa
Runners-up: Ava Bella Day Spa, Caracalla Salon and Body Spa, Floating Lotus Yoga Studio and Day Spa, Indulgences
Jeweler
Sissy's Log Cabin
Runners-up: Cecil's Fine Jewelry, Kenneth Edwards Fine Jewelers, Stanley Jewelers, Roberson's Fine Jewelry
Pharmacy
Cornerstone Pharmacy
Runners-up: Kroger, Rhea Drug Store, Walgreens
Auto dealer
Steve Landers Toyota
Runners-up: Adventure Subaru (Fayetteville), Everett GMC, Steve Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Car
Subaru Outback
Runners-up: Honda Accord, Honda Pilot, Mini Cooper, Toyota Prius
Home entertainment store
Best Buy
Local winner: Arkansas Record and CD Exchange
Runners-up: Apple Store, Carnes Audio Visual, Deboard Electronics (Conway)
Sporting goods
Academy Sports and Outdoors
Local winner: Ozark Outdoor Supply
Runners-up: Bass Pro Shops, Gene Lockwood's, Mack's Prairie Wings
Toys
Toys "R" Us
Local winner: Box Turtle Kids
Runners-up: Learning Express, Target, The Toggery
Florist
Tipton & Hurst
Runners-up: About Vase, Empty Vase, Floral Express (Fayetteville), Frances Flower Shop
Plumber
Ray Lusk Plumbing
Runners-up: Advantage Service Co., Dwayne Boggan, John W. Martin Plumbing Inc., Sanders Plumbing
Gift shop
The Crown Shop
Local winner: Box Turtle
Runners-up: Bella Vita Jewelry, The Freckled Frog, The Full Moon
Veterinarian
Hillcrest Animal Hospital
Runners-up: Allpets Animal Hospital, Green Mountain Animal Hospital, Jacksonville Animal Hospital, Pinnacle Valley Animal Hospital
Dry cleaners
Hangers Cleaners
Runners-up: Crestwood Cleaners, Moose Cleaners, Oak Forest Cleaners, Schickel's Cleaners
Artisan
Bella Vita Jewelry
Runners-up: Bang Up Betty (jeweler), Hank Kaminsky (sculptor), Katherine Strause (painter), Kent Walker Cheese
Decorator
Tobi Fairley
Runners-up: Tom Chandler, Garry Mertins, Marilynn Porter, Larry West
Music equipment
Guitar Center
Local winner: Blue Moon Music
Runners-up: Best Buy, Jacksonville Guitar, Saied Music Co.
Bookstore
Barnes & Noble
Local winner: WordsWorth Books & Co.
Runners-up: Dickson Street Bookshop (Fayetteville), Nightbird Books (Fayetteville), River Market Books and Gifts
Pawn shop
Braswell and Sons Pawnbrokers
Runners-up: A-1 Gun and Pawn Inc., iPawn, USA Loans, National Pawn Shop
Funeral home
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
Runners-up: Ruebel Funeral Home, Olmstead Funeral Home, North Little Rock Funeral Home, Smith Funeral Home
Retirement community
Parkway Village
Runners-up: Butterfield Trail Village, College Square Conway, Good Shepherd Community, Woodland Heights
Place to take a yoga class
Barefoot Studio
Runners-up: Arkansas Yoga Collective, Blue Yoga Nyla, Clubhaus, ReCreation Studios
Chiropractor
Beverly Foster
Runners-up: Brady DeClerk, John Vincent, Elite Chiropractic, Rebecca Slayton
Tattoo parlor
Jud Ferguson (7th Street Tattoo & Piercing)
Runners-up: Scott Diffee (The Parlor), Katie McGowan (Black Cobra), Rick Medina (Tried & True Tattoo), Matt O'Baugh (Black Cobra)
Investment advisor
Kelly Ross Journey (Edward Jones)
Runners-up: Kirk Bradshaw, Barry Burch (Crews), Heath Harper (Morgan Stanley), Mike Jared (Edward Jones)
Company to work for
Arkansas Children's Hospital
Runners-up: Central Arkansas Library System, The Janet Jones Co., state of Arkansas, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
RECREATION
Place to swim
Greers Ferry Lake
Runners-up: Jim Daily Fitness Center, Little Rock Racquet Club, Magic Springs (Hot Springs), Wild River Country
Park
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Runners-up: Burns Park, Two Rivers Park, MacArthur Park, Murray Park
Cheap date
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)
Runners-up: Arkansas Arts Center, Arkansas Travelers, Big Dam Bridge, Movies in the Park
Weekend getaway
Eureka Springs
Runners-up: Calico Rock, Hot Springs, Mount Magazine, Bentonville
Resort
The Lodge at Mount Magazine
Runners-up: DeGray Lake Resort, Mountain Harbor, Red Apple Inn, Gaston's White River Resort
Golf course
Rebsamen Park Golf Course
Runners-up: Pleasant Valley Country Club, Chenal Country Club, Red Apple Inn, War Memorial Golf Course
Athletic club
Little Rock Athletic Club
Runners-up: Clubhaus, Little Rock Racquet Club, LA Fitness, 10 Fitness
Hiking trail
Petit Jean Mountain
Runners-up: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Allsopp Park, Two Rivers Park, Razorback Regional Greenway (Fayetteville to Bella Vista)
Place to mountain bike
River Trail
Runners-up: Burns Park, Pinnacle Mountain, Allsopp Park, Razorback Regional Greenway (Fayetteville to Bella Vista)
Marina
Heber Springs Marina (Greers Ferry Lake)
Runners-up: Mountain Harbor (Lake Ouachita), Jolly Roger's Marina (Lake Maumelle), Brady Mountain Marina (Lake Ouachita), Prairie Creek Marina (Beaver Lake)
ENTERTAINMENT
Local charity event
Race for the Cure (Komen Foundation)
Runners-up: Eggshibition (Youth Home), Tabriz (Arkansas Arts Center), Opus Ball (Arkansas Symphony Orchestra), Hope Ball (20th Century Club Lodge)
Musician or Band
Tragikly White
Runners-up: Amasa Hines, SeanFresh, The Whole Famn Damily, Rodney Block and the Real Music Lovers
DJ
Mike Poe
Runners-up: Gforce, Seth Baldy, Robe Flax, Kara Bibb
Comedian
Amy Pannell
Runners-up: Adam Hogg, Angry Patrick, Michael Brown, Steve Farrell
Place for live music
White Water Tavern
Runners-up: South on Main, Stickyz Rock 'n' Roll Chicken Shack, Revolution Music Room, Afterthought
Place to dance
Cajun's Wharf
Runners-up: Club Level, Discovery, Sway, Ernie Biggs
Live music festival
Riverfest
Runners-up: Wakarusa (Mulberry Mountain), Legends of Arkansas, King Biscuit Blues Festival (Helena/West Helena), Jazzlights in the Park
Neighborhood festival
Hillcrest HarvestFest
Runners-up: Cornbread Festival, Chili Fights in the Heights, Block Street Block Party (Fayetteville)
Late night spot
Midtown Billiards
Runners-up: Discovery, Ciao Baci, Ernie Biggs, Bar Louie, White Water Tavern
Gay bar
Discovery
Runners-up: Chaps, 610 Center, Sway, Triniti
Sports bar
Dugan's Pub
Runners-up: Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar, The Tavern Sports Grill, Twin Peaks, Gusano's
Movie theater
UA Breckenridge 12
Local winner: Riverdale 10
Runners-up: Colonel Glenn 18, B&B Theatres Chenal 9, Ron Robinson Theater
Museum
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)
Runners-up: Museum of Discovery, Arkansas Arts Center, Clinton Presidential Center, Historic Arkansas Museum
Performing arts group
Arkansas Repertory Theatre
Runners-up: ReCreation Studios, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Arkansas, Red Octopus
Place to gamble
Oaklawn
Runners-up: Tunica, Southland Park, Choctaw Casino (Oklahoma), Cherokee Casino (Oklahoma)
Place to see someone famous
Capital Hotel
Runners-up: River Market district, Clinton Presidential Center, South on Main, Doe's Eat Place
FOOD AND DRINK
Food and festival
Greek Food Festival
Runners-up: Jewish Food Festival, IndiaFest, Main Street Food Truck Festival, Cornbread Festival
French fries
Big Orange
Runners-up: The Faded Rose, McDonald's, Buffalo Grill, David's Burgers
Onion rings
Cotham's
Runners-up: Sonic, Cheddars, Purple Cow, Buffalo Grill
Cheese Dip
Mexico Chiquito
Runners-up: El Porton, Local Lime, Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro, Stoby's Restaurant
Ribs
Whole Hog Cafe
Runners-up: Sims Bar-B-Que, Corky's Ribs and BBQ, McClard's Bar-B-Q (Hot Springs), Black Hound Bar B Q (Jacksonville)
Wine list
Crush Wine Bar
Runners-up: Cache Restaurant, One Eleven, Ciao Baci, Zin Urban Wine and Beer Bar
Arkansas-brewed beer
Lost Forty
Runners-up: Diamond Bear, Ozark Brewing Co., Stone's Throw, Vino's Brewpub
Happy hour
Bar Louie
Runners-up: Big Orange, Boulevard Bistro, Reno's Argenta Cafe, The Fountain
Liquor store
Colonial Wines and Spirits
Runners-up: Sullivant's Liquor Store, 107 Liquor (Sherwood), Heights Fine Wines and Spirits, Liquor World (Fayetteville), O'Looney's Wine and Liquor
Sushi
Sushi Cafe
Runners-up: Kemuri, Hanaroo, Tokyo House, Ocean's at Arthur's
Salad
ZAZA Fine Salad and Wood-Oven Pizza Co.
Runners-up: U.S. Pizza Co., South on Main, Trio's Restaurant, The Root Cafe
Business lunch
Capital Bar & Grill
Runners-up: Trio's Restaurant, Brave New Restaurant, South on Main, The Fold
Brunch
The Root Cafe
Runners-up: South on Main, Cafe Bossa Nova, YaYa's Euro Bistro, Red Door Restaurant
Cocktail
Capital Bar & Grill
Runners-up: Heights Taco & Tamale Co., 109 & Co., South on Main, Cache Restaurant
Milkshake
Purple Cow
Runners-up: Big Orange, Loblolly Creamery, Sonic, Shake's Frozen Custard
Vegetarian
The Root Cafe
Runners-up: Big Orange, Greenhouse Grille (Fayetteville), The Veg LLC, Whole Foods Market
Bread
Boulevard Bread Co.
Runners-up: Arkansas Fresh, Old Mill Bread and Flour Co., Community Bakery, Mylo Coffee Co.
Caterer
Two Sisters Catering
Runners-up: Simply the Best, Catering to You, Dinner's Ready, Trio's Restaurant
Outdoor dining
Cajun's Wharf
Runners-up: U.S. Pizza Hillcrest, Acadia Restaurant, Pizza Cafe, Damgoode Pies River Market
PEOPLE AND POLITICS
Artist
V.L. Cox
Runners-up: John Kushmaul, Kevin Kresse, Matt McLeod, Stephen Cefalo
Artisan
Stacey Bowers (Bang-up Betty Jewelry)
Runners-up: James Hayes (glass), Judd Mann (glass), David Clemons (contemporary metalwork)
Celebrity
Bill Clinton
Runners-up: Mary Steenburgen, Joey Lauren Adams, Judge Reinhold, Justin Moore
Photographer
Tim Ernst
Runners-up: Brian Chilson, Rhys Harper, Rita Henry, Rett Peek
Politician
Mike Beebe
Runners-up: Warwick Sabin, Clarke Tucker, Asa Hutchinson
Athlete
Bobby Portis
Runners-up: Alex Collins, Cliff Lee, Hunter Henry, Joe Johnson
Liberal
Kathy Webb
Runners-up: Warwick Sabin, Matt Campbell, Greg Leding, Max Brantley
Conservative
Asa Hutchinson
Runners-up: Bill Vickery, John Thurston, Davy Carter, Nate Bell
Worst Arkansan
Tom Cotton
Runners-up: Jason Rapert, Justin Harris, Mike Huckabee, Josh Duggar
Charity
Heifer International
Runners-up: Arkansas Foodbank, Our House, The Van, Arkansas Hunger Alliance
Misuse of taxpayer funds
Legislation introduced by Jason Rapert
Runners-up: Department of Human Services, Bill Walker's grants to family, legislative pay raises, Mark Martin's salary
MEDIA
Radio station
KLAL Alice 107.7
Runners-up: 88.3 KABF, 89.1 KUAR, 103.7 The Buzz, KUAF (Fayetteville)
Radio personality
Poolboy
Runners-up: Justin Acri, Tommy Smith, Lisa Fisher, Michael Hibblen
TV station
KATV
Runners-up: KARK, Fox 16, KTHV, AETN
TV news person
Craig O'Neill
Runners-up: Mallory Brooks, Dawn Scott, Donna Terrell, Scott Inman
TV weatherman
Todd Yakoubian
Runners-up: Ned Perme, Ed Buckner, Greg Dee, Tom Brannon
TV sports
Steve Sullivan
Runners-up: D.J. Williams, Aaron Peters, Wess Moore, Mary Dunleavy
Newspaper writer
Max Brantley
Runners-up: Benjamin Hardy, John Brummett, Wally Hall, John Lynch
Blog
Forbidden Hillcrest
Runners-up: Eat Arkansas, Arkansas Blog, Blue Hog Report, Rex Nelson's Southern Fried
Website
arktimes.com
Runners-up: Arkansasonline.com, forbiddenhillcrest.com, fayettevilleflyer.com, bluehogreport.com
Twitter feed
@forbiddenh
Runners-up: @amybhole,
@johnbrummett, @arkansasblog, @KATV_Weather
Author
John Grisham
Runners-up: Charles Portis, Suzi Parker, Kevin Brockmeier, Kat Robinson