Best Bank
Wells Fargo
It’s everywhere all over Atlanta these days — Wells Fargo (www.wellsfargo.com) is your favorite place to store your funds and manage financial decisions. That the establishment is one of the most gay-friendly around is an added bonus. In second is SunTrust (www.suntrust.com), third is BB&T (www.bbt.com) and fourth is Fidelity Decatur (www.lionbank.com)
Best Bookstore
Best Gift Store
Brushstrokes
With a wide selection of bestsellers, old favorites and gifts for the most spoiled recipient, Brushtrokes (www.brushtrokesatlanta.com) is your top choice as bookstore and gift store. New this year have been the store’s author appearances, hosted by neighboring gay bar Mixx.
Best Bookstore: In second is Barnes and Noble (www.barnesandnoble.com) and third Charis Books and More (www.charisbooksandmore.com).
Best Gift Store: Your next favorites are Heliotrope (www.heliotrophehome.com) and then Melrose on Ponce (www.melroseonponce.com).
Best Hotel
The Georgian Terrace
An Atlanta landmark, The Georgian Terrace (www.thegeorgianterrace.com) has Southern hospitality in spades, world class facilities and the famous Livingston Restaurant and Bar, literally across the street from the Fox Theatre. The hotel is worth checking out even if you live in Atlanta. Second place is the W Midtown (www.whotels.com/Atlanta) and third Loews Atlanta (www.loewshotels.com).
Best Real Estate Agent
Justin Ziegler
Also known for his leadership with LGBT organizations, Justin Ziegler (www.commongroundrealestate.com) is fairly new to real estate but has made a quick impression. Friendly and enthusiastic, he knows his stuff and co-owns the Common Ground Real Estate team. Second place is Patti Ellis (www.teamellis.biz), who is an outspoken advocate for her gay son, and third goes to Jo Gipson (www.atlantaintown.com/agent/jo_gipson).
Best Clothing Store
Boy Next Door
For the latest in seasonal fashions, Boy Next Door (www.boynextdoor.biz) is a longtime favorite. Gay men flock there en masse to find the sexiest and trendiest fare around. In second is Saks Fifth Avenue (www.saksfifthavenue.com) and Drew Lewis (www.drewlewis-atl.com) finished next.
Best Coffeehouse
Starbucks at Ansley Mall
According to our readers, there’s no better local place to grab some java than the Ansley Starbucks (www.starbucks.com/store/14958/). The coffee is reliable and the joint is always hopping with people – perfect for a meeting or to just curl up on the laptop. Second place is Java Monkey (www.javamonkeydecatur.com) with third going to Dancing Goats (www.facebook.com/dancinggoatscoffeebar) in Decatur and fourth to Kavarna (www.kavarnadecatur.com).
Best Dermatologist
Dr. Mack Rachal
The well-respected Dr. Mack Rachal (www.midtownmed.com) is part of the staff at Midtown Medical Associates as well as Piedmont Hospital and Crawford Long. Known for his punctual visits and lack of waiting time at his office, he nosed out second place Georgia Skin Specialists (www.georgiaskinspecialists.com) by seven votes. In third is Olansky Dermatology Associates (www.olanskydermatology.com).
Best Florist
Twelve Flowers and Boutique
Now in business for 16 years, owner John McDonald has made Twelve Flowers and Boutique (www.twelveatlanta.net) a great place to stop for a wide array of flowers for weddings and all sorts of special events. The store has turned floral art into something highly unique yet personal. Second place went to Foxgloves & Ivy Floral Design Studio (www.foxgloves.biz) and third is Maud Baker (www.maudbaker.com).
Best Gym
LA Fitness
The best place to stay in shape — or get whipped into shape — is the reliable LA Fitness (www.lafitness.com), which has locations literally all over the Atlanta metro area. The gym has stayed current to keep the gay men and women coming. Urban Body Fitness (www.urbanbodyfitness.com) and Core Body Fitness (www.corebody.net) round out your top picks.
Best Hair Salon
Helmet
With its stable of some of the most likable and talented stylists in town, Helmet (www.helmethairworx.com) is the place you want your hair done – right. Its Midtown location might be the hub but there are four other locales as well. Crimpers Hair Salon off Cheshire Bridge (www.crimpersatlanta.com) was your next favorite followed by Axiom on Piedmont. (www.axiomsfm.com).
Best Home Décor
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
For the best in quality home furnishings, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (www.mgbwhome.com) is your favorite shop according to your votes. Inventory is updated quickly and the tastes run from modern to traditional. It’s followed by Horizon Home (www.horizonhomefurniture.com) in second and Bobby Berk Home (www.bobbyberkhome.com) third.
Best Jeweler
Worthwore Jewelers
With two locations, one in Amsterdam Walk and Decatur, Worthmore (www.worthmorejewelers.com) is LGBT Atlanta’s fave jeweler. With an endless supply of watches, bracelets and earrings, as well as wedding or commitment rings, it’s no surprise. Second place is Decatur City Jewelers (www.decaturcityjewelers.com) and Colorstones (www.b-e-a-d.com).
Best Lawyer/Legal Services
Kitchens New Cleghorn, LLC
With a team of law professionals that is almost unsurpassed, Kitchens New Cleghorn (www.knclawfirm.com) is your top choice. Joyce Kitchens, Randy New and Jeff Cleghorn fight for their clients and causes, including LGBT equality. Following them in second is Greg Nevins of Lambda Legal (www.lambdalegal.org/about-us/staff/gregory-r-nevins) and Atlanta Eagle attorney Dan Grossman (www.dangrossmanlaw.com).
Best Liquor Store
Tower Beer, Wine and Spirits
Tower (www.towerwinespirits.com) has everything you could ever want in a liquor store as well as alcohol you probably didn’t realize you wanted or needed until shopping. Besides a Buckhead location, Tower can also be found in Doraville. In second place is Green’s on Ponce (www.greensbeverages.com) and in third is Ansley Wine Merchants (www.ansleywine.com).
Best MD
Dr. Scott Parry
Intown Primary Care’s Dr. Scott Parry (www.intownprimarycare.com) is the doctor you want to see most. He’s pleasant, conveniently located, has a of slew LGBT and non-LGBT clients and his office always makes time for walk-in needs. In second place is Georgia Reproductive Specialists (www.ivf.com) and third Dr. John Perry.
Best Pharmacy
Ansley Kroger
Besides being in a location that is super easy to find, the Kroger store at Ansley Mall (www.Kroger.com) has knowledgeable and personable pharmacists who make the wait for prescriptions go by painlessly. Your next top favorites are Absolute Care (www.absolutecarehealth.com) and BioScrip (www.bioscrip.com).
Best Spa
Blue Medspa
Blu Medspa (www.bluemedspa.com) is the place to go for relaxation and plain pampering, the kind most of us can’t get at home. It’s been called one of the top 55 spas in the country by Conde Nast Traveler and those who’ve been inside understand why. Second place went to Natural Body Spa (www.naturalbody.com) and third Urban Body Spa and Salon (www.urbanbodystudios.com).
Best Tanning Salon
Toucan Tan
From tanning beds to spray tans that make you look like you spent two weeks at a beach, Toucan Tan (www.toucantan.com) is tops for that bronze, sexy look. Besides its Midtown location, Toucan has two other suburban locales. Simply Sun Tanning (www.simplysuntan.com) is in second place and third is Palm Beach Tan (www.palmbeachtan.com).
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