Best Chiropractic Service
Midtown Life Studio
Who to call when the back locks up? Midtown Life Studio (www.midtownlifestudio.com) is the top pick, in no small part due to its convenient location, friendly staff, massage therapists on tap and, of course, Dr. Greg Graham’s careful adjustments. In second was Live Well Chiropractic (www.livewellchiropractic.com), founded and owned by Dr. Kristy Francavilla and Dr. Shoshana Kreinces. In third is Dr. Loretta Sandy’s Sandy Chiropractic (www.sandychiro.com).
Best Clothing Store
Boy Next Door
Looking for that snazzy new pair of shorts or a shirt that will have the boys buzzing at that weekend party? Your fave clothing store is — no surprise here — longtime Midtown establishment Boy Next Door (www.boynextdoor.biz) and its endless supply of swank duds. Nieman Marcus (www.neimanmarcus.com) was second place with Lenox Square’s Club Monaco (www.clubmonaco.com) third.
Best Gift Store
Brushstrokes
When it comes to novelty and gift items, Brushtrokes (www.brushtrokesatlanta.com) takes the top prize for its diverse selections and goodies not found anywhere else in town – T-shirts, knickknacks, cards for every occasion imaginable, gay-themed DVDs and much more. It’s hard to go by Ansley Square and not stop in. Heliotrope (www.store.heliotrope.com) was in second and Poster Hut (www.myspace.com/posterhut) third.
Best Gym
Urban Body Fitness
Your favorite place to get in shape is Urban Body Fitness (www.urbanbodyfitness.com), which features hot guys, convenient hours, plentiful equipment and all sorts of amenities and services. Runnerups are second place LA Fitness at Ansley Mall (www.lafitness.com) and third place Gravity Fitness (www.gravityatl.com).
Best Hair Salon
Crimpers Hair Salon
When LGBT Atlantans are looking for a trim, Crimpers Hair Salon (www.crimpersatlanta.com), located in Cheshire Square, is the place they trust the most. The salon has been in business for 25 years and has a new modern boutique, but has kept its strong reputation and devotion to customers. Helmet (www.helmethairworx.com) placed second and Bubbles (www.bubblesatlanta.com) came in third.
Best Home Decor
By Design Furniture
With three locations, including one in Midtown, By Design Furniture (www.bydesignfurniture.com) is your favorite place to shop for new sofas, dining rooms tables, beds and more. Its perks are its contemporary European-styled furniture and its knowledgeable staff. In second is Traders (www.tradersatlanta.com) with Jonathan Adler (www.jonathanadler.com) third.
Best Real Estate Agent
Barb Rowland
As someone who knows the business/industry inside out, veteran real estate agent Barb Rowland (www.barbrowland.com) of the Common Ground Realty Group at Keller Williams is your choice when selling or buying a home. Rowland is also a vital, respected part of Atlanta’s LGBT community, with hands in all sorts of projects. Second place is Chris Hough of PalmerHouse Properties (www.chrislhough.com) and in third is Anne Fuller of Prudential Georgia Realty (www.annefuller.prudentialgeorgia.com)
Best Jewelry Store
Worthmore Jewelers
The perfect place for earrings, commitment rings and so much more, Worthmore Jewelers (www.worthmorejewelers.com) is your pick as the area’s best jewelry store. Its staff puts an emphasis on value as well as custom, creative items not found elsewhere. Midtown Jewelers (www.midtownjewelers.com) finished second and The Colorstones (www.b-e-a-d.com) third.
Best Liquor Store
Green’s
No party — at least not many with an LGBT crowd — would be complete without healthy doses of beer, liquor and wine. Green’s on Ponce (www.greensbeverages.com) is your favorite place to stock up. Ansley Wine Merchants (www.ansleywine.com) finished in second and Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits (www.towerwinespirits.com) third.
Best Pet Store
Park Pet Supply
All sorts of unique pet goodies make East Atlanta Village’s Park Pet Supply (www.parkpetsupply.com) your most cherished pet store. The store has supplies for pets of all kinds and even swell specialty items such as herbal shampoos, leashes, beds and toys. The Pet Set (www.thepetset.com) was second place and City Dog Market (www.shastalamafafafa.com/shastastage/cdm/) third.
Best Pet Grooming/Boarding
Piedmont Bark
Your top choice here – Piedmont Bark (www.piedmontbark.com) – offers the usuals, such as grooming and washing and day care. What sets it apart are its fun special events, such as its raucous Yappy Hour and its birthday packages for the loved ones. Second place went to Barking Hound (www.barkinghoundvillage.com) and third place is Puddle of Pooch (www.puddleofpoochonline.com).
Best Bookstore
Ouwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse
The repeat winner as the place to buy LGBT books was Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse (www.outwritebooks.com). Whether it’s a current bestseller or a hard to find older work, owner Philip Rafshoon can find it or order it quickly. Brushstrokes (www.brushstrokesatlanta.com) placed second, while Charis Books & More, (www.charisbooksandmore.com) the South’s oldest feminist bookstore placed third.
Best Coffeehouse
Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse
Not only is Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse (www.outwritebooks.com) the most popular place to buy books but also to grab some mocha and relax, as well as to see friendly faces behind the counter and other people you know in the store. Starbucks at Ansley Mall (www.starbucks.com) was your second favorite and Caribou on 10th and Piedmont (www.cariboucoffee.com) third choice.
Top photo: Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse won Best Coffeehouse and Best Bookstore in this year’s Best of Atlanta survey (by Bo Shell)