Best of county is chosen

In a search for the best Columbia County has to offer, readers of The Columbia County News-Times cast votes for their favorite family restaurant, garden center, appliance store, veterinarian and many other businesses and services.

Readers voted online and mailed in forms for their top picks in more than 70 categories in Food and Dining, Shopping, For the Home, and Services groups.

Such as many of the businesses and services selected, Cindy Kelly, the owner of Peachtree Boutique, was shocked when she learned her store had earned a Community Choice Award. The boutique, located at 359 Furys Ferry Road, was voted "favorite ladies boutique."

"It was definitely a surprise for us," Kelly said, adding it is the store's first Community Choice Award.

Peachtree Boutique is approaching its fifth year in business and specializes in handbags and jewelry. Kelly said it also offers home decor and gift items as well as monogramming services and custom jewelry design.

"We make a lot of our own (jewelry)," she said.

Voters elected Tuscany, A Classic Italian Spa on Ponder Place in Evans, as the "favorite place for pampering," and CoCo's Cabana was chosen by voters as their "favorite tanning salon."

The voters' choice for "favorite family restaurant" and "favorite new restaurant" was Fatz Cafe, located on Belair Road at Hereford Farm Road in Evans.

When it came to breakfast, voters chose Sunrise Grill, which also earned the "favorite restaurant for breakfast" award in 2003 and 2004.

Sunrise Grill owner Chris Gurley said the restaurant's convenient location in West Town shopping center in Martinez and the friendly atmosphere were among many things that contributed to the store's third award.

"We've got good food, good service and the warm atmosphere when you come in here," Gurley said. "You'll feel like you've come to somebody's dining room."