Services

GENERAL PRACTITIONER
Greg Gelburd of Downtown Family Healthcare
Runner-up: Bruce Campbell
What a paradox! (See what we did there?) Greg Gelburd and Bruce Campbell dominate again this year. The winner, a family doc for 29 years. The runner-up, a Free Union-based doctor with 31 years in the medical field.

DENTIST
David and Rebecca Swett
Runner-up: David Dalley
The American Dental Association recommends that folks with healthy teeth visit the dentist every six months. That’s no problem for you. You’ll gladly see winners David and Rebecca Swett, whose practice you’ve frequented for 15 years. They land in the winners’ circle again this year, along with runner-up David Dalley.

DERMATOLOGIST
Anna Magee
Runner-up: Bonnie Straka
We had a rash of votes in this category that we needed to pore through before we could spot a winner. In the end, Charlottesville Dermatology’s Anna Magee squeezed ahead, cleaning out the competition. Albemarle Dermatology founder Bonnie Straka grabs the runner-up spot.

GYNECOLOGIST
Ed Wolanski
Runner-up: Sarah Stadler
It’s a thankless task—really, when’s the last time you thanked your gyno?—but somebody’s gotta do it. Again this year, you choose Ed Wolanski to make sure everything’s all good down below. In the runner-up spot, Sarah Stadler brings 16 years’ experience to the exam table.

PEDIATRICIAN
Paige Perriello of Pediatric Associates
Runner-up: Gretchen Wasserstrom-Brantley of Piedmont Pediatrics
Brother Tom isn’t the only Perriello with big aspirations. Local kid doc Paige Perriello gets the love from locals again this year. Meanwhile, former Texan Gretchen Wasserstrom-Brantley (say that three times fast!) helps families battle the runny noses and scraped elbows at Piedmont Pediatrics.

CHIROPRACTOR
Douglas Cox
Runner-up: Scott Wagner
When it comes to pain, who’s got your back (and neck and legs and feet)? This year, you put Douglas Cox in the top spot once again. Newcomer Scott Wagner earns mention for his chiropractic skills with special attention to sports injuries.

PSYCHOLOGIST/COUNSELOR
Susan Cunningham
Runner-up: Rachel Lewis
Who do you call when your brother thinks he’s a chicken? Readers say Susan Cunningham is the top shrink around here. Across town, veteran psychologist Rachel Lewis specializes in treating clients who struggle with eating disorders.

PLASTIC SURGEON
Victoria Vastine
Runner-up: Adam Katz
We won’t tell if you won’t. All we can say is that, as the readers reveal, Victoria Vastine leads the pack again this year when it comes to enhancing your body, breasts and face through surgical and non-invasive procedures. The Martha Jefferson-affiliated surgeon has been practicing around these parts since 1998. Runner-up Adam Katz practices at UVA and specializes in maxillofacial surgery to correct diseases, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face and jaws.

ARCHITECT

VMDO Architects
Runner-up: Bushman Dreyfus Architects
Locally recognized for projects like the Jefferson Scholars Fellows Center and additions to Farmington Country Club, VMDO is currently at work on a much bigger project—the Excelsior Trade School in Thomassin, Haiti. Funded by Dave Matthews Band’s BAMA Works foundation, the project will help create a technical center for locals there. Runners up Jeff Bushman and Jeff Dreyfus continue their excellent work and attention to clients’ wishes. 

REAL ESTATE AGENT
Bob Hughes
Runner-up: Sasha Farmer
Bob did it again! Much like the real estate market, there are highs and lows in Best of C-VILLE, too. This year, Bob Hughes is back on top after last year’s defeat to now-runner-up Sasha Farmer. Will the ebb and flow put Sasha in the winner’s seat again next year? Stay tuned.

CONTRACTOR
Artisan Construction
Runner-up: Jeff Easter Remodeling
Locals love them some lean, green building machines and Artisan Construction delivers. From active solar to gray water recovery to low-VOC paints, Artisan has the skills. Don’t need something that fancy? Jeff Easter Remodeling has been knocking out solid design-build projects for more than 30 years.

ELECTRICIAN
Robertson Electric
Runner-up: Fitch Services
With age comes wisdom, so it stands to reason that Robertson Electric—which you’ve turned to for your electrical woes since 1968, when owner Bill Robertson founded the business out of his basement —is better than ever. Fitch Services, another full-service local company, takes runner-up.

HOME REPAIR/HANDYMAN
Russ Melton (Charlottesville Handyman)
Runner-up: Advantage Handyman Services
When you ask friends for a recommendation, you’ll be hard-pressed to hear another name but Russ Melton escape their lips. He lands at the top of the heap again this year for his honesty, reliability and know-how to get the job done. Eleven-year-old company Advantage Handyman takes the runner-up spot.

LAWN AND GARDEN CARE
Snow’s Garden Center
Runner-up: Meriweather Mowing Service
Used to be, the phrase “lawn and garden care” meant the neighborhood teenager schlepping a mower across the yard every couple of weeks for 10 bucks. These days, spots like Snow’s and Meriweather make it easy to put a bit more care into the pasttime. At the winner, a veritable mecca for all things backyard, you’ll find everything from peat moss to bird baths in their expansive nursery and gift shop. The runner-up is a no-holds-barred mowing company that won’t stop until the job’s done, even if it means working past 5pm.

CAR WASH

Express Car Wash
Runner-up: Clean Machine
It’s hard to argue with a wash and dry for less than $6. That’s why readers say Express, in Seminole Square, is No. 1 this year. That, and the rain guarantee (they’ll wash your car again if it rains within 24 hours). Clean Machine at Pantops takes the No. 2 spot, boasting frictionless equipment and an unlimited wash club for a monthly fee.

PLACE TO GET YOUR CAR REPAIRED
Settle Tire Company
Runner-up: Airport Road Auto Center
Perennial favorites in this category, Settle Tire’s known for being honest, fast and affordable. Folks there go that extra mile—literally—with their free shuttle service. Runner-up Airport Road makes things super convenient, with its 24-hour towing service, nighttime key drop and frequent service coupons.

TAXICAB SERVICE
Wahooptie
Runner-up: Access Taxi
Helping keep Charlottesville unique since 2007, the Wahooptie tops your list this year for the best way to get around in style. The company’s five-car fleet is tricked out with flat screen TVs, DVD players, surround sound and leather seating—not to mention that they’re reachable by phone, text or IM. Runner-up Access Taxi offers flat rates and student discounts.

ATTORNEY
Tucker Griffin Barnes
Runner-up: Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen
A one-stop shop for representation, each attorney at Tucker Griffin Barnes specializes in a different area. They provide expertise in real estate, accidents and disability, criminal defense, divorce and custody, civil litigation and business law, which is why you’ve voted them No. 1. Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen takes the second slot.

FINANCIAL PLANNER
David Marotta
Runner-up: Victor Millner
A Stanford University grad, Marotta Wealth Management president David Marotta is a computer-services-engineer-turned-financial whiz kid, quoted or sought after for advice by the likes of The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Financial Planning Magazine, Dow Jones Newswire, Money Magazine…shall we go on? In other words, show him the money. Runner-up Victor Millner, with Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company since ’98, says his goal is to “have a meaningful impact on my family, clients and community.” Looks like you’re right on target, Vic.

GRAPHIC AND WEB DESIGNER
Birch Studio
Runner-up: Watermark Design
With a small but capable team, Birch Studio founders Jenny and Dave Robinson conquer the local design world in this new category. The Robinsons are responsible for the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport and nTelos websites, plus a lot of branding for local organizations like SNL and Darden School of Business. Darcey Ohlin-Lacy at Watermark Design puts her stamp on lots of local projects, like Afton Mountain Vineyards’ website, landing her in the runner-up slot.

PLUMBER

Scott Bishop
Runner-up: Hodges Myers 
We were all backed up with votes over this category. Too many readers wanted to shower Scott Bishop with praise. Now we’re concerned that the kudos might be too draining, so we’ll also plug Hodges Myers, the runner-up in this category.

PLACE TO BOARD YOUR PET
Pampered Pets
Runner-up: All Things Pawssible
If cleanliness is next to godliness, perennial winner Pampered Pets is Fido’s personal heaven. That is to say, the folks at PP keep the boarding house more like a Hyatt than a hostel, with an air purification system and an outdoor play area for doggies. All Things Pawssible rounds out the category with its day care and training facility.

PRESCHOOL OR DAYCARE
Bright Beginnings
Runner-up: Millstone of Ivy
The Whos of our town have speedily spoken;
Being voted best preschool is no gruvvulous token.
Both Millstone of Ivy and Bright Beginnings,
Bring educational underpinnings:
“Follow your heart, your intuition.
Little Whos thrive on natural nutrition,
friendship, mischief and places to play.”
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!

VETERINARIAN
Georgetown Veterinary Hospital
Runner-up: Old Dominion Animal Hospital
The cat’s out of the bag: Georgetown Vet is No.1. Oh, who are we kidding? Readers agree year after year: Drs. Fietz, Handley and Peppard are the best in town. Old Dominion follows close behind. The Preston Avenue vet’s five docs have more than 90 years’ experience between them.

CATERER
Harvest Moon Catering
Runner-up: HotCakes
Perennial fave Mark Hahn built a mini empire of catering with Harvest Moon. Offering a one-stop shop (he provides linens, glassware, etc.), expert staff and stellar original recipes (he’s got a bitchin’ test kitchen up in there), Hahn is also notable for frequently donating his products and services to charity fundraisers across the region. In other words, it’s a business readers know is worth supporting. HotCakes grabs second with 18 years’ experience in the biz.

PLACE FOR A MANI/PEDI
Oasis Day Spa
Runner-up: Happy Nails
Dahling! Love those nails! You work hard and you deserve to be pampered. Readers say Oasis Day Spa Downtown is the hot spot for fingers and toesies. Runner-up Happy Nails never disappoints.

HAIRSTYLIST
Claibourne Reppert of Moxie Hair & Body Lounge
Runner-up: Jonathan Nuckles of Nuckles Salon
It was a tight race, but this year, Claibourne Reppert was just a cut above the competition. A newcomer to the ballot, Claibourne is a Charlottesville native, master stylist at Moxie and goes only by her first name on Facebook, like Cher or Madonna. In other words, she needs no introduction. Perennial winner Jonathan Nuckles takes the runner-up slot.

BARBER

Staples Barber Shop
Runner-up: Charlottesville Barbering
A classic barbershop might be one of the last gatherings just for men. At Staples, you get multiple generations who’ve all come to participate in the ritual. It’s not so much about the haircut. It’s about the communion found in small talk about the weather, sports, responsibility, girlfriends and auto repair. Charlottesville Barbering also carries the torch of barberdom with aplomb in its diminutive Downtown shop.

SPA
Oasis Day Spa
Runner-up: Boar’s Head Spa
Had a rough day? Readers say there’s no better place to spoil yourself than at Oasis Day Spa. The skin, nail, hair and body spot has topped this list since 2004 for services like the Deep Relief package: ginger and juniper warming wrap followed by a 60-minute deep tissue massage. The Boar’s Head Spa takes runner-up with its rejuvenating treatments.

TATTOO ARTIST
Ben Miller at Ben Around Tattoos
Runner-up: Becky Benson at Ben Around Tattoos
Close your eyes and picture a tattoo parlor. Now picture a gallery. Now put them together and whaddya got? Let’s just say you won’t find your typical tattoo flashes (Chinese symbols, dolphins emerging from water, Clip Art-esque butterflies) hanging on the walls at Ben Around. International tattoo award winner (and owner) Ben Miller custom designs each tattoo for his customers. Runner-up Becky Benson brings a feminine edge to the West Main Street shop.

DRY CLEANERS
Brown’s Dry Cleaners
Runner-up: Eco Dry Concierge Service
Convenience is key with Brown’s, your winner again this year. With four locations around town, you’re never without a place to drop off your dirties. The runner-up, Eco Dry, no longer takes walk-ins, but that doesn’t stop you from taking advantage of the company’s earth-conscious cleaning service.

HOTEL OR INN
Boar’s Head Inn
Runner-up: Clifton Inn
Both of our winners offer luxurious, Southern-style stays which are uniquely Charlottesvillian. Each occupies an expansive, historic estate in the hills of Central Virginia designed specifically to be memorable, relaxing and indulgent. The only thing stressful about a stay at these epic inns is choosing which to visit.

CLEANING SERVICE
One Clean World
Runner-up: Busy Brooms
It isn’t easy being green and clean. For those of you who need a little help, One Clean World steps up in the areas of carpet, home and business cleaning, damage restoration and pet odor elimination. This year’s runner-up, 10-year-old Busy Brooms, continues its great service in Charlottesville, Albemarle and surrounding counties.

BANK
UVA Community Credit Union
Runner-up: Virginia National Bank
Interesting that a credit union won in a category about banks (they’re very different entities, in fact)—but perhaps that speaks to their popularity. Either way, when you want a local spot to stash your hard-earned dollars, get an auto loan or apply for a mortgage, you turn to one of the 10 local branches of the UCCU. Some folks head to runner-up Virginia National Bank, now in its 13th year of trustworthy service.

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