Photo courtesy Weinstein JCC
EDUCATION
Multicategory Winner
Weinstein Jewish Community Center
5403 Monument Ave.
The Weinstein Jewish Community Center and its education programs foster a deep sense of belonging through a holistic approach to youth development. Its Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool encourages hands-on curiosity, while the after-school program provides a safe and engaging space for kids to try diverse activities. Earning two “bests” on this year’s list comes at a historic moment for the center. “This recognition is especially meaningful as we prepare to celebrate the Weinstein JCC’s 80th anniversary this fall,” spokesperson Michael Blanchard says. “For eight decades, we’ve had the privilege of serving Richmond families, and we’re honored by the trust they continue to place in us.”
Best Preschool Education
2. Sabot School
3. Westhampton Day School
Best After-School Care Program
2. YMCA
Best Daycare Provider
With several locations across the Richmond area, The Goddard School provides a nurturing environment centered around its Wonder of Learning program. “We’re really focused on supporting and educating the whole child, not just academically, but the emotional and social sides, too,” says Sarah Wheeler, owner of the Walton Park Goddard School in Midlothian. “We want everyone to feel seen.” Goddard’s research-backed curriculum blends play-based exploration with structured STEAM learning.
2. LeafSpring School
3. Tie: Primrose School; Westhampton Day School
Best Private School
103 N. Mooreland Road
Founded in 1915, Collegiate School serves students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade in the West End. The school balances academic opportunities with arts programs, diverse athletics and more. “Our families appreciate that we’ve stayed true to those values while creating new opportunities for students to discover their passions through the arts, athletics, global experiences, civic engagement and innovative programs such as our Middle and Upper School Robotics teams,” spokesperson Sarah Abubaker says.
2. The Steward School
3. St. Christopher’s School
Photo courtesy Greater Richmond School of Music
Multicategory Winner
Greater Richmond School of Music
Greater Richmond School of Music continues to strike a chord with local families, once again racking up several “bests” this year. Owners Hayes and Rebecca Cummings credit the school’s appeal to its close-knit community of families, passionate faculty and collaborative approach to music education. “We called on our community for this, and they showed up,” Hayes says. GRSM serves around 350 kids across the Richmond metro area, a feat Hayes says wouldn’t be possible without their dedicated team of instructors. GRSM offers private and group lessons in everything from piano and guitar to voice, drums, string and wind instruments.
Best Children’s or Teens’ Music Classes
2. The Music Tree School of Music
3. Moseley Music
Best Children’s or Teens’ Summer Camp Program
2. Weinstein JCC
3. The Steward School
Best Children’s or Teens’ After-School or Weekend Enrichment Classes
2. Junior Assembly Cotillion
3. Weinstein JCC
Photo courtesy Visual Arts Center of Richmond
Multicategory Winner
Visual Arts Center of Richmond
1812 W. Main St.
Serving over 50,000 artists annually through more than 1,600 classes across 11 mediums, the nonprofit Visual Arts Center of Richmond is the city’s home for getting creative. Adults can join multiweek courses or intensives, while children 5 to 18 can explore through after-school programs and the center’s popular ArtVenture summer camps. “[Those] are so much fun for us to run because we provide a lot of freedom to our teachers to offer really unique classes, like giant papier mache, or silk painting, or custom action figures,” VisArts Executive Director Jordan Roeder says. The center recently acquired the former Fan Tastic Thrift building not far from its 30,000-square-foot facility in the Fan District and is planning an expansion with the space in the coming year.
Best Children’s or Teens’ Art Classes
2. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
3. Art Factory
Best Adult Art Classes
2. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
3. The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen
Best Children’s or Teens’ Dance Classes
Bella Ballerina specializes in dance classes for children ages 18 months to 10 years old at its two Richmond locations, offering a variety of class times. “I have a young child myself, and I know young families absolutely need super convenient class times,” owner Allie Wine says. “We also offer a free trial class to anyone who wants to check us out.”
2. Junior Assembly Cotillion
3. Richmond Ballet
FINANCIAL
Best Bank
The world of banking has seen significant changes, from strictly in-person to digital service. But for Truist Retail Region Leader Mike Shinault, one key part hasn’t: “At the core, it is still [about] the human being, the people that we serve each and every day. And I’d say for us, Truist is uniquely positioned to meet clients where they are.”
2. Wells Fargo
3. Atlantic Union Bank
Best Accountant, CPA or Tax Adviser
4401 Dominion Blvd., Glen Allen
Keiter is a large-scale firm that deals in traditional services such as auditing and tax compliance but also engages in more complex analysis. Managing Partner Gary Wallace says the company’s secret sauce is its focus on community. “We not only serve nonprofit and community businesses, but we openly support everything from sponsorships to donations. I think we’re good stewards of our community.”
2. Wells Coleman
3. Pilc & Moseley
Photo courtesy Commonwealth Retirement Advisors
Best Private Wealth Adviser/Financial Planning Firm
Commonwealth Retirement Advisors
9030 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 470
Since 2012, Commonwealth CEO Ryan Drake says the company has taken a narrow but personal approach when helping people transition into retirement. “We purely focus on those near retirement,” he says. Team members rely on all parts of financial planning to create a well-coordinated roadmap for their clients. “It’s about helping them transition from growing the pile to building a structure that’s going to protect what they’ve built.”
2. Salomon & Ludwin
3. Davenport & Company LLC
Photo courtesy Virginia Credit Union
Multicategory Winner
VACU is accustomed to being voted best, winning this year for best credit union and best mortgage lender, but employees don’t take that trust for granted, says Tim Kelly, executive vice president of member services. “We understand that trust is key to continuing that relationship,” he adds. For VACU Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending Mitchell Jones, being a cooperative is one way VACU stands out above other banks. “Our members are owners at the end of the day. We work on their behalf. So, our job as stewards of the credit union is to serve those members.”
Best Credit Union
2. Navy Federal Credit Union
3. Henrico Federal Credit Union
Best Mortgage Lender
2. CapCenter
3. Truist
Photo courtesy River Run Law
Best Law Firm
8010 Ridge Road, Suite B
Though River Run’s specialty is personal injury law, cofounder Casey Ariail says the small firm of three lawyers is nothing like the larger personal injury offices blasting their services on billboards across the city. “We try to be your friendly lawyer and guide people through things in a very professional way. We like to have close relationships with our clients.”
2. Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen
3. McGuireWoods
Best Local Insurance Agent or Agency
The titan of insurance companies began in the 1900s as an agency just for farmers, when retired farmer and founder G.J. Mecherle decided premiums shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all concept. Current CEO Jon Farney says customers are at the center of all they do. “Our business will never be easy, but challenges and opportunities go hand in hand,” he says.
2. Virginia Farm Bureau
3. Tie: Mutual Assurance Society of VA; Erie Insurance
HEALTH
Best Concierge Medicine Practice
7001 Forest Ave., Suite 302
PartnerMD’s care extends beyond the classic concierge benefits — same- or next-day appointments and direct access to physicians — to something more personal. “We take the time to customize the patient experience [by] combining our exceptional physician care, the latest in medical advancements and testing, as well as integrated wellness programs,” says Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Chris Garnett.
2. Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine
3. MDVIP
Best Locally Owned Pharmacy
8903 Three Chopt Road
Since 1967, this apothecary has been a one-stop choice for prescription pickups, hard-to-find gift items, Kosher food and high-quality deli offerings. “We try to keep our pharmacy a true community and neighborhood pharmacy. Customers come in and they know who we are, and we take time to get to know them,” says longtime pharmacist Shannon Dowdy.
2. Westwood Pharmacy
3. Buford Road Pharmacy
Photo courtesy Patient First
Multicategory Winner
Patient First and its distinctive green roofs have been there for patients since 1981, offering primary and urgent care across nine Richmond locations and dozens more between Virginia Beach and New Jersey. Founded and headquartered in the Richmond area, the care group puts doctors in reach of patients when they need them, every day of the week, no appointment necessary. “We’re open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the year, weekends, holidays, even Christmas,” says Dr. Elizabeth Jenkins, a Richmond-area physician with Patient First since 2002. “We’re there when people need us.”
Best Family Doctor or General Practice
2. Commonwealth Primary Care
3. PartnerMD
Best Urgent Care
2. Bon Secours Urgent Care
3. Kid Med
Photo courtesy Center for Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine
Best Physical Therapy Practice
Center for Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine
3920 Springfield Road, Glen Allen; 1300 Alverser Plaza, Midlothian
The Center for Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine specializes in orthopedic care, postsurgical rehabilitation and performance rehab. Treatments are strictly tailored to individual patient needs, physical therapist and co-owner Janie Fitzgerald Schneider says. “We want everyone to feel like we have their best interests [in mind] and want to be there for every step of their journey through recovery,” she says.
2. OrthoVirginia
3. Sheltering Arms Institute
Best Hospital
Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital
5801 Bremo Road
Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital is regarded for its complex care and excellence in patient services. “St. Mary’s has long been a trusted destination for advanced and compassionate healthcare, and we’re honored to be part of so many family stories across generations,” says hospital President Bryan Lee. The facility’s Critical Care Tower expansion is estimated to open in 2028.
2. VCU Health
3. Henrico Doctors’ Hospital
Best Alternative Medicine Practice
Richmond Integrative and Functional Medicine
1 Park West Circle, Suite 301, Midlothian
Richmond Integrative and Functional Medicine aims to help patients find new paths on their healthcare journeys. “It’s complete medicine: evidence-based care that keeps investigating. Our patients usually arrive after the system has told them there’s nothing more to be done. Our whole job is to keep asking why until we find something that helps,” founder Dr. Aaron Hartman says.
2. Dr. Keith Bell
Photo courtesy Virginia Family Dentistry
Multicategory Winner
Virginia Family Dentistry is a multispecialty practice with experts in everything from general dentistry to pediatric care, gum disease, endodontics and more. Those specialties apply to all ages. “You can start coming to us when you are quite literally a baby,” Marketing Director Desiree Tunnell says. “It’s convenient for the whole family, because we’ve got everything in the same practice.” Virginia Family Dentistry has been locally owned since its founding in 1974, welcoming generations of patients to its 17 locations in the greater Richmond area.
Best Family Dentist or General Dental Practice
2. Glen Forest Dental Co.
3. River Run Dental
Best Place for Teeth Whitening
2. Glen Forest Dental Co.
3. RVA Dental Care
Best Chiropractic Practice
9173 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville
“Our patients trust us with something sacred — their health,” Atlee Chiropractic founder Anna Bender says. “We are grateful every single day for that privilege.” With services including manual therapy treatments and specialized programs for children and expectant mothers, Bender and the team take pride in providing comprehensive guidance through musculoskeletal care.
2. Triad Chiropractic
3. Chiropractic Health & Wellness Center
Photo courtesy Virginia Eye Institute
Best Optometry/Ophthalmology Practice
Celebrating 50 years in business next year, Virginia Eye Institute has provided vision care, surgery and other optical services around the region since its founding. The practice also incorporates specialized hearing and aesthetic services, expanding care options beyond the eye. “Our team combines the expertise of a large multispecialty practice with a patient-centered approach,” says Marketing Director Melissa Casanova.
2. Patterson Eye Clinic
3. Grove Eye Care
Best Orthodontics Practice
Gardner & La Rochelle Orthodontics
Gardner & La Rochelle Orthodontics has served Richmond since 1998 and prides itself on community connections and patient relationships. “Our goal is to provide exceptional care while creating an environment where patients feel known, valued and excited to be part of our GLO family,” Marketing Coordinator Dalton Smith says. West End locations on Gaskins Road and Monument Avenue offer services including Invisalign and other orthodontic specialties.
2. Virginia Family Dentistry
3. Bates Orthodontics
Photo courtesy Mango Salon
PERSONAL CARE
Best Hair Salon
The teamwork-first approach at Mango Salon gives clients a consistent, positive experience across the brand’s three West End locations, says spokesperson Cari Shannon, “So that you feel like you could have the same type of experience every time you come in, no matter which location you go to.”
2. CocoLemon Hair Salon
3. Red Salon Organics
Best Place for Children’s Haircuts
13106 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian
What makes Kidtopia the best, according to owner Ashley Wrobel, is its welcoming environment where children keep coming back. “I have cut some of these children’s hair [since they were small] and now there’s a few that are graduating high school,” Wrobel says. “It just kind of pulls at your heartstrings that some of them … still come to me.”
2. Pigtails & Crewcuts
3. Mango Salon
Best Barber Shop or Men’s Haircut
High Point Barbershop & Shave Parlor
Building relationships in the community is the most rewarding aspect of owning High Point, cofounder David Foster says. “It’s just been so awesome to receive the love and support and to give back where we can,” he says. “We’re a steadfast place for people to come and feel better. That’s the coolest part of what we do.”
2. Cutz for Guys
3. Tie: Great Clips; Main Street Barber RVA; Parkside Barber Shop & Grooming Lounge
Best Lash, Brow and/or Waxing Salon
Photo courtesy Atelier
2307 W. Cary St.
Atelier co-owners Savannah Sheely and Ivy Mazza find the most satisfaction in seeing the increase in a client’s confidence after a session. “Personally, I like the gratification of tattooing somebody’s face [to enhance their brows, lips or lashes] and then they’re like, ‘Oh, wow, I’m beautiful,’” Mazza says. Sheely says the brand’s quality and consistency have resulted in over 1,000 five-star reviews, adding, “The trust is there.”
2. Glow Med Spa
3. Sunny Vibes Aesthetics
Best Nail Salon
Tie: ATiR Natural Nail Care; Carytown Nails and Spa
Category winners ATiR Natural Nail Care and Carytown Nails and Spa offer general and specialty nail services. ATiR opened its first location 39 years ago, when founder Rita Lampkin sought to rehab her own nails; her daughter, Brittany Glaser, now runs the Richmond location focusing on protecting nails, giving them a unique approach to nail care, Lampkin says. Carytown Nails and Spa provides hand-painted offerings and services beyond nail care, providing a welcoming experience for all customers.
2. Fusion Nails
3. Tips & Toes Nail Salon
Best Tailor
George’s Alteration Shop
1344 Gaskins Road
Owner George Livaniou has been altering clothing since the age of 14, with almost 70 years of experience under his belt. After dedicating 45 of those years to his West End alteration business, Livaniou has a simple explanation of why George’s Alteration Shop is a repeat winner: “We do nice work.”
2. Vincent’s Custom Tailor Shop
3. #1 Tailor
Photo courtesy Cassie Lane
Best Spa
5805 Staples Mill Road
As clinic director and a longtime client at Cassie Lane, Jenn Harrington understands what sets the spa apart from others: “We are such a positive and welcoming group [of] women. We want to make every client and patient that comes through the door be seen, be heard and feel comfortable. Our goal is for everyone to feel and look their best, and our team really does that,” she says.
2. Scents of Serenity
3. Vitality Float Spa
Best Dry Cleaner
Puritan Vice President Norman Way says cleaning garments is only the beginning of Puritan’s service to the community; its annual 100K Meals program allows customers to donate funds or nonperishable food items at each of its 13 locations and through its home delivery service. “It’s all about the people. The clothes just happen to be a way that we get to connect,” Way says.
2. Princess Cleaners, Woodman Road, Henrico
3. Village Cleaners, Three Chopt Road
Best Locally Made Beauty, Wellness, or Self-Care Brand or Product
While many skin care brands shift their focus to adapt to a changing market, Maven Made owner Bethany Frazier says offering consistent, simple products has kept her customers coming back. Frazier began by selling her facial serum on Etsy, soon expanding to sell fragrances, she says. “I would say the fragrance line is the most exciting to me and seems to be very exciting to the community, too.”
2. Adiva Naturals
Photo courtesy Richmond SPCA
PETS
Best Place to Adopt a Pet
2519 Hermitage Road
Richmond SPCA earns the top spot this year for its adoption facility, but Communications Director Dori McGuire says, “The community really resonates with us because we offer resources beyond the pet adoption: the Robins-Starr Humane Center, training classes, the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital. Our goal is really to be a resource to the community.”
2. Richmond Animal Care & Control
3. Richmond Animal League
Photo courtesy Toby Town RVA
Best Pet Daycare or Boarding Facility
2100 Maywill St.
Along with a playful environment and attentive staff, Toby Town owner Gloria Ruggeri attributes her business’ win to the loyal following it has built since opening in 2019. “We feel lucky we get to do what we do each day and for how many dogs and families we have gotten to open our hearts to over seven years,” she says.
2. Holiday Barn Pet Resorts
3. Playful Pack
Best Locally Owned Pet Store
Dog Krazy brings a healthy dose of local pride to its nine locations statewide, including four in the Richmond area; in the last year, franchise owner Nancy Guinn turned the majority of its locations into employee-owned ventures. “[Those stores are] locally owned and operated by passionate entrepreneurs who started their journey with us as members of our team,” she says.
2. Red Ridge Pet Market
3. Dogma
Best Pet-Friendly Destination
Hardywood’s taprooms are popular not just for the brews, but also for the social spaces they create. The brand’s Ownby Lane beer garden in Scott’s Addition is convenient for city pets, while the West Creek location draws dogs and their owners to its green side yard and patio area. Hardywood leans into the pet love with dog-centric events such as Yappy Hour, featuring local vendors for humans and their furry friends.
2. Stony Point Fashion Park
3. Tie: Lowe’s; River City Roll
Photo courtesy Zoom Room
Best Dog Training Company
3450 B Lauderdale Drive, Short Pump
“We’ve created an incredible community where fun, learning and the human–canine bond are at the heart of everything we do,” Zoom Room co-owner Mel Piatek says. Mel and her husband, Shemeck, launched the dog training franchise’s first Richmond location in 2021. By next year, Mel says, the Short Pump-based business plans to expand to Midlothian.
2. Richmond SPCA
3. Holiday Barn Pet Resorts
Best Veterinary Practice
With three locations — two primary care facilities in Richmond and a veterinary hospital in Glen Allen — Locke A. Taylor and Associates serves the region with comprehensive pet care, including preventive medicine, wellness visits and emergency treatment.
2. River City Veterinary Hospital
3. Tie: Betty Baugh Animal Clinic; Bon Air Animal Hospital
Best Pet Grooming
3501 W. Cary St.
“We provide the best grooming in town while finding new ways to support Richmond’s animal-loving community,” Dogma owner Megan Dahmer says. Dogma, a category winner for six years straight, now partners with the RVA Free Pet Pantry Project as a donation site and hosts monthly adoption events with the nonprofit Friends United with the Richmond Shelter.
2. Holiday Barn Pet Resorts
3. Petnificent
Photo courtesy Ironwood Automotive
AUTO
Best Local Mechanic
2104 N. Hamilton St.
Ironwood has become a local favorite in the seven years since its founding as a small, three-bay shop in Scott’s Addition, and co-owner Kayla Williams says one thing remains true: “We built Ironwood around the idea that car repair shouldn’t feel intimidating. Customers deserve honest answers, clear communication and a shop they can trust.”
2. Wallace Automotive
3. Midas of Richmond
Best Car Wash
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team members, who show up every day to deliver a top-notch wash experience,” Flagstop CEO Spencer Rakes says. He says he hopes readers stop by to try new amenities at area locations, including complimentary windshield washer fluid and rubber mat cleaning stations. The chain is also adding compressed air detailers to its tire air stations.
2. Car Pool Car Wash
3. Tommy’s Express Car Wash
Best Locally Owned Tire Shop
2526 Chamberlayne Ave.
This family-owned tire shop has kept Richmonders driving for over 100 years, offering services ranging from new tires to vehicle alignments and brake jobs. “We strive to create the best blend of customer service, competitive pricing and treating you like family,” owner John Vonderlehr says.
2. Allen Tire
3. Mincz Tire
Best Auto Group
Haley Automotive Group connects drivers with a vast selection of new vehicles. Among its multiple locations in the region, Haley prioritizes community support alongside sales. “This recognition belongs to every team member across our nine Richmond dealerships,” says group President Kinsey Pridgen Szucs. “Thank you, RVA. Your trust means everything.”
2. Hyman Bros. Automotive
3. Tie: Richmond Ford; Sheehy Auto Stores
Best Auto Body/Collision Repair Shop
Caliber earns the title of best auto body/collision repair shop for the second year in a row, serving Richmonders with more than 10 locations across the region. Founded in 1997, the nationwide chain offering everything from dent and fender fixes to glass replacements and accident repair has grown to more than 1,800 locations across the U.S.
2. Koontz Paint & Body Works
3. Bruce’s Super Body Shop
Best New Car Dealership
7014 W. Broad St.
Steve Prezioso, general manager of West Broad Honda, likes to say, “We’re basically family” to the Richmond community. Indeed, at nearly 50 years old, the dealership’s been selling cars to generations of Richmonders. Offering a wide selection of popular Honda vehicles, the dealership is in the midst of an improvement plan that includes a new service center and updates to the customer lounge and service lane.
2. Haley Toyota of Richmond
3. Moore Subaru Richmond
Best Place to Buy a Preowned Car
Founded right here in Richmond, CarMax changed vehicle shopping with its no-haggle pricing model. Buyers can browse a massive nationwide inventory online or at one of CarMax’s two Richmond lots. The brand’s local love extends to another institution: the Flying Squirrels, as sponsor of the new CarMax Park baseball stadium. “We are thrilled to be part of delivering unforgettable fan experiences,” spokesperson Courtney Newman says.
2. Carvana
3. Haley Automotive Group
NEIGHBORHOODS
Best Neighborhood Tradition
Photo courtesy Bellevue Civic Association
Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Porchella has grown into a beloved annual event that transforms Bellevue’s historic porch fronts into tiny performance venues. The family-friendly festival fills the streets with diverse local bands, food trucks and block-party energy. “We’re grateful for our neighbors that host, and all the talented musicians who make Porchella happen,” organizer Rob McAdams says. “It shows the power of music and community.”
2. Halloween on Hanover Avenue
3. Oregon Hill Halloween Parade (All the Saints Theater Company)
Best Retirement or Continuing Care Community
1900 Lakewood Drive
Nestled on 128 acres in Richmond’s West End, Lakewood provides a wide range of housing options and amenities. The creekside campus offers senior residents a full continuum of care, from independent living to assisted living and memory support. “We’re also excited to see what’s ahead, with a new expansion set to welcome residents in 2028,” spokesperson Hillary Winkelmann says.
2. Westminster Canterbury
3. Avery Point
Photo courtesy Richmond Rapids
EDITOR’S PICKS
Step Right Up
The city’s fitness fiends find unique ways to work out
In my time as a Richmonder, I’ve walked by the downtown riverfront more times than I can count. It’s been the same serene scene of rapids, lush trees and the usual wildlife every time — except once, last summer, I caught a glimpse of the Richmond Rapids. Strapped into fluorescent boats, with impressive skill these athletes tucked, rolled and batted at something reminiscent of a volleyball toward a floating goal.
The club plays kayak polo, also known as canoe polo, a riff on traditional water polo that suits this river-loving town well. It’s also a heck of a workout, and one of many ways residents are getting active outside of the traditional roster of solo and club sports.
Photo courtesy Richmond Floorball Club
There are groups for ball games including kickball, dodgeball, floorball and more variants of polo; water activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, synchronized swimming and rafting; and endless running and walking groups that provide social connection during a workout. At this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if competitive midway games were the next big thing.
People try these variants and outliers for a host of reasons; some focus on improving a niche athletic ability, while others join just for the community. For whatever reasons we do them, unique sports might just be the way Richmond continues to stay weird. —Kevin Johnson
