Photo by Jay Paul
Boho Cycle Studio won for Best Indoor Cycling Classes. From left: Shannon Greenwood and AnnMarie Grohs
Best Spa
Glow Med Spa
5109 Lakeside Ave.; 201 Towne Center West, Suite 705; Waxing Station by Glow Med Spa: 3202 W. Cary St., 262-0330
You can visit any dermatologist for microdermabrasion, but at Glow Med Spa, you get a full spa experience in addition to your treatment. Owner Shia Noth says clients also receive a relaxing massage while they are there for a procedure, in addition to education about their skin and their treatments.
2. Scents of Serenity Organic Spa
3. Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa
Best Vintage Store
Bygones
2916 W. Cary St., 353-1919
Whether it’s a beaded flapper dress, a 1950s pin-up bathing suit or that 1960s Mad Men look, Bygones can deck you out in a range of vintage fashion styles. Owner Maynee Cayton says the shop has seen its fair share of celebrities, too: Daniel Day-Lewis dropped by while filming Lincoln, and Bruce Springsteen paid a visit last winter.
2. Halcyon
3. Addison Handmade & Vintage
Best Facials
Glow Med Spa
5109 Lakeside Ave.; 201 Towne Center West, Suite 705; Waxing Station by Glow Med Spa: 3202 W. Cary St., 262-0330
Micro-peels, involving a three-step exfoliation process, are the most popular facial at Glow Med, says owner Shia Noth. At $75 each or $300 for six treatments, the pricing is competitive. “When I created Glow, I wanted to make sure that people would not have to break the bank to have good skin,” Noth says.
2. Bombshell (esp. Blair Harris)
3. Scents of Serenity Organic Spa
Best Locally Made Item
Hardywood Beer, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
2408 Ownby Lane, 420-2420
It doesn’t get much more local than Hardywood beer. The RVA IPA comprises hops from local home-growers and farms, which go from vine to beer in about 12 hours. In late summer, try Virginia Blackberry, made with 1,000 pounds per batch of Mechanicsville-grown Agriberry blackberries.
2. Kim Kim Sauce
3. Shyndigz cake
Most Friendly Pharmacists
CVS
Visit cvs.com for locations
Pharmacist Steve Ratcliffe has been at CVS’ 7023 Three Chopt Road location for 21 years. Being in close proximity to the University of Richmond, a good proportion of the pharmacy’s customers are students, many of whom are just starting to fill their own prescriptions and need assistance with advice and medications.
2. Walgreen's
3. Westbury Pharmacy
Best Store Experience
Nordstrom
Short Pump Town Center, 364-6900
“We don’t think there’s a real secret to our store experience — we hire nice people that want to give great service, and then we empower them to do what is needed to make the customer feel good,” says store manager Janessa Wentworth. This can include anything from helping with store inquiries to carrying bags to the vehicle.
2. Vera's Fine Jewelers
3. (Tie) Tweed; Whole Foods
Best Car Dealer Service
Lexus of Richmond
9703 Midlothian Turnpike, 323-8000
General manager Tom Flood says the dealership focuses on sales, service and community. Its flagship program is the Lexus Pursuit of Perfection Leadership Award, a scholarship for high school seniors. This May marked the 19thyear of the award, which recognizes achievement academically and athletically, as well as service to the community.
2. (Tie) CarLotz; CarMax
3. McGeorge Toyota
Bank With the Best Tellers
Wells Fargo
Visit wellsfargo.com for locations
Personalized service and approachability are hallmarks of Wells Fargo tellers, who deal with their patrons on a first-name basis. “I started as a teller 25 years ago,” says Tri-Cities Community Banking District Manager Sandra Doll. “We had fun interactions with our customers and we have a great bond with [them], so our tellers do work really hard.”
2. Union First Market Bank
3. SunTrust
Best Fitness Class Instructors
ACAC
11621 Robious Road, 378-1600; 2201 Old Brick Road, 464-0990
With 200-plus classes taught by more than 100 instructors between the two locations, it’s not hard to find a favorite. Marketing Director Wendy Greene singles out Zumba instructor Marcela Charris, who “makes everybody feel comfortable,” and instructor Suzy Weber, whom a member recently praised for the encouragement she offered.
2. Corner Barre
3. Boho Cycle Studio
Best Indoor Cycling Classes
Boho Cycle Studio
714 N. Sheppard St., info@bohocyclestudio.com
Boho Cycle and Boho Body — which incorporates upper-body conditioning — are two types of indoor-cycling classes offered at this membership-free studio. Co-owner Shannon Greenwood has been compared to a cross between Oprah and Axl Rose, as she plays rock ’n’ roll music and dances around while giving motivational speeches.
2. ACAC
3. Tidal Wheel
Best Fitness Center
ACAC
11621 Robious Road, 378-1600; 2201 Old Brick Road, 464-0990
ACAC works with the medical community through the Physician Referred Exercise Program (PREP), in which doctors can prescribe exercise to their patients in much the same way as they do medicine. For 60 days and $60, participants work with a registered nurse and an exercise physiologist to achieve the prescribed amount of exercise.
2. American Family Fitness
3. Gold's Gym
Best Small Gym
(Tie) Corner Barre; Gold's Gym; Pure Barre Richmond-Short Pump
Corner Barre: 3466 Lauderdale Drive, 360-3820, and 13827 Village Place Drive, 794-0710; Gold’s Gym: visit goldsgym.com for locations; Pure Barre Richmond-Short Pump: 4017 Lauderdale Drive, 918-2568
Enjoy the Cardio Cinema at Gold’s Gym or take on a nontraditional workout at Corner Barre and Pure Barre, both offering a free first class. Barre training is a low-impact, fast, effective way to tone the body. Pure Barre owner Gracie McGurn says it targets those common problem areas of the arms, abs, thighs and seat.
2. Tie: Boho Cycle Studio; West End Crossfit
3. Victory Lady
Best Yoga Studio
Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center
10442 Ridgefield Parkway, 741-5267
Since 2008, Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center has been voted one of the best in Richmond. Classes are available for all ages and skill levels, and they range from Restorative to Ashtanga Fusion and Ageless Yoga for Boomers & Beyond. The center also provides a Yoga Teacher Training Program that has been accredited with the Yoga Alliance since 2003.
2. Yoga Source
3. ACAC
Best Real Estate Agent, Historic Homes
Cabell Childress Group
11225 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen, 346-4411
Owner Cabell Childress says some buyers are attracted to historic homes from the 1900s because the construction pays more attention to detail and uses materials such as brick, slate and hardwood. Childress attributes some of his sales success to the high-quality photos the group posts online, which he says many other Realtors don’t bother spending the money or time on.
2. Ceci Amrhein (& partner Bill Gallasch)
3. Tie: Shana Bloom, Compass Realty; Chris Small, Small & Associates
Best Real Estate Agent, New Construction
Cabell Childress Group
11225 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen, 346-4411
It’s a common misconception when purchasing a new-construction home, says Childress, to think that you have to use the site agent of the neighborhood or subdivision. He says that your own representation can fight for you if any problems arise during construction, and the cost of the agent, just as with already built homes, is built into the price.
2. Marianne Mize
3. Shana Bloom, Compass Realty
Best Fender Repair
Baugh Auto Body
6018 W. Broad St., 285-8045
The major hailstorm that rocked the Richmond area this May kept this family-run business busy, when no doubt owner Gerry Baugh and his team of automotive specialists had to repair a fender or two, among other vehicle parts.
2. Bruce's Super Body Shops
3. Tie: Conner Brothers; Harrison Body Works
Best Women’s Boutique for Separates
Need Supply Co.
3100 W. Cary St., 355-4383
Crop tops made by Kaarem and blouses from Just Female are popular options for separates. The staff is happy to help match pieces together, whether you’re dressing for graduation, a wedding or any other special event. “Our store staff loves to do that kind of thing, that’s fun for them,” says PR and social media manager Molly Szkotak.
2. Eurotrash
3. Fab'rik
Best Women's Boutique for Work Dresses
Tie: Eurotrash; Need Supply Co.
Eurotrash: 3009 W. Cary St., 622-3876; Need Supply Co.: 3100 W. Cary St., 355-4383
A decade after Marimekko stopped exporting to the States, Eurotrash owner Anne Hughes says her store was the first to start selling the clothing line again in Richmond. Bold stripes and colorful prints can also be found at Need Supply Co., which sells button-down shirt-dresses from T by Alexander Wang and fashionable yet work-appropriate dresses from Just Female.
2. It's Chic Again! Upscale Consignment
3. Tie: Clementine; Nellie George
Best Hostess Gift Items
Tweed
4035 Lauderdale Drive, 249-3900
Tweed’s website (tweedathome.com), which is being expanded, features an option to browse by recipient, including “hostess,” so you can be sure you’re picking the right thing from its large collection of gifts.
2. Mongrel
3. Tinkers
Best Selection of Locally Made Gifts
Orange
3007 W. Cary St., 257-9800
The store, which celebrated its one-year anniversary in May, carries art and items that are all locally made. Furniture from RVA Inspired is made from reclaimed wood, such as its mirrors lined with molding from old Richmond homes. Modern, clean-lined prints of Richmond neighborhoods from Justin Tran are a top seller.
2. Mongrel
3. Tinkers
Best Used Bookstore
Chop Suey Books
2913 W. Cary St., 422-8066
Customers don’t stop by just to see WonTon the cat; they’re also checking out the collection of 45,000-plus used books. “We try to squeeze them in wherever they can go,” says owner Ward Tefft. He says some of the benefits of buying used are the lower cost and finding books that are out of print.
2. Black Swan Books
3. Midlothian Book Exchange
Best Women's Clothing Consignment Store
Clementine
3118 W. Cary St., 358-2357
With new inventory daily, this consignment boutique offers contemporary fashion at affordable prices. Brands regularly found at the store include J.Crew, Lilly Pulitzer and Marc Jacobs. “Lightly loved” accessories including bags, shoes, jewelry and belts are also worth checking out.
2. The Hall Tree
3. It's Chic Again! Upscale Consignment
Best Lingerie Shop
Blythe Exquisite Linens and Lingerie
11713 W. Broad St., 364-1717
With one of the largest selections of labels and sizes in the area, Blythe has been voted “Best Lingerie Shop” for the third year in a row. The staff serves as personal shoppers as they help to size, pick out and fit bras and other intimates.
2. Fiamour Lingerie
3. Kiss & Make-Up
Best Cigar Shop
Havana Connections
Visit havanaconnections.com for locations
Unique to the store, the Shockoe Valley cigar pays tribute to the tobacco heritage of Shockoe Bottom. But smokers of all vintages should find something here to suit, whether they’re just beginning to smoke cigars, occasional smokers or collectors.
2. Cigar Realm
3. Mona Lounge & Cigar Bar
Best Mani-Pedis
Bombshell
10 S. Crenshaw Ave.; 2243 Old Brick Road; 4821 Commonwealth Centre Parkway, 342-0051
Gel polish with nail art is a popular request; owner Melissa Black says Bombshell uses a waterless technique that helps to preserve the polish. The salon's nail artists draw their inspiration from WAH Nails in London and have completed design requests from curse words to school logos, but the most common ask is to add ‘bling’ such as crystals.
2. Fusion Nail Spa
3. Atir Natural Nail Care Clinic
Best Women's Accessories Shop
Charming Charlie
1404 N. Parham Road, Suite 218 (Regency Square), 740-1245
Shoes, apparel and handbags fill the displays, but where Charming Charlie really stands out is the accessories. Chunky bracelets and statement necklaces are just the tip of the iceberg, and everything in the store is grouped by color. The layout makes it a great place to shop for wedding accessories, as you can easily color-coordinate.
2. Penelope
3. Lulu Luxuries
Best Fine Jewelry Selection
(Tie) Fink's Jewelers; Vera's Fine Jewelers
Fink’s Jewelers: 1500 Midlothian Turnpike (Chesterfield Towne Center), 379-7171, and 11800 W. Broad St. (Short Pump Town Center), 377-8589;
Vera’s Fine Jewelers: 16701 Midlothian Turnpike, 794-5671
Fink’s and Vera’s are both family-owned and -operated. Fink’s store manager Steve Pridgen says that old-fashioned vintage looks, including diamond pavé, are popular in bridal and fashion jewelry. Vera’s Fine Jewelers has gemstones ranging from blue topaz to sapphires in colors such as yellow and pink.
2. Schwarzschild Jewelers
3. Adolf Jewelers
Best Shop for Mother’s Day Gifts
Tweed
4035 Lauderdale Drive, 249-3900
Vera Bradley, Lilly Pulitzer, Hen House Linens and Scout Bags are just a few of the designers whose products, from women’s accessories to home décor items, are stocked at Tweed — perfect for Mother’s Day.
2. Mongrel
3. Vera's Fine Jewelers
Best Shop for Father's Day Gifts
Mongrel
2924 W. Cary St., 342-1272
The men’s section doubled in size this summer, catering to events like Father’s Day, graduations and weddings. “We felt there was a hole in the market,” co-owner Stan McCulloch says. “We were trying to find fun things that guys would actually enjoy.” Unique socks are popular, including a pair with a skull and crossbones pattern.
2. (Tie) Lowe's; Peter-Blair
3. (Tie) ABC Store; All Fired Up; Bass Pro Shops; Sassy Bee
Best Preppy Shop
Vineyard Vines
Stony Point Fashion Park, 272-2536
Vineyard Vines was founded in 1998 by brothers Shep and Ian Murray, who decided to trade in their corporate ties to make neckties. Today, the store with the signature pink whale logo stocks such popular preppy styles as button-downs, sundresses, polos and more.
2. Tweed
3. Peter-Blair
Best Place to Buy Yoga Wear
Lululemon
Short Pump Town Center, 360-7923
There's more of a science to picking your yoga outfit than you might think. “There are certain styles and fabrics that are going to work better for a particular type of [yoga] practice,” says Lululemon assistant manager Autumn Hibberd, who adds that staff work to match the customer to the right product as well as get the right fit.
2. Athleta
3. Om on Yoga
Best Place to Buy a Men’s Suit Jacket
Franco’s Fine Clothier
Short Pump Town Center, 364-9400; 5321 Lakeside Ave., 264-2994
At the Lakeside location, a team of 15 tailors can provide a variety of alterations — even the more unusual ones, like removing a pleat. “Franco’s started out as a custom tailor, so we pride ourselves on the fit of the garment,” says co-owner and son of founder Franco, Mark Ambrogi.
2. Brooks Brothers
3. Men’s Warehouse
Best New Home Décor Store
Ruth & Ollie
3108 W. Cary St., 288-3360
While not exactly new to Carytown, Ruth & Ollie moved to a larger location in June 2013. The windows, which co-owner Mike Liebschwager refers to as “the peep show,” showcase quirky monthly displays such as one featuring a dresser with a sign that read, “Meet Lola. I bet you’d like to look in her drawers.”
2. Fraîche
3. Orange
Best New Fashion Retailer
Verdalina
325 W. Broad St., 788-8800
As co-owner of the now-shuttered Pink in Carytown for 25 years, owner Deborah Boschen knows a thing or two about fashion. She opened Verdalina in August 2013, selling organic, timeless clothing. Retail is in her blood: Her great-great-great grandfather, John Boschen, had a store for 75 years, which opened in 1852 at 507 E. Broad St.
2. Tie: Nellie George; Cynthia Steele
3. Tie: Lulu Luxuries; Need Supply Co.
Store That Does the Best Gift Wrapping
Tweed
4035 Lauderdale Drive, 249-3900
For $5 per box, you can wrap your gifts in Tweed’s signature chocolate brown box with a pale blue bow. For the holidays, request the glossy lipstick-red box with a lime-green bow. If an item is too big for a gift box, Tweed has you covered with gift-wrapping instead.
2. Tinkers
3. World of Mirth
Best In-Store Events
Need Supply Co.
3100 W. Cary St., 355-4383
The quarterly “Meet the Maker” series began in 2009 and has featured renowned designers such as Steven Alan, Clare Vivier and, most recently, menswear designer Mark McNairy. “It’s an opportunity for our local fans to meet the faces and the people behind some of their favorite lines,” says PR and social media manager Molly Szkotak.
2. Saks Fifth Avenue
3. Tie: Nordstrom; Tweed
Most Revered Tattoo Artist
Amy Black, Amy Black Tattoos
3125 W. Cary St., 2nd floor, 254-9006
Amy Black founded the Pink Ink Fund, which recently received nonprofit status. The fund provides financial assistance to those who need help with their mastectomy tattoos, which are realistic 3D nipple tattoos. Black herself provides this service to breast cancer survivors, but she hopes the fund will be able to help nationwide.
2. Thea Duskin, Ghostprint Gallery
3. Tie: Jason Hobbie; Jesse Smith
Best Locally Made Jewelry
Vera's Fine Jewelers
16701 Midlothian Turnpike, 794-5671
Three jewelers working on site create and design beautiful pieces based around loose gemstones bought direct from overseas. Co-owner Mike Caniglia says, “Anybody can just take a stone and pop it into a pre-made mounting, but it won’t look right,” adding that the store does a lot of design work commissioned by customers.
2. Tie: ObscurO; on u Jewelry
3. Cocoanut Jewelry
Best Dry Cleaners With Attention to Detail
Puritan Cleaners
Visit puritancleaners.com for locations
Whether it’s tightening a shirt button or sending an email notification for pickup, Puritan Cleaners prides itself on the details. Its Coats for Kids program collected about 17,000 coats in a four-week period this past December; in the program’s lifetime of 25 years, it has reached almost half a million coats.
2. HandCraft Dry Cleaners
3. Joy Cleaners & Alterations
Best Bicycle Shop
Agee’s Bicycles
Visit agees.com for locations
“Looking good, getting in shape” is the familiar mantra of this bike shop, which has been in business since 1910. Brothers Bill and Monty Agee are third-generation co-owners of the shop, which caters to Richmond cyclists from beginner to expert.
2. Carytown Bicycle Co.
3. Conte's
