Thank You Columbia The Mather Company For Voting Charlie Mather 2011 BEST Realtor! “The Key to Your Real Estate Needs”

This award means a lot to me because it came from the community. This country was built by entrepreneurs opening companies and building community support. My hero and role model is my grandfather, the late Guy Lipscomb Jr. A successful entrepreneur and artist, he spent his life giving back to his community. Columbia is a great city, and living and working here is such a gift. I am very proud to live where the American dream still lives on. As a Realtor, I began pursuing my dream in 2009, when I opened The Mather Company Inc. The key to my success in real estate is to never view the clients as dollar signs. It is more important to make the CharlieMather client happy. When you treat people with honesty, integrity, and truly look out for their best interest, it always Broker-in-Charge pays off in the future. My goal is to do such an incredible job for them that they cannot wait to tell someone Realtor® else about me. Our vision: To sell you not only your first home but your second, third, and fourth. Our mission: To provide quality service to our clients, and to perform above and beyond their expectations. We will conduct our business in a professional manner by committing ourselves to hard work, honesty, and integrity. We believe our emphasis on teamwork will set us apart from other real estate companies. Our ultimate goal is for God to be glorified through this company. “Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.” Isaiah 26:4 Our services: In addition to the traditional marketing - open houses, flyers, newspaper ads, mailings, etc. - The Mather Company offers:  A professional photographer on all our listings.  A videographer to film your house and make DVDs  Utilize the Internet to its fullest on marketing all our properties  Provide furniture staging to help make your house show the best  Give you feedback after every showing  Provide lunches for agent open house  Offer a competitive fixed-rate commission  Communicate with you throughout the entire experience  Be on call 24/7 and will guide you smoothly through the entire process

Property Management: The Mather Company not only works with buyers and sellers but also manages rental property. We offer competitive rates and manage every property as if it were our own. New Office: The Mather Company has been very blessed and will soon move to a new office at 3722 Devine Street. Our new building will give us the ability to expand and provide more jobs for families in Columbia. Now Hiring!: We are looking for new and experienced real estate agents who share a similar passion for helping people with all their real estate needs. Come by and talk with us about what Our NEW Office! we have to offer you! VOTED “BEST OF ” AGAIN! By the Readers of 14 YEARS The State Newspaper! Best Real Estate Company in the Midlands!

BEST OF 2011 3 Readers' Choice Best of 2011 July 31, 2011

ABOUT THIS SECTION The Readers’ Choice Best Of 2011 is an unscientific sampling based on the subjective responses of the read- ers of The State. The results of their voting appear in this special section. The information contained in the listings was obtained from the winners and other sources. Every effort was made to keep listings as complete as possible and to print information as it was provided. However, some entries have been edited for space and content.

President and Publisher Sales Manager / Advertising The State Media Company Lauren Libet Henry B. Haitz, III (803) 771-8372 (803) 771-8693 [email protected] [email protected] Art Direction Vice President of Advertising Louie Lanford Jeff Kuerzi [email protected] (803) 771-8351 [email protected] Editor Anne-Kathryn Interactive Media Operation Flanagan and Sales Manager [email protected] Ashleigh A. McAlister (803) 771-8431 (803) 771-8566 [email protected] Best Art Gallery Claim to Fame: Edventure 100 Scotland Drive, Best Movie Theater On the Web: Columbia Museum of Art is home to EDDIE ®, the Lexington, SC 29072 Regal Columbiana www.trustus.org world’s largest child. 803.957.3355 Grande Claim to Fame: World Years in business: 26 class art from around the Check it out for yourself: On the Web: Check it out for yourself: world. Monet, Botticelli, 211 Gervais Street, www.goldenhillsgolf.com 1250 Bower Parkway, WOW!: Our seats are com- Chihuly, Tiffany and more! Columbia, SC 29201, Columbia, SC 29212 fortable because our plays 803.779.3100 Years in business: 23 sometimes are not. Check it out for yourself: On the Web: 1515 Main St., Columbia, On the Web: WOW!: Exceptional year- www.regmovies.com SC 29205, 803.799.2810 www.edventure.org round playing conditions. Best Place for Children’s Amenities include: 18 hole WOW!: “Best” place in Birthday On the Web: Years in business: 8 years championship course, ten- town for a great movie Monkey Joe’s www.columbiamuseum.org nis, pool, clubhouse/ban- experience. WOW!: The South’s Largest quet facility. Claim to Fame: Great par- Years in business: 61 Children’s Museum ties parents bring a cake Best Stage Theater and relax; we do the rest. WOW!: New Chihuly Best Live Music Trustus Theatre Chandelier- 800 pieces, Best Golf Course Jillians Check it out for yourself: one ton- wow! Golden Hills Golf and Claim to Fame: 109 Park Place Court, Country Club Check it out for yourself: Professional theatre in a Lexington, SC 29072, 800 Gervais Street, comfortable setting with 803.808.5637 Best Children’s Claim to Fame: Columbia, SC 29201, free popcorn. Entertainment Consistent quality of 803.799.1688 171 Newland Road, EdVenture Children’s course conditions. Check it out for yourself: Columbia, SC, Museum On the Web: 520 Lady Street, 803.788.1102 Check it out for yourself: www.jillians.com 803.254.9732

BEST OF 2011 5 On the Web: Years in business: 11 Best Deli/ Sandwich 2332 Sunset Blvd. West Years in business: www.monkeyjoes.com Shop Columbia, SC 29169, Company 29 WOW!: Best rooftop bar in Groucho’s Deli 803.796.5034, Nine loca- Years in business: 2 Columbia ; coldest beer in tions in the Midlands town Claim to Fame: 48 sauces Best Japanese WOW!: Huge Inflatables, On the Web: Restaurant Great games, clean and Check it out for yourself: www.Rushs.net Miyabi Japanese safe, a lot of fun! Best Chinese Restaurant 611 Harden St., Columbia, Steakhouse & Sushi Bar Miyo’s SC, 803.799.5708 Years in business: 71 WOW!: Voted top five in Claim to Fame: We pride Nation for customer satis- Best Bar Claim to Fame: Quality, On the Web: ourselves in having great faction! Carolina Ale House healthy Asian foods; friend- www.grouchos.com food and excellent service ly efficient service and in a classy yet entertaining Claim to Fame: We are a warm hospitality, comfort- Years in business: 70 atmosphere. sports-themed family able and tasteful ambiance Best Greek Restaurant restaurant with over 50 WOW!: Helping hangovers Zorba’s Check it out for yourself: HDTVs, 40 beers on tap. Check it out for yourself: since 1941! 442 Columbiana Drive 7 locations - Vista, Main Claim to Fame: Columbia, SC 29212 Check it out for yourself: Street, Sumter Street, Scrumptious Greek salads 803.407.1264 708 Lady Street, Forest Acres, Lexington, Best Fast Food and pizzas. Zorbas is a Columbia, SC 29201, Sandhills, Harbison Restaurant family-owned restaurant Years in business: 12 803.227.7150 Rush’s Fabulous known for their homemade years (New Location: 2 On the Web: Food…Fast! baklava, it’s to die for. years) 277 Columbiana Drive, www.miyos.com Columbia, SC 29212, Claim to Fame: Burgers, Check it out for yourself: WOW!: Breathtaking interi- 803.407.6996 Years in business: 16 shakes and service 6169 St Andrews Road, or design WOW!: The whole experi- Columbia, SC 29212, On the Web: ence, a restaurant for Check it out for yourself: 803.772.4617 CarolinaAlehouse.com longevity and pleasure. Best Mexican Restaurant Years in business: 32 Eric’s San Jose On the Web: www.myzor- Claim to Fame: Good basgreek.com food, great service and a family friendly atmosphere. WOW!: Once a month, belly dancers and musi- Check it out for yourself: cians entertain diners on 6118 Garners Ferry Road, Greek night. Columbia, SC, 803.783.6650 Best Italian Restaurant Olive Garden

Claim to Fame: Stuffed chicken marsala and the never ending pasta bowl

Check it out for your- self: 10136-112 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC (788-3131) and 274 Harbison Blvd., Columbia, SC (732-0471)

On the Web: www.olivegarden.com

6 BEST OF 2011 Roundabouts consignments is a 36,000 sq foot showroom FULL of gently used upscale furniture, decorative accessories, artwork, jewelry, antiques and clothing for the ENTIRE family! We specialize in brands ranging from Abercrombie to Prada! We are locally owned and Mon, Tues 10-7 operated in Columbia for Wed 10-8 9 1/2 years... our mission is to Thurs, Fri, Sat 10-7 consistently provide efficient and friendly service to our Sun 12-5 consignors in their pursuit of selling and to our shoppers in 70 Polo Road their quest for items that will Columbia, SC 29223 enhance their homes and 803-736-5446 wardrobes at value pricing! Recycle, RESALE.. shop! STAJI2576-40-1 www.myroundabouts.com check us out on facebook!

BEST OF 2011 7 On the Web: 5579 Sunset Blvd. Years in business: 35 Best Hot Dog (Catering Headquarters) www.san-jose.com (Lexington) 803.996.1442 Sandy’s Famous WOW!: Thanks for voting Hot Dogs On the Web: www.hudson- Years in business: 21 On the Web: us Best Biscuit in ssmokehouse.com www.ryans.com Columbia! Claim to Fame: Serving WOW!: Authentic Mexican premium pure beef hot Years in business: 9 cuisine and all natural fruit Years in business: 34 dogs grilled up just right margaritas. Best Burger with freshly made chili, WOW!: “Pig In or Pig Out!” WOW!: Everyone gets what Five Guys Burgers and slaw, pimento cheese or they want without the wait. Fries kraut. Plus 32 flavors of Best Family Dining To gourmet ice cream. Best Brunch Eat With Kids Claim to Fame: Di Prato’s Ryan’s Buffet Grill Best Biscuit Handmade patties, made Check it out for yourself: DELICATESSEN & Bakery Bojangles Restaurants, to order. Hand-cut Idaho Main Street at USC; Hope Inc. potatoes, cooked to order Ferry Center, Lexington; Claim to Fame: Di Prato’s Claim to Fame: Huge in peanut oil. Hand-made Ashland Park Center, St. is known as a great place selection of salads, entrees Claim to Fame: Made- bread, great customer Andrew’s Road; and Broad for lunch and brunch. and desserts. from-scratch buttermilk service River Road near Dutch biscuits, world famous Square Center. Check it out for yourself: Check it out for yourself: chicken and legendary iced Check it out for yourself: 342 Pickens Street, 1304 Bower Parkway tea 931 Senate Street, Years in business: 32 Columbia, SC (Columbia) 803.732.3603 803.799.0441 803.779.0606 Check it out for yourself: WOW!: Recently featured 10052 Two Notch Road 31 Columbia area 4 other Columbia locations in Rachel Ray’s magazine On the Web: (Columbia) 803.462.0247 locations as having on e of the bet [email protected] On the Web: hot dogs in the USA. Proud 1707 Charleston Hwy. On the Web: www.fiveguys.com to have won Best Of every Years in business: 7 (West Columbia) www.bojangles.com year since the contest 803.796.2728 Years in business: began! WOW!: Pimento cheese 6 in Columbia and pita chips, pimento cheese and pita chips, WOW!: Fresh meat, fresh Best Barbecue pimento cheese and pita potatoes, fresh bread, Hudson’s Smokehouse chips fresh toppings, YUM! and Hudson’s Classic Catering Best Chicken Best Business Lunch Claim to Fame: BBQ, ribs, Zesto of West Columbia Harpers Restaurant chicken, catfish, brisket, shrimp, all the fixings and Claim to Fame: Been serv- Claim to Fame: Best busi- much much more! You can ing the best burgers, ice ness lunch order off the menu, get the cream and chicken since buffet, or even grab a cold 1949. Check it out for yourself: beer. We have also been in 700 Harden St., Columbia, the catering business for SC 29205, 803.252.2222 over 15 years. We cater Check it out for yourself: your most casual backyard 504 12th Street, West On the Web: BBQs or your classic black Columbia, SC, www.harpersgroup.com tie affairs 803.794.4652

Years in business: 21 Check it out for yourself: On the Web: 4952 Sunset Blvd., www.zestowest- WOW!: A favorite in Five Lexington, SC 2907 columbia.com Points for over 20 years. 301 Park Terrace Drive, Years in business: 62 Columbia, SC WOW!: Huge ice cream 235 Two Notch Road, cone on top of building! Lexington, SC 29072 8 BEST OF 2011 Best Dessert Best Ice Cream 7385 Garners Ferry Road, Unit 400, Columbia, SC Years in business: 28 Nonnah’s Marble Slab Creamery Columbia, SC 29209 29210 WOW!: Serving $1.95 Claim to Fame: Best Check it out for yourself: 4711-26 Forest Drive, On the Web: house brand liquor and desserts Now serving at five loca- Columbia, SC 29206 www.pizzahut.com $3.95 late nighte bar bites tions throughout Columbia. daily. Check it out for yourself: 2721A Emmanuel Church Years in business: 930 Gervais Street, On the Web: www.mar- Road, West Columbia, SC Pizza Hut has been in Columbia, SC, bleslabcreamery.com 29170 business for 53 years Best Steak 803.779.9599 Longhorn Steakhouse WOW!: Ice cream made 1467 Sumter Street, WOW!: Master of pizza On the Web: fresh daily using only the Columbia, SC 29201 innovation Claim to Fame: Longhorn www.nonnahs.com finest ingredients. is known for more than its 2420 Marion Avenue, signature hand-seasoned Years in business: 15 Columbia, SC 29207 Best Salad Flo’s Filet and the bone-in Best Pizza California Dreaming Outlaw Ribeye. Longhorn 621 Saint Andrews Road, WOW!: Freshly made Pizza Hut chefs love to grill fresh fish desserts; 24 different Columbia, SC 29210 Claim to Fame: Salads, and chicken in addition to desserts on daily menu Claim to Fame: Originator BBQ and ribs steak. Items such as 4611 Hardscrabble Road, plus three to four weekend of the stuffed crust pizza Longhorn Salmon, a fresh, special desserts and five Columbia, SC 29229 Check it out for yourself: hand-cut salmon filet sea- flaming desserts prepared Check it out for yourself: 401 South Main Street soned with a bourbon 6432 Two Notch Road tableside. 9702 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29201 marinade; fall-off-the-bone Suite S, Columbia, SC Columbia, SC 29223 tender Baby Back Ribs; 29223 On the Web: and Parmesan Crusted 2725 Sunset Blvd., West www.californiadream- Chicken, two juicy chicken 1320 Bush River Road Columbia, SC 29169 ings.com breasts grilled and topped Thanks for Voting Us Best Plumbing The State 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards... 20 years in a row!

Taking care of families like yours for more than 30 years. STAJI9592-99-0

BEST OF 2011 9 with a parmesan cheese Columbia, SC 29201, Years in business: 15 Best Bicycle Shop 275 Harbison Blvd. and garlic crust, are just 803.312.9911 Cycle Center (Columbia) 803.749.9378 some of the other special- (Harbison) 1290 Bower WOW!: 9 Year Winner ties guests will find on the Pkwy., Columbia, SC Reader’s Choice “BEST” Claim to Fame: The Cycle 164 Forum Drive menu. 803.407.3873 Wings! Center gives you more (Columbia) 803.788.4349 choices of bicycles and Check it out for yourself: On the Web: www.tsunam- accessories 918A North Lake Drive 902 A Gervais Street, icompany.com Best Appliance Store than any other store in (Lexington) 803.951.3674 Columbia, SC 29229, Lowe’s South Carolina. 803.254.5100 Years in business: On the Web: www.book- 4.5 years Claim to Fame: World’s Check it out for yourself: samillion.com On the Web: www.long- second largest home Two locations: hornsteakhouse.com WOW!: Fresh food, fun din- improvement retailer. 1001 Harden Street Years in business: ing and awesome daily Lowe’s has more than Columbia, SC 29205 Founded 1917 Years in business: 30 specials. 1,600 home improvement stores in all 50 states. 9003 Two Notch Road WOW!: Over 250 stores in WOW!: Longhorn serves Ranked 48 on the Fortune Columbia, SC 29223 22 states. steak, chicken and fish Best Wings 500. On the Web: www.cycle- that are always fresh! Carolina Wings & center.com Ribhouse Check it out for yourself: Best Children’s Clothing Five locations in the Store (TIE) Best Sushi Claim to Fame: Winning Midlands serving you Best Boat Sales The Children’s Place Tsunami The State Newspaper’s Adventure Carolina Readers Choice for 9 years On the Web: Claim to Fame: We sell Claim to Fame: A new for best wings. Born locally www.lowes.com Claim to Fame: Outdoor the best high-quality, approach to hip, sophisti- in Columbia with 12 loca- outfitters providing canoes, value-priced children’s cated Japanese cuisine tions in South Carolina. WOW!: We offer hundreds kayaks and tubes for pad- merchandise for ages new- that is sure to please your of thousands more prod- dling the Midlands’ rivers. born to 10 years old. palate. Check it out for yourself: ucts by special order. Our unique customer serv- (CORP) P.O. Box 926, Irmo ice creates a way to bring Check it out for yourself: Check it out for yourself: SC 29063; all location people and nature togeth- Village at Sandhill, (Vista) 700 Gervais St., addresses can be retrieved Best Art Supply/ Craft er. Columbia Store 803.736.1540 Michaels Check it out for yourself: 1107 State Street, Cayce, On the Web: Claim to Fame: Largest SC 29033, 803.796.4505 www.childrens-place.com specialty retailers of arts, crafts, framing, floral, wall On the Web: WOW!: What’s most impor- décor and seasonal mer- www.AdventureCarol- tant to us is keeping cus- chandise for the hobbyist ina.com tomers happy. and do-it-yourself home décor. Years in business: 24 Best Children’s Clothing Check it out for yourself: WOW!: Your outdoor Store (TIE) 244 Harbison Blvd., adventure experts for over Gymboree 696 Village Columbia, 803.407.7813 24 years. at Sandhills

10204 Two Notch Road, Claim to Fame: Legendary Columbia, 803.462.0624. Best Bookstore customer service, knowing at our website Books-a-Million our customers by (sorry- too On the Web: name…Making a friend for many to list www.michaels.com Claim to Fame: life, not just a customer. ? here), There is a little something Having the customer share 803.732.4124 WOW!: Ideas, inspiration for everyone. their experience with oth- and education. ers. On the Web: Check it out for yourself: www.carolinawings.com 4840 Forest Drive Check it out for yourself: (Columbia) 803.782.4475 671-6 Town Centre Place 10 BEST OF 2011 Thank You for voting us bestbest dance dance studio studio for for back back to to back back years years 2010 2010 & & 2011 2011

1332 E. North Lake Drive Lexington, SC 29072 “Celebrate…a time to dance.” 996-1150 www.southcarolinadancecompany.com ecclesiastes 3:4 STAJI9588-99-1

COLLEGE & MAIN AT USC HOPE FERRY CENTER, LEXINGTON • KNOX ABBOT DR IN CAYCE Welcome To... BROAD RIVER RD AT DUTCH SQUARE CENTER • ASHLAND PARK, ST. ANDREWS ROAD

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SANDY’S COUPON SANDY’S COUPON SANDY’S COUPON Reg. $ 49 LIMIT 2 1/4 Lb. Super Size • Lean Pure Beef 1/4 Lb. Super Size 3.29 EA. ICE CREAM 2 EACH Expires 8/15/11 SUPER SUPER SUNDAE CHOCOLATE, PINEAPPLE OR STRAWBERRY CHILI DOG KRAUT DOG W/ MUSTARD, CHILI & ONIONS W/ MUSTARD, CHILI, ONIONS & KRAUT SANDY’S COUPON $ 89 19 $ 49 3 EACH $ 1/8 Lb. LEAN PURE BEEF! 2 EACH 2EACH Reg. 4.39 w/ Coupon Reg. 2.99 w/ Coupon Reg. 3.29 w/ Coupon Each LIMIT 2 Each LIMIT 2 Each LIMIT 2 SANDY’S Expires 8/15/11 Expires 8/15/11 Expires 8/15/11

SANDY’S COUPON SANDY’S COUPON SANDY’S COUPON CHILI CHEESE DOG SANDY’S DELICIOUS BAR-B-QUE CHICKEN SALAD THANKS FOR CHOOSING SANDYS AND w/ MUSTARD, CHILI, CHICKEN ONIONS & CHEESE SANDWICH ON-A-BUN VOTING FOR US EVERY YEAR SINCE THE N.C. STYLE VINEGAR BASE W/A GUMBO W/ MAYO & LETTUCE • ADD TOMATO 30¢ READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS STARTED... 99 DAB OF SLAW LARGE SIZE $ 79 89 Reg. $ LIMIT 2 89 ONE FULL PINT $ $ 2 EACH 3 EACH 2.69 EA. 3 EACH w/ Coupon Expires 8/15/11 Reg. 4.29 EACH w/ Coupon Reg. 3.29 w/ Coupon Reg. 4.29 Thanks So Much! 1 Each Each LIMIT 2 Each LIMIT 2 LIMIT 2 Expires 8/15/11 Expires 8/15/11 Expires 8/15/11 STAJJ1496-47-1 BEST OF 2011 11 Columbia, SC 29229 accessories, artwork, jew- Years in business: 123 803.779.5123 Check it out for yourself: 803.736.4704 elry, antiques and clothing years- founded May 29, 2600 Delk Road for the entire family! 1888, by William Henry On the Web: Marietta, GA 30058 On the Web: Belk. www.whitash.com 770-952-6601 ext.3649 www.Gymboree.com Check it out for yourself: 70 Polo Road, Columbia, WOW!: Latest fashions, WOW!: Whit-Ash has a On the Web: Years in business: 4 years SC 29223, 803.736.5446 quality merchandise, 40,000 square foot show- www.publix.com (Village at Sandhills) friendly service, fair prices room floor full of quality On the Web: and satisfaction guaran- furniture, oriental rugs and Years in business: 80 WOW!: Creating an experi- www.myroundabouts.com teed! mattresses at discounted ence for the customer that prices. WOW!: The largest and exceeds their expectation, Years in business: 9 fastest growing employee makes them want to return Best Florist owned supermarket chain again and again. ? WOW!: 36,000 sq. feet of Rosewood Florist Best Gardening Center in the U.S. resale heaven! Lowe’s Claim to Fame: Serving Best Computer Store Columbia for more than 30 Claim to Fame: World’s Best Local Hardware Best Buy Best Department Store years. second largest home ACE Hardware Belk improvement retailer. Claim to Fame: Check it out for yourself: Lowe’s has more than Claim to Fame: We pledge Intersection of Claim to Fame: Belk, Inc. 2917 Rosewood Drive 1,600 home improvement to be Ace Helpful. Helping electronics and life. is the nation’s largest pri- Columbia, SC 29205 stores in all 50 states. you is the most important vately owned mainline 803.256.8351 Ranked 48 on the Fortune thing we have to do today. Check it out for yourself: department store company 500. 370 Harbison Blvd., with more than 300 fash- On the Web: Check it out for yourself: Columbia, 803.749.2188 ion department stores in www.RosewoodFlorist.com Check it out for yourself: 2930 Emmanuel Church 16 southern states, total- Five locations in the Road, West Columbia, SC 7006 Two Notch Road, ing sales of $3.5 billion in Years in business: 33 Midlands serving you 29170 Columbia, 803.736.2529. its past fiscal year. Years On the Web: On the Web: On the Web: Check it out for yourself: WOW!: Your first choice for www.lowes.com www.acethreefounta- www.bestbuy.com Belk Columbiana flowers and more! ins.com (Harbison) 803.781.4100 WOW!: We offer hundreds Years in business: 17 of thousands more prod- Years in business: 21 Belk Village at Sandhill Best Furniture Store ucts by special order. WOW!: Thousands of pos- 803.419.7878 Whit-Ash WOW!: ACE maintains top sibilities. Get yours today. 10 spot in ‘Customer Belk Midtown (Forest Claim to Fame: Furniture, Best Grocery Store Service Champs’ list. Drive) 803.782.2600 mattresses, accessories, Publix Best Consignment Store oriental rugs, decorator Roundabouts Belk Dutch Square services, window treat- Claim to Fame: The super- Best Jewelry Store Consignments 803.772.8430 ments and much more. market customer service Jewelry Warehouse leader. Our mission is to be Claim to Fame: One-stop On the Web: Check it out for yourself: the premier quality food Claim to Fame: Official shopping! We carry gently www.belk.com 919 Gervais St. retailer in the world. jeweler for Miss South used furniture, decorative Columbia, SC Carolina for over 25 years! Offering quality merchan- dise fit for a queen; at prices the whole kingdom can afford. www.myzorbasgreek.com Check out aLl three of our Convenient locations Check it out for yourself: 6169 Saint Andrews Rd 7320 Broad River Road 1260 Chapin Rd 5140 Sunset Blvd. Columbia, SC 29212-3146 Irmo, SC 29063 Chapin, SC 29036 (803) 772-4617 (803) 749-7000 (803) 345-8884 Thank you Columbia for all your 803.996.0485 Senior citizens Military and Uniform Student id support and voting Zorba’s the 1270 Bower Parkway 10% off 10% off 10% off 803.772.1470 Children eat free on Monday nights best Greek Restaurant. 12 BEST OF 2011

2909 Platt Springs Road 4530 St. Andrews Road, Best New Car Dealer Buick/ Sabb Best Outdoor Furniture 803.749.0303 803.772.8694 Jim Hudson Automotive 7201 Sumter Highway, Lowe’s Group Columbia 10136 Two Notch Road On the Web: www.sleep- 803.783.0110 Claim to Fame: World’s 803.788.0189 onittonight.com Claim to Fame: Customer second largest home satisfaction is our top pri- On the Web: www.jimhud- improvement retailer. On the Web: www.jewelry- Years in business: 25 ority — period. son.com Lowe’s has more than warehouse.com 1,600 home improvement WOW!: The most in stock Check it out for yourself: Years in business: 30 stores in all 50 states. Years in business: 34 bedding in the Midlands! Lexus: Ranked 48 on the Fortune 5717 Two Notch Road, WOW!: Experience it once, 500. WOW!: More than just Columbia you’ll never forget it. This is another jewelry store- Best Men’s Clothing 803.754.9500 the Jim Hudson promise. Check it out for yourself: price, service and selection Store Five locations in the are our specialties! Belk Hyundai Midlands serving you 310 Greystone Blvd., Best Used Car Dealer Claim to Fame: Belk, Inc. Columbia Jim Hudson Automotive On the Web: Best Lighting Center is the nation’s largest pri- 803.799.1234 Group www.lowes.com The Lite House vately owned mainline department store company Toyota Claim to Fame: Customer WOW!: We offer hundreds Claim to Fame: with more than 300 fash- 970 Columbiana Drive satisfaction is our top pri- of thousands more prod- Largest residential lighting ion department stores in Irmo ority — period. ucts by special order. distributor in the state. 16 southern states, total- 803.407.5678 ing sales of $3.5 billion in Check it out for yourself: Check it out for yourself: its past fiscal year. Lexus: Best Pet Supply Store 321 Bush River Road, 5717 Two Notch Road, Pet Smart 803.798.5400 Check it out for yourself: Columbia Belk Columbiana 803.754.9500 Claim to Fame: Customer 8402 Two Notch Road, (Harbison) 803.781.4100 service and care in han- 803.788.3113 Hyundai dling pets. 350 Columbia Ave., Belk Village at Sandhill 310 Greystone Blvd., 803.356.0091 803.419.7878 Columbia Check it out for yourself: 803.799.1234 246 Harbison Blvd., On the Web: Belk Midtown (Forest Columbia, www.thelitehouse.com Drive) Toyota 803.781.6339 803.782.2600 970 Columbiana Drive Years in business: 38 Irmo On the web: Belk Dutch 803.407.5678 www.petsmart.com WOW!: Winner EVERY year Square since Readers’ Choice 803.772.8430 Buick/ Sabb Years in business: Awards began. 7201 Sumter 25 (11 in Columbia) On the Web: Highway, Columbia www.belk.com 803.783.0110 WOW!: A wide selection. Best Mattress Store Michaelis Mattress Years in busi- Company ness: 123 years- On the Web: Best Plant Nursery founded May 29, www.jimhudson.com Woodley’s Claim to Fame: Buy It 1888, by William Henry Belk. Years in business: 30 Today…Sleep On It Claim to Fame: Woodley’s Tonight. offers unique houseplants, WOW!: Latest WOW!: Experience it once, shrubs, trees, flowers, fashions, quality you’ll never forget it. This is Check it out for yourself: annuals and perennials merchandise, the Jim Hudson promise. 350 Columbia Ave., that you won’t find any- friendly service, 803.359.2238 where else. With their fair prices and exclusive “We Plan, You satisfaction guar- 1131 Sparkleberry Lane, Plant” program, Woodley’s anteed! 803.736.8684 will help you design the

14 BEST OF 2011 perfect outdoor living dens beautiful. ates who are excited about Andrews Road, space. They will help you WOW!: First in Columbia: their job. 803.731.0050 choose the plants and advise you on where to Best Shopping Center or Bare Escentuals and Best Tire Store On the Web: place them. They also offer Mall Francesca’s Collection. Tire Kingdom www.tirekingdom.com exquisite pottery, fountains, Columbiana Centre and container plants, as Claim to Fame: Lowest Years in business: 39 well as the inspiration you Claim to Fame: Best Sporting Goods Prices Guaranteed! years need to get started. Columbiana Centre is the Store first shopping center in the Dicks Sporting Goods Check it out for yourself: WOW!: $200 price guaran- Check it out for yourself: Midlands for retailers such Columbia -10180 Two tee! See store for details 10015 Two Notch Road, as Aeropostale, Banana Claim to Fame: Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223, Republic, Bebe, Build-A- Knowledgeable, well- 803.736.4788 803.788.1487 2840 Bear, Coach, Coldwater trained associates who are Best Toy Store Dreher Shoals Road- Hwy Creek, Hollister, Loft and always ready to assist. Columbia- 7422 Garners Toys R Us 6 Irmo/Ballentine Williams-Sonoma. Ferry Road, 803.776.1113 803.407.0601 Check it out for yourself: Claim to Fame: Everybody Check it out for yourself: 1110 Bower Parkway, Lexington- 5450 Sunset here is a kid. On the Web: 100 Columbiana Circle, Columbia Blvd., 803.356.0777 www.WoodleyGarden- Columbia, SC 29212, 803.749.0756 Check it out for yourself: Center.com 803.781.6255 On the Web: www.dickss- Columbia- 183 Harbison 140 Columbiana Drive portinggoods.com Blvd., 803.407.2223 Columbia Years in business: 30 On the Web: 803.781.1002 www.columbiana- Years in business: 11 Columbia Mall- Adjacent to On the web: WOW!: Friendly staff pro- centre.com JC Penny 803.736.5995 www.toysrus.com viding information and WOW!: Friendly, available, inspiration to make gar- Years in business: 21 customer-focused associ- St. Andrews – 640 St. Years in business: 18

BEST OF 2011 15 WOW!: Biggest toy store Check it out for yourself: (Harbison) 803.781.4100 redesigned apartment inte- Customer satisfaction is ever. Five locations in the riors! our top priority — period. Midlands serving you Belk Village at Sandhill 803.419.7878 Check it out for yourself: Best Unique Gift Shop On the Web: Best Assisted Living Lexus: HandPicked, Inc. www.lowes.com Belk Midtown (Forest Center 5717 Two Notch Road, Drive) 803.782.2600 Agape Senior Columbia Claim to Fame: Provideing WOW!: We offer hundreds Assisted Living 803.754.9500 fun and affordable jewelry of thousands more prod- Belk Dutch Square and accessories for over ucts by special order. 803.772.8430 Claim to Fame: Agape Hyundai 20 years. Senior is proud to serve 310 Greystone Blvd., On the Web: the midlands by providing Columbia Check it out for yourself: Best Women’s Clothing www.belk.com faith-based Assisted Living 803.799.1234 Irmo: 150-C Harbison Blvd Store Communities throughout Kohls Years in business: 123 Columbia. Toyota Lexington: 5135 Sunset years- founded May 29, Check it out for yourself: 970 Columbiana Drive Blvd Check it out for yourself: 1888, by William Henry Harbison Irmo 10136 Two Notch Road, Belk. 990 Columbia Ave. 803.407.5678 Devine: 2822 Devine Columbia, SC 29229 803.749.7889 Street 120 Harbison Blvd., WOW!: Latest fashions, Buick/ Sabb Lexington, SC 29072 quality merchandise, Kathwood 7201 Sumter Highway, Northeast: 481-9 Town friendly service, fair prices 4520 Trenholm Road Columbia Center Place On the Web: and satisfaction guaran- 803.787.1234 803.783.0110 www.kohls.com teed! On the Web: behand- Lexington On the Web: www.jimhud- picked.com Years in business: 5422 Augusta Road son.com 49 years Best Apartment Complex 803.520.5850 Years in business: 20 The Fairways Apartments Years in business: 30 West Columbia WOW!: Unique gifts and Best Women’s Shoe Claim to Fame: Located 2705 Leaphart Road WOW!: Experience it once, original accessories at fab- Store on the Northwoods Golf 803.939.3000 you’ll never forget it. This is the Jim Hudson promise. ulous prices. Belk Course. The Fairways offers tranquil, lush, award-win- On the Web: Best Bank Claim to Fame: Belk, Inc. ning landscaping. www.agapesenior.com Bank of America Best Windows and Siding is the nation’s largest pri- Lowe’s vately owned mainline Check it out for yourself: Years in business: 13 Claim to Fame: With Bank department store company 350 Powell Road of America branches in Claim to Fame: World’s with more than 300 fash- Columbia, SC 29203 WOW!: Agape Senior pro- Columbia, S.C., the servic- second largest home ion department stores in 803.691.1430 vides each Assisted Living es you need are just min- improvement retailer. 16 southern states, total- Community with the sup- utes away. Lowe’s has more than ing sales of $3.5 billion in On the Web: www.thefair- port of integrated senior 1,600 home improvement its past fiscal year. waysapts.com health care services, which Check it out for yourself: stores in all 50 states. include: physician, therapy, 1901 Main Street, Ranked 48 on the Fortune Check it out for yourself: Years in business: 19 and pharmacy services on- Columbia, SC 29201 500. Belk Columbiana site, Agape Medical WOW!: Check out our Mart/home medical equip- ment and supplies, Agape On the Web: www.banko- Hospice, Exit-Agape Real famerica.com/ Estate, and GMM Insurance. Best Builder “Thank you Columbia for voting Mungo Homes Di Prato’s Best Brunch 2011! Best Auto Repair 342 Pickens Street Columbia SC 29205 Jim Hudson Automotive Claim to Fame: Mungo 779-0606 Group continues to expand and www.dipratos.com now builds in seven mar- kets in S.C., N.C., and Ga., If you like DiPrato’s, check out our sister Restaurant “Dianne’s on Devine” with live Jazz every Saturday from 7-10. Claim to Fame: 2400 Devine St Columbia, South Carolina 29205 • (803) 254-3535 • www.diannesondevine.com proof of financial security 16 BEST OF 2011

during a down economy. Years in business: 38 ers-adults. On the Web: Years in business: years- since 1973 www.causeydentist.com 25 years in Columbia – Check it out for yourself: Best Credit Union Since 1986 441 Western Lane Irmo, Palmetto Citizens Federal Best Day Spa Years in business: Since SC 29063, 803.749.9000 Credit Union Urban Nirvana 2000 (11 private prac- WOW!: Almost 200,000 tices; 18 total) square feet of gym space On the Web: Claim to Fame: Still offer- Claim to Fame: At Urban in Columbia www.mungo.com ing fee-free checking with Nirvana, we offer a resort WOW!: Advanced dental no minimum balance that spa experience right in our techniques where all Years in business: 57, earns dividends and reward own neighborhood. We patients are treated like Best Hair Salon Since 1954. points. Also, financing new strive to offer the perfect family! Bliss to 2008 vehicles at the environment for our guests WOW!: In May 2011, same low rates and to relax. Claim to Fame: We con- ranked by Builder maga- extended terms with no Best Dry Cleaner sider each client as an zine as the 35th largest payments for 60 days. Check it out for yourself: Tripp’s Fine Cleaners individual with his or her builder in the country. Urban Nirvana Spa own needs and desires. Check it out for yourself: 4840 Forest Drive 15D Claim to Fame: Best Dry We strive to fulfill those 12 Midlands locations and Columbia, SC 29206 Cleaner needs and desires with the Best Car Wash over 35 ATMs 803.727.1010 best talent available. Frank’s Car Wash Check it out for yourself: On the Web: www.palmet- Urban Nirvana Hair 13 Locations in Columbia! Check it out for yourself: Claim to Fame: Over 7 tocitizens.org 4840 Forest Drive 15C 446 Old Cherokee Road, million cars washed Columbia, SC 29206 On the Web: www.tripps- Ste A, Lexington, SC Years in business: 75 finecleaners.com 29072, 803.359.0288 Check it out for yourself: Urban Nirvana Spa WOW!: Unlike banks, we’re 920 North Lake Drive Years in business: 45 On the Web: http://blisssa- Columbia not-for-profit; returning Lexington, SC 29272 years serving the Midlands! lonandspasc.com/ 601 Bush River Road earnings back to you. 803.356.0119 WOW!: Only certified mas- Columbia On the Web: ter dry cleaner FREE home Best Heating and Air 4741 Forest Drive Best Dance Studio www.urbannirvana.com pick up/delivery Conditioning Service SC Dance 2nd Wind Heating & Air Columbia Years in business: 120 Clemson Road Claim to Fame: Nationally 10 years Best Fitness Center Claim to Fame: Since recognized students have Gold’s Gym 1985, 2nd Wind has been Lexington received scholarships to WOW!: Our skilled team of providing residents of 516 Columbia Ave. LA, NYC and NJ. This massage therapists, skin Claim to Fame: Largest Greater Columbia, Christian-based dance stu- care experts and stylists co-ed gym chain in the Lexington and all of the Lexington dio has not only won over- world Midlands with superior 4530 Augusta Hwy. all and platinum awards heating and air condition- but also a Sponsorship Best Dentist Check it out for yourself: ing technical service and Lexington Award! G. Franklin Causey Irmo installation. 4578 Sunset Blvd. DMD PA 800 Columbiana Drive Check it out for yourself: Check it out for yourself: Irmo 1332-E North Lake Drive, Claim to Fame: Family and Lexington 6130 Shakespeare Road, 1113 Lake Murray Blvd. Lexington, SC 29072, aesthetic dentistry based 619 N. Lake Drive Columbia, SC 29223 803.996.1150 on years of advanced train- 803.786.7433 Orangeburg ing and experience as well Forest Acres 976 John C. Calhoun On the Web: as his own personal faith, 4114 Forest Drive On the Web: www.southcarolinadance- which is rooted in kind- www.2ndwindhvac.com Sumter company.com ness, compassion and fair- Northeast 1008 Broad St. ness. 240 Forum Drive Years in business: 27 Years in business: 7 in Village at Sandhill years Greenwood Check it out for yourself: Calhoun Ave. WOW!: World renowned 7319 College Street Phone: 45-GOLDS WOW!: We are now on instructors and choreogra- Irmo, SC 29063 Facebook and Twitter so On the Web: phers teaching syllabus- 803.781.1990 On the Web: Like or Follow us today! www.frankscarwash.com based dance to preschool- www.goldsgym.com 18 BEST OF 2011 Best Hospital System venient locations. Palmetto Heart Hospital On the Web: Best Place to Have a Palmetto Health Health continues to work 6 Medical Park www.PalmettoHealth.org Baby toward building a new hos- Palmetto Health Claim to Fame: Palmetto pital, On the Web: Years in business: 96 Health is the region’s www.PalmettoHealth.org Claim to Fame: Palmetto largest, locally owned non- Palmetto Health Baptist WOW!: To be remembered Health is the region’s profit healthcare system, Parkridge, in Irmo. Years in business: by each patient as provid- largest, locally owned non- with nearly 9,000 employ- Palmetto Health: 12; ing the care and compas- profit healthcare system, ees and more than 1,000 Check it out for yourself: (Richland: 118; sion we want for our fami- with nearly 9,000 employ- medical staff members. Palmetto Health Baptist:96) lies and ourselves. ees and more than 1,000 Hospitals include Palmetto P.O. Box 2266 medical staff members. Health Richland, Palmetto Columbia, SC 29202 WOW!: To be remembered Health Baptist, Children’s by each patient as provid- Hospital and the Heart Corporate Office ing the care and compas- Hospital. Areas of specialty 1301 Taylor Street sion we want for our fami- include behavioral care, Columbia lies and ourselves. cardiology, obstetrics 803.296.2273 (including high-risk), oncol- Best Hospital Facility ogy, orthopedics, neonatol- Richland Palmetto Health Baptist ogy, neurology, pediatrics, 5 Richland Medical Park surgery, trauma and (off Harden St. Extension) Check it out for your- women’s care. Palmetto self: Baptist Taylor at Health has a large primary Baptist Marion Street care and specialty physi- Taylor at Marion Street cian network as well as a comprehensive array of Children’s Hospital outpatient services in con- 7 Richland Medical Park

BEST OF 2011 19 Hospitals include Palmetto Years in business: Best Interior Design Firm On the Web: prettypic- Best Real Estate Agent Health Richland, Palmetto Palmetto Health: 12; Verve/Ford Boyd Interiors tures.net The Mather Company, Health Baptist, Children’s (Richland: 118; Inc. Hospital and the Heart Baptist:96) Claim to Fame: Verve has Hospital. Areas of specialty been featured in more Best Plumbing Claim to Fame: include behavioral care, WOW!: To be remembered than 10 national publica- Gene Love Exceptional customer serv- cardiology, obstetrics by each patient as provid- tions including Southern ice and truly looking out for (including high-risk), oncol- ing the care and compas- Accents, Décor and Claim to Fame: Gene Love our clients best interest. ogy, orthopedics, neonatol- sion we want for our fami- Beautiful Southern Homes. plumbers, electricians and ogy, neurology, pediatrics, lies and ourselves. HVAC technicians love to Check it out for yourself: surgery, trauma and Check it out for yourself: make you happy. We’ve 3722 Devine Street women’s care. Palmetto 1127 Gregg Street been taking care of fami- Columbia, SC 29205 Health has a large primary Best Insurance Provider Columbia, SC 29201 lies in the Columbia, South 803.622.9480 care and specialty physi- State Farm 803.799.0045 Carolina, area for the past cian network as well as a quarter century. On the Web: comprehensive array of Claim to Fame: #1 insurer On the Web: www.vervein- TheMatherCompany.com outpatient services in con- of autos and home in teriors.com Check it out for yourself: venient locations. Palmetto South Carolina 1336 Methodist Park Years in business: 6 years Health continues to work Years in business: Since Road, West Columbia, toward building a new hos- Check it out for yourself: 1993 803.794.1399 WOW!: A Real Estate pital. Visit your local agent Company rapidly growing in or log onto www.state- WOW!: Verve’s talented On the Web: a slow market Check it out for yourself: farm.com today designers create timeless www.genelove.com Palmetto Health and sophisticated interiors Richland: 5 Richland On the Web: throughout the Southeast. Best Real Estate Medical Park (off Harden www.statefarm.com Best Pool Company Company St. Extension) Griffin Pools and Spas Russell & Jeffcoat Years in business: 89 Best Pest Control Real Estate Baptist: Taylor at Marion years nationwide Terminix Check it out for yourself: Street 1601 Atlas Road, Claim to Fame: Locally On the Web: WOW!: Providing insurance Claim to Fame: The most Columbia, SC, owned real estate compa- www.PalmettoHealth.org and financial services. respected name in the ter- 803.776.1034 and 9201 ny. Market leader in the Discounts up to 40%. mite and pest control Two Notch Road, Ste. A, Midlands. industry. Columbia, SC, 803.865.8888 Check it out for yourself: Check it out for yourself: 1022 Calhoun Street 1-800-Terminix On the Web: www.griffin- Columbia, SC 29201 poolsandspas.com 803.779.6000 On the Web: www.TrustTerminix.com WOW!: Griffin Pools and On the Web: www.russel- Spas, We make you feel landjeffcoat.com Years in business: 64 good! Years in business: 47 WOW!: Residential and years commercial termite, pest, Best Quick Oil Change moisture, mosquito and Jiffy Lube WOW!: The number one fire ant control. real estate company in the Check it out for yourself: Midlands. There are several locations, Best Photographer including Devine Stree, Pretty Pictures Broad River Road, Forest Drive and Hardscrabble Check it out for yourself: Road. 1912 Memorial Drive, Cayce, SC 29033, On the Web: jiffylube.com 803.739.2275

20 BEST OF 2011

Best Employment 101 S. Wise Drive Sumter, over 30 years. Specialists Best Weight Loss Best Wireless Phone Agency SC 29150 – in the art of travel. Program Service Roper Staffing 803.938.8100 Weight Watchers Verizon Check it out for yourself: 1223 Wilson Road, 4617 Forest Drive, Ste. B Claim to Fame: We’re Claim to Fame: The Claim to Fame: “Our 3G Newberry, SC 29108 – Columbia, SC 29205 experts in the people busi- PointsPlus program is Network gets better every- 803.276.3034 ness. We’ve got a track based on the latest nutri- day.” record of finding and plac- On the Web: www.forest- tional science, and factors 1222 N. Harper Street, laketravel.com ing the most desirable in the way your body actu- Check it out for yourself: Laurens, SC 29360 – workers in the state. When ally processes food. There are a variety of loca- 864.983.2500 Years in business: 31 you’re the best, you attract Combined with the proven tions throughout the On the web: years the best. That keeps us advantages of the Weight Midlands including Gervais www.RoperStaffing.com ahead of our competition – Watchers approach, the Street and Forest Drive. and puts you ahead of program helps you make Years in business: 30 yours. Best Vision Wear healthy choices. On the Web: www.verizon- years Walmart wireless.com Check it out for yourself: Check it out for yourself: Five Locations throughout WOW!: Voted “Best Claim to Fame: “Save 1410 Colonial Life Blvd. W the Midlands: Temporary Agency” every Money. Live Better” Ste., Columbia, SC year since 1994! 803.731.7953 125 Outlet Pointe Blvd., Check it out for yourself: Columbia, SC 29210 – Multiple locations through- On the Web: www.weight- 803.798.8500 Best Travel Agency out the Midlands. watchers.com Forest Lake 9300-B Two Notch Road, On the Web: www.wal- Columbia, SC 29223 – Claim to Fame: Locally mart.com 803.788.2203 owned and operated for

22 BEST OF 2011