Feel that chill in the air? It’s only a matter of weeks before we’re all hibernating on the couch, looking out the window at the deep freeze and wondering where all the long, fun days went.

Don’t spend the winter as a sad blanket case. There’s still time to bust out of your daily cycle and scoop up some of the area’s riches, whether it’s food, drink, friends, or just quality outdoor time. That’s why we’re running a big ol’ reminder this week of all that the Pioneer Valley has to offer.
Consider this your get-out-and-about guide to the places and businesses that make our hometowns special. From global cuisine to music to fashion to creative local retail, we have plenty of reasons to be proud.

So, here’s a spotlight on some of the winners of the Advocate’s Best Of Reader’s Poll 2015. Also included here is our full listing of the first, second, and third-place winners in 170 categories covering food, nightlife, entertainment, health, professional services, and more.

Get your tire pressure checked at Full Tilt Auto Body (Best Auto Service Shop), grab some music from Turn It Up! (Best Place for Used CDs), or tune your car radio in to Monte Belmonte on The River (Best Local Radio Personality). All together now: Road trip!


Looking for video of Micky Bedell’s road trip? Well … hit play.


FOOD

You could go around the world in 80 days… or just hop around the Valley’s international restaurants in a long weekend and save some time. For great German food, hit up Munich Haus in Chicopee (Best German Restaurant), or try some seasonal specials at Chez Albert in Amherst (Best French Restaurant). Amanouz Cafe and Banh Mi Saigon in Northampton claim this year’s Best Mediterranean Restaurant and Best Vietnamese Restaurant awards, respectively. This year’s Best Portuguese Restaurant is Primavera Cafe in Ludlow, and Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou in Springfield dishes out the area’s Best Southern/Cajun Food.

DRINK
What’s your tipple of choice? No need to narrow it down — there’s a great glass for everyone around here. Black Birch Winery in Southampton (Best Winery) makes for a great day trip, while Tunnel Bar in Northampton (Best Place for Martinis) is a classy setting for a night out. While in Northampton, craft beer nuts should stop by The Dirty Truth (Best Bar for Beer Selection on Tap) or Mama Iguana’s (Best Place for Margaritas).

NIGHTLIFE
You’re only as old as your bedtime. Grab some tickets to a concert by And The Kids (Best Local Band). Deepen your musical roots at Luthier’s Co-Op in Easthampton (Best Place for Open Mic), or belt out your favorites at the World War II Club in Northampton (Best Place for Karaoke). Feeling like staying out extra late? In Northampton, drop by Platform Sports Bar (Best New Bar) or, if you just gotta move, Diva’s Nightclub (Best Club for Dancing).

MAKE A DATE
For some good food and candlelight, Alina’s Ristorante in Hadley (Best Romantic Dining) is the place to book a table. Or if you’re eager to sop up the last weeks of warmth, load up on picnic supplies at Provisions or River Valley Co-Op in Northampton (Best Gourmet Food and Best Independent Market/Grocer) and lay out a blanket on the grass at Northampton’s Look Park (Best Family Friendly Park) or at a Tanglewood concert in Lenox and Stockbridge (Best Tourist Spot in the Berkshires). Take a slow walk through the Smith College Museum of Art (Best Art Museum) or see a show at New Century Theatre (Best Place to See Live Theater). Even a small gesture — like a bouquet from Forget Me Not Florists in Northampton (Best Florist) — goes a long way.

NERD OUT
We voice our passions, and the Valley listens. Shutterbugs can hit up Hunt’s Photo and Video in Holyoke (Best Camera Shop) for great photography gear. Marathon laptop monkeys might need an upgrade or a reboot at YES Computers in Northampton (Best Computer/Electronic Repair). Board game junkies, RPGers, and table-toppers will feel right at home at Greenfield Games (Best Local Gaming Store). And if you’re raising little nerds in your household, get them something mind-expanding from A2Z Science and Learning Store in Northampton (Best Local Children’s Toy Store).

COZY UP
This Valley road trip needs its quiet moments. Maybe it’s an overnight at the Brandt House in Greenfield (Best Bed and Breakfast). Maybe it’s a treatment at Brooks & Butterfield in Northampton (Best Day Spa), or maybe you prefer to get lost in the stacks at Broadside Books (Best Independent Bookstore) a few blocks away. Personally, we’re tempted to spend all day at the Dakin Humane Society in Springfield or Leverett (Best Local Nonprofit) cozying up with shelter pets. Just be sure that any adopted pets get a nice welcome-home bath — we recommend Fur’s A Flyin’ in Easthampton (Best Pet Groomer).

BLAZE A TRAIL
Maybe these ideas are too homey, and you’re itching to get outdoors. There’s an app for that, too — from hiking to snowshoeing to the new trails at Berkshire East in Charlemont (Best Local Ski Area). Before you brave the wild, though, stock up on gear from Valley Ski & Bike Werks in Hadley (Best Bicycle Shop), Competitive Edge in Easthampton (Best Ski/Snowboard Shop), or Gleason’s in Northampton (Best Outdoor Gear/Camping Store).

FIND THE NEW YOU
It’s never too late in the year to reinvent yourself a little. Pondering some bling from Haven Body Arts in Northampton (Best Body Piercing Shop) or some fresh ink from Off the Map in Easthampton (Best Tattoo Shop)? Eager to spice up your life with a treat from Oh My! or Gazebo in Northampton (Best Adult Novelty Store and Best Place to Buy Lingerie)? Thinking of splurging on a new ride from Harley Davidson of Southampton (Best Motorcycle Dealer)? Dreaming of your rock star destiny while perusing Downtown Sounds in Northampton (Best Musical Instrument Shop)? Looking to get in shape with a pass to Energia Fitness in Hadley (Best Group Fitness Training Center)? Go for it. The 2015 clock is ticking, and you’re only young once.•

GET OUT!

Local band
1. And the Kids
2. WinterPills
3. Primate Fiasco

Place to see local bands
1. Iron Horse Music Hall
2. The Parlor Room at Signature Sounds
3. Luthier’s Co-op

New bar
1. Platform Sports Bar
2. The Platinum Pony
3. One Bar & Grill

Club for dancing
1. Diva’s
2. The Parlor Room at Signature Sounds
3. Luthier’s Co-op

Place for karaoke
1. World War II Club
2. Mingles
3. The Platinum Pony

Place for open mic
1. Luthier’s Co-Op
2. Bishop’s Lounge
3. Sam’s Pizzeria and Café

Neighborhood bar
1. Packards Bar
2. Amy’s Place
3. The Brass Cat

Brew pub
1. Northampton Brewery
2. The People’s Pint
3. Amherst Brewing Company

Winery
1. Black Birch Winery
2. Mineral Hills Winery
3. Amherst Farm Winery

Bar for beer selection on tap
1. The Dirty Truth
2. McLadden’s Irish Publick House
3. The Moan & Dove

Place for margaritas
1. Mama Iguana’s
2. Mission Cantina
3. Mi Tierra

Place for martinis
1. The Tunnel Bar
2. Alina’s Ristorante
3. Coco & The Cellar Bar

Art museum
1. Smith College Museum of Art
2. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
3. Springfield Museums

Place to see live theater
1. New Century Theatre
2. Academy Of Music
3. Majestic Theater

Charity event
1. Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage
2. Katelynn’s Ride
3. Valley Gives

Local festival
1. Green River Festival
2. North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival
3. The Big E: Eastern States Exposition

RESTAURANTS

Restaurant
1. Alina’s Ristorante
2. Blue Heron Restaurant & Catering
3. Paul and Elizabeth’s

New restaurant
1. Galaxy
2. Center Square Grill
3. The Alvah Stone

Creative American fare
1. The Sierra Grille
2. Hope & Olive
3. Coco & the Cellar Bar

Chinese restaurant
1. Ginger Garden
2. Great Wall
3. Amherst Chinese Food

French restaurant
1. Chez Albert
2. Bistro Les Gras
3. Gypsy Apple Bistro

German restaurant
1. Munich Haus German Restaurant
2. Student Prince/The Fort
3. Hofbrahaus

Greek restaurant
1. Filos Greek Taverna
2. El Greco
3. Parthenon Restaurant

Indian restaurant
1. India House
2. Pintu’s Indian Palace
3. The Clay Oven

Italian restaurant
1. Alina’s Ristorante
2. Spoleto
3. Mulino’s Italian Restaurant

Japanese restaurant
1. Osaka
2. Zen
3. Goten of Japan

Mediterranean restaurant
1. Amanouz Cafe
2. Mosaic Café
3. Alina’s Ristorante

Mexican restaurant
1. Mission Cantina
2. La Veracruzana Mexican Restaurant
3. Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant

Portuguese restaurant
1. Primavera Café Restaurant
2. Tony & Penny’s Restaurant
3. Cavalier Restaurant

Thai restaurant
1. Thai Garden
2. Siam Square
3. Thai Blue Ginger

Vietnamese restaurant
1. Banh Mi Saigon
2. Miss Saigon
3. Pho Saigon

Steak house
1. Caminito Argentinean Steakhouse
2. Eastside Grill
3. Opa Opa Steakhouse & Brewery

Diner
1. The Bluebonnet Diner
2. Miss Florence Diner
3. Route 9 Diner

Restaurant for desserts
1. Alina’s Ristorante
2. La Fiorentina Pastry Shop
3. Judie’s Restaurant

Restaurant for seafood
1. Paul and Elizabeth’s
2. Eastside Grill
3. Zoe’s Fish House

Breakfast
1. Sylvester’s
2. Jake’s
3. The Green Bean

Lunch
1. Paul and Elizabeth’s
2. Esselon Café
3. Riff’s Joint

Sunday brunch
1. Sylvester’s
2. Jake’s
3. Esselon Café

Late-night dining
1. Local
2. Route 9 Diner
3. The Sierra Grille

Service/wait staff
1. Alina’s Ristorante
2. Blue Heron Restaurant & Catering
3. Jake’s

Wine list
1. Alina’s Ristorante
2. The Sierra Grille
3. Chandler’s Restaurant at Yankee Candle Flagship

Place for romantic dining
1. Alina’s Ristorante
2. Blue Heron Restaurant & Catering
3. Coco & The Cellar Bar

Outdoor dining
1. Northampton Brewery
2. Esselon Café
3. The Alvah Stone

FOOD & DRINK

Ribs/barbecue
1. Bub’s BBQ
2. Wildwood Barbeque
3. Theodores’ Blues, Booze and BBQ

Southern/cajun food
1. Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou
2. Eastside Grill
3. Wildwood Barbeque

Place for appetizers/tapas
1. Ibiza Tapas Wine Bar
2. Galaxy
3. Alina’s Ristorante

Grinders/sandwiches
1. State Street Fruit Store, Deli, Wines & Spirits
2. The Black Sheep Deli
3. Riff’s Joint

Hamburgers
1. Local
2. Riff’s Joint
3. Black Cow Burger Bar

Hot Dogs
1. Nick’s Nest
2. Tom’s Famous Long Hot Dog & Grill
3. White Hut

Pizza
1. Antonio’s Pizza
2. Hillside Pizza
3. Joe’s Pizza

French fries
1. Local
2. The Sierra Grille
3. Riff’s Joint

Salads
1. Paul and Elizabeth’s
2. Judie’s Restaurant
3. Alina’s Ristorante

Place for soup
1. Smithsonian Café and Chowder House
2. Paul and Elizabeth’s
3. River Valley Co-op

Sushi
1. Osaka
2. Moshi Moshi
3. Zen

Vegetarian
1. Paul and Elizabeth’s
2. Bela Restaurant
3. Haymarket

Wings
1. The Hangar/Wings over Amherst
2. Kali B’s Wings & Things
3. Wings over Springfield

Deli
1. State Street Fruit Store, Deli, Wines & Spirits
2. Serio’s Market
3. River Valley Co-op

Bakery
1. Small Oven Bakery
2. Hungry Ghost Bread
3. 2nd Street Baking Co.

Sweet shop/ confectioner
1. Sweeties
2. Pop’s Biscotti & Chocolates
3. Heavenly Chocolate

Ice cream
1. Herrell’s Ice Cream
2. Mt. Tom’s Ice Cream
3. Flayvors of Cook Farm

Gourmet food store
1. Provisions
2. River Valley Co-op
3. Whole Foods Market

Independent market/grocer
1. River Valley Co-op
2. Serio’s Market
3. State Street Fruit Store, Deli, Wines & Spirits

Local farm stand
1. Atlas Farm
2. Golonka Farm
3. Red Fire Farm

Local CSA
1. Mountain View Farm
2. Red Fire Farm
3. Crimson & Clover Farm

Independent coffee house/cafe
1. Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters
2. Esselon Café
3. Woodstar Cafe

Local coffee roaster
1. Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters
2. Esselon Café
3. Pierce Brothers Coffee

Farmers market
1. Northampton Tuesday Market
2. Greenfield Farmers Market
3. Amherst Farmers Market

Liquor store
1. Liquors 44
2. Table & Vine
3. Ryan & Casey Liquors

Store for wine selection
1. Table & Vine
2. Provisions
3. State Street Fruit Store, Deli, Wines & Spirits

Store for beer selection
1. Ryan & Casey Liquors
2. Table & Vine
3. TruBeer

Locally crafted beer
1. Berkshire Brewing Company
2. Lefty’s Brewing Company
3. Abandoned Building Brewery

Domestic beer
1. Sam Adams
2. Yuengling
3. Miller Lite

Imported beer
1. Guinness
2. Heineken
3. Corona

WHEELS

New car dealer
1. TommyCar Auto Group: Country Hyundai, Country Nissan and Northampton Volkswagen
2. Lia Auto Group
3. Steve Lewis Subaru

Used car dealer
1. Nicky D’s
2. Pleasant Journey
3. Country Hyundai

Motorcycle dealer
1. Harley Davidson of Southampton
2. Valley Motorsports
3. Ray’s Cycle Center

Auto glass replacement
1. JN Phillips
2. A&R Auto Glass
3. Safelite Auto Glass

Auto service shop
1. Full Tilt Auto Body
2. E.S.P. Auto Inc.
3. Abba Motors

Place for body work/auto painting
1. Full Tilt Auto Body
2. ACME Automotive
3. Cahillane Auto Body

Place to buy tires
1. Town Fair Tire
2. Duffy Tire Service
3. Pete’s Tire Barn

Auto detailing
1. Full Tilt Auto Body
2. Josh’s Auto Detailing
3. Elron’s Auto Detailing

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

Family-friendly park
1. Look Park
2. Forest Park
3. Stanley Park

Tourist spot in the Valley
1. Yankee Candle Flagship
2. Mt. Sugarloaf State Reservation
3. Mt. Tom State Reservation

Tourist spot in the Berkshires
1. Tanglewood
2. MassMoca
3. Mt. Greylock State Reservation

Tourist spot in southern Vermont
1. Downtown Brattleboro
2. Mt. Snow
3. Grafton Village Cheese

Sugarhouse
1. North Hadley Sugar Shack
2. Gould’s Maple Sugarhouse
3. Davenport Maple Farm Restaurant

Local children’s toy store
1. A2Z Science and Learning Store
2. The Toy Box
3. Kiddly Winks

Local children’s clothing store
1. Monkey Business
2. Hens & Chicks
3. A Child’s Gargen

MATERIAL WORLD

Antique shop
1. The Trading Post
2. Whitney Hill Antiques & Auctions
3. Main St. Antiques of Belchertown

Independent bookstore
1. Broadside Books
2. Odyssey Bookshop
3. Raven Used Books

Camera shop
1. Hunt’s Photo & Video
2. Iris Photo
3. Piepul’s Camera Center

Carpet & flooring store
1. Summerlin Floors
2. National Floors
3. Baystate Rug & Flooring

Local gaming store
1. Greenfield Games
2. Modern Myths
3. Worlds Apart Games

Local computer store
1. Yes Computers
2. Left Click Computers
3. Post Computer Systems

Local furniture store
1. Fly By Night
2. Andy’s & the Oak Shoppe
3. KW Home

Local mattress store
1. Yankee Mattress Factory
2. Fly By Night
3. Sleepy’s

Home décor store
1. Fly By Night
2. KW Home
3. Kestrel

Florist
1. Forget Me Not Florist
2. Nuttelman’s Florist
3. Florence Village Flower & Gift Shop

Garden center/ nursery
1. Hadley Garden Center
2. Andrew’s Greenhouse
3. Sixteen Acres Garden Center

Place for gift baskets
1. Atkins Farms Country Market
2. State Street Fruit Store, Deli, Wines & Spirits
3. Pop’s Biscotti & Chocolates

Place for fair trade products
1. Ten Thousand Villages
2. River Valley Co-op
3. Whole Foods Market

Consignment shop
1. New 2 You Family Boutique
2. Urban Exchange
3. Cinderelli’s Consignment Boutique

Musical instrument shop
1. Downtown Sounds
2. Luthier’s Co-op
3. Gerry’s Music Shop

Pet supply store
1. Dave’s Soda & Pet City
2. A.W. Brown’s
3. Petco

Picture framing
1. Big Red Frame
2. Hope & Feathers Framing & Gallery
3. Hadley Picture Framing

Place for used CDs/ records/DVDs
1. Turn It Up!
2. Platterpus Records
3. Mystery Train Records

Adult novel ty store
1. Oh My!
2. Adam & Eve
3. Amazing.net

WELL WORN

Local jewelry store
1. Silverscape
2. Hannoush Jewelers
3. Don Muller Gallery

Local store for women’s fashions
1. Ode
2. Zanna
3. 25 Central

Local store for men’s fashions
1. Jackson & Connor
2. J. Rich
3. Williamson’s Clothier

Used clothing store
1. Cancer Connection’s Thrift Shop
2. Salvation Army
3. Goodwill

Place to buy lingerie
1. Gazebo
2. Adam & Eve
3. Victoria’s Secret

Bridal boutique
1. The Bridal Barn & Tux Shoppe
2. Pearl Bridal Boutique
3. Bridal Heirlooms

Tuxedo shop
1. Men’s Wearhouse
2. The Bridal Barn & Tux Shop
3. Formal Affair

Hair salon
1. The Lift
2. Salon 241
3. Salon Herdis

Nail salon
1. Peter’s Nails
2. Salon Herdis
3. Kristy’s Nails

Tanning salon
1. Tropical Tan Tanning Salon
2. Tan Quick
3. Golden Booty Tanning Resort

Tattoo shop
1. Off The Map Tattoo
2. Lucky’s Tattoo & Piercing
3. Haven Body Art

Body piercing shop
1. Haven Body Art
2. Lucky’s Tattoo & Piercing
3. Bang Bang Body Arts

GET PHYSICAL

Bicycle shop
1. Valley Ski & Bike Werks
2. Northampton Bicycle
3. Full Circle Bike Shop

Ski/Snowboard shop
1. Competive Edge
2. Valley Ski & Bike Werks
3. Theory Skateshop

Local ski area
1. Berkshire East
2. Blanford
3. Butternut

Golf course
1. The Ranch Golf Club
2. Cherry Hill Golf Course
3. Pine Grove

Health & fitness center
1. Energia Fitness
2. Northampton Athletic Club
3. Hampshire Regional YMCA

Personal trainer
1. Justin Killeen/Energia Fitness
2. Jon Manley/Team Link Northampton
3. Keegan Yentsch/Northampton Reality Martial Arts

Outdoor gear/ camping store
1. Gleason’s
2. Sam’s Outdoor
3. EMS/Eastern Mountain Sports

Place for Pilates
1. The Pilates Studio
2. Debja Steinberger’s Movement Innovations
3. Renew Pilates

Place for yoga
1. Bikram Yoga Northampton
2. Yoga Center Amherst
3. Vega Yoga

Group fitness training center
1. Energia Fitness
2. Teamlink
3. FitWomen

Road race
1. Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage
2. Holyoke St. Patricks Road Race
3. Mother’s Day Half Marathon

TO YOUR HEALTH

Hospital
1. Cooley Dickinson Hospital
2. Baystate Medical Center
3. Mercy Medical Center

Urgent care facility
1. Baystate Urgent Care
2. OnCall Emergency Medicine
3. Doctors Express Urgent Care

Birthing center
1. Baystate Medical Center
2. Cooley Dickinson Hospital
3. Holyoke Medical Center

Place for therapeutic massage
1. The Healing Zone
2. Paradise Spa/East Heaven Hot Tubs
3. Elements Therapeutic Massage

Cosmetic surgeon
1. Dr. Glen S. Brooks
2. Dr. William Truswell
3. Dr. Roger Allcroft

Dentist
1. Dr. Sue Keller/Strong & Healthy Smiles
2. Dr. Corina Wohl/Wohl Family Dentistry
3. Dr. Fred Perry/Amherst Dental Group

Orthodontic practice
1. Rigali & Walder Orthodontics
2. Dr. R. Scott Smith
3. Demaio Orthodontics

Eye doctor
1. Dr. Nancy Balin
2. Dr. Maribeth Erb
3. Dr. Bruce Bleiman

Alternative medicine
1. Clinic Alternative Medicine
2. Northampton Wellness Associates
3. Charles Brummer, MD

Health food store
1. River Valley Co-op
2. Cornucopia
3. Whole Foods Market

Day spa
1. Brooks & Butterfield
2. Spa on the Green
3. Ochoa Salon & Spa

AT YOUR SERVICE

Veterinarian
1. Valley Veterinary Hospital
2. Northampton Veterinary Clinic
3. The Cat Hospital

Pet Groomer
1. Furs’-A-Flyin’ Pet Grooming
2. The Good Dog Spot
3. Valley Inn For Pets

Pet day care/boarding
1. Valley Inn For Pets
2. The Good Dog Spot
3. Sarah’s Pet Services

Place for dog training
1. Animal Alliances
2. It’s PAWSible! Dog Training Center & Day Camp
3. Dakin Humane Society

Hotel/inn
1. Hotel Northampton
2. The Lord Jeffery Inn
3. D. Hotel

Bed & Breakfast
1. The Brandt House
2. Black Walnut Inn
3. The Old Mill Inn

Two-year college
1. Holyoke Community College
2. Greenfield Community College
3. Springfield Technical Community College

Local bank
1. Florence Bank
2. Easthampton Savings Bank
3. Greenfield Savings Bank

Credit union
1. UmassFive College Federal Credit Union
2. Freedom Credit Union
3. Polish National Credit Union

Financial planning service
1. Wealth New England
2. Infinex at Greenfield Savings Bank
3. PeoplesFinancial and Insurance Services

Local insurance agency
1. Finck & Perras Insurance Agency
2. Webber & Grinnell Insurance
3. Whalen Insurance Agency

Local tax service
1. Liberty Tax Service
2. Rick Kristek Income Tax Service
3. Daniel W. Polacheck, P.C.

Interior Designer
1. Sarah Nolan/Kuhn Riddle Architects
2. Amy Woolf Color Consulting
3. Keith Woodruff/KW Home

Law firm
1. Bacon Wilson
2. Carey & Carey
3. Buckley Richardson

Real estate agency
1. Canon Real Estate
2. Taylor Real Estate
3. Goggins Real Eastate

Caterer
1. Seth Mias
2. Hamel’s Catering
3. Blue Heron Restaurant & Catering

Wedding/event photographer
1. Dani Fine Photography
2. Sandra Costello
3. Jessica Marie

Banquet facility/ reception hall
1. The Log Cabin
2. Garden House at Look Park
3. Hotel Northampton

DJ (Disc Jockey)
1. Bobby C.
2. Cloud 9 Productions
3. Dana Collins

Equipment/party rentals
1. Northampton Rental
2. Michael’s Party Rental
3. Party Patrol Rentals

Landscaper
1. Snow & Sons Landscaping
2. Treefrog Landscapes, Inc.
3. North Country Landscapes

Solar Installation
1. Northeast Solar
2. PV Squared: Pioneer Valley PhotoVoltaics Cooperative
3. Solar Store of Greenfield

Computer/electronic repair
1. Yes Computers
2. left-click
3. Green Earth Computers

Local green business
1. River Valley Co-op
2. PeoplesBank
3. The Pedal People

Local nonprofit
1. Dakin Humane Society
2. Cancer Connection
3. Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

INFORMATION AGE

Local blog
1. Hilltown Families
2. Dave Hayes the Weather Nut
3. Larry Kelley’s Only in the Republic of Amherst

Local radio personality
1. Monte Belmonte
2. Bax & O’Brien
3. Joan Holiday

Local TV personality
1. Dave Madsen
2. Barry Krieger
3. Brittany Decker

Local meteorologist
1. Dave Hayes the Weather Nut
2. Brian Lapis
3. Nick Bannin