Best Of 2020 Winners
Best Dental practice 2020 – EMA Dental
EMA Dental Best Dental practice EMA Dental has been a family owned dental practice serving patrons in the Valley for over 35 years! Our focus has always been patient education, excellence in dentistry and compassionate care. As a premier multi-faceted dental practice...
Best Esthetician 2020 – Natalie keyes Spa on the green
Natalie keyes Spa on the green Best Esthetician 2nd Place lisa t skincare 3rd Place Rebekah Markham
Best Eye doctor 2020 – Dr Eric Dostal/ Dostal Eyecare
Dr Eric Dostal/ Dostal Eyecare Best Eye doctor We are best known for exceptional eye care, delivered with compassion in a fun-loving atmosphere. Our secret is in the people who staff our office; they are hired because they have a “friendly factor” of ten (10). We...
Best Health food store 2020 – River Valley Co-op
River Valley Co-op Best Health food store See entry under Local Market/Grocer 2nd Place Whole Foods Market 3rd Place Cornucopia
Best Hospital 2020 – Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Cooley Dickinson Hospital Best Hospital Cooley Dickinson, a Massachusetts General Hospital affiliate, is an acute care community hospital that offers medical/surgical, orthopedic, obstetric/gynecologic, psychiatric, geriatric, palliative, emergency, ambulatory,...
Best Lasik surgeon 2020 – Dr. Nancy Balin/Balin Eye & Laser Center
Dr. Nancy Balin/Balin Eye & Laser Center Best Lasik surgeon Dr. Nancy Balin is all business, which makes sense; she’s been improving people’s vision for over 30 years. “We ’re well-known throughout western Massachusetts as a state-of-the-art eye care facility. We...
Best Orthodontic practice 2020 – Rigali & Walder Orthodontics
Rigali & Walder Orthodontics Best Orthodontic practice Want that smile you’ve always dreamed of? Rigali & Walder Orthodontics has been creating smiles in the Valley for over 30 years. Using the latest technologies combined with friendly, and patient-centered...
Best Place for a massage 2020 – Elements Hot Tub Spa
Elements Hot Tub Spa Best Place for a massage We are an independent, locally-owned spa, located in Amherst, MA, originally founded in 2007 by Jeff and Diana Krauth. The spa was recently acquired by another local couple, Todd and Sue Thibodeau. They bring their...
Best Urgent care facility 2020 – Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Cooley Dickinson Hospital Best Urgent care facility Urgent Care provides walk-in services for patients ages 2 and up and caregivers are able to diagnose many things from cold/flu symptoms to cuts and minor lacerations. To make sure patients can be cared for at all...
Best Local jewelry store 2020 – Silverscape Designs
Silverscape Designs Best Local jewelry store Most people probably know Silverscape as the place that occupies the old Art Deco bank at the corner of King and Main streets in Northampton. The business is best known for its tradition of selling handmade jewelry,...
Best Nail salon 2020 – Salon 180 East
Salon 180 East Best Nail salon Located in the artfully restored Mill 180 building, Salon180East provides a range of highly skilled stylists. Salon180 offers the latest trends in nails, haircuts, hair coloring, waxing services, facials and eyelash extensions....
Best Place to buy lingerie 2020 – Gazebo
Gazebo Best Place to buy lingerie Co-owners Donna McNeight and Amy Dickinson are gracious and grateful. When asked about what she likes about serving customers in the Valley, McNeight says, “What better place to do business!” McNeight and Dickinson took Gazebo over...
Best Tattoo shop 2020 – Haven Body Arts Piercing & Tattoo
Haven Body Arts Piercing & Tattoo Best Tattoo shop see entry for Body Piercing Shop 2nd Place Lucky’s Tattoo & Piercing 3rd Place The Black Labyrinth Tattoo Syndicate
Best Used clothing store 2020 – Cancer Connection Thrift Shop
Cancer Connection Thrift Shop Best Used clothing store On a snowy December day in 2013, the Cancer Connection Thrift Shop first opened its doors and “it’s been sunshine, warmth, and thrifty goodness ever since,” says Nancy Charbonneau Case, store manager. The thrift...
Best Alternative medicine 2020 – Aegis Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
Aegis Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Best Alternative medicine 2nd Place Northampton Integrative Medicine 3rd Place Whole Body Healing
Best Best Audiologist / Hearing Center 2020 – Hampden Hearing Center
Hampden Hearing Center Best Best Audiologist / Hearing Center 2nd Place Clarke Hearing Center 3rd Place Alber Hearing Services
Best Best Medical/Retail Cannabis Dispensary 2020 – NETA Northampton
NETA Northampton Best Best Medical/Retail Cannabis Dispensary NETA’s goal is to bring wellness to the adults of Massachusetts and beyond by providing premium, lab-tested, cutting-edge cannabis therapies in an inviting, safe environment. Learn more at netacare.org and...
Best Birthing center 2020 – Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Cooley Dickinson Hospital Best Birthing center Valley residents have chosen Cooley Dickinson Childbirth Center as the best of its kind in the area. The center has been designated a “Baby-Friendly ” facility by Baby-Friendly USA, a program led by the World Health...
Best Cosmetic surgeon 2020 – Dr. Glen S. Brooks/Aesthetic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. Glen S. Brooks/Aesthetic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Best Cosmetic surgeon 2nd Place Dr. Roger Allcroft / Allcroft Facial Plastic Surgery 3rd Place Dr. Simone Topal/Cooley Dickinson Medical Group Plastic...
Best Musical instrument shop 2020 – Downtown Sounds
Downtown Sounds Best Musical instrument shop Downtown Sounds: One of the well-known music shops in the Pioneer Valley has transitoned to become a worker-owned cooperative!. Whether you’re looking for music lessons, a high-end Rickenbacker electric guitar,...
Best Pet supply store 2020 – Dave’s Soda & Pet City
Dave’s Soda & Pet City Best Pet supply store Dave Ratner started out selling pet food from the trunk of his car. Agawam store manager Miranda Treat says she’s never worked at a place like Dave ’s. “It’s a tight knit community here ,” she says, and she...
Best Picture framing 2020 – Hope & Feathers Framing and Printing
Hope & Feathers Framing and Printing Best Picture framing Located on Main Street in Amherst, Hope & Feathers has been offering framing and printing services since 2010. The shop is filled with creative innovations from its workers, who are all experienced...
Best Place for fair trade products 2020 – Ten Thousand Villages
Ten Thousand Villages Best Place for fair trade products In the Valley, fair trad practices are important to many people. Ten Thousand Villages doesn’t just support Fair Trade, it’s their whole purpose. Started in 1946 by a Mennonite woman who was struck by the...
Best Place for gift baskets 2020 – Atkins Farms Country Market
Atkins Farms Country Market Best Place for gift baskets When you visit Atkins Farms it’s hard to imagine it as a little farm stand by the side of the road. But that’s how it all began back in 1962. Marketing Manager Jen Adams says that ’s one of the reasons for...
Best Place for used CDs/records/DVDs 2020 – Turn It Up!
Turn It Up! Best Place for used CDs/records/DVDs If you’re an audiophile who can’t get enough of classic music from years past and you’re always looking for a hidden gem, Turn it Up! will scratch that itch. Owner and founder Patrick Pezzati has been offering...
Best Vape or smokeless tobacco shop 2020 – The Enthusiast
The Enthusiast Best Vape or smokeless tobacco shop A premium smoke and vape shop in Greenfield, The Enthusiast is all about creating relationships with its customers. “We look at the purchase as the beginning point in a long relationship,” says Alex Abrams, the...
Best Body piercing shop 2020 – Haven Body Arts Piercing & Tattoo
Haven Body Arts Piercing & Tattoo Best Body piercing shop Haven just celebrated our 10th anniversary & is finishing up renovating our studio. We are proud to be not only a female owned and operated business, but one whose staff is predominately female and/or...
Best Bridal boutique 2020 – Pearl Bridal Boutique
Pearl Bridal Boutique Best Bridal boutique Every bride wants their wedding planning experience to be perfect. For many the first step is the dress, and in the Valley there is no better place to go than Pearl Bridal Boutique in Holyoke. The boutique helps make each...
Best Hair salon 2020 – Salon 180 East
Salon 180 East Best Hair salon Located in the artfully restored Mill 180 building, Salon180East provides a range of highly skilled stylists. Salon180 offers the latest trends in nails, haircuts, hair coloring, waxing services, facials and eyelash extensions....
Best Antique shop 2020 – The Trading Post
The Trading Post Best Antique shop Shopping for antiques is like going on a treasure hunt at the Trading Post. Owned by Aaron and Louise McGrath, The Trading Post has been in business for 43 years. Louise’s father, Lawrence Pratt, founded the antique shop based on his...
Best Consignment shop 2020 – Urban Exchange
Urban Exchange Best Consignment shop Urban Exchange Northampton carries high end fashions for women at a fraction of original retail prices. Our boutique environment with color schemes and specialty racks allows you to shop in a relaxed yet chic atmosphere. We pride...
Best Florist 2020 – Forget Me Not Florist
Forget Me Not Florist Best Florist With lush bridal bouquets, unique floral designs and arrangements, and a bountiful bloom of creativity, Forget Me Not Florist is one of the best places for flowers in the Pioneer Valley. There you can find flower arrangements that...
Best Garden center/nursery 2020 – Hadley Garden Center
Hadley Garden Center Best Garden center/nursery In January of 2020 Tom and Janine Giles sold the Hadley Garden Center to Gardener’s Supply. Gardener’s Supply Company is a 100% employee-owned, B-Corp with garden centers in Vermont & New Hampshire. 2nd Place...
Best Hydroponics store 2020 – New England Hydroponics
New England Hydroponics Best Hydroponics store New England Hydroponics was begun as an online retailer in 2002. The Southampton brick and mortar store opened in 2007, and its owners claim their success comes from striving to help growers of all experience levels...
Best Independent bookstore 2020 – The Montague Bookmill
The Montague Bookmill Best Independent bookstore Thousands of carefully selected, gently used books in a wonderful old mill. And a waterfall! 2nd Place Odyssey Bookshop 3rd Place Raven Used Books
Best Local appliance store 2020 – Manny’s TV & Appliances
Manny’s TV & Appliances Best Local appliance store Manny’s Appliances is a family owned company based in Western Massachusetts. Since 1977, Manny’s has served customers in Western Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, with low prices on...
Best Local computer store 2020 – Yes Computers
Yes Computers Best Local computer store If you want a new computer but don’t want to go to a big box giant, Yes Computers gives you an alternative without scrimping on the merchandise and knowledge. They offer a line of Apple products that will satisfy your electronic...
Best Local furniture store 2020 – Fly By Night
Fly By Night Best Local furniture store Fly By Night has furniture to suit any style or need. What began as a futon store has grown into a local mecca for people looking to spruce up their homes with new dining sets, mattresses, a sofa, or home office desk. Fly By...
Best Local mattress store 2020 – Yankee Mattress Factory
Yankee Mattress Factory Best Local mattress store Yankee Mattress has placed first in the Valley Advocate’s Best of the Valley editions for the past decade. Nick Noblit, owner of Yankee Mattress, says with locations in Greenfield, Northampton, and Springfield, the...
Best Place for appetizers/tapas 2020 – Galaxy
Galaxy Best Place for appetizers/tapas “We wanted to create a sort of grazing menu in an adult environment ,” says Galaxy owner Casey Douglass, “where people really feel inspired to talk to one another.” Five years in, that ethic is continuing to pay off. The...
Best Place for gluten free food 2020 – Pulse Cafe
Pulse Cafe Best Place for gluten free food Pulse Café in Hadley has obviously made an impression with customers since it opened in 2017. Perhaps the reason Pulse is so popular is because it’s more than just a café. It also has an educational space, a market, and a...
Best Place for soup 2020 – Smithsonian Cafe and Chowder House
Smithsonian Cafe and Chowder House Best Place for soup T he re ’s nothing like a hot bowl of soup to warm the body and soul. Sitting down to a homemade meal is an experience everyone loves. At the Smithsonian Cafe and Chowderhouse you can enjoy that feeling anytime....
Best Place for tea 2020 – Dobra Tea House
Dobra Tea House Best Place for tea We are a family owned Bohemian Tearoom & Tea Shop specializing in over 100 high quality loose leaf teas from all over the world served in house, to go, or by the ounce. We offer international vegetarian fair & desserts with...
Best Place for vegan food 2020 – Pulse Cafe
Pulse Cafe Best Place for vegan food See entry under Place for Gluten Free Food 2nd Place Caf� Evolution 3rd Place Nourish Wellness Cafe & Juice Bar
Best Ribs/barbecue 2020 – Bub’s BBQ
Bub’s BBQ Best Ribs/barbecue Owner Andrea Moroney tips her hat to Bub, who began Bub’s BBQ in 1979. “He just loved restaurants, but he hated all of the bureaucratic stuff,” Moroney says. “He knew the layout would work and went with it.” B ub ’s is a place where...
Best Salads 2020 – Paul and Elizabeth’s
Paul and Elizabeth’s Best Salads See entry for “Restaurant for Seafood” 2nd Place Riff’s Joint & Riff’s North 3rd Place Small Oven Bakery
Best Southern/cajun food 2020 – Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou
Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou Best Southern/cajun food For a taste of Louisiana right here in the Pioneer Valley, Chef Wayne ’s Big Mamou can’t be beat. Located in Springfield, owner Wayne Hooker serves up authentic Cajun flavors and southern hospitality. Chef Wayne’s...
Best Store for beer selection 2020 – Table and Vine
Table and Vine Best Store for beer selection See entry under Liquor Store 2nd Place Provisions 3rd Place Ryan & Casey Liquors
Best Store for wine selection 2020 – Table & Vine
Table & Vine Best Store for wine selection See entry under Liquor Store 2nd Place Provisions 3rd Place Liquors 44
Best Sushi 2020 – Osaka Japanese Restaurant
Osaka Japanese Restaurant Best Sushi See entry under Japanese Restaurant 2nd Place Kisara Japanese & Korean Restaurant 3rd Place Moshi Moshi Japanese Restaurant
Best Vegetarian 2020 – Paul and Elizabeth’s
Paul and Elizabeth’s Best Vegetarian Se entry under Restaurant for Seafood 2nd Place Pulse Cafe 3rd Place Bela Restaurant
Best Wings 2020 – The Hangar Pub & Grill
The Hangar Pub & Grill Best Wings Their claim to fame is the wings. The wings have names like the DC-10, the Zeppelin, and the B-17 Bomber, and there are 25 flavors of wings. This is more than just pub food. The Hangar Pub & Grill also has burgers, nachos,...
Best Family friendly park 2020 – Look Park
Look Park Best Family friendly park When you think of Look Park, you think of a beautiful setting with great family friendly events. Rarely do you think of it as a non-profit that relies on its visitors for sole support. “We ’re self-supporting,” says Look Park...
Best Local children’s toy store 2020 – A2Z Science and Learning Store
A2Z Science and Learning Store Best Local children’s toy store For 32 years, downtown Northampton has been home to the A2Z Science and Learning Store, a massive toy store with 20 categories of toys and plenty of chances for learning play. For Andre and Devon...
Best Sugarhouse 2020 – North Hadley Sugar Shack
North Hadley Sugar Shack Best Sugarhouse Maple syrup — there’s nothing quite like it. Luckily, in western Massachusetts you can get it local. The North Hadley Sugar Shack has maple syrup, maple cream, and maple candy, all made with fresh sap from the tap. You can also...
Best Tourist destination in southern Vermont 2020 – Downtown Brattleboro
Downtown Brattleboro Best Tourist destination in southern Vermont With live music every Thursday night, weekly yoga classes, regular African drum and dance classes, and monthly Irish music sessions, it’s no wonder that Downtown Brattleboro is a favorite tourist...
Best Tourist destination in the Berkshires 2020 – Tanglewood
Tanglewood Best Tourist destination in the Berkshires Nestled in the beautiful Berkshire Hills, Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is marked by acres of wellgroomed grounds and great music. The space is dotted with stages and music halls big...
Best Tourist destination in the Valley 2020 – Yankee Candle Flagship
Yankee Candle Flagship Best Tourist destination in the Valley The world’s largest candle shop, our Village store is where you’ll find 400,000 candles in over 250 different famous Yankee Candle fragrances! It’s a unique, entertaining world of New England...
Best Adult novelty store 2020 – Oh My Sensuality Shop
Oh My Sensuality Shop Best Adult novelty store Oh My Sensuality Shop has been selling sex toys and sensuality items in Northampton for more than 15 years and have been voted the best for eight. Carol Gessell founded Oh My with her daughter Beth Meyers. Gessell said...E-Edition
Best Of 2024
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