Best City park Memory Park With an unobstructed view of Bald Mountain, and plenty of green, shade and water to please all ages, Memory Park continues to offer solace and fun to the city of Ketchum. Donated to the city by Jim Cimino over 6 years ago, the park continues to set an example for how much people need such spaces amongst the condos and retail options. Also a host to weddings, parties and other gatherings, Memory Park ensures that many lasting memories can be celebrated in years hence. Usable, memorable, fun and public. How about several more such gardens folks? It is located on Main Street in Ketchum. Written by Lynea Newcomer. Runners Up: Atkinson Park, Hop Porter, Heagle Best Breed of dog Golden retriever The tables have turned once again - it's Golden Retrievers this year instead of the standby Labrador and Collie. Known for their gentle nature and beautiful golden hair, the Goldens would probably enjoy several biscuits as reward for being the Valley's favorites. Sally Kern, owner of and a breeder of Goldens, says they are easy, loving and simple, not to mention beautiful. She and many others value the expressive natures and easy, manageable energy. Indeed, she sometimes finds some of her charges in demand to model (or be props) for clothing catalogs such as L.L. Bean. Would you like a bone with that scarf, Sparky? Written by Lynea Newcomer. Runners Up: Jack Russell, Labrador, poodle Best Outdoor store Backwoods Backwoods is located at 711 North Main Street just north of the tourist district of Ketchum. But Bruce Weber, the store's manager, says that this is not a problem for the store as their customers are primarily friends and they are a destination shop. Weber has been manager of the store for 18 years and owner, Andy Munter, has been a part of Backwoods for 30 years. Weber says that his staff's knowledge, passion for outdoor sports, connection to the community and their support of grassroots environmental organizations are keys to the store's success. Just some of the organizations that Weber says that Backwoods supports are the Snake River Alliance, Wood River Land Trust, Wood River Ride Share and Idaho Conversation League. In addition, Munter serves as president of Idaho Rivers United which may explain why the store's specialty is whitewater sports. This does not mean that this is the only specialized area of the store. Beside expert advice the store offers camping, skiing, backpacking and mountain biking equipment plus a whole lot more including clothing and accessories. Written by Trey Spaulding. Runners Up: Elephant's Perch, Silver Creek, Sturtevants Best Ski shop Formula Sports Bob Gordon, owner of Formula Sports in Ketchum, grew up skiing with his family on Big Mountain outside of Whitefish, Mont. He eventually became a ski racer and skied on the University of Montana team which he later coached. Gordon has over 32 years in the ski retail business. Twenty-five years ago he moved to Ketchum and purchased Formula Sports and it has been bliss for this single man ever since. Gordon said that he has skied all over and Sun Valley by far offers the best skiing in the world. He contributed this ranking to “great weather, great natural and manmade snow, fast lifts and nice lodgingŠSun Valley is impossible to beat.” With all of this experience in skiing one would expect Gordon's personal experience and expertise to be the key to Formula's success and reasons for winning the “Valley's Best Ski Shop” for 2007. But that is not the case. Gordon contributes the garnering of the award and the store's success to his employees. He said that his employees are knowledgeable, all are skiers, all are down to earth and they like what they do. He said that he is fortunate to have extraordinary employees working at his store. Formula Sports is located at the corner of Fifth and Main Streets in Ketchum. Written by Trey Spaulding. Runners Up: Paul Kenny, Sturtevants, Elephant's Perch Best Sledding hill Penny Hill If you're a local you've probably sledded down her. She sits outside Sun Valley Resort waiting for kids to climb up her and blaze down. She's been here longer than anyone, and yet the winters never get old to her. “I love it,” whispered Penny Hill as she gracefully blushed after a new snow covered up her blemishes. “The kids here are great. Whenever I am able to give joy to the community and see all of the smiles and hear all of the laughter, that's good enough for me.” When Penny isn't giving herself to the community, she spends the day reading crime novels and listening to The Beatles. Her favorite song? You might think it's Penny Lane, but it's actually Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds. It's her favorite song because she has a perfect view of the stars on a clear night. Penny is single, although has had hundreds of suitors over the years including a brief fling with Dollar Mountain. “It didn't last because he was too busy,” said Penny. Penny's favorite time of the year is late December because that's when all of the kids are off from school and come visit her. Oddly enough, however, her favorite day of the year is the Flag Day. Written by Jon Mentzer. Runners Up: Rotarun, Dollar Mountain Best Place to meditate Sawtooths Paris has its Notre Dame Cathedral; Venice, St. Mark's. But we have an even more magnificent cathedral of awe-inspiring arches and jagged peaks that jut into the heavens. And there's plenty of elbow room for each and every one of us to get away from it all to contemplate and pray. Written by Karen Bossick. Runners Up: Sawtooth Botanical Garden, Boundary Campground, Wine Bar Best Pet store Thunderpaws Hurley Hamilton started Thunderpaws eight years ago when she bought out Oliver's Pet Store. The business really took off two years ago when she moved into a Main Street location in Ketchum where tourists stop by. Owners of every kind of pet from reptiles to lizards, birds and the standard dog and cat can find products. “We have stuff for everyone,” Hamilton said. She named the store for her dog team that took sleds around Lake Creek in 1972 and operated from Galena Lodge in 1976 and 1977. Her clients are second home owners, locals, and visitors who love animals. Hamilton said she loves to find healthy treats and pet food companies that operate in the U.S., not China. Written by Susan Bailey. m Runners Up: Basics Plus, Sawtooth Animal Center Best Men's clothing Silver Creek For high quality, stylish, casual wear, from leather goods to crisp casual tattersall shirts and regulation khakis, Silver Creek is the understated tops for menswear in the valley. No detail left unattended, the stock at Silver Creek is nice range of sophisticated and casual Northwestern attire that can dress you for nearly any event in the Valley, and make you look effortless in the process. Of course, there is also an up to the minute selection of technical clothing for flyfishing and other outdoor ventures. Who needs Nordstrom? Written by Kathleen L. Turner. Runners Up: North & Co., Ketchum Dry Goods Best Women's clothing North & Co. Jeans, jeans and more jeans, accompanied by the most fashion forward selection of casual tops, jackets and exercise wear in the valley make North & Co. a wonderful respite for Vogue girls throughout the Valley. Clever designers appear on every rack, with a knowledgeable, helpful staff that's never stuffy. A wide range of stylish footwear fills the basement, and there's even a great selection for the guys as well. Always a hit with Valley shoppers, North & Co. is also a great stop for visitors on their way in that want to look and shop like a local. Written by Kathleen L. Turner. Runners Up: Sheepskin Coat Factory, Burnsie's Boca, Ketchum Dry Goods Best Place to buy shoes Ozzie's Tired of just putting one foot in front of the other? Then get some great new kicks from Ozzie's that make walking around town fun again. Ozzie's stocks a big selection of stylish designers, from “don't care what they cost” must haves, to the affordable “what's on sale” Ozzie's has got the goods. Written by Kathleen L. Turner. Runners Up: North & Co., Rue de Shoe, Silver Creek Best Thrift store Gold Mine As anyone who attends a Community Library event in Ketchum will find out, the Gold Mine functions as a key funding source for this institution. Last year the thrift store supplied 50 percent of the Library's budget, which comes in over a million dollars. What a great deal! Buy a sweater, and in the process, help fund the library. Whether you need some pants for winter, a dress coat for dinner, some shoes to walk around your house or any number of household accessories, sporting equipment, and a variety of entertainment apparatuses, The Gold Mine is IT. Swing by April 9 for the spring opening, where spring clothing and sports gear will be in abundance. Everyone's favorite, the bag sale, takes place April 5 from 9 to 11 a.m., and costs $2/bag. 11 employees and numerous volunteers make this place a stellar place to shop. Written by Lynea Newcomer. Runners Up: Barkin Basement, Advocate's Attic, Episcopal Church Best Bank First Bank of Idaho First Bank of Idaho has branches in Idaho and Wyoming and headquarters in Ketchum. Known for supporting local causes with generous sponsorships, First Bank also leads the way in the technology of preventing identity theft and educating its customers about identity theft. More than 100 employees of First Bank of Idaho work in the Wood River Valley. Truly a home-town bank, employees know their clients by name and face, ensuring quality service and intimate relationships with needs and accounts. Written by Lynea Newcomer. Runners Up: D.L. Evans, Wells Fargo, Mountain West Best Furniture store Stuhlberg Three floors of “Oh my God this is beautiful” furniture have Stuhlberg in the number one spot for decorating the den. From whole house makeovers to artistic details, Stuhlberg's in-house designers can advise for a pulled together Architectural Digest look or a one-of-a kind individual statement. Room-by-room arrangements inspire shoppers on all floors, with imported and domestic accents you won't find anywhere else. If you want your style defined let Stulhberg's provide the setting. Written by Kathleen L. Turner. Runners Up: Red Door, Open Room, Bungalow Best Art gallery Gilman Contemporary L'Anne Gilman just opened her gallery on Sun Valley Road last Memorial Day Weekend but already it's become a hot spot-particularly for young art lovers. Gilman, an art-history major from Chattanooga, Tenn., went to work first for longtime Ketchum gallery owner Gail Severn, then for Barbi Reed, learning all she could from them. Her own gallery focuses primarily on emerging artists-both photographers and painters. Gilman strives very hard to educate new collectors about how to go about collecting art. And she always seems ready to throw her doors open for extracurricular events, as well-from a volunteer appreciation party for Camp Rainbow Gold to a photography show organized to raise money for an old friend whose finances had been stretched caring for his wife after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Having her own shop is a dream come true-”I love the whole scene,” Gilman says. Written by Karen Bossick. Runners Up: Will Caldwell, Kneeland, Gail Severn Best Grocery store Atkinsons' The Bellevue, Hailey and Ketchum Atkinsons' triad offers everything you need from avacodos to zinc lozenges. These locally-owned stores put down roots in 1953 in Ketchum, and eventually branched out to both Hailey and Bellevue. If you're picky about what you eat, you should know they are just as picky about what they sell. People in the produce section carefully examine and select what to put in front of you-anything that doesn't look good is not even an option. Those who stock the groceries pay attention to detail, including inspection of eggs in cartons, spices in bulk bins, expiration dates on everything, and fresh seafood in the meat department. Quality control is foremost at these stores. Tammi Mortensen, an accountant from the Ketchum office, agrees that it may be the coveted benefits package, or the family-oriented operation that helps encourage employees to put their best foot forward. If you can't locate something, they'll help you find it; if they don't have something you're looking for, they'll order it for you if they can. The farther north you go, the more eclectic the pickings, including specialty items like duck eggs, a huge variety of organic soups, pastas, pasta sauce, Asian and Hispanic influence sections, and an extremely large walk-in wine cooler. If you like shopping at a place where it's more like perusing your friend's cupboard, then Atkinsons' is the place for you. Written by Leslie Thompson. Runners Up: Albertsons, Farmers Market Best Produce Farmers Markets Readers must be up on their research. Fresh produce from the Hailey and Ketchum farmers markets is gaining ground among residents as more and more people learn of the nutrition benefits in eating as fresh as possible. Did you know that the majority of vendors grow their food using organic methods? The Farmers Markets are open from the first week in June through the first week in October, 2:30 - 6 on Tuesdays in Ketchum in the 4th Street Heritage corridor, and 3 - 6:30 on Thursdays on Main Street in Hailey. Music and chef demonstrations regularly accompany the market afternoon, as well as smiles and plenty of time to catch up with your neighbors. Kaz Thea, manager of the Hailey market, noted that with all the recent nationwide food scares, it sure is nice to know the people growing the food you eat. Written by Lynea Newcomer. Runners Up: Atkinsons' Markets, Idaho's Bounty Best Landscaping company All Seasons “Our philosophy is to try not to overpromise and underform,” Mark Martens of All Seasons says. “We're truly very responsive to our customers' needs, provide great craftsmanship and consistently meet deadlines.” Doing what you say you'll do makes for a great business motto, all readers agree. Located on south Main Street in Bellevue, All Seasons does not have retail offers, but they do grow plant material to use in their projects. Further, Martens hand picks all plants for projects. The company was established in 1991, and employs roughly 140 people during the high-activity times of summer. 60 people carry the group through winter, during which time employees are encouraged to take continuing-education seminars. Recently, with the increase in demand from customers for ‘green' products and services, the company has been learning about the organics market. All Seasons gives back by supporting Camp Rainbow Gold and Expedition Inspiration - their annual Christmas tree sales profits go to those two organizations. Written by Lynea Newcomer. Runners Up: Webb, Hailey Nursery, Whitehead Best Car dealer Sutton & Sons Sutton and Sons, where “low prices are the law,” pulled off yet another win here. The Suttons came to Hailey in 1988, and recently decided to pass on ownership. Two friendly Sutton faces are sticking around, committed to the dealership and the business of great customer service. But Jack Hunsaker now wears the cap of owner, as well as manager. Everyone is excited to carry on the traditions the original owners have established in the community. Working in a small community, where businesses rely on people to come back, Sutton & Sons knows the value of supporting their customers in order to be supported in their business. And with Chevrolet, Dodge, Jeep, Pontiac, Chrysler, Buick, Cadillac and GMC vehicles they've got your vehicle. With the surge in gas costs, employees are looking forward to offering hybrid vehicles this week. Car manufacturers are re-vamping to meet the consumer demands for better gas mileage, and Sutton & Sons will have the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe models on their lots soon. Further, the dealership offers used vehicles of all makes and models, and can get anything that anyone wants due to relationships with dealerships across the west. Written by Lynea Newcomer. Runners Up: Hailey Auto Exchange, Sawtooth Ford Best Music store Notes Every good boy does fine. And so does every girl, at Notes Music Store on River Street in Hailey. Notes offers quality instruments for both band and orchestra, and also has classes for musical prodigies of any age. The community minded staff and the springboard they give for young stars through their School of Rock made Notes worthy of the Valley's recognition. There are no runners up in this category. Written by Kathleen L. Turner. Best Cell phone company Verizon Immediate connection to friends and family must have created this category (no votes for land-line companies!). And it' s no surprise that Verizon dialed up the most votes since it was the first cell phone company to offer service in the valley. The company boasts 99.9 percent coverage but, unfortunately, it does have a few black holes here-most notably in the area near St. Luke' s Wood River Medical Center. Written by Lynea Newcomer. Runners Up: Edge Best Bookstore Iconoclast On any given day one might find Gary and Sarah Hunt chatting with a best selling author or reading the newest children's book to a group on the floor of the Children's Section. With their new location on Sun Valley Road, the couple celebrates reading with a well-stocked library and a knowledge of books that most professors would envy. Book signings, community meetings, and best-seller lists abound, and with the newly opened coffee bar, it's a great meet-me-at spot. There's a 10 percent discount for book clubs, too. Written by Kathleen L. Turner. Runners Up: Chapter One Best Other retail establishment Les Schwab Some businesses just don't readily fit into our other categories. Thus, the infamous ‘other' prize! Les Schwab is an obvious choice by readers; everybody needs tires, and the crew at Schwab country in Hailey is no less than amazing. Fast and intelligent customer service keep this group humming along. Sure, you could travel south for car care, but Schwab is so good, who would want to? Jane's, located in Hailey and Ketchum, provides a variety of services, from copying and printing to art supplies and yearly calendar needs. Willing to work with their customers, this store offers qualified help to achieve your printing and party favor needs. Written by Lynea Newcomer. Runners Up: Jane's, Flolo's, Fabric Granary Best Newspaper The Wood River Journal Runners Up: Idaho Mountain Express Best Pharmacy Chateau Drug Whatever the ailment, Chateau Drug can fill the Rx for your hurting knee, your headache or your achoo season medication. Their team of pharmacists is ready to serve the Valley with their accurate and informed advice. And, just in case you need anything else while picking up the scrip, like fishing flies, cookware, electric rollers patio furniture or personal care products, as well as any seasonal fun stuff for whatever holiday is around the corner, Chateau can provide. Written by Kathleen L. Turner. Runners Up: Karen's, Albertsons, The Drug Store Best New business Ketchum on the Fly Whether you're wanting high performance gear for fishing, hunting, or other outdoor adventures, Ketchum on the Fly has got it. A new business that looks like it's been there for decades, On the Fly's owners Julie Zapoli and Elizabeth Hendrix have a passion for flyfishing, wingshooting and outdoor pursuits that makes them experts on what works for women. A new line from Really Wild Clothing will appear this spring, alongside traditional Allen safari wear and casual, everyday Ketchum good looks. Don't forget to greet Scout, who is bound to meet you at the door and politely ask you to play fetch. Written by Kathleen L. Turner. Runners Up: Iconoclast Café, Smiling Dog and Willow Papery Best Annual event Northern Rockies Folk Festival Hailey's Hop Porter Park is rockin' steady to the tunes of 30 years hosting of the Northern Rockies Folk Festival. Every first week in August, the town comes alive to bluegrass, the blues, local bands and national touring groups. With plenty of camping and lodging around town and around the Valley, festival-goers are insured an intimate experience. What better way to celebrate the final days of high summer than with sun hat on head, tunes blowing in the breeze and a reasonably-sized crowd of happy people blissed out around you? 48Straight also continues to gather kudos as a happenin' winter event. This year saw several pre-event days full of free environmental symposiums, a true sign that in addition to amazing skier cross and snowboard cross competitions, the event organizers and the public are ready for events that reach out for bigger meanings. Written by Lynea Newcomer. Runners Up: Sun Valley Wine Auction, Ski Tour (48 Straight), Wagon Days Best Place for a first date Hailey Coffee Company Runners Up: The Sawtooth Club, Bigwood Cinemas, Cellar Pub descritpion Best Place to tie the knot Trail Creek Cabin Trail Creek Cabin - Second year in a row! A view of Bald Mountain, nice lawns, a historic building and Trail Creek burbling below add up to picturesque. Plus, Sun Valley Resort has the staff for a big party. Sawtooth Botanical Garden - A more intimate location, with recently constructed prayer wheel area and dry, rock river bed, the SBG offers a meaningful and beautiful location to state vows. Our Lady of the Snows - With construction completed on a substantial expansion area, this church offers immense feeling inside its walls. Light and space and congregational acceptance welcome people of all faiths. It is truly a space to celebrate union. Or ,better yet, as some readers also suggested, don't do it! Written by Lynea Newcomer. Runners Up: Sawtooth Botanical Garden, Our Lady of the Snows, Best not to! Best Public feud Warm Springs property In 2003, the Simpson family sold its golf course property and restaurant to developers who thought a $180-million-dollar project including townhouses and a hotel would work on the 78-acre property where winter sleigh rides passed by an elk herd wintering in the trees. Later, when Sun Valley Ventures worked with Fish and Game to trap and move the herd, there was an outcry from many residents that matched the outcry over development. In addition, outcry came from George Tischer, an initial partner in the sale who sued after he was moved out of position. Four owners, Ketchum resident Steve Roth, San Francisco resident Ernie Meiger, Los Angeles resident Bob Bisno and trust administrator Barbara Young, bought the Warm Springs Golf Course. Roth later bought out his partners. When Ketchum City Council suggested the planned unit development and annexation might need to keep a golf course on the property, he sold to the current owners Helios and DDRM Greatplaces. The Warm Springs Ranch Resort will present its plans to P&Z this spring. Written by Susan Bailey. Runners Up: Community School elk, marijuana initiatives, Cove Ranch Best Unofficial Valley vehicle Subaru Outback The Subaru Outback drives again as the unofficial vehicle of the Valley. Whether you need to carry pooch, pack or paddle, or just move from one campsite to the next, it promises to roll through mud, snow and anything else the weather can throw at you. VW, Volkswagon and Audi wagon models are gaining prominence on Hwy 75, but there is something about the Subaru that says “original mountain vehicle” better than other brands. Written by Lynea Newcomer. Runners Up: Suburban, Hummer, Elbie's Jumping Car Best Green initiative SVCA new building This community loves its art, and the Sun Valley Art Center as well. Plans for a new building just west of the Ketchum Post Office will give the Center some brave new walls to decorate, and some wonderful new space in which to entertain their artistically focused guests. Stop into the current quarters for a view of the model, which will be constructed according to green LEED standards, making the construction footprint as small as possible with recycling just about everything. Written by Kathleen L. Turner. Runners Up: Recycling shopping bags, recycling in city offices and schools, Focus the Nation Best Place to get a Journal Post offices Apparently Valley residents like to pick up a paper when they pick up their mail. Post offices are the preferred place to grab a Journal. Then again, what better way to check in Wednesday mornings than over a cup ‘o joe and a paper? Hailey Coffee Company is also a favorite pick-up spot. A Valley staple for early- to mid-morning social hour, the coffee shop offers plenty of treats to keep readers happy whilst perusing the print. Written by Lynea Newcomer. Runners Up: Hailey Coffee Company, Iconoclast, my office