For more than a year we've polled the community to find out which businesses and organizations are the best in various categories. Now we want to know what categories we've missed. In this week's edition of "And the Winner is..." the winner will be you, as you help us choose some new kinds of excellence. Let us know which contest categories you'd like to see, and we'll pick some to run. NOMINATE NOW Full story...

With football playoffs and basketball season in full swing, we want to know where do you like to go to watch the game? In this week's "And the Winner is..." contest, we want to know where you watch your favorite team play when you're not enjoying the game at home. Who has the biggest screens, the best gametime food and the coldest drinks? Let us know the BEST SPORTS BAR in the Cape Fear. Here's how the votes are rolling in (4 pm Thurs.):
Chaser's Sports Bar & Grill, Oak Island - 50%
Kick Back Jack's, Wilmington - 28%
Buffalo Wild Wings, Wilmington - 12%
Full story...

Last week we found out who has the BEST SALAD to help you eat healthier. But as you work on your New Year's resolution, where should you go to get in active and in shape? Maybe it's the place with the best array of machines and weights. Or maybe you're looking for specialized workouts to tone your body. Whatever your exercise options, we want to know which is the BEST GYM in the Cape Fear. Congratulations to CrossFit Coastal! Full story...

Now that the new year and new resolutions are here, we wanted to know who you think has the BEST SALAD in the area for when you feel like eating healthy? Whether you like your dressing on the side, a Caesar, made with spinach or made with lettuce, let us know who you think has the BEST SALAD on the menu. Here's how the numbers are tossing (4 pm Tues.):
Ruby Tuesday - 21%
Brasserie du Soleil - 14%
Olive Garden - 12%
VOTE NOW! Full story...

In this edition of "And the Winner is..." we're in the giving spirit. There are many groups around the area that help people in need. Whether it's giving to the poor, helping victims in their time of need or just generally making life better for others, what is the BEST CHARITY in the Cape Fear?
Here are the leaders (9 a.m. Thursday)
Ocean Cure: 33%
Indo Jax Surf Charities: 23%
American Red Cross Cape Fear Chapter: 13%
VOTE NOW! Full story...

In this week's "And the Winner is..." we're looking for some bling. As the holidays approach, you may be looking for something sparkly to fill your loved one's wish list. So who has the most glittery gold and the most dazzling diamonds. Let us know what you think is the BEST JEWELRY STORE in the Cape Fear. Full story...

A big part of Christmas tradition is finding that one-of-a-kind tree. In this week's "And the Winner is..." we want to know where you go for that fantastic fir or perfect pine? Whether it's real with a wonderful aroma or artificial and easy to assemble, we're looking for the BEST PLACE TO BUY A CHRISTMAS TREE in the Cape Fear.
Here are the leaders (5 pm Thurs.):
Santa's Tree Land (6720 Market Street) - 36%
Cape Fear Optimist (Kmart parking lot) - 32%
Plantation Nursery (Murrayville Road & NC 132) - 22% Full story...

In this week's "And the Winner is..." contest, we want to know where you go when it's time to deck the halls. Which store has everything you need to get into the holiday spirit? We're looking for the BEST STORE TO GET YOUR CHRISTMAS DÉCOR. Here's how the votes are stacking up (4 pm Thurs.):
New River Pottery: 36%
Dollar General: 32%
Old Time Pottery: 24%
VOTE NOW! Full story...

For many of us making a Thanksgiving feast is a family tradition. But some folks would rather let someone else do the cooking and cleaning. In this week's "And the Winner is..." when you don't want to have to stand the heat in the kitchen or worry if your turkey will come out just right, where is the BEST RESTAURANT ON THANKSGIVING? Congratulations to Casey's Buffet Barbecue & Home Cookin'! Full story...