And the winner is

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...

In this week's "And the Winner is..." contest, we want to know where you go to get that special dessert to wrap up your Thanksgiving feast. Which store are you really thankful for when it is time to pick the perfect pumpkin, apple or sweet potato pie? We want to know where is the BEST PLACE TO BUY A THANKSGIVING PIE? Here's how the votes are baking up (4 pm Thurs.):
Apple Annie's - 35%
Sugar on Front Street - 32%
Carolina Farmin' - 28% Full story...

In this week's "And the Winner is..." we're looking for a place that can carry a tune. When you feel the need to sing your heart out to some big hits, where do you go? Which sing-along lounge has the best selection for all those rock stars in waiting? Tell us where you think is the BEST KARAOKE SPOT in the Cape Fear. Congratulations to SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar in Carolina Beach! Full story...

Can you hear me now? Good! In this week's "And the Winner is..." We want to know who you turn to for your wireless communications needs. Which provider is the smartest choice for your smart phone? Who has the fewest dropped calls, fastest connection speeds and top call quality? Let us know the BEST WIRELESS PROVIDER in the Cape Fear. Here's how the votes finished:
ATMC - 43%
Verizon Wireless - 38%
U.S. Cellular - 25% Full story...

In this week's "And the Winner is..." another Halloween edition. Who has the ghouliest goblins and the scariest skeletons? Whether it is haunted hayrides or haunted houses, we want to know the BEST HAUNTED ATTRACTION in the Cape Fear. Here's how the votes are scaring up (Noon Wed.):
Grissettown-Longwood Fire Dept. Haunted Trail - 50%
Lyceum Academy Haunted House - 32%
Panic Attack, Wilmington - 17%
VOTE NOW! Full story...

In this week's edition of "And the Winner is..." it's time to get ready for Halloween. Where do you go to find the best costume? Who has the best deal on trick-or-treat candy and spooky decorations? Whether it's a megamart, a year-round costume shop or a season-only specialty boutique, we want to know what is the BEST HALLOWEEN STORE in the Cape Fear. Here's how the votes are creeping in (4 pm Thurs.):
Spirit Halloween - 62%
Halloween & More - 34%
Party City - 4% VOTE NOW! Full story...