Idaho Statesman 2020 Best of Treasure Valley winners in business and Marketplace
Nearly 8,000 people voted for their favorite businesses, places and people in the popular Idaho Statesman’s Best of Treasure Valley, and now we get a chance to examine the results.
We had 104 categories in three sections: Arts, Entertainment and Things to Do, Food & Drink and Marketplace. That added up to about 110,000 votes and around 260 win-place-show entities.
More than 30 of our winners showed up on two or more specific categories. Seven of those showed up in the Marketplace section, with Dillard’s and the YMCA each placing in three categories. Seven businesses in the Food & Drink section scored in three or more categories, with Barbacoa Grill and Chandlers Steakhouse scooping up five awards each. Overall, 11 businesses scored two No. 1 honors on the entire list. Two businesses scored a No. 1 in three categories.
Here are the top three winners in our Marketplace category:
BEST ACCOUNTING FIRM
B.A. HARRIS
1290 W. Myrtle St., Boise, HarrisCPA.com
This is a local, independently owned, public accounting firm that serves businesses, individuals and trusts with a broad range of services, tax preparations and consultations. While a large part of its work is financial statement preparation and filing tax returns, the company is increasingly helping clients make their important financial decisions, such as tax planning, cash flow forecasts, estate planning, business succession plans and more. Forget that stereotype that they’re just a bunch of tax return pencil pushers; B.A. Harris is easy to talk to and reliable. They’re also good at what they do.
2nd Place: Harris CPAs, 2289 S. Bonito Way, Meridian.
3rd Place: Eide Bailly, 877 W. Main St., Boise
BEST ART GALLERY
BOISE ART GLASS
1124 W. Front St., Boise, BoiseArtGlass.com.
It’s pretty much impossible to walk by an art glass studio, and Filip Vogelpohl’s shop is definitely one of those attention-grabbers. Specializing in hand-blown glass, Boise Art Glass offers some sweet art, no matter what your budget is like. They also do custom work, and you will often see examples of that around town. And as if that’s not enough, check out the demonstrations and classes and make your own piece of art. There’s nothing quite like putting your own glob of molten glass into the oven and taking home your very own handmade colorful delight. Private classes are available, too.
2nd Place: Flying M Coffeehouse, 500 W. Idaho St., Boise
3rd Place: Visual Arts Collective (The VAC) 3638 Osage St., Garden City
BEST AUTO REPAIR
PETERSON AUTO GROUP
Multiple location, PetersonCars.com.
Peterson Auto Group is a full-service auto dealer and body shop that started with a wrench and a dream back in 1923. It now features 10 brands and locations in Boise, Meridian and Nampa. You’ll find new and used vehicle services, spanning from purchases of vehicles to services, parts, body work and insurance services. Used inventory comes with a “No Worries, Drive Happy” 90-Day Warranty. The goal is to provide an easy process and convenience for buyers, while also being a one-stop shop long after the sale is made.
2nd Place: Bronco Motors Auto Group, 9250 W. Fairview Ave., Boise
3rd Place: Hurless Brothers Foreign Car Service, 1320 Main St., Boise
BEST BARBERSHOP
THE BEARDSMITH
5459 N. Glenwood St., Garden City, TheBeardsmith.com.
The Beardsmith is the ultimate barbershop experience whether you want a haircut or the best-looking facial hair in the neighborhood — or even a work of art. This is a barbershop that specializes in beard maintenance, precision haircuts and men’s grooming products, which they create themselves. Not many barbershops can pull off the warm and friendly atmosphere the way this place can, and when you leave, you’ll feel like you should enter your beard in a contest. It’s a safe and clean environment, and they are currently working by appointment.
2nd Place: Vince’s Barber Shop, 1519 N. 13th St., Hyde Park, Boise
3rd Place: 10th Street Barber Shop, 105 N 10th St, Boise
BEST BOOKSTORE
REDISCOVERED BOOKS
180 N. 8th St., Boise, 802 Arthur St., Caldwell, RdBooks.org
Every city needs its own independent bookstore, and this spot in Downtown Boise takes the category once again for Best Bookstore. There’s no spartan, big-box feeling here; it’s cozy and welcoming with a friendly, knowledgeable staff and just the right variety and enticing displays to almost make it dangerous for any lover of books. Like any good bookstore, there’s an emphasis on local books, as well as some interesting gifts that right now include craft face masks and jigsaw puzzles. This is a very worthy homegrown business to support. And guess what — there’s now one in Downtown Caldwell, too. The owners also own Once and Future Books used book store on 1310 W. State St., Boise.
2nd Place: Barnes & Noble, 1315 N. Milwaukee St., Boise
3rd Place: Bent Corners Used Books, 3343 N. Five Mile Road, Boise, 1104 12th Ave., S. Nampa
BEST CAR WASH
1235 W. Fairview Ave., Boise, 1717 W. Island Green Drive, at Chinden Boulevard and Linder Roads, RocketExpress.com
This category always gets lots of votes — and so does Rocket Express with its custom-made, proprietary equipment and the highest-suction free vacuums in the industry. There are free cleaning/shampooing machines and free towel use, too. Your car is shiny and dry in about four minutes, no matter what it looked like coming in. And there’s an express lane for members. There are two locations in the Treasure Valley.
2nd Place: Mister Car Wash, multiple locations
3rd Place: Epic Shine Car Wash, multiple locations
BEST CHILD CARE FACILITY (infant to pre-K)
TREASURE VALLEY FAMILY YMCA DOWNTOWN BOISE
1050 W. State St., Boise, YMCATVIdaho.org
The YMCA’s Child Development programs include full-time infant, toddler and preschool programs, as well as part-time preschool programs, before- and after-school care and even summer child care for kids ages 5 to 15. Programs use the Frog Street Curriculum, including an enriched language, literacy and math program for Pre-K kids. A Financial Assistance program is also offered. The Y’s four core values are Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. The Downtown Y is a landmark in Downtown Boise and has been holding that spot at 10th and State streets since 1964.
2nd Place: New Horizon Academy, multiple locations
3rd Place: Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Centers, mutiple locations
BEST DENTAL CARE
SUMMIT DENTAL GROUP
782 S. Americana Blvd., Boise, Boise-Dentist.com.
Summit is an appropriate name for this dental group because it always seems to sit atop this list. This dental group consists of four friendly dentists and has been around for more than 30 years handling you and your family’s dental needs, from cleaning to full-mouth restorations. Summit is located on Americana Boulevard, adjoining the parking lot near the Farmers Market location.
2nd Place: Boise Integrative Dentistry (formerly Boise Downtown Dental), 7878 W. Ustick Road, and 398 S. 9th St., Suite 230, in Boise
3rd Place: Willow Tree Dental, 5898 S. Quamash Way, Boise, 317 W. Cherry Lane, Meridian
BEST DOGGIE DAY CARE
COMPANIONS DOG RESORT
106 W. 39th St., Garden City, CompanionsDogResort.com.
Catching your dog when he wants to play keep away is a lot like trying to catch Companions in this category. Your dog gets to exercise and make new friends, which is a good way to prevent behavior problems due to all its pent-up energy. The dogs are always closely supervised, and you’ll read plenty of comments on how much owners say their dogs look forward to day care or overnight boarding at this spot tucked away in an easy-access spot off Chinden Road at 39th Street in Garden City.
2nd Place: Camp Bow Wow, 3430 S. T.K. Ave., Boise
3rd Place: Downtown Hound, 1021 S. Lusk St., Boise
BEST DRY CLEANER
BAIRD’S DRY CLEANERS
Multiple locations, BairdsDryCleaners.com
This category is owned by Baird’s, but then what do you expect from a company that has been a part of the community for more than a century? Talk about cleaning up. Laundry, dry cleaning, leathers, fur and suede, Baird’s covers it all, including alterations, repairs and wedding gown preservation. There are five locations around town, including one in Meridian and one on Chinden Boulevard just east of Eagle Road. Baird’s also offers home or office pickup and delivery service at no extra charge.
2nd Place: On the Spot Cleaners, 3363 N. Cole Road, Meridian
3rd Place is a tie: Clothesline Cleaners, 244 S. Orchard St., Boise, 18080 S. Meridian Road, Meridian | Westco Martinizing Dry Cleaning, multiple locations
BEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
IDAHO CENTRAL CREDIT UNION
Multiple locations. ICCU.com
Nearly one in five Idahoans is a member of this credit union, which celebrates its 80th birthday in 2020 with another double-win in the categories of Best Financial Institution and Best Mortgage Company. This is the largest credit union in the state and it just opened its 39th location in July in the growing town of Star. Also, watch the approval process for a new building at 4th and Idaho streets, which is in the planning stage and would be one of the tallest buildings on the Boise skyline.
2nd Place: CapEd Credit Union, multiple locations
3rd Place: U.S. Bank, multiple locations
BEST GARDEN CENTER/NURSERY
EDWARDS GREENHOUSE
4106 Sand Creek St., Boise, EdwardsGreenhouse.com
Edwards Greenhouse celebrates its 90th birthday in 2020 with another win atop this list for best greenhouse, flower shop and garden store. Plants, vegetables, seasonal potted crops, bulbs, more plants, flowering shrubs and trees, gardening supplies and soil, still more plants, lots of flowers, perennials and annuals. And plants. Somewhere around 90,000 square feet of covered greenhouse. The flower shop is pretty bloomin’ amazing, too, with baskets and fresh-cut arrangements for yourself or your wedding or event. It’s nearly impossible to leave here without something to cheer your life up.
2nd Place: Zamzows, multiple locations
3rd Place: FarWest Landscape & Garden Center, 5728 W. State St., Boise
BEST GIFT SHOP
MIXED GREENS
213 N. 9th St., Boise, ILikeMixedGreens.com.
Once again, Mixed Greens hits the top of the popularity list for its unique and flavorful gift boutique items. It also likes to specialize in handmade goods, both locally made and from the Northwest and around the world. The inventory is always changing, which means you’re going to find something new and different every time you visit. To mention just a few of the items, check out the jewelry, bath products, cards, trinkets and little treasures. If you can’t pick up a gift or two or three here, then you’re not looking hard enough.
2nd Place: The Record Exchange, 1105 W. Idaho St., Boise
3rd Place: Dragonfly, 414 W. Main St., Boise
BEST HAIR SALON/SPA
TWO RIVERS SALON & SPA
661 S. Rivershore Lane, suite 100, Eagle, TwoRiversSpa.com.
As the valley grows, so does the number of salons and spas around the area. Yet this 20-year spa continues to hold its edge over the competition with its 7,800-square-foot facility with numerous massage rooms, esthetic rooms, pedicure stations, manicure stations and more stylist chairs than you can count on two hands. This place isn’t just for women either. There are plenty of men’s services, too, from haircuts to facials and massage and, of course, manicures and pedicures.
2nd Place: Graeber & Company, 350 N. 9th St., Boise
3rd Place: Panache Hair Studio & Day Spa, 1115 N. Cole Road, Boise, 11 N. Fisher Park Way, Eagle, 3693 E. Longwing Drive, suite 100, The Village at Meridian.
BEST HOME BUILDER
CBH HOMES (COREY BARTON) CBHHomes.com.
Corey Barton’s homebuilding company has been building dreams in the Treasure Valley for 28 years and recently was ranked as the No. 38 homebuilder in the nation. (It’s also regularly voted as one of the best places to work in Idaho.) Finding and buying a home is now easier than ever with instant home access with Tour Now Locks or the convenience of purchasing a new home from your couch with Buy Online. No matter what your lifestyle needs are, you’ll find affordable, move-in ready homes with new subdivisions coming online all the time.
2nd Place: Zach Evans
3rd Place: Brighton Homes
BEST HOME FURNISHINGS
RC WILLEY
3301 E. Lanark St., Meridian, RCWilley.com
RC Willey is the complete one-stop shopping experience whether you’re looking for furniture, electronics, appliances, mattresses or floor coverings. You certainly won’t find a bigger selection than in this massive showroom with name brands, low-price guarantees, in-stock availability and in-house financing and instant credit. The company is closing in on its 90th anniversary and has come a long way since Rufus Call Willey started selling appliances door to door in Utah way back in 1932. Opened in the Treasure Valley in 1999, this was the company’s first store outside of Utah.
2nd Place: CHF Home Furnishings, 104 S. Orchard St., Boise
3rd Place: Ennis Fine Furniture, 275 S. 23rd St., Boise
BEST HOME SERVICES/REPAIR COMPANY
WESTERN HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
4980 E .Bradley St., Boise, WesternHVAC.com.
For more than 50 years, this company has offered premier HVAC services in the valley with a staff of trained, insured and bonded professionals. They are experienced in heating services, cooling services, duct cleaning, water heater services, indoor air quality services and more. As a family-owned and operated company, they value tenets of integrity, honesty and respect. The company is committed to building long-term relationships with its clients to keep their systems running as long as possible. It’s not about a quick one-time sale, but about providing the best information available to make those important decisions for your home.
2nd Place: Diamond Heating and Cooling, 5090 N. Sawyer Ave., Garden City
3rd Place: TML Service Experts, 120 E. 40th St., Garden City
BEST HOTEL
THE RIVERSIDE HOTEL
The Riverside Hotel has been a part of near-downtown Boise for a long time, and its location is a built-in winner. In fact, it’s a hotel that attracts more than out-of-towners. It’s also a great spot for your staycation with the Boise River, the Greenbelt and the hugely popular Whitewater Park right out the back door. You’ll also find eating spots, coffee shops and, of course, wineries all within a short walking or biking jaunt. The Sandbar Patio and Grill is also a winner, and so is the Sapphire Room for one of the most intimate and relaxing concert venues in town.
2nd Place: Inn at 500 Capitol, 500 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise
3rd Place: Hotel 43, 981 W. Grove St., Boise
BEST INSURANCE AGENCY
State Farm is one of the nation’s most famous insurance companies and has been “a good neighbor” for close to a century, with its centennial coming up in 2022. (That first auto policy sold for $11.17.) Today, the famous insurance company has more than 19,000 agents across the country and handles close to 84 million policies and accounts. State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the country. It was the company’s founder who said, “Honesty isn’t the best policy — it is the only policy.”
2nd Place: Health Insurance Associates,324 Caldwell Blvd., Ste A, Nampa
3rd Place: Allstate Insurance
BEST LAW FIRM
HAWLEY TROXELL
877 W. Main St., Boise, and other locations in Idaho and Nevada. HawleyTroxell.com.
This well-known law firm has five offices and about 170 employees and is one of the premier full-service law offices in Idaho. Whether you need a team of lawyers or one-on-one counsel, this is where you come for all aspects of business law, including real estate, litigation, intellectual property, health care, patents and emerging technology, securities, estate planning, mergers, arbitration, bankruptcy, labor, antitrust and more. The firm was named an Idaho 2020 Best Law Firm in 18 categories by U.S. News & World Report.
2nd Place: Givens Pursley LLP, 601 W. Bannock St., Boise
3rd Place: Idaho Legal Aid Services, 1447 S. Tyrell Lane, Boise and other Idaho locations
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
DILLARD’S MEN’S DEPARTMENT
Boise Towne Square, 350 N. Milwaukee St. Dillards.com
This category is often a squeaker, but Dillard’s Men’s Department pulled off a repeat performance for the top spot for men’s wear. The mall anchor store also pulled off a No. 1 finish forBest Shoe Store (in the Women’s Department). Dillard’s is one of only nine contenders in this year’s listings to score two top spots. It features clothing, footwear, bedding, furniture, jewelry, beauty products, housewares and more. The company had 255 locations and 30 clearance centers across 29 states. The store was founded in 1938 in Arkansas as a five-and-dime store.
2nd Place: D&B Supply, multiple locations
3rd Place: Alexander Davis Men’s Clothing, 812 W. Bannock St., Boise
BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY
IDAHO CENTRAL CREDIT UNION
Mutiple locations, ICCU.com.
As its repeat No. 1 slot in this category shows, this company always treats its members right when it comes to mortgage time. At 80 years old in 2020, ICCU also scores another win in the Best Financial Institution category as well. There are 39 branches around the state, and its popularity and growth will become even more evident as the Idaho Central Credit Union Arena will soon be the home of the Idaho Vandals basketball team (next door to the Kibbie Dome in Moscow). Also in the works is the possibility of a new skyscraper for Downtown Boise.
2nd Place: Fairway Independent Mortgage, multiple locations
3rd Place: CapEd Credit Union, multiple locations
BEST MOVING COMPANY
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
This company has come a long way over the past three-plus decades when it really did start with two high school brothers and a pickup truck. Today, there are 380 locations and 3,000 trucks across 44 states, Canada, Ireland and the UK. It’s been in the Treasure Valley since 2012 and returns this year to the No. 1 spot. Full-service moves, partial moves, packing, storage and junk removal — this company, with its insured and bonded workers, does it all to take over the stressful part of moving your stuff so you can concentrate on other things.
2nd Place: Cross Town Movers, 1419 N. Eldorado St., Boise
3rd Place: All My Sons Moving & Storage, multiple locations
BEST NONPROFIT
CAMP RAINBOW GOLD
216 W. Jefferson St., Boise, CampRainbowGold.org.
Camp Rainbow Gold is one of the very special nonprofit organizations in the state as one of the first children’s oncology camps in the country. Established in the mid-1980s by Dr. David McClusky of Twin Falls, this medical summer camp is where young people can escape the rigor of their health problems to experience Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest north of Ketchum and make new friends. Family camps are also available. Free to campers and their families, camps are designed for a variety of ages. Nonprofit organizations don’t get much better than this.
2nd Place: Idaho Humane Society, 1300 S. Bird St., Boise
3rd Place: Women’s and Children’s Alliance, 720 W. Washington St., Boise
BEST OUTFITTER
CASCADE RAFT AND KAYAK
7050 ID-55, Houseshoe Bend, CascadeRaft.com
Whitewater rafting is the iconic Idaho adventure, so it’s only fitting that the big winner in this category is someone who will take you for a wild ride through our state’s crazy beauty. Located in Horseshoe Bend, this family-owned company has been providing memorable adventures on the Payette River since 1985. There are fun rafting trips for families, and there are full-day rafting trips for Class IV whitewater adventures, as well as kayaking and kayak lessons. Kayak instruction includes weekend courses, private instruction, kids camps and then that 11-day Chilean experience for the ultimate kayak experience.
2nd Place: Idaho Angler, 1682 S. Vista Ave., Boise
3rd Place: Payette River Company, 14 Memory Lane, Lowman
BEST PET STORE
ZAMZOWS, multiple locations, Zamzows.com.
Zamzows scored another one-two punch with a repeat performance as Best Pet Store and a second-place finish in the Garden Center/Nursery category. It’s not really surprising considering this company has been familiar to residents for 87 years. While it may have been a coal and feed store in its early days — right there at its familiar location at Fairview Avenue and Liberty Street — in the 1970s its focus was headed toward pets and lawn & garden. Today, Zamzows offers its own line of dog and cat food as well as plenty of pet supplies.
2nd Place: Northwest Pets, 10436 W. Overland Road, Boise, 3036 N. Eagle Road, Meridian, 3060 E. State St., Eagle
3rd Place: Petco, multiple locations
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE
FOOTHILLS PHYSICAL THERAPY
1673 W. Shoreline Drive, Boise, 645 E. State St., Eagle, 1618 Millenium Way and 904 S. Vanguard Way in Meridian, FoothillsPT.com.
This locally owned therapy practice has been on this list a lot since opening its doors in 2003. With clinics in Boise, Eagle and two spots in Meridian, you’ll find experienced one-on-one care by licensed physical therapists ready to help on a full range of outpatient diagnoses, from joint replacements and shoulder reconstruction to chronic back pain and overuse injuries and more. There are plenty of services to choose from, including post-surgical rehab, foot orthotics, post-concussive care, dry needling, Pilates, aquatic therapy, pelvic health and more.
2nd Place: Eagle Physical Therapy, 457 S. Fitness Place, Suite 100, Eagle
3rd Place: St. Luke’s Rehabilitation, multiple locations
BEST PLACE TO BUY A CAR
PETERSON AUTO GROUP
9101 W. Fairview Ave., Boise, PetersonCars.com.
Peterson Auto Group does it again with No. 1 finishes in Best Place to Buy a Car and Best Auto Repair. It’s hard to believe this auto dealership was once located at 12th and Main streets in Downtown Boise. Especially when you note the 10 brands of cars it sells and services and its five locations across the valley. The company’s history and commitment to longevity, a relentless focus on customer service and its attention to the community are what has built the Peterson brand over the last 97 years here in the Treasure Valley.
2nd Place: Bronco Motors Auto Group, multiple locations
3rd Place: Larry H. Miller Auto Group, multiple locations
BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY
LEE READ JEWELERS
650 E. Sonata Lane, Meridian, LeeRead.com
Lee Read Jewelers is a homegrown Idaho store that had its beginning back in 1963 in Downtown Boise. Specializing in diamonds, today its 10,000-square-foot showroom is located off the Meridian exit of I-84 (you can see it from the interstate), and it is Southwest Idaho’s only member of Preferred Jewelers International. This is a full-service jeweler, which includes repairs, restoration and custom work. Lee Read also appraises jewelry and will buy your old gold, silver and platinum jewelry. While admiring the diamonds, you’ll also find yourself admiring the huge aquarium centerpiece.
2nd Place: Fred Meyer Jewelers, multiple locations
3rd Place: Hendrickson’s Fine Jewelry, 5685 N. Glenwood St., Garden City
BEST PLACE TO BUY LOCAL PRODUCE
BOISE FARMERS MARKET
1500 Shoreline Drive, Boise, TheBoiseFarmersMarket.com.
Moving to the more spacious location on Americana Boulevard a couple of years ago was a good move for the Boise Farmers Market, which continues to grow its own reputation as a go-to place on Saturday mornings from spring to fall. If you’re in doubt, just take a look at that line for fresh strawberries when it’s their time. The market is a local food-centric and agricultural-based market that encourages community self-reliance and locally crafted products. They’ve created a Drive-Thru during the pandemic (order ahead of time), and a Mobile Market that visits 13 different neighborhoods Monday through Wednesday. Snap/EBT is accepted.
2nd Place: Boise Co-op, 888 W. Fort St., Boise, 2350 N. Eagle Road, Meridian
3rd Place: Reggie’s Veggies, 8199 W. Ustick Road, Boise
BEST PLACE TO WORK OUT
TREASURE VALLEY FAMILY YMCA
1050 W. State St. and 5959 N. Discovery Way in Boise, 3720 S. Indiana Ave., Caldwell, 5155 S. Hillsdale Ave., Meridian, YMCATVIdaho.org
The Treasure Valley Family YMCA will be 130 years old in 2021 and powers up to No. 1 on this popular list. The Y is a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen the foundation of the community by developing successful youth programs and engaging people to a healthy lifestyle and a commitment to social responsibility. Annually, it operates more than 100 programs that serve 110,000 youth and families throughout its four facilities, 24 child development sites and a 440-acre summer camp. (The camp is also a No. 1 finish.) More than $4 million in financial assistance is provided every year.
2nd Place: Kvell Fitness & Nutrition, 814 W. Jefferson St., Boise
3rd Place: Axiom Fitness, 801 E. ParkCenter Blvd., 7316 W. Fairview Ave., Boise, 1455 Country Terrace Way, The Village at Meridian.
BEST RESALE STORE
IDAHO YOUTH RANCH
Multiple locations, IYRThriftStores.org.
The Idaho Youth Ranch is a nonprofit agency that offers emergency shelter, residential care, youth and family therapy, job readiness training, adoption services and much more for kids and their families. Its many youth programs — which includes equine therapy — are funded through 24 thrift stores around the state, including 15 of them here in Southwest Idaho. The Idaho Youth Ranch has been a beacon of hope for struggling kids and their families since 1953. It also creates jobs for more than 400 Idahoans in communities around the state who staff programs, thrift stores, offices and distribution centers.
2nd Place: Assistance League of Boise, 5825 N. Glenwood St., Garden City
3rd Place: Deseret Industries Thrift Store, 10740 W. Fairview Ave. Boise
BEST RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE
KELLER WILLIAMS
Multiple locations, KWBoise.com.
Even though houses in the Treasure Valley are being bought up sight-unseen in some cases these days, there’s no doubt Realtors are part of a successful transaction. Keller Williams Realty Boise is one of the big names in the business with more than 700 offices around the world. The company started in 1983 in Austin, Texas, and for the past several years has been named one of the top-rated realty companies to work for. In 2019, Keller Williams was named Most Innovative Company by Fast Company business magazine, demonstrating its dedication to the use of technology.
2nd Place: Silvercreek Realty Group, 333 Rossi St., Boise, 1099 S. Wells St., Meridian, 827 S. Bridgeway Place, Eagle, 5680 E. Franklin Road, Nampa
3rd Place: Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group, 516 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise
BEST ROOFING COMPANY
LAFEVER ROOFING BOISE
560 W. Franklin Road, Meridian, Lafever-Roofing.com.
When you need a roof repair, you really need a roof repair. Lafever Roofing is a full-service contractor specializing in residential roofing projects and can boast well over 25,000 projects since 1978. Whether you’re building a new home, replacing an old roof or in need of a small repair, it’s always good to know you have hired a licensed, insured and bonded expert with a long, strong reputation to back them up — and a roof that has a five-year labor guarantee. No subcontractors are involved. Free written estimates, too.
2nd Place: Madison Roofing, Inc., 1101 W. Wright St., Boise
3rd Place: KD Roofing, 1100 E. Overland Road, Meridian
BEST SENIOR LIVING
GRACE ASSISTED LIVING
Multiple locations, GraceSeniorCommunity.com
Grace Assisted Living provides a variety of options, including independent living, assisted living and memory care in a spacious single-level building with lots of windows and warm, welcoming common areas. The dining room is reminiscent of resort-style dining, and you’ll also find a movie theater area, bistro, library and game room. And each apartment comes with its own outdoor space. There are two locations in Boise, as well as locations in Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Twin Falls and Chubbuck (opening later this year). Grace prides itself on “adapting to change and for being a flagship for senior care in Idaho.”
2nd Place: Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village, 4037 E. Clocktower Lane, Meridian
3rd Place: The Terraces of Boise, 5301 E. Warm Springs Ave., Boise
BEST SHOE STORE
DILLARD’S WOMEN’S SHOE DEPARTMENT
Boise Towne Square, 350 Milwaukee St. Dillards.com.
This year it’s the women’s shoe department at Dillard’s that steps forward to take top honors in this category. It’s walk, don’t run to Dillard’s department store at Boise Towne Square, which also scored a No. 2 spot for Women’s Clothing and a No. 1 for Men’s Clothing. It’s not an anchor store for nothing, you know. This store is clearly a big draw to the mall, especially for women, but the men can always find some attractive clothing here, too, while the wife is trying on shoes.
2nd Place: Shu’s Idaho Running Co., 1758 W. State St., Boise
3rd Place: Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW), Franklin Towne Plaza, 8501 W. Franklin Road, Boise
BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE
CABELA’S
8109 W. Franklin Road, Franklin Towne Plaza, Cabelas.com
A lot of people have their favorite sporting goods store, but Cabela’s always seems to top the competition here in the Treasure Valley. In addition to offering quality outdoor merchandise, the 132,000-square-foot showroom is an educational and entertainment attraction, featuring museum-quality animal displays, huge aquariums, trophy taxidermy and an indoor archery test area. Don’t forget, there’s a fudge shop in the back, too. This is one of the premium outdoor gear and sporting goods stores in the area, offering an array of gear for any hunting, fishing, shooting or camping enthusiast.
2nd Place: REI, 8300 W. Emerald St., Boise, REI.com.
3rd Place: Dick’s Sporting Goods, 131 N. Milwaukee St., Boise
BEST SUMMER CAMP
YMCA HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR
The Y scores its second No. 1 win on this year’s list with its special Camp at Horsethief Reservoir. This is summertime fun that teaches self-reliance, builds character and leadership skills, while making sure you also have a great time outdoors with campfires, canoeing, archery, paddle boarding, zip lines and so forth. This is a great experience for kids and gets them out of the house where they can learn and have fun at the same time. Payment plans are available and, like all YMCA programs, financial assistance is available for those who need it.
2nd Place: Camp Rainbow Gold
3rd Place: Camp Ida-Haven
BEST TATTOO PARLOR
TALON TATTOO CO.
5157 N. Glenwood St., Boise, TalonTattooBoise.com.
There is one tattoo parlor that has its claws firmly dug into the No. 1 spot, and that is the Talon Tattoo Company in Garden City. John and Tiffany Lasco opened this shop in 2007 and offer art tattoos, piercings and body modifications in a bright, open and fun environment. (There is also an extensive jewelry selection.) You’ll find all kinds of styles, including portrait realism, watercolor, grey-wash, comic and whatever else you can dream up. Walk in anytime for a consultation, but keep in mind they are often booked several weeks out.
2nd Place: InkVision Tattoo, 516 S. Americana Blvd., Boise
3rd Place: Chalice Tattoo Studio, 10 N. Latah St., Boise
BEST TOY STORE
TOYTOWN
3327 N. Eagle Road, suite 120, Meridian Facebook.com/toytownmeridian
This is another repeat winner, and it’s really a fun spot for all ages: toddlers, babies, rowdy kids and adults with creative or scientific bents. Fun or educational, it’s all covered, including a good selection of games for children, families and adults. If you can walk into this store without finding something that grabs your attention, then you’re probably a lost cause. The employees know their stuff, too, and can help you find trendy, age-appropriate toys and items when you’re trying to figure out what to get for that special little someone.
2nd Place: G. Willikers Toy Merchant, 1508 N. 13th St., Boise
3rd Place: All About Games, Boise Towne Square, 120 N. 8th St. and 7079 W. Overland Road in Boise
BEST VETERINARY CLINIC
WESTVET 24-HOUR ANIMAL EMERGENCY & SPECIALTY CENTER
5024 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City, WestVet.net
This 24-hour emergency vet care center has been around for more than 30 years and is one of only 18 hospitals nationwide to offer Level 1 certified veterinary emergency and critical care. It is nationally recognized as one of the most progressive veterinary hospitals in the Pacific Northwest. Its staff includes 21 board-certified specialists and 36 veterinarians, as well as a staff social worker to help with grieving pet owners. As a premier emergency and critical care center for animals, WestVet is among the elite animal hospitals in the country.
2nd Place: Habitat Veterinary Hospital, 3082 S. Bown Way, Boise
3rd Place: Intermountain Pet Hospital, 800 W. Overland Road and 6320 N. Saguaro Hills Ave., in Meridian
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
BLUE FRINGE BOUTIQUE
3349 N. Eagle Road, Meridian, Facebook.com/bluefringeboutique
This is another one of those competitive categories, and this is a repeat win for Blue Fringe. This little shop has built a reputation in a short time since opening in 2015. Located on Eagle Road, it offers unique fashions and accessories that range from trendy to boho to edgy and with a Western vibe. Inventory is handpicked; you won’t be seeing someone walking down the street with the same outfit. Go here if you’re looking for just that special outfit for your personality. “We stay social and do a live Fashion Fix on Facebook and Instagram every Tuesday night.”
2nd Place: Dillard’s Women’s Clothing Department. Boise Towne Square, 350 N. Milwaukee St.
3rd Place: Chico’s, 816 W. Idaho St., Boise, 3525 E. Longwing Lane, suite 150, The Village at Meridian
This story was originally published August 28, 2020 at 10:15 PM.