2015 Best of the Best

Ballantrae

Ballantrae

Who’s the best? We asked, and you answered. Thousands of votes were cast in Shelby Living’s fifth annual Best of the Best content. Read on to find out our readers’ favorite businesses, restaurants and festivals Shelby County.

Edgar's Bakery

Edgar’s Bakery

Dining and Nightlife

Best Coffee

Kai’s Koffee Shop

2953 Pelham Parkway, Pelham

Acupofkai.weekly.com

205-352-2290

Finalists: Alabaster Starbucks, Ground Up Coffee, Eclipse Coffee, Chelsea Coffee House

Best Bakery

Edgar’s Bakery

499 Southgate Drive, Pelham

6801 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 128, Birmingham

Edgarsbakery.com

Finalists: Delicious Bakery, K&J’s Elegant Pastries

Best Donut Shop

Donut Joe’s

3199 Lee Street, Pelham

205-663-6006

Finalists: Krispy Kreme on U.S. 280, Daylight Donuts, Dunkin Donuts

Best Barbecue

Jim N’ Nick’s

2831 Greystone Commercial Blvd., Birmingham

295 Alabaster Blvd., Alabaster

Jimnnicks.com

Finalists: Full Moon, Johnny Ray’s, Buddy’s

Best Burger

Chubb’s Grub Station

410 1st Street SW, Alabaster

Chubbsgrubstation.com

205-664-8696

Finalists: The Depot, Five Guys, Davis Drug

Best Milkshake

Steak N’Shake

390 South Colonial Drive, Alabaster

Steaknshake.com

205-620-5233

Finalists: Chick-fil-A, Davis Drug

Best Margarita

Margarita Grill

234 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham

Themargaritagrill.com

205-982-7281

Finalists: Zapopan, Cozumel Grill

 Best Bar

Rio’s Bar and Grill

2693 County Road 58, Helena

Rioshelena.com

205-664-0366

 Finalists: The Coal Yard, Papa Saia’s, Grey Bar

Best Pizza

Buck’s Pizza

251 Buck Creek Plaza, Alabaster

Buckspizzaalabaster.com

205-358-3391

Finalists: Area 41, Marco’s, Tortugas

Best Patio Dining

Margarita Grill

234 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham

Themargaritagrill.com

205-982-7281

Finalists: Papa Saia’s, Pablo’s

 Best Italian Food

Joe’s Italian

21 Weatherly Club, Alabaster

Joesitalianonline.com

205-663-4111

Finalists: Bellinis, Nino’s, Amore

Best Mexican Food

Cozumel Grill

2754 Pelham Parkway, Pelham

205-621-8886

Finalists: Zapopan, Habeneros, Del Toro

Best Asian Food

Mizu

750 Colonial Promenade Parkway, Alabaster

Mizuusa.com

205-621-8388

Finalists: Pando House, Zou’s Kitchen, Hunan Garden 

Best Date Night

The Coal Yard

4085 Helena Road, Helena

205-624-3614

Finalists: Fox Valley, Bellinis, Joe’s Italian

Best Caterer

Home Plate Cooking

1915 County Road 58, Helena

Homeplatecooking.com

205-621-6502

Finalists: Jim N’ Nick’s, Southern Sweets, Ashley Mac’s

St. Vincent's One Nineteen

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen

Health and Beauty

Best Nail Salon

Nail Star

9200 AL 119, Suite 900

Alabaster

205-664-5373

Finalists: Salon 5, Seventh Heaven, Foxy Nails

Best Family Doctor

Cahaba Family Medicine

2508 Pelham Parkway, Pelham

205-664-0880

Finalists: Dr. Rhonda Carter, Dr. David Aizenman

Best Dentist

Dr. Tim Nettles

Columbiana Family Dentistry

21591 Alabama 25, Columbiana

Columbiana Family Dentistry

205-669-6778

Finalists: Cahaba Dental Arts, Andrews Family Dental 

Best Hair Salon

T. Fox Salon

2080 Valleydale Road, Hoover

Tfoxsalon.com

205-403-8369

Finalists: Salon 5, Seventh Heaven, Hairway to Heaven 

Best Spa

Spa One Nineteen

7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham

Onenineteen.com

205-408-6600

Finalists: Salon 5, Santa Fe Day Spa, Spa Greystone 

Best Fitness Center 

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen

7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham

Onenineteen.com

205-408-6600

Finalists: Alabaster YMCA, Snap Fitness, Planet Fitness 

Best Pharmacy

Davis Drug

111 South Main Street, Columbiana

205-669-6713

Finalists: Snider’s Pharmacy, Calera Publix, Wood Family Pharmacy

Best Orthodontist

Orthodontics South

2705 Pelham Parkway #200, Pelham

Orthosouth.com

205-664-4140

Finalists: Edwards Orthodontics, Birmingham Orthodontics, Canales Orthodontics

Best Dermatologist

Inverness Dermatology

250 Inverness Center, Birmingham

Invernessderm.com

205-995-5575

Finalists: Shelby Dermatology, Cahaba Dermatology, Skin Wellness Center of Alabama

Best Boutique

Gifted

2643 Pelham Parkway, Pelham

205-624-3400

Finalists: Sassy Sisters, LJ’s Boutique, Helena Mercantile

Best Facial 

Spa One Nineteen

7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham

Onenineteen.com

205-408-6600

Finalists: Spa Greystone, Salon 5, T. Fox Salon

Best Crossfit

Riverchase Crossfit

2048 Valleydale Terrace, Birmingham

Crossfitriverchase.com

205-994-0721

Finalists: Crossfit SkySoldiers, Crossfit Alabaster, Iron Tribe Fitness 280

Best Yoga

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen

7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Hoover

Onenineteen.com

205-408-6600

Finalists: Greystone YMCA, Lemontree Yoga, Lifetime Fitness

Best Massage

Spa One Nineteen

7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham

Onenineteen.com

205-408-6600

Finalists: Salon 5, Massage Envy, Spa Greystone

Rosegate Design

Rosegate Design

Services

Best Veterinarian

Oak View Animal Hospital

2127 Old Montgomery Highway, Pelham

Oakviewah.com

205-988-3559

Finalists: Valleydale Animal Clinic, Montevallo Animal Clinic, Chelsea Animal Clinic, North Shelby Animal Clinic 

Best Dry Cleaners

Champion Cleaners, Calera

4204 U.S. 31, Calera

Championcleaners.com

205-668-4727

Finalists: Legacy Cleaners, Ken’s Cleaners, Plaza Cleaners

Best Pet Supply Store

PetSmart

100 South Colonial Drive, Alabaster

205-663-2389

Pestmart.com

Finalists: Alabama Pet Foods, Hollywood Feed, Pet Supplies Plus

 Best Florist

Main Street Flosirt

114 North Main Street, Columbiana

28 Manning Place, Mt Laurel

Msflorist.com

Finalists: Helena Florist, Gail’s Florist, Flowers N’More

Best Plumber

The Neighborhood Plumber

608 6th Avenue SW, Alabaster

Theneighborhoodplumber.com

205-663-0612

Finalists: Plumb Pro, Total Plumbing Services

Best Photographer

Britney Moore Photography, LLC

Based in Montevallo

Britneymoorephoto.com

Finalists: Stephanie Fisher, Fotowerks, Heather Mishea Photography

Best Interior Design Services

Rosegate Design

5361 U.S. 280, Suite 105A

205-980-5014

Therosegate.com

205-980-5014

Finalists: Urban Home Market, Summer Classics

Best Moving Services

Motivated Movers

1969 Chandalar Drive, Pelham

Motivatedmoversbham.com

205-995-7585

Finalists: Changing Spaces, Secure Moving, , Armstrong Relocation, Move Daddy

Best Pest Control 

FarmerGuard Pest Control

5292 Highway 17, Helena

Farmeguard.com

205-358-3200

Finalists: Mr. Bugg’s, Vulcan Pest Control, Wayne’s Environmental Services

Best Landscaping Company

Helena Landscape Supply

82 Coalmont Road, Helena

Helenalandscapesupply.com

205-621-5255

Finalists: Alabama Turf Works, Stevens Wack and Sack, Doug’s Lawncare 

Best Tech Repair

Networx Computers

3183 Pelham Parkway, Pelham

Networxinc.net

205-588-5860

Finalists: Best Buy Geek Squad, Cahaba Valley Computer Services

Veterans Park

Veterans Park

Places

Best City Park

Veterans Park

7305 Highway 119,  Alabaster

Cityofalabaster.com

Finalists: Orr Park in Montevallo, Veterans Park in Hoover, Joe Tucker Park in Helena

Best Winery

Vizzini Farms Winery

800 County Road 87, Calera

Vizzinifarmswinery.com

205-685-06555

Finalists: Morgan Creek Winery, Lewis Lakes Vineyards

Best Bed and Breakfast

Columbiana Inn

306 East College Street, Columbiana

Columbianainn.com

205-669-1450

Finalists: Fox and Pheasant Inn

Best Golf Course

Ballantrae Golf Club

1300 Ballantrae Club Drive, Pelham

Ballantraegolf.com

205-620-4653

Finalists: Timberline Golf Club, Inverness Country Club

Best Wedding Venue

American Village

3727 Alabama 119, Montevallo

Americanvillage.org

205-665-3535

Finalists: Douglas Manor, Oak Island, Alabama 4-H Center

Best Local Famers Market

Helena Market Days

4151 Helena Road, Helena

Helenamarket.blogspot.com

Finalists: Mt Laurel Farmers Market, Alabaster Farmers Market, Montevallo Farmers Market

Best Place for a Family Outing

Oak Mountain State Park

200 Terrace Drive, Pelham

Alapark.com/oakmountain

205-620-2524

Finalists: Veterans Park in Alabaster, Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Joe Tucker Park in Helena

Best Place for a Kid’s Birthday Party

Pump It Up

2724 Chandalar Place Drive, Pelham

Pumpitupparty.com

205-663-4646

Finalists: Griffin Farms, Party Art, Treetop Family Adventure

Best Place to Worship

Westwood Baptist Church

1155 Alabaster Boulevard, Alabaster

Ewestwood.org

205-664-0122

Finalists: Kingwood Church, Church of the Highlands – Alabaster, Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church

Best Hotel

Candlewood Suites

1004 Balmoral Drive, Alabaster

Candlewoodsuites.com

205-620-0188

Finalists: Hampton Inn – Eagle Pint, Hilton 280

Best Private School (K-12)

Kingwood Christian School

1351 Royalty Drive, Alabaster

Kingwoodchristianschool.com

205-663-3973

Finalists: Cornerstone Christian School, Briarwood Christian School

Best Daycare

Covenant Classical School

450 Huntley Parkway, Pelham

Convenantclassical.com

205-620-2626

Finalists: Kingwood Christian Child Development Center, Chase Learning Center, Odyssey Early School

Best Community Center

Helena Community Center

816 Highway 52 East, Helena

Helenaparkandrec.org

205-620-2877

Finalists: Chelsea Community Center, Pelham Civic Center

Best Library

North Shelby Library

5521 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham

Northshelbylibrary.org

205-439-5500

Finalists: Pelham Public Library, Jane B. Holmes Public Library, Albert L. Scott Public Library

Alabama Furniture Market

Alabama Furniture Market

Shopping

Best Gift Shop

Gifted

2643 Pelham Parkway, Pelham

205-624-3400

Finalists: Busy Hands, Chelsea Lane, Plain Jane’s

Best Jewelry Store

Paul’s Diamond Center

300 Colonial Parkway #300, Alabaster

Paulsdiamondcenter.com

205-664-4400

Finalists: Southeastern Jewelers, Isbell Jewelers

Best Sporting Goods Store 

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Multiple locations

Dickssportinggoods.com

Finalists: Academy Sports, Nichols Outfitters

Best Furniture Store

Alabama Furniture Market

100 Commercial Park Drive, Calera

Alabamafurnituremarket.com

205-668-9995

Finalists: Encore Resales, Urban Home Market, Greystone Marketplace and Antiques

Best Consignment Store

Consigned Design

72 Fulton Springs Road, Alabaster

205-664-7540

Finalists: Renaissance Consignment, Encore Resales

Best Children’s Clothing Store

Sew Precious

16161 U.S. 280, Chelsea

205-678-6633

Finalists: Beka’s Boutique, Gifted, Favorite Laundry

Best Women’s Clothing Store

Helena Mercantile

4093 Helena Road, Helena

205-663-0060

Finalists: Gifted, Ditsy Daisy, Ivory Orchid, Sassy Sisters

Best Garden Center

Myers Plants and Pottery

2935 Pelham Parkway, Pelham

Myersplantsandpottery.com

205-663-6597

Finalists: Cedar Creek Nursery, Hanna’s Garden Shop 

Best Grocery Store

Helena Publix

4730 Highway 17, Helena

205-620-0199

Publix.com

Finalists: Alabaster Publix, Columbiana Piggly Wiggly, Sprouts

Best Hardware Store

Brown Lumber and Building Supply

21891 Alabama 25, Columbiana

Brownlumber.com

205-669-6715

Finalists: True Value, Home Depot, Lowe’s

Myers Plant and Pottery

Myers Plant and Pottery

Home and Finance

Best Insurance Agent

Craig Dorris

State Farm

407 West College Street, Columbiana

205-669-6706

Finalists: Casey Bentley of Rux Carter Insurance, Rux Bentley of Rux Carter Insurance, Karen Miller of All-State, Jarrod Gibson of State Farm

Best Real Estate Agent

Kevin Jones

Keller Williams

750 Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

Kw.com

205-368-5014

Finalists: Melanie Siow of RealtySouth, Danielle Turner of Keller Williams

 Best Real Estate Company

Keller Williams

750 Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

Kw.com

205-605-1000

Finalists: RealtySouth, ReMax, DownSouth Realty

Best Bank

Bryan Bank, Columbiana branch

21290 AL 25

Bryantbank.com

205-670-9720

Finalists: Central State Bank, Regions Bank in Helena

Ernest McCarty Ford

Ernest McCarty Ford

Auto

Best Auto Service

The Garage

2174 Pelham Parkway, Pelham

Thegarageinpelham.com

205-982-1984

Finalists: Victory Automotive, Ernest McCarty Quick Lane

Best New Car Dealer

Ernest McCarty Ford

1471 1st Street North, Alabaster

Emccartyford.com

205-663-3831

Finalists: Med Center Mazda, Edwards Chevrolet

 Best Used Car Dealer

Donohoo Auto

8122 Helena Road, Pelham

Donohooauto.com

205-444-9333

Finalists: Driver’s Way, Ernest McCarty Ford

Best Car Wash

Blue Rain

100 Little Mountain Circle, Pelham

Blueraincarwash.com

205-874-6460

Finalists: Marc One, Wash It Off Car Wash

Best Oil Change

Express Oil Change

5046 Highway 17, Helena

Expressoil.com

205-620-3175

Finalists: Victory Automotive, Alabaster Express Oil Change, Pelham Express Oil Change

 

Buck Creek Festival Duck Race

Buck Creek Festival Duck Race

Arts and Culture

Best Annual Festival

Buck Creek Festival

Helena

Buckcreekfestival.com

Finalists: Alabaster CityFest, Liberty Day, Montevallo Art Walk

Best Local Artist

Bruce Andrews

Alabaster

2Blumusic.com/art

205-835-8489

Finalists: Lynn Dodson, David Schleuter, Stephanie Dikis

Best Museum

Shelby County Museum and Archives

1854 North Main Street, Columbiana

205-669-3912

Finalists: Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Kenneth R. Penhale City of Helena Museum, Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington

Best Local Musicians

2Blu and the Lucky Stiffs

Alabaster

2Blumusic.com

205-835-8489

Finalists: Deputy 5, Hunter Lawley Band

Best Local Fundraiser

Buck Creek Duck Race

Part of Buck Creek Festival

Helena

Buckcreekfestival.com

Finalists: Relay for Life, Shelby County Shindig

SportsPlus

280 Main Story

Shelby County Football Show: Week 7

Alabaster Main Story

Orlando Health assumes majority interest in Brookwood Baptist Health, Shelby Baptist Medical Center

Calera

Calera avenges loss to Benjamin Russell with five-set win

Alabaster Main Story

A Southern Christmas Bazaar to return on Nov. 16

280 Main Story

Week 7 Predictions: Pair of top-six showdowns headline crucial week of region play

Helena

Pelham beats rival Helena to clinch No. 1 seed in area as Wynn surpasses 1,000 kills

Alabaster Main Story

APD officer visits Creek View Elementary, teaches students about safety

Helena

Helena Walmart unveils remodel

280 Main Story

Oak Mountain outlasts Hoover to finish area play undefeated

Alabaster Main Story

‘Spotlight moment:’ THS finds success with annual Community Pep Rally

News

Pelham City Schools announces Homecoming week activities

280 Main Story

Spain Park, Vincent hold, Thompson drops in Week 6 rankings, Chelsea, Shelby County earn votes

Alabaster Main Story

Alabaster approves $85M budget for FY 2025, funding for large capital projects

Helena

Helena City Council appoints new acting city clerk, treasurer

Montevallo

Montevallo plans annual Hometown Halloween

280 Main Story

Shelby County Chamber honors first responders during 2024 Public Safety Awards

Helena

Helena overcomes first-set loss to take down Spain Park for first area win

Alabaster Main Story

Alabaster readies for National Night Out on Oct. 3

Helena

Helena celebrates Oktoberfest

Montevallo

Montevallo National Night Out planned for Oct. 22

280 Main Story

Hoover City Schools hires new communications director

280 Main Story

Federal funding cuts threaten services for child abuse victims

Calera

Calera National Night Out set for Tuesday, Oct. 8

280 Main Story

Mt Laurel prepares for return of annual fall festival