Best Funeral Services Provider

 

1. Halbritter

Halbritter Funeral Home is located at 615 E. Main St., Niles. The late Ted L. Halbritter joined Kiger Funeral Home in 1947 and purchased it in 1962. He operated it until semi-retiring in 1996, when his son, Ted Halbritter III, purchased the business.

 

2. Brown

 

 

3. Hoven

 

 

 

Best Restaurant in Niles

 

1. Prime Table

Since 1993, Prime Table has been providing a family-friendly atmosphere and quality food to Niles area residents. Owner Bill Giannakakis said they have developed great friendships with many of their loyal customers. “We are very excited and very pleased and we appreciate every vote that made it happen,” he said.

 

2. Riverfront Cafe

 

3. Olfactory Hue

 

 

Best Restaurant in Dowagiac

 

1. Zeke’s

Zeke’s Restaurant in downtown Dowagiac is a full service family restaurant with a full bar and one of the area’s largest selections of beer. Highlights include 254 imported beers and a 27 new draft beer club. It also offers private rooms available for parties. It is located at 109 S. Front St., Dowagiac.

 

2. Woodfire

 

3. Wounded Minnow

 

 

Best Restaurant in Edwardsburg

 

1. Lunker’s

Angler’s Inn in Lunker’s provides a truly unique dining experience in Edwardsburg. The dining area is surrounded by numerous aquariums, including a 1,000 gallon salt-water tank. “As a manager that makes me feel really happy they voted for us to be finalist as best of the best,” said manager LouAnn Smith.

 

2. Fireside

 

3. Fat Cam’s

 

 

Best Restaurant in Cassopolis

 

1. Broadway

If you are in the mood for authentic Greek and American dishes, Broadway Café in Cassopolis is the place to be. It’s been a community staple for more than 10 years. “We are excited for all the support,” said manager George Christoeoulides.

 

2. (two-way tie) Full Bull/Lindy’s

 

 

Best Restaurant in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor

 

1. Silver Beach Pizza

Located on beautiful Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Silver Beach Pizza is known for great food, outstanding service and, of course, some of the best pizza around. It has been operating inside the historic St. Joseph train for seven years.

“It is exciting to be nominated for so many categories,” said David Costas, GM. “We are honored to be supported by not only our respected local community, but also our valued customers that drive the distance to dine with us.”

 

2. Clementine’s

 

3. Schu’s

 

 

Best Restaurant in Harbor County Michigan

 

1. Grande Mere

Created more than 30 years ago, the Grand Mere Inn Restaurant and Bar has been a favorite dining spot in Stevensville. The cozy, cottage-style dining room is perched atop Covert Ridge with stunning views of Lake Michigan.

 

2. (three-way tie) Redamack’s/Skip’s Other Place/Tabor Hill

 

 

Best Restaurant in South Bend)

 

1. Hacienda

Hacienda is a family-friendly restaurant offering Mexican American cuisine with several locations throughout Indiana. It offers dine-in and carry-out options and is known for its selection of margarita drinks.

 

2. (two-way tie) Ho-Ping House /La Salle Grille

 

 

Best Restaurant in Granger

 

1. Eddie’s Steak Shed

For more than 30 years, Eddie’s Steak Shed in Granger has been offering quality steaks at reasonable prices, including the fan favorite steak sirloin for two. If you aren’t in the mood for a steak, there’s much more to find on the menu as Eddie’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

2. Yesterday’s

 

3. Temper Grille

 

 

Best Restaurant in Mishawaka

 

1. Hacienda

 

2. (three-way tie) Bonefish/Logan’s/Papa Vino’s

 

 

Best Restaurant in all Michiana

 

1. Silver Beach Pizza

Located on beautiful Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Silver Beach Pizza is known for great food, outstanding service and, of course, some of the best pizza around. It has been operating inside the historic St. Joseph train for seven years.

“It is exciting to be nominated for so many categories,” said David Costas, GM. “We are honored to be supported by not only our respected local community, but also our valued customers that drive the distance to dine with us.”

 

2. Hilltop Cafe

 

3. (two-way tie) Pizza Transit /Rise n’ Shine Cafe

 

 

Best Ice Cream – AG

 

1. Dairy Queen

With several locations throughout Michiana, Dairy Queen is the first choice for soft-serve ice cream. Whether visitors vie for a traditional vanilla cone or treat themselves to a Blizzard, Peanut Buster Parfait or brownie sundae, DQ is recognized as a national ice cream favorite.

 

2. Paris Soda Shop

 

3. (two-way tie) Urban Swirl / Kilwin’s

 

 

Best Dessert

 

1. (two-way tie) Hacienda/ Hilltop Café

Hacienda, located throughout Michiana, is known for its selection of desserts, including the popular Chocolate Mountain Mudslide. The restaurant also serves sweet treats, such as churros and fried ice cream.

 

Hilltop Café

Hilltop Café, located in Buchanan, offers homecooked food with a family-friendly atmosphere. Known for breakfast, lunch and dinner cuisine, the restaurant also offers a menu of desserts for guests to enjoy.

708 E. Front St., Buchanan

 

2. Yesterday’s

 

 

Best Burger

 

1. The Tavern

The Tavern, which has been a local favorite for more than 50 years, offers just about any type of a burger a customer could want. The restaurant also offers lunch specials, chili and a selection of hot soups on a cold winter day.

“We’re just a hometown bar, but I think we have a extensive menu, which keeps people coming back,” Cindy Roy, a staff member at The Tavern, said.

417 Brookfield St., Niles.

 

2. Five Guys Burgers and Fries

 

3. Olfactory Hue

 

 

Best Steak

 

1. Eddie’s Steak Shed

 

2. Logan’s Roadhouse

 

3. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

 

 

Best Seafood

 

1. Red Lobster

Red Lobster is known across the country as a seafood restaurant with something for everyone. While the menu offers an array of seafood platters, from lobster and crab to shrimp and pasta, many customers enjoy the Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Michiana has two Red Lobster locations; one in Mishawaka and another in Elkhart.

 

2. Bonefish Grill

 

3. Hilltop Cafe

 

 

Best Wings

 

1. Wings Etc.

Opened up in Niles in 2007, Wings Etc. offers up jumbo wings in a sports-bar atmosphere. The full-service restaurant and bar also has ribs, pulled pork, burgers and chicken on the menu. The restaurant has a “Wall of Flame,” in which any customer who eats 16 “wall-sauced” wings without a beverage or other food is photographed and placed on the wall. There are four Wings Etc. locations in Michiana.

 

 

2. Buffalo Wild Wings

 

3. (two-way tie) Silver Beach Pizza/B&J Pub

 

 

Best Pizza

 

1. Pizza Transit

For 25 years, Pizza Transit has provided Niles with pizza cooked to order, whether it be “lightly done” or “well done.” Owner Sarah Brittin purchased the business from her father, Mike, and decided to add wings, salads and calzones to the menu. Pizza Transit is open Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m.

215 E. Main St., Niles.

 

2. Silver Beach Pizza

 

3. Mancino’s

 

 

Best Vegetarian Food

 

1. Olfactory Hue

With a slogan on “eat local,” Olfactory Hue strives to provide unprocessed, natural, local ingredients in the dishes on their menu. Offering up meals for brunch, dinner and even for kids, Olfactory Hue chef Daysha Amster also provides catering services. The bistro is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

 

2. Silver Beach Pizza

 

3. (four-way tie) Foodies/Elia’s/Aladdin’s Eatery/Uptown Kitchen

 

 

Best Italian Food

 

1. Olive Garden

With Tuscan-inspired locations, Olive Garden offers an array of Italian dishes for lunch and dinner. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine and spirits list for customers to enjoy. Currently, two locations reside in Michiana; one in Elkhart and the other in Mishawaka.

 

2. Carrabba’s /Papa Vino’s

 

 

Best Asian Food

 

1. Ho-Ping House

The Chinese cuisine restaurant gives customers a sampling of Chinese fare in a traditional décor atmosphere. While most Chinese restaurants are buffets, Ho Ping House offers a full-service experience for customers. Some favorites on the restaurant’s menu include General Tso’s chicken and vegetarian selections.

303 S. Dixie Way, South Bend

 

2. Hot Wok

 

3. China One

 

 

Best Mexican Food

 

1. El Amigo Pepe

El Amigo Pepe, located in Niles, provides authentic Mexican food for competitive prices for more than eight years. Authentic central Mexican recipes are followed by any chef cooking in the kitchen that day and many items on the menu are cooked fresh. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

1140 S. 11th St., Niles

 

2. Hacienda

 

3. (three-way tie) Salsa’s/La Esperanza /Chipotle

 

 

Best Breakfast

 

1. Rise n’ Shine Café

For breakfast or brunch, Rise n’ Shine Café provides customers with a cozy atmosphere to dine in. Homemade specials are offered daily and the establishment is known for their $2.99 eggs, bacon, potato and toast breakfast. The café is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with extended hours over the weekend.

2616 Detroit Rd. (M-60), Niles

 

2. Prime Table

 

3. Blueberry Hill

 

 

Best Lunch

 

1. The Udder Place

A family-dining experience can be found at The Udder Place, which features traditional favorites on their menu. From 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays, customers can find what owners Michelle Gruszynski and Kari Smith call “low prices and large portions.”

33331 US Hwy 12, Niles

 

 

2. (two-way tie) Hilltop Cafe/Olfactory Hue

 

 

Best Place for a Romantic Dinner Night Out

 

1. Silver Beach Pizza

 

2. (three-way tie) Bonefish Grill/Woodfire/Tabor Hill

 

 

Best Microbrewery

 

1. Greenbush Brewery

Owner Scott Sullivan established Greenbush Brewery in June 2011. It is located at 5885 Sawyer Rd. in Sawyer and offers tasting, out the door sales and brewing on the premises. Its beers have been sold at numerous area locations, including Wood Fire in Dowagiac and Riverfront Café in Niles.

 

2. Round Barn Brewery

 

3. Barehands Brewery

 

 

Best Winery

 

1. Round Barn

Round Barn Winery, 10983 Hills Road, Baroda, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Owned by the Moersch family, there are also a craft brewery and a distillery and a tasting room in Union Pier. Production facilities move next month to the 10,000-square-foot building that formerly housed South Shore Tool and Die, with plans for a pub-style restaurant next summer.

 

2. Tabor Hill

 

3. Lemon Creek

 

 

Best Cocktails

 

1. Silver Beach Pizza

 

2. LaSalle Grille

 

3. (two-way tie) Jay’s Lounge/ Woodfire

 

 

Best Outdoor Dining

 

1. Riverfront Café

Riverfront Café, 219 Front St., Niles, opened in 2003. Its outdoor patio seats 80 to 100 behind an ornamental fence at the corner of Front and Sycamore streets.

 

2. Silver Beach Pizza

 

3. (two-way tie) Hacienda/Schu’s

 

 

Best Bartender

 

1. Brent Prillwitz, Silver Beach Pizza

 

2. Melissa Fox, Riverfront Cafe

 

1. (two-way tie) Freedom, Pete’s Patio/Chris, Woodfire

 

 

Best Server

 

1. Caitlin Brady, Zeke’s

 

2. Maria Collum, Hilltop Cafe

 

3. Melissa Fox, Riverfront Cafe

 

 

Best Tasting Coffee

 

1. Brew Ha Ha

Niles’ only coffee drive-through also includes indoor and outdoor seating, baked goods and catering. It opened seven years ago on Broadway Street.

 

2. Starbucks

 

3. (two-way tie) Hilltop Cafe/Caffe Tosi

 

 

Best Bar

 

1. Silver Beach Pizza

 

2. Jay’s Lounge

 

3. Bar Louie

 

 

Best French Fries

 

1. McDonald’s

 

2. Wendy’s

 

3. Silver Beach Pizza

 

 

Best Movie Theater

 

1. Wonderland

Carol Moore, president of Moore Theatres, moved the Ready Theatre in Niles from Main to Front streets and the old Wonderland store building, expanded to six screens. It became Wonderland Cinema on Christmas Day 2004. Moore also operates the Loma in Coloma, M-89 in Otsego and the Michigan in South Haven.

 

2. Movies 14

 

3. Showplace 16

 

 

Best Local Festival or Event

 

1. Four Flags Area Apple Festival

The Four Flags Area Apple Festival is celebrating 40 years in 2012. The all-volunteer organizers pride themselves in offering a free festival to the public. The festival features a midway, live entertainment, a parade and pageant.

 

2. Riverfest

 

3. Hunter Ice Festival

 

 

Best Live Music Venue

 

1. Niles Amphitheater

The Niles Amphitheater at Riverfront Park is home to the Niles Summer Concert Series and many live music acts, including Riverfest entertainment. The Victorian-style amphitheater was constructed in 1995.

 

2. Morris Performing Arts Center

 

3. Acorn Theater

 

 

Best Local Artist

 

1. John L. Lidecker

The self-proclaimed “world’s most unfamous artist” and nicknamed “Tropical Gypsy” is a lifelong Niles resident, painter, poet, sculptor and graphic designer. An exhibit held early this summer was reportedly the only one Lidecker will ever have.

 

 

Best Local Band

 

1. Alligator Blackbird

This three-man band — vocalist/guitarist Fabian Guzman, bass player Chris Keck and drummer Cory Miller — regularly makes the rounds at local festivals, pubs and other venues. The band combines rock, reggae, folk and pop influences on cover and original tunes.

 

2. Stillshot

 

3. All My Sins Remembered

 

 

Best Local DJ

 

1. DJ MIA

Niles’ DJ MIA (Mia Molsby) got her start at local watering hole Jay’s Lounge. She also deejays weddings and other events.

 

2. (four-way tie) DJ Run4Kover/DJ Stickyboots/FreddyB/DJ PrettyBoy

 

 

Best Local Radio Personality

 

1. (two-way tie) MIA, 99.1/Cody & Deb, B100

MIA (Mia Molsby) is the voice of contemporary hit radio station WSMK 99.1 in Niles Saturday nights. Cody & Deb in the Morning are personalities at Mishawaka country station B100.

 

2. Jason Lee & Kluck, 103.9 WRBR

 

 

Best Hair Salon

 

1. Pure Rituals

Buchanan’s Pure Rituals, an Aveda Concept Salon, offers cuts, massage, perms, glossing, styling, hair removal and cosmetics, as well as environmentally friendly Aveda beauty products.

 

2. Off Main Street

 

3. Rana’s

 

 

Best Medical Facility

 

1. Memorial Hospital

Memorial Hospital of South Bend, founded as Epworth Hospital in 1894, is now a 526-bed regional referral center for cardiac, cancer, childbirth, emergency medicine and rehabilitation services.

 

2. Lakeland Hospital

 

3. St. Joseph Regional Medical Center

 

 

Best Fitness Center

 

1. Niles-Buchanan YMCA

Established in 1944, the Niles-Buchanan YMCA opened its $8.5 million current facility in 2006 on Front Street. The YMCA is home to Lakeland Rehabilitation Services, a track, swimming pool, cardio and weight rooms, fitness classrooms and more. Membership is more than 10,000.

 

2. YMCA

 

3. Lace Dance Studio

 

 

Best Spa/Massage Center

 

1. Tranquility Mist Massage

Serving the community for more than eight years, Tranquility Mist Massage and Bodyworks in Niles specializes in therapeutic, Swedish and soothing hot rock massages.  It also offers body treatments and spa facials and is run by certified massage therapist Shawn Christie-Dunlap.

 

2. Lipstick Jungle

 

3. Clear Choice Chiropractic

 

 

Best Eye Care Provider

 

1. Niles Vision Clinic

Niles Vision Clinic has been offering affordable family eye care since 1972. Optometrists Dr. Jeffrey Becraft, Dr. Michel Listenberger and Dr. Deb Searles are all committed to providing professional vision care with a personal touch. Their optical dispensary includes the latest in fashion eyewear and lens technology.

 

2. Smoke Vision Center

 

3. Great Lakes Eye Care

 

 

Best Pharmacy

 

1. Walgreens

Walgreens is one of the largest drug retailing chains in the United States, with more than 8,000 locations across all 50 states, including several in the Michiana are. It specializes in serving the public’s needs for prescriptions, health and wellness products, health information and photo services.

 

2. Rite Aid

 

3. Niles Family Pharmacy

 

 

Best Woman’s Clinic

 

1. Southwestern Medical Clinic

Southwestern Medical Clinic offers several health care services, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatric care and a walk-in clinic. It is a patient-centered medical home, which is a health care setting that provides care that is respectful of, and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs and values.

 

2. (two-way tie) Cassopolis Family Clinic/Center for Woman’s Health

 

 

Best Dentist

 

1. Dr. Beckermeyer

Dr. Richard Beckermeyer has been a dentist in Niles for more than 15 years, offering general dentistry services, including cleanings, fillings, same-day crowns, bridges and more. Beckermeyer is a Michigan native who has worked in the dental field for around 30 years.

 

2. Dr. Gourley

 

3. (two-way tie) Dr. Wyant/Dr. Klopenstine

 

 

Best Doctor

 

1. Dr. Toby Mitchell

Dr. Mitchell has been offering state of the art chiropractic care with Clear Choice Chiropractic in Niles and Edwardsburg since 2008, and worked as a sole proprietor prior to that in Niles since 1997. He has been ranked in the top 100 doctors nationally by the consumer research council since 2004. “I am extremely pleased and humbled by this honor,” Mitchell said.

 

2. Dr. Jesse Hsieh

 

3. Dr. Rosa Johnson

 

 

Best Bank or Credit Union

 

1. United Federal Credit Union

Based in St. Joseph, United Federal Credit Union has been providing financial services to its members since 1949. It was founded by five employees at the Whirlpool manufacturing plant in St. Joseph. Since then, it has grown to 23 branches in six states and more than 120,000 members.

 

2. Honor Credit Union

 

3. 1st Source Bank

 

 

Best Auto Repair Shop

 

1. Millin Automotive Repair

Millin Automotive Repair is a full service auto repair shop located in Niles. Owner Gene Millin, a Niles native, has been ASE Master Automobile Technician certified for more than 25 years. It specializes in many auto repair needs, including oil changes, brakes, tires, transmissions and engine repair and replacement.

 

2. Marsh Auto Repair

 

3. Troy’s Muffler & Brake

 

 

Best Heating & Cooling Service

 

1. Robert’s Heating and Cooling

 

2. Michiana Heating and Cooling

 

3. Sun Services

 

 

Best Realtor

 

1. Shawn Ashley, Cressy & Everett

As managing associate broker of Cressy and Everett, Shawn Ashley has been working in the real estate world for more than 7 years. According to Ashley, she strives to reach the same goal with every customer: sold!

“I think it’s a wonderful honor,” Ashley said of the nomination. ”A few people told me they voted for me and I think that’s very humbling.”

 

2. (three-way tie) Chris Moore, Freedom/Jan Luke, Integrity/Jimmy Gilley, Gold Star

 

 

Best Place for an Oil Change

 

1. Sparkle

Operating as a family-owned business since 1981, Sparkle has four locations in Michiana with their headquarters in Benton Harbor. By educating customers on preventative vehicle maintenance, customers can also receive quick and easy oil changes and car washes. Sparkle also provides self-serve dog grooming amenities at their Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and Coloma facilities.

 

2. Millin Auto

 

3. Oil Can Alley

 

 

Best Veterinarian

 

1. Town and Country Vet Clinic

Town and Country Veterinary Clinic opened in February 1969 as a family-owned and operated place for pets. More than 40 years later, the vet clinic is still family owned and strives to keep it that way.

“We work very hard to make sure our patients are treated as family,” Susan Hannafius, veterinary assistant, said.

3127 N. 5th St., Niles

 

2. Bergman, Cassopolis

 

3. Dr. Butts

 

 

Best Teacher

 

1. Mr. Ackles, Brandywine

 

2. Mr. Althouse, Howard

 

3. (five-way tie) Mr. Scott, Howard/Mrs. Gmeiner, Merritt /Jeannie Gilbert, Ballard/Jeff Robinson, Dowagiac Union/Mrs. Weglowski, Brandywine

 

 

Best Local Government Official

 

1. Niles Township Supervisor Jim Kidwell

 

 

2. U.S. Rep. Fred Upton

 

3. Niles Mayor Michael McCauslin

 

 

Best Hearing Aid Center

 

1. Darr & Associates

The Michiana-based hearing specialists offer a range of services to customers in need of hearing testing, evaluation and treatment. The consultation and hearing evaluation are free. Hours for Darr and Associates are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by special appointment. Darr and Associates has four locations in the Michiana area.

 

 

2. Dr. Vincent Henderson

 

 

Best Local College

 

1. Southwestern Michigan College

Southwestern Michigan College, also known as SMC, is based on 240 acres in Dowagiac and features associate and bachelor degrees. Founded in 1964, the campus, which has a satellite campus in Niles, provides student housing and campus-wide programs to offer a four-year university experience to students. The college is currently constructing a new student-housing building.

58900 Cherry Grove Rd., Dowagiac

 

2. Lake Michigan College

 

3. Bethel College

 

 

Best Pet Services/Groomer

 

1. Rub-A-Dub Doggy

 

2. Shampoochie

 

3. Top Notch Grooming

 

 

Best Local TV News Anchor

 

1. Tricia Sloma, WNDU

Sloma has served as co-anchor of WNDU-TV’s “16 Morning News” since late 1993. She joined WNDU’s NewsCenter 16 team early in 1993 as a reporter. Tricia has worked for the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, the Agri-Broadcasting Network and WKTN-FM radio in Kenton, Ohio. She is a graduate of Ohio State University.

 

2. Cindy Ward, WSBT

 

3. (three-way tie) Allison Hayes/Joel Schipper/Steve Duval

 

 

Best Local Reporter

 

1. Joel Schipper

Schipper joined the WNDU news team in September 2006. In July 2007, the Grand Rapids native became anchor of “16 Saturday Morning.” He also anchors 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts on Saturday and Sunday evenings. A graduate of Grand Valley State University, he began his broadcasting career as an intern for the NBC/Universal syndicated entertainment news show “Access Hollywood.”

 

2. (three-way tie) Katie Rohman/Allison Hayes/Aly Gibson

 

 

Best Plumber

 

1. Advantage Plumbing

Advantage Plumbing, owned by Jim Allen, opened in 2000. Located at 2400 N. 5th St., Niles, it serves Berrien and Cass counties in Michigan and the South Bend and Granger areas in Indiana.

 

2. Robert’s

 

3. Al Hood’s Plumbing

 

 

Best Library

 

1. Niles District Library

Nancy Studebaker directs Niles District Library, 620 E. Main St.

 

2. Buchanan District Library

 

3. Cass District Library

 

 

Best Consignment Shop

 

1. Tiny Tot Reruns

Tiny Tot Reruns, 2459 Yankee St., Niles, started 17 years ago and is owned by Maryann Burdue. It is a family consignment store featuring vintage and used clothing and baby apparel.

 

2. Who Knew?

 

3. Goodwill

 

 

Best Grocery Stores

 

1. Martin’s

Martin’s Supermarkets, founded in 1947, has operated at 720 S. 11th St. in Niles since 1997. An expansion completed in March 2009 added 5,200 square feet.

 

2. Shelton’s

 

3. Harding’s

 

 

Best Place to Bike

 

1. Niles Riverwalk

 

2. Potato Creek

 

3. (two-way tie) Madeline Bertrand Park/St. Patrick County Park

 

 

Best Day Trip

 

1. Shipshewana

Shipshewana, Ind., is a road trip destination for shopping, dining, shows and glimpses into rural Amish and Mennonite life. The Amish’s black buggies are the area’s signature must-see attraction.

 

2. Warren Dunes

 

3. Saugatuck

 

 

Best Place to Take a Hike

 

1. Warren Dunes

Warren Dunes State Park offers a variety of dune trails for families and novice and experienced hikers. The forest-lined trails include a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan.

 

2. Niles Riverwalk

 

3. Fernwood

 

 

Best Place to Meet Singles

 

1. PlentyofFish.com

The Canada-based online dating website PlentyofFish (pof.com), founded in 2003, offers free and premium services. It boasted 5.3 million visitors in early 2011.

 

2. The beach

 

3. Martin’s/Smith’s Downtown

 

 

Best Place to Watch the Sunset

 

1. Silver Beach

St. Joseph’s Silver Beach is not only home to the silkiest white sand on the Lake Michigan Shore; it offers an amazing panorama of color at dusk. Its photogenic lighthouse pier can be seen to one side. It’s the site for many golf tournaments, outings and fundraisers.

 

2. Weko Beach

 

3. Lake Michigan

 

 

Best Golf Course

 

1. Orchard Hills

Buchanan’s Orchard Hills Country Club, which includes an 18-hole course along the St. Joseph River, is recognized for its challenging greens.

 

2. Brookwood

 

3. (two-way tie) Hampshire/Spruce Ridge

 

 

Best Place to Fish

 

1. Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan — the third-largest of the Great Lakes and the sixth-largest in the world — provides fishing for steelhead, perch, Chinook salmon, lake trout, smallmouth bass and many more. The lake is 307 miles long, 118 miles wide and averages 279 feet deep.

 

2. St. Joseph River

 

3. Juno Lake

 

 

Best Coffee Hangout

 

1. Brew Ha Ha

Niles’ only coffee drive-through also includes indoor and outdoor seating, baked goods and catering. It opened seven years ago on Broadway Street.

 

2. Union Coffee House

 

3. Hilltop Cafe

 

 

Best Beach

 

1. Silver Beach

Sunbathers flock to Silver Beach for its flawless white sand, swimming, beach volleyball, the Silver Beach Carousel, sunset strolls and the Whirlpool Compass Fountain. Public access is available to the picturesque South Pier.

 

2. Weko Beach

 

3. Warren Dunes

 

 

Best Place to Work Out – CH

 

1. Niles-Buchanan YMCA

The Niles-Buchanan YMCA is a family-friendly place where people can improve their health through physical exercise. The YMCA also offers a wide variety of classes for people of all ages. It includes a full-sized gym, indoor lap pool, warm water therapy pool, indoor track, Cybex Fitness training center, free weight room and more. It is located at 905 N. Front St., Niles.

 

2. Lace Dance Studio

 

3. (two-way tie) Anytime Fitness/Fitstop

 

 

Best Retirement or Assisted Living Community

 

1. Westwoods of Niles

Westwoods of Niles is a 121 bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located in Niles. The facility is securely located on eighteen wooded acres just north of the Indiana state line; about four miles north of Notre Dame University. Both private and semi-private rooms are offered with 24-hour licensed nursing care. It is located at 1211 State Line Rd., Niles.

 

2. Brentwood

 

3. Woodland Terrace

 

 

Best Place to Worship

 

1. Hope Community Church (Niles)

Hope Community Church in Niles is an evangelical body of believers that exists to minister to the family as a whole. It offers adult ministries, missions and outreach ministries opportunities. Make sure to check out its online sermons. It is located at 2390 Lake St., Niles.

 

2. Granger Community Church

 

3. First United Methodist Church (Dowagiac)

 

 

Best Recycling Center

 

1. Michiana Recycling & Disposal

Michiana Recycling and Disposal Service is this area’s leading independent, locally owned recycling and waste hauler. It has been servicing the Indiana market since 1990. It offers residential, commercial and roll-off service to the Michiana area. It is located at 33541 Reum Rd., Niles.

 

2. The Garbage Co.

 

3. Redbud Recycling

 

 

Best Tire Store

 

1. Zolman Tire

Zolman Tire offers a full range of tire selections for cars, trucks, min-vans or sport utility vehicles. It opened a new ecofriendly facility in Niles in September of 2011. It also offers auto repair work in addition to tires. It has several locations in Michiana, including 1901 S. 11th St., Niles.

 

2. D&D

 

3. Division Tire

 

 

Best Furniture/Home Decor Store

 

1. Imperial Furniture

Imperial Furniture was started in 1962 by Russ and Eleanor Klapchuk and was known as Imperial Bedding Company. The family provides an old-fashioned atmosphere, where shopping is fun and there are no high-pressure salesmen. Customers say it’s the best-kept secret in southwest Michigan. It is located at 57530 M-51 South, Dowagiac.

 

2. Value City

 

3. Red Raven

 

 

Best Woman’s Apparel Shop

 

1. Niles Styles

Niles Styles is billed as your “one of a find” upscale shopping experience. It is a boutique stocked with trendy styles for women culled from more upscale brands from new to gently used. Christine Hoffman opened it in 2009.

It is located at 224 E. Main St., Niles.

 

2. Marshall Shoppe

 

3. JC Penney

 

 

Best Garden Center/Nursery

 

1. Sheltons’

Shelton’s Farms in Niles is your one-stop shop for anything in the garden and beyond. From its humble beginnings in 1947, Shelton’s has steadily grown to become one of Michiana’s largest and most complete companies of its kind. It includes Shelton’s Farms Wholesale, Shelton’s Farm Market, Shelton’s Garden Center and Shelton Farms. It is located at 1832 S. 11th St., Niles.

 

2. Vite’s

 

3. Varner’s

 

 

Best Liquor Store

 

1. Crocker’s

Incorporated in Michigan, Crocker’s Party Store began in 1973. The beverage facility offers selections of beer, wine and liquor. Crocker’s is located in Niles, with other locations around Michigan.

1702 Broadway St., Niles

 

2. Belmont

 

3. Belle Plaza

 

 

Best Florist Shop

 

1. East Main Gardens

East Main Gardens, located in downtown Niles, offers several floral options for many occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and births. For customers who are unable to stop by the store, their website offers online ordering for convenience. Customers can also choose from designed arrangements or create something special.

1521 E. Main St., Niles

 

2. Flower Cart

 

3. (two-way tie) Booth’s/Village Floral

 

 

Best Farmer’s Market/Fruit Stand

 

1. Shelton’s

Created in 1947, Shelton’s Farms specializes in grapes, strawberries, apples and fresh apple cider. The farmer’s market also provides customers with a garden center and wholesale company. The company has also grown to be the largest full-service meat market in the area. Shelton’s is open Monday through Thursday and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

1832 S. 11th St., Niles

 

2. Buchanan Farmer’s Market

 

3. South Bend Farmer’s Market

 

 

Best Place to Buy Meat & Poultry

 

1. Shelton’s

SEE ABOVE

 

2. Lowery’s

 

3. (two-way tie) Martin’s/Harding’s

 

 

Best Gift Boutique Shop

 

1. Bella’s

Owners Tina Newman and Julie Udell began Bella’s Gifts and Memories in May 2011, after dreaming of owning their own business together. After much research on what type of business they wanted to start, they decided on a gift boutique. The store offers purses, jewelry, candles and other gifts for any occasion.

222 E. Main St., Niles

 

2. Slocum’s

 

3. Majerek’s

 

 

Best New Car Dealership

 

1. Tyler’s Automotive

Tyler’s Automotive has served the Michiana area for more than 40 years, offering new and pre-owned vehicles. Offering Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Honda and Kia models, Tyler’s has four locations; three in Niles on S. 11th Street and another in Benton Harbor on E. Napier Street. The dealership also provides collision and service centers to customers.

 

 

2. C Wimberley

 

3. Gurley Leep

 

 

Best Used Car Dealership

 

1. Tyler’s Automotive

 

2. Don Webber Motors

 

3. Deals on Wheels

 

 

Best Boat Dealer

 

1. Parkshore Marina

Parkshore Marina is located on Diamond Lake in Cassopolis, offering rentals of boats to bikes. Seasonal boaters can also take advantage of the dock space available with the marina. A store is also on-site, providing boating supplies and information on boat services. The marina is open seven days a week, weather permitting.

22230 Maple St., Cassopolis

 

2. Eagle Lake Marina

 

3. Dialed-In Charters

 

 

Best Motorcycle Dealer

 

1. HarleyDavidson

McDaniel’s Harley-Davidson

1910 Lincoln Way East, South Bend, Ind.

Hoosier Harley-Davidson

720 W. Bristol St., Elkhart, Ind.

The Kar Club Inc. has an indoor showroom in downtown Niles that specializes in selling premium pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

 

2. North End Cycle

 

3. Hamilton

 

 

Best Hunting & Fishing Store

 

1. Trailhead Mercantile

Trailhead Mercantile is a southwest Michigan fishing and hunting source located two blocks from the St. Joseph River in Niles. Bryan Williams’ business will be celebrating its second anniversary on Sept. 14.

 

2. Lunker’s

 

3. Hale’s

 

 

Best Mobile Phone Service

 

1. AT&T

AT&T, an American multinational telecommunications corporation, is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It is the largest provider of mobile telephony and the largest fixed telephony provider in the United States. It is also a provider of broadband subscription television services.

 

2. Verizon

 

3. Sprint

 

 

Best Tobacco Store

 

1. U.S. 31 Tobacco

U.S. 31 Tobacco, Indiana 933, Niles, carries all manner of smoking materials, including cigars and pipes, as well as gasoline and a convenience store.

 

2. Crocker’s

 

3. (two-way tie) Pop Shop/Low Bob’s

 

 

Best Party Store

 

1. Crocker’s

Crocker’s Party Store, 1702 Broadway, has been a Niles fixture for decades. Dave Singh’s business purveys beer, liquor and party supplies, as well as convenience store fare such as bread, chips and candy.

 

2. Belle Plaza Party Store

 

3. (two-way tie) Oak Dairy/Pitstop

 

 

Best Kids Resale Shop

 

1. Once Upon a Child

Once Upon a Child, 5936 Grape Rd., Mishawaka, Ind., buys and sells gently used clothes, toys and equipment.

 

2. Who Knew?

 

3. Tiny To Reruns

 

 

Best Family Restaurant

 

1. Prime Table

Since 1993, Prime Table has been providing a family-friendly atmosphere and quality food to Niles area residents. Owner Bill Giannakakis said they have developed great friendships with many of their loyal customers. “We are very excited and very pleased and we appreciate every vote that made it happen,” he said.

 

2. Hilltop Cafe

 

3. Rise n’ Shine

 

 

Best Place to Take the Kids Out for Fun

 

1. Hacker’s

Hacker’s Golf N Games, Niles, offers a golf ball driving range with natural grass and artificial tee stations, plus a go kart track and an 18-hole miniature golf course with a fountain and lazy river. For baseball and softball players there is a seven-station batting cage with two for slowpitch softball and five for baseball. There are also a video game arcade and snack bar.

 

 

2. Potawatomi Zoo

 

3. Chuck E. Cheese’s

 

 

 

Best Summer Camp

 

1. Five Pines

Berrien Center’s Five Pines Ministries, incorporated in 1979, is a nonprofit, non-denominational organization that serves people based on the words in John 10:10. Its camps range from day camps to adventure camps, often including recreation and outdoor activities.

 

2. Michiana Christian Service

 

3. Girl Scouts

 

 

Best Child Care Center

 

1. Niles-Buchanan YMCA

Niles-Buchanan YMCA Child Care offers family-centered and values-based programs for preschool and school age children. Programs include events, newsletters, parent advisory committees and classroom volunteers. All programs are state-licensed and staff must meet or exceed licensing regulations for background checks, education and experience.

 

2. The Children’s Center

 

3. Growing Kids

 

 

Best Public Elementary School

 

1. Howard-Ellis

Howard-Ellis Elementary School, a Blue Ribbon Exemplary School in Niles, educates more than 650 students in kindergarten through grade 5. Ellis houses K-1 students, while Howard includes grades 2 through 5. Howard-Ellis is part of Niles Community Schools.

 

2. Ballard

 

3. Brandywine

 

 

Best Public Middle School

 

1. Edwardsburg

Edwardsburg Middle School serves area students in grades 6 through 8. Eighty percent of its students are involved in extracurricular activities and athletics. It has an enrollment of approximately 660.

 

2. Ring Lardner

 

3. Brandywine

 

 

Best Public High School

 

1. Brandywine

Brandywine Senior High School, located in Niles Township, serves about 430 students in grades 9 through 12 in the Brandywine Community Schools district, which is celebrating 50 years.

 

2. Niles

 

3. Buchanan

 

 

Best Pediatrician

 

1. Dr. Lello

Dr. Lois Lello is a pediatrician at Southwestern Michigan Clinic in Niles with more than 20 years of experience in medicine.

 

2. Dr. Chris Harvey

 

3. Dr. Howard

 

 

Best Family Outing

 

1. Berrien County Youth Fair

The Berrien County Youth Fair in Berrien Springs is held each year in August at the Berrien County Fairgrounds. Events include grandstand entertainment, 4-H exhibitors, a midway, commercial exhibitors, pageant and pie tasting contest.

 

2. Hacker’s

 

3. Potawatomi Zoo

 

 

Best Accountant/Tax Preparation

 

1. Kish Accounting

Ann Kish is owner of Kish Accounting and Tax Service, established in 1976 in Niles.

 

2. Andrew Tax

 

3. Balanced Accounting

 

 

Best Hardware Store

 

1. Lowe’s

Lowe’s is a U.S.-based chain of home improvement stores founded in 1946, with stores in Niles, Benton Harbor, Mishawaka and South Bend.

 

2. (two-way tie) Hale’s/Williams

 

3. Judd

 

 

Best Insurance Provider

 

1. State Farm, Scott Stewart

Scott Stewart is a State Farm agent in Niles. He is a Michigan State and Bethel College graduate with 15 years of experience in service and claims.

 

2. AAA, Tom Rasler

 

3. State Farm, Joe Jileck