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There was some common discussion of the town’s needs to find a way to support town services without relying on property taxes.
As one reader put it, “We definitely need more commercial property in town. We cannot afford to support all of our town services through residential property taxes. Besides, then we might have more than one choice in each category to vote for Best in Milton!”
Another simply commented, “More commercial property = tax relief.”
The eighth annual Best of Milton awards include some old favorites as well as some newcomers to the local scene.
Votes for the Best Shopping Area were concentrated on the town’s main shopping district, as East Milton Square edged out the Village. Milton Marketplace took the award for Best Shopping Area.
Best Annual Event went to ¡CelebrateMilton!
The Best Restaurant category garnered votes for a restaurant that hasn’t even opened yet, as readers anticipate the opening of the new Stone Park, set to open sometime in the spring in East Milton.
But the restaurant getting the most votes was Stella’s, with readers mentioning good service and food.
Best Breakfast goes to Newcomb Farms, where voters found quick service, good food and a friendly staff.
Mr. Chan’s got the nod for Best Ethnic Restaurant.
Best Pizza in Milton went to Milton House of Pizza.
Tino’s Pizza got an Honorable Mention.
Best Sandwich Shop honors went to Bent’s, where one voter found the staff to be “super friendly, and the sandwich selection is superb and delicious!”
One of the most hotly contested categories perennially is Best in Milton Real Estate. There were so many votes, and the numbers were so close, we decided to divide the categories.
This year’s winner is Coldwell Banker for Real Estate Listings. One voter added the comment that Beth Rooney and her staff are friendly, knowledgeable and professional.
Kelley and Rege Properties earned the award for Best Customer Service, with voters mentioning being impressed with their knowledge of the town.
Last year’s winner, Corcoran Brokerage, won again for Solid Performance and Effort.
Laura Cahill took Best Concierge Service.
The newcomer GKR Residential won the Best Overall Business with votes scattered in various categories.
Milton Homes took Honorable Mention.
Best Hairstylist was another category that was highly contested.
Taking honors for Best Hairstylist to Create a Makeover was Eclipse Salon, the new shop in Lower Mills. Readers commented that the entire staff is friendly and welcoming. Another mentioned that it is upscale but with no attitude. “I am so glad I don’t have to go to Newbury Street anymore.” Another stated, “They are extremely talented and the coolest bunch of people – a true find.”
Taking the honors for Best Colorist was Mellie Hair Salon, where readers made comments about the professional staff. One voter said Mellie’s gives the “best cut in town,” and another described the staff as “warm, caring and enthusiastic, not to mention extremely talented.”
Taking away the award for Best Barber Shop was Al Julian and the Milton Barber Shop. Comments included: “This place is a fun experience. They are truly an integral part of the community.”
Best Children’s Shop was awarded by acclamation to the Nutshell.
Best Massage Service was awarded to Belle Visage. The voting was close and Body Benefits received Honorable Mention as a very close second.
Best Clothing Shop went to Glory Daze, with one voter commenting they have “fabulous clothes and prices.” Earning an Honorable Mention was The Nutshell, where readers commented they could find “great kids clothes,” and “quality finds.”
It seems the category of Best Neighborhood was a popular choice for the entire town, as readers voted for many different areas in equal amounts. A vote for Bailey Avenue included the comment “family-oriented,” while a vote for Milton Hill mentioned “consistently tasteful homes and kids.” Other neighborhood votes included East Milton, for its convenience; Rose Street; and the Columbines and Academy area.
Best Accounting Firm went to Gosule, Butkus and Jesson. GT Reilly received Honorable Mention.
Best Dry Cleaners went to last year’s winner, Dependable Cleaners, with an Honorable Mention going to Milton Cleaners.
Best Town Department saw votes for almost every department, but eking out the win was the Parks and Recreation Department, with one reader commenting they “keep our kids busy.” Honorable Mentions go to the Police and Fire departments.
Best Bank was a run-away for Citizens Bank, where readers found “nice tellers.”
Best Newspaper went to the Milton Times, as readers mentioned coverage is “fair and honest” with “great stories.”
Going hand-in-hand with that category is Best Columnist, with perennial favorite Ed Baker taking the award. One voter commented, “Eddie is Milton.” Receiving Honorable Mentions were Hilda Morrill and Moira Downes. Our new editor, J. Michael Whalen, also got some attention in this category.
Best Coffee Shop was a neck-and-neck race, but Dunkin’ Donuts edged out Starbucks by a nose. One voter mentioned price was the difference. Receiving Honorable Mentions were Bruegger’s and Radio Coffeehouse.
In the category of Best Pet Service, Furry Tails took the edge over Shaggy Chic in a close race. Comments included “so nice and reasonable prices.”
There were many nominees for Best Passive Recreation Area. Cunningham Park takes the award, where readers found “year-round fun – always something going on; skating, swimming, lawn bowling, wildlife…”
Best Museum went to last year’s winner, the Forbes Museum, because of things like the Lincoln collection, the antiques and the house itself.
Voters favored the Gift Garden for Best Gift Shop, where one reader stated, “I love the stuff,” while another commented on the good prices and the convenience of gift wrapping services.
The Suffolk Resolves House edged out the Forbes House for Best Historical Site, with voters commenting on the fact that the property is well maintained.
The Bush birthplace received Honorable Mention.
Best School was another category that proved
our readers have civic pride, as votes were scattered across all schools. The Campbell School and
Collicot School share the award, with one reader casting a wide net, voting for Collicot-Cunningham, because it’s green. Campbell School earned accolades for being a “loving, happy place with wonderful
curriculum.”
A similar category found votes across the board for Best Teacher, but last year’s winner again takes the title. Ann McIntyre received the most votes because she is “a very hard worker,” and is “nice and helpful.”
Best Health Facility went to Milton Hospital, with one reader commenting it is a real community asset.
Fitness Unlimited ran away with the Best Fitness Club title, with voters commenting on their program for kids, the convenient hours, and many options available.
Receiving Best Spa was Milton Hill Sport and Spa, because it is “neat, clean, has a great location, great staff, fun classes, and a good mix of customers.”
Grono & Christie won Best Overall Jewelry Store. Voters commented on Grono’s friendly staff, value, and great service.
Galatea earned the award for Best Unique Jewelry, with one voter stating it’s “a gem of a place.”
Thayer Nursery was named Best Landscaper, and also received many votes in other categories, including Best Gift Shop and Best Annual Event. Readers praised their creativity, and commented on the Holiday Boutique. “Thayer Nursery is so festive and it really gets you in the holiday spirit!”
The Kiwanis repeated as Best Civic Organization, with Honorable Mention going to the Chamber of Commerce.
Best Overall Business was another category that saw many companies earning votes, but the top spot goes to the Fruit Center.
Best Specialty Shop went to Esprit du Vin. Many voters commented on the expertise of proprietors Keith and Linda Mills. One voter stated they have “cornered their market with a cute little wine shop with great wines, cheeses and bread.”
Winning the Best Farm Stand Award was Eagle Farms, with “terrific produce and people.”
There were several new categories suggested by our readers. And since it is a readers’ survey, the businesses have been added to our list of winners.
Best Lawyer went to Robert Sheffield, who is said to “treat people royally.”
Best Financial Services went to Northeast Mortgage Associates.
Best Yoga went to Santosha.
Best Oil Company went to Veneto & Sons.
Best Martial Arts School went to Wanda White.
Kennedy Carpet took two awards – one for Best New Building and Best Carpet Showroom.
The last new award, Best Entertainment, went to the Fuller Village Chorus who have been heard at many locations in town this past year.
Congratulations, everyone.