2008 Editors' Choice
10Best Bet Award

After months of research, deliberation, and even good-natured argument, we pushed our way through incredibly difficult decisions and named the winners of the 2008 Editors’ Choice 10Best Bet Awards. These deserving frontrunners – with already-proven track records – are certain to show even more promise as major community players in the years ahead.

To determine the best, we looked beyond the criteria of our standard lists, and only a select few businesses in each city were ultimately equipped to earn our respect and that of their own clientele. Not only do they exhibit all-around quality, but they demonstrate neighborhood involvement, environmental concerns, and a dedication that we especially appreciate – striving to be the best.

Visit them, applaud them, and reward them with your business. They’ve made the effort and flourished – show them that the hard work matters. So, without further ado, we present our carefully considered recommendations: 10 cities, 10 categories, and 10 businesses. The 10Best.

Browse our Winners:
Atlanta, GA Austin, TX Charlotte, NC Chicago, IL Denver, CO	Las Vegas, NV Nashville, TN Orlando, FL Pittsburgh, PA Portland, OR

2008 Users' Choice
Best Bet Award

After our editors laid out their selections, we asked readers to respond to the choices and see if there was consensus or dissent. Certainly, our editors have lots of resources at their disposal – broad travel experience, on-the-ground locals, insider access, and extensive knowledge – but does all that synch with what our users prize?

Answering the challenge, our readers stepped up, submitting votes and nominating new businesses. Now, those results have been tallied, and we present your reactions, your suggestions, and your choices.

That said, it’s evident that we – and you – continue to highlight the people and businesses that provide a city with its unmistakable character. These Users’ Choice award-winners honor excellence, quirkiness, foresightedness, and tradition. They also celebrate city life from within.

So, take a look at the results. See how your vote figured in, and find out if the city agrees with you – or with us. If your favorite didn’t make the cut, just stay tuned. We’ll do it again next year!

Browse our Winners:
Atlanta, GA Austin, TX Charlotte, NC Chicago, IL Denver, CO	Las Vegas, NV Nashville, TN Orlando, FL Pittsburgh, PA Portland, OR

1. Colorful Characters

We all love to people-watch, to catch glimpses of celebs, and to brag that we saw so-and-so. This category showcases citizens who’ve made their mark on a town. Here, you’ll uncover coffee shops where local politicians gather, corners where quirky street performers show off, and places that have lively shop keepers or dynamic chefs on staff. Discover where these famous folks hang out, where they work, what they eat, and even more that you didn’t even know you’d want to know!

2. Going Green

They're out there, and you're proud of them. You're behind their cause and supporting them every chance you get. These environmentally-conscious businesses do their part to preserve the world around us. They include restaurants that use only organic, local produce. They’re hotels with green roofs or solar panels. They’re shops that deal in fair trade goods or that promote recycling. They deserve a pat on the back – and our patronage – for their globally conscious efforts!

3. A Room with a View

You know the spot. The hotel that offers great views of the city skyline or lovely vistas of the countryside. Or maybe you don’t. Either way, you will now. We’ll share the numbers of guest rooms where you can take in the most amazing panoramas. We’ll tell you about the nightclub with a fabulous scenic terrace, and we’ll let you in on the hotel restaurant that boasts its own manicured garden courtyard. Hotel stays aren’t just about the bed or the toiletries, after all.

4. Local Tastes

Maybe you stumbled upon it during your travels. Perhaps a friend told you to go. Maybe you live in the city, and it's your special place. However you've come to know it, it's that one special restaurant that just defines the city. You know the ones you love; now, we’ll tell you the treasures in other cities. Discover established eateries with distinct character, hole-in-the-wall diners, or high-end, chef-run establishments. We’ll let you know what locals like and give you a leg up on what’s best and brightest.

5. Mp3 Placelists

People often associate cities with special songs or styles of music. On Broadway in New York, try show tunes; in New Orleans’ French Quarter, go for jazz. This list shares the best spots for listening, either as an activity in itself or as a backdrop to something else. People-watch at a coffee shop, browse fantastic art at a museum, and while away commuter time on public transportation. Plug into your favorites, or make a “placelist” based on our suggestions.

6. Reasons to Return

As your train departs the station or your plane leaves the ground, have you ever wanted just a little more time? One more day to explore further or to visit a place you didn't get wind of until the last minute? We’ll let you know what’s worth returning for, be it a little-known museum, a rambunctious dance club, or a peaceful garden. That way, you can avoid having to say, "Next time..."

7. Slices of Life

Instead of looking like a tourist, it's satisfying to blend into the background and experience the city like a local. Here, we’ll let you know about the locales that city residents frequent. On the list are places like Saturday farmers’ markets, summer music concerts, and even historic churches that pull folks in each Sunday. We’ll direct you to bypass the tourist traps and get a feel for what it’s like to live rather than to sightsee.

8. Superior Service

It's great to be treated like royalty, to know that you matter to someone's business. Now, read up on employees who go above and beyond to serve you. We’ll share the names of bars where bartenders mix special drinks, restaurants where servers remember your name and your order, and salons where the staff go that extra mile to put you at ease. All are worthy of mention, and we’ll ensure that you know what to expect when you show up.

9. Thrills & Chills

Big or small, these selections make a city exciting. They include stomach-churning rides at amusement parks, action-packed river rafting trips, and even festivals that titillate the senses. You might also find places that offer once-in-a-lifetime memories, breathtaking views, or unbeatable draws. We’ll chime in to let you know what the city holds that you may not have considered at first glance.

10. Times to Visit

Oftentimes, you can’t choose when you’ll visit, but when you do have the option, why not let it coincide with a prominent event? Find out when the city is bursting with blooms, when holiday decorations are at their most enticing, or when a fabulously fun festival is being held. Discover, too, if there’s a milestone that’s being celebrated or if there’s a small occasion that coincides with your own special interest. We’ll spread the news and let you know when it's high time to visit the city.