When it comes to Bests, this year may very well eclipse the rest. We just endured one of the snowiest (and best for snowriding!) years in decades, for one. For two, we're in an area known for being best for viewing the Great American Eclipse. Add in the nods and accolades we continue to get from far and wide (Outside magazine's "Best Multisport Town," for one) and we're certainly racking up the Bests.
But wait, dear readers! The Bests aren't done yet.
Read on to find out where else Central Oregonians are tossing shine this year. This 2017 Best of Central Oregon issue includes new categories such as Best Place to Work (separated by businesses over and under 50 employees) and Best Budtender—and also "fun" category winners, determined by the Source staff, such as Best Pothole and Best Up and Coming Neighborhood. Oh yeah, Source readers. We know what you like to talk about... and it usually involves roads and real estate.
So hold onto your flimsy NASA-sanctioned eclipse glasses and bust into the water bottles you've been hoarding since June, because this is a Best of Central Oregon guide that definitely eclipses all others.
Here is your complete list of winners and runners up
Below are highlights of these year's winners:
Best Eats in Bend
Best Up and Coming Neighborhood
Best Beverages in Bend
Best Place to Park Your Van for Longer Than 12 Days
Best Locally Brewed Beer & Best IPA
Best of Shopping
Best Sign from the Women's March
Best of Service
Best of Arts & Culture
Best Art Gallery
1st Red Chair Gallery
2nd Mockingbird Gallery
Best Local Blog
2nd HomeyHomey.club
Best Local Radio Personality
1st Kris Arnold 92.9
2nd Lonnie & Meg in the Morning 107.7
Best Place to Hear Live Music
1st Les Schwab Amphitheater
2nd Volcanic Theatre Pub
Best Radio Station
1st 92.9 KRXF
2nd 101.7 KLRR
Best TV Personality
1st Bob Shaw
2nd Samantha O'Connor
Best Place to Escape the Eclipse Madness
Best of Local Life
Best Place to Work (Over 50 employees)
Best Place to Work (Under 50 employees)
Best of Tourism & Recreation
Best of Redmond
Best of Sisters