Best Financial Advisor: Christina Boyd, Merrill Lynch
Though Christina Boyd has been a practicing financial advisor for the past 18 years, her love of business and the stock market started long before that. “Without a doubt, my favorite part about being a financial advisor is the interaction I have with my clients,” she says. Boyd and her team offer a variety of financial planning options including portfolio management, wealth transfer strategies and retirement planning. 315 Lake St. E., Suite 200, Wayzata; 952.476.5604; wealthmanagement.ml.com
Runner-up: Lance Ziesemer, Wayzata Bay Financial Group
Third place: Mark Cheeley, Ameriprise Advisors
Best Place to Take Kids on a Rainy Day: Excelsior Dock Cinema
There’s nothing better as a kid than going to the movies and diving into a bucket of buttery popcorn. Originally built in 1941, the Excelsior Dock Cinema is carrying on the city’s historic entertainment tradition on its three movie screens. Located in downtown Excelsior, it’s the perfect place to hunker down and enjoy a flick on a rainy day. Ticket prices range from $7–$8.50, and kids under 3 years old are free. 26 Water St., Excelsior; 952.697.0868; five-star-cinemas.com
Runner-up: Williston Fitness Center
Third place: Ridgedale Library
Best Place for Live Music: 318 Café
In addition to serving fabulous coffee and delicious food, the 318 Café in downtown Excelsior also boasts a lineup of talented musicians three to four nights a week in its intimate coffee house setting. Enjoy a glass of wine while you listen to local acts like Mary Jane Alm and Michael Monroe. Or step up to the microphone and share your own skills on one of the café’s open mic nights (the first Wednesday of the month). To guarantee your seats at this popular 50-seat venue, you’ll want to call ahead and make reservations. 318 Water St., Excelsior; 952.401.7902; three-eighteen.com
Runner-up: The Narrows Saloon
Third place: Bayside Grille
Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests: Lord Fletcher’s
A popular summer destination for lake-area residents, Lord Fletcher’s has been packing out its lakeside porch on warm, sunny days since it opened in 1968. Out-of-town guests will love sipping on a cool beverage while watching the scurry of lake activity. In fact, we bet they might just want to stay an extra couple of days. 3746 Sunset Drive, Spring Park; 952.471.8513; lordfletchers.com
Runner-up: Maynard’s
Third place: Downtown Excelsior
Best Shoe Store: Schuler Shoes
There’s just something about a new pair of shoes that makes you smile—and the folks at Schuler Shoes in Wayzata know exactly what we mean. Schuler’s has a shoe for every occasion and activity, so your feet will be both comfortable and fashionable. This local shoe business has been around since 1889 when Vincent Shuler opened the first store in Minneapolis. Today the family-owned business has eight locations across the metro area. 1175 E. Wayzata Blvd., Suite 15, Wayzata; 952.345.0021; schulershoes.com
Runner-up: The Foursome
Third place: DSW
