Best of Portage County

The results are in for the Stevens Point Journal’s second annualPortage County’s Best reader survey. Find out which tavern hasthe best bartender, where to go for the best pizza and more.

2011 PORTAGE COUNTY’S

BEST

OCTOBER 27, 2011

PORTAGE COUNTY’S BEST WWW.STEVENSPOINTJOURNAL.COM2 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011

2011 Portage County’s BestINSIDE

Hamburger............................... 3Mexican food ........................... 3Fish fry ...................................... 4Breakfast .................................. 4Pizza.......................................... 5Lunch ........................................6Steak .........................................6Asian cuisine.............................7Coffee .......................................8

Local brew................................8Bartender .................................9Cheap date .............................10Romantic date........................10Sports bar ...............................11Live music ...............................12

Karaoke ..............................................12Local band..........................................13Automotive service............................15Customer service................................16Deals ...................................................16Shopping experience.........................17Day spa ...........................................................................18

Hair salon ...............................18Realtor ....................................18Car dealer...............................19Workout spot.........................20Local festival...........................21Jeweler ...................................22Photographer.........................22Hidden treasure.....................24

9

6 18

12

WI-5001392673

*“Best Dealership in Portage county” for the 2nd consecutive year, based on anindependant poll by the Stevens Point Journal - 2011WI-5001398244

www.ayersjewelers.com

www.marktoyota.com

PORTAGE COUNTY’S BESTWWW.STEVENSPOINTJOURNAL.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011 3

H illtop Pub & Grill Owner Mike Mitchellsays it isn’t easy to put into wordsexactly what makes the pub’s burgersso good.

Fortunately, his customers don’t have that prob-lem.

It’s those customers who’ve helped vote HilltopPub & Grill the best place for a hamburger in theStevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Bestreader survey for the second straight year.

“It’s just the taste,” said Liz Hayden, who waseating at the restaurant recently with her par-ents, Harvey and Jean Hayden of Custer. “It’s notgreasy like other places.”

Jean Hayden said the pub is a popular place to take out-of-town guests becauseof its atmosphere and great food.

“They’ve got a variety of different kinds,” Harvey Hayden said.It’s hard not to notice the unique atmosphere of the pub — customers enter-

ing the restaurant must walk right into a giant aging barrel with doors oneither side. Patrons also will find old relics such as an antique weight-guessingmachine. The cost? A penny.

A good burger is only as good as the beer that comes along with it — andHilltop has about 20 on tap, including many local varieties to wash down thattasty burger.

— By B.C. Kowalski, Journal staff

BEST HAMBURGER

Hilltop Pub & Grill

ABOUT HILLTOPPUB & GRILLAddress: 4901 Main St.,Stevens PointContact: 715-341-3037;www.hilltoppubandgrill.com

TOP 32. Culver’s3. Guu’s on Main

BEST MEXICAN FOOD

El Mezcal

W hen it comes to restaurants that serveMexican food, sometimes there can betoo many choices.

For Bradley Anderson and MichelleHofmeister, both of Stevens Point, the choice ismuch easier.

Loyal customers like Anderson and Hofmeisterare part of the reason El Mezcal was voted bestplace for Mexican food in the Stevens PointJournal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Anderson and Hofmeister often meet for lunchat the restaurant off Highway 10 on Stevens Point’s east side. Both said theclean, friendly atmosphere keeps them coming back.

“It’s good food and fast service,” Anderson said.Both are local business owners and like to talk about business during lunch,

and El Mezcal provides a relaxing atmosphere.The restaurant is an ideal place for lunch, owner Adolfo Melendez said,

because of the friendly service and speed.“We’re twice as fast as other places,” Melendez said. “As soon as you order,

you get your food in about seven to eight minutes.”But that doesn’t affect the quality, Melendez said. All of the food is made from

scratch.Melendez said he is about to open another restaurant in Waupaca, under the

name D-Fuego — fuego means fire in Spanish.


ABOUTEL MEZCALAddress: 5720 WindyDrive, Stevens PointContact: 715-342-1521

TOP 32. Ranchito Perez3. Taco Bell

Harvey Hayden, left, of Custer enjoys a meal at Hilltop Pub & Grill with his wife, Jean,back, and daughter, Liz. (B.C. KOWALSKI/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

Bradley Anderson of Stevens Point enjoys lunch with Michelle Hofmeister of StevensPoint at El Mezcal. (BRIAN KOWALSKI/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)


BEST FISH FRY

Hilltop Pub & Grill

T he Friday night fish fry is a traditionthat dates back almost a century, andrestaurants in any Wisconsin town willbe packed on the last day of the work-

week.The fish fry was so popular at Hilltop Pub

& Grill, however, that the owners put it on themenu every day.

That’s likely part of the reason readers votedHilltop Pub & Grill the best place for a fish fryin the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’sBest reader survey for the second year in a row.

Hilltop started as a bar but now is known as apopular restaurant in the Stevens Point area.

Owner Mike Mitchell said he started serving fish frys on Fridays during Lent,but it proved so popular that he expanded it to all Fridays and, eventually, every-day.

Mitchell said the light beer batter is what makes the fish so popular; the res-taurant’s recipe hasn’t changed in 28 years.

And his customers agree.Cory Woytasik of Stevens Point joined his parents, Chris and Syl Woytasik,

recently for a fish fry during lunch.“The breading is good, the flavor is good, and they get it out to you fast,” Cory

Woytasik said.Chris and Syl said they’ve been going to Hilltop since it opened, and Cory

Woytasik said he’s been going his whole life.“This is one of the places on our family’s restaurant stops,” he said.While it offers fish frys throughout the week, employees say Friday night still

is the most popular for fish frys, with some patrons waiting 45 minutes to anhour to get their beloved fish.


ABOUT HILLTOPPUB & GRILLAddress: 4901 Main St.,Stevens PointContact: 715-341-3037;www.hilltoppubandgrill.com

TOP 32. Final Score3. Guu’s on Main

BEST PLACE FOR BREAKFAST

The Wooden Chair

T he smell of fresh brewed coffee and siz-zling bacon, and the sounds of plates andbowls clinking combined with the lowhum of great conversation at every table

can only mean one thing: breakfast. And manypeople in Portage County choose to start their dayby enjoying that first meal at The Wooden Chair.

For the second year in a row, the downtownStevens Point restaurant was voted the bestplace for breakfast in the Stevens Point Journal’sPortage County’s Best reader survey.

“If I didn’t have good workers, I couldn’t bewhere I am,” said owner and manager CarrieKawski, “and on the flip side also, (I have a very) dedicated customer base.”

Breakfast isn’t just breakfast at The Wooden Chair.“We’re a unique restaurant; we’re not a franchise,” Kawski said. “The major-

ity of everything here is homemade. There are no deep fryers, and everything isfresh every day.”

The local restaurant also boasts an ever-changing menu of breakfast clas-sics and new favorites, such as brotomushepperasheese — broccoli, tomatoes,mushrooms and green peppers topped with cheese sauce and served over hashbrowns or toast.

Patrons and friends Jacqulynn Nellessen and Dena Barton visit The WoodenChair often with family and friends.

“Myself and my two girlfriends have been meeting here for the past fiveyears,” Nellessen said. “Their food is so amazing, and their service is just fabu-lous. The atmosphere really represents a downtown restored feeling.”

All of these things add up to a great experience to start your day.

— By Adam Malooly, for the Journal

Cory Woytasik of Stevens Point, right, enjoys an afternoon fish fry with his parents,Syl and Chris Woytasik, at Hilltop Pub & Grill. (B.C. KOWALSKI/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

ABOUT THEWOODEN CHAIRAddress: 1059 Main St.,Stevens Point.Contact: 715-341-1133

TOP 32. Olympia FamilyRestaurant3. South Point Restaurant

Mike and Sue Wojtalewicz of Plover and their granddaughter, Isla Wojtalewicz ofWaupaca, have breakfast at The Wooden Chair in downtown Stevens Point. (DOUG

WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)


A fter four years in business, Kevin Politosays the secret to his success is all in thefreshness.

That is one of the many reasons thelocal pizza parlor was voted the best place forpizza in the Stevens Point Journal’s PortageCounty’s Best reader survey for the second yearin a row.

“There’s just no other place like it,” Polito said.“Everything is fresh. We make our dough every day.We slice up the vegetables every day. We shred the

cheese every day. And we only use the best ingredients.”Located in downtown Stevens Point, Polito’s serves

New York-style pizza by the pie or by the slice. Therestaurant also has locations in Oshkosh, Wausau andLa Crosse.

Devon Adams of Stevens Point said Polito’s is hisfavorite place for pizza, hands down.

“Seriously, where else could you get a mac and cheesepizza? That’s two of the best things on the planet, allrolled into one,” he said.

As odd as it might sound, Polito said the mac andcheese pizza is one of his best sellers, along with chick-en bacon ranch and the barbecue steak and fries pizza.

“This is not your average pizza,” Adams said. “It’s not just the variety I love. Itjust tastes so good.”

If you’re up for the challenge, you and a friend also might want to try theMonster Pizza Contest. Consume a 28-inch, 12-pound pizza in an hour and they’llgive you $500. It’s a challenge for only the most serious pizza eaters.

“As tempting as that sounds,” Adams said, “I think I’ll stick with a large.”

— By Shereen Skola, for the Journal

BEST PLACE FOR PIZZA

Polito’s PizzaABOUT POLITO’SPIZZAAddress: 960 Main St.,Stevens PointContact: 715-341-9980;www.politospizza.com

TOP 32. Bill’s Pizza Shop3. Toppers Pizza

Phil Johnson, manager of Polito’s Pizza in downtown Stevens Point, slices a barbecuepulled-pork pizza. (DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

WI-5001392223

A letter to our valued customers,Hard to believe it’s only been just over 4 yearssince we first opened our doors in downtownStevens Point. Today we have four locationsthroughout the state of Wisconsin and wecouldn’t have done it without our amazingcustomers or our dedicated employees.We have built a loyal following that manyindependent pizzerias can only dream of.

We would like to thank all of our wonderfulpatrons that made this dream a reality. To you,we promise to pay special attention to everydetail of our business to ensure your visit ismemorable each time. We promise to maintain

the highest standards of quality at each of our locations and will always usetop of the line products when constructing our delicious pizza.

So thank you to all of our friends who fill our dining room every day! You’rethe reason we’re here and we will do everything we can to make sure youwalk out of the doors happy for many years to come! Signup for a FREE sliceon you birthday www.politospizza.com

Sincerely,The Polito Family

Stevens Point Location960 Main Street

Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481

715/341-9980

facebook.com/politospizza

www.politospizza.com


BEST PLACE FOR LUNCH

The Wooden Chair

W ith lunch favorites such as the wrappedchair, the lazy boy and the spindle, TheWooden Chair is a favorite afternoondining spot for many people who work

in downtown Stevens Point and others who want toenjoy some relaxing midday cuisine.

Jean Feehan and Frank Hammes of Rochester,Minn., learned of the local restaurant from theStevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureauon a recent trip, and they decided to give it a try.

“The food is just great, and I was surprised howfast the food was ready,” Feehan said.

Hammes agreed.“We’ll be back,” he said.This is the quality, speed and personal touch new and repeat customers of The

Wooden Chair have come to appreciate over the years. It’s also the reason thelocal restaurant has been named the best place for lunch for the second straightyear in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Owner and manager Carrie Kawski said another reason for the local restaurant’ssuccess is what’s on the menu.

“People are watching what they eat,” she said. “Our food is a little on the health-ier end.”

Also making sure they are staying conscientious locally, The Wooden Chair usesas much local produce and products as it can.


ABOUT THEWOODEN CHAIRAddress: 1059 Main St.,Stevens PointContact: 715-341-1133

TOP 32. Cafe 273. Christian’s Bistro

Ashley Farmer serves lunch to Hulda Anderson, left, and Eyglo Reichert, both originallyfrom Iceland and now living in Wisconsin Rapids, at The Wooden Chair in downtownStevens Point. (DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

BEST STEAK

Michele’s Catering& Restaurant

T here are plenty of carnivores in centralWisconsin, and when those folks get hungryfor a plump, juicy steak, Michele’s Catering& Restaurant is where many of them go.

Thad Klasinski, chef and owner of Michele’sCatering & Restaurant, said he’s pleased and honoredto be named the best place for steak in the StevensPoint Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey,a new category in 2011.

“My wife, Wendy, and I appreciate the public vot-ing for us and our business,” Klasinski said. “It’sbecause of them that we’re still here in the commu-nity and able to provide the fine cuisine and servicethat people have come to expect.”

One of the secrets to having the best steak in thecounty is to buy the best cuts of meat, Klasinski said.

“We strictly use high-yield grade choice, Black Angus and prime beef productsand age, cut, trim and season the meat ourselves for specific cooking methods,”Klasinski said. “It’s the right way to serve steak.”

Michele’s has become most well-known for its Saturday night prime rib specialand for its seafood.

Sheila Szymanski of Stevens Point said she’s been a customer of Michele’s sinceshe moved to Portage County 25 years ago.

In addition to seafood such as shrimp and scallops, Szymanski’s favorite item onMichele’s menu is the steak, which she said is “always cooked to perfection.”

“I absolutely love their steaks,” Szymanski said. “The chefs make them any wayyou like, and they use quality products. Michele’s has been open long enough thatyou know what to expect. You know that you’ll never be disappointed.”

— By Dan Richter, for the Journal

Chef Jon Hardin tops a Parmesan garlic filet mignon with mushrooms at Michele’sCatering & Restaurant in Stevens Point. (DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

ABOUT MICHELE’SCATERING &RESTAURANTAddress: 513 Division St.,Stevens PointContact: 715-341-3363,www.michelescateringandrestaurant.com

TOP 32. Silver Coach3. Red Mill Supper Club


W hether you’re hun-gry for Chinese orJapanese food, theplace Portage County

residents prefer most is TempuraHouse. The local restaurant wasnamed as having the best Asiancuisine in the Stevens PointJournal’s Portage County’s Bestreader survey.

“We’re absolutely happy to hearthat we were voted the favorite,”said Emiko Togashi, manager of Tempura House. “We try ourbest to have great service and to serve great food.”

Tempura House recently moved to a new, larger location at 1830 Plover Road,Plover.

The restaurant serves both authentic Chinese and Japanese cuisine, includingchop suey and katsu, and also features a sushi bar and daily lunch buffet.

“The owner of the restaurant is from Taiwan, and he makes authentic Taiwaneseand Chinese food,” Togashi said. “Many of these recipes he uses are ones that youcan’t find anywhere else.”

Wendy Allen of Plover said she’s been a customer of Tempura House since itopened more than 15 years ago.

Allen said she visits the restaurant so often the staff prepares a special dish toaccommodate her dietary needs.

“Tempura House is one of the only places in the area where you can get a mealthat’s gluten-free,” Allen said. “The staff is so nice and accommodating. I just love

it there.”Togashi also said Tempura House soon will offer ladies’

night specials on Thursdays, complete with sushi, sashimi andmixed-drink discounts.

“We want to say thank you to everyone who votedfor us,” Togashi said. “We’re going to continue to

give the best service and best dining experi-ence that we can provide.”


BEST ASIAN CUISINE

Tempura HouseABOUT TEMPURAHOUSEAddress: 1830 Plover Road,PloverContact: 715-341-4944

TOP 32. Bamboo House3. Green Tea

A tuna and avocado salad at TempuraHouse in Plover. Top right: Charleneand Ken Konkol enjoy the restaurant’slunch buffet. Top left: A dragon fireroll. (PHOTOS BY DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT

JOURNAL)WI-5001389920

STEVE LANE

[email protected]

Voted Best Realtor of Portage Co.$#!"

$#!"

www.stevelane.com


BEST LOCAL BREW

Stevens Point Brewery

S tarbucks arguably is the most recognizableface in the world for coffee, with more than17,000 retail stores in more than 50 coun-tries since it opened in 1971.

In addition to its availability, the company is well-known for the quality of its coffee, having earnedsuch distinctions as No. 1 Best Coffee in the FastFood and Quick Refreshment categories in Zagat’sSurvey of National Chain Restaurant for 2009-10.The company also was named the country’s mostpopular Quick Refreshment Chain in the same sur-vey.

Since 2006, Portage County folks have had theopportunity to sample that coffee at 101 DivisionSt. in Stevens Point and at 120 Crossroads Drive inPlover. Apparently, those customers have been impressed as the coffee chain waschosen as the best place for coffee in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’sBest reader survey.

Julie Pope of Stevens Point said while she doesn’t go to Starbucks daily, she doesgo regularly, most often to the Plover location. She said each member of her fam-ily has a favorite selection.

“Oh, yes. My husband and I always get a hazelnut coffee, my one son gets amocha and the other one gets a smoothie,” Pope said. “We like the quality, and theservice is always good whenever we go there.”

— By Nathan Vine, Journal staff

E very time Robert Taylor visits his chil-dren, they ask him to bring a few styles ofPoint beer with him. The same goes for hisfriends.

“I take it as gifts to people out of town, and thosefriends always like it,” said Taylor of Stevens Point.

That fondness, as well as the fact it is a localcompany, is why Taylor voted for the Stevens PointBrewery for best local brew in the Stevens PointJournal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey. Thisis the second year in a row the local brewer has wonthe award.

It is with local fans like Taylor that Point beer hasbuilt its business upon, even as it expands into mar-kets nationwide, said Julie Birrenkott, director of marketing for the brewery.

Part of that loyalty comes from the brewery’s strong ties to the community, suchas the numerous community events it sponsors.

But it also comes from a consistent taste that Point drinkers have come to enjoythrough decades of brewing.

“The flavor profile is consistent, with no off characters,” Birrenkott said. “We’reconstantly monitoring, and that goes to our brewing staff.”

That consistency doesn’t mean the brewery isn’t trying new brews. Point hasadded several styles in the past few years, most recently the popular 2012 blackale.

“It’s being innovative,” Birrenkott said. “Keeping customers excited for newproducts.”

— By Nick Paulson, Journal staff

BEST PLACE FOR COFFEE

Starbucks

ABOUTSTARBUCKSLocations: 101 Division St.,Stevens Point, 715-344-8738;120 Crossroads Drive, Plover,715-295-9641.Website: www.starbucks.com

TOP 32. Emy J’s3. South Point Restaurant

Starbucks was voted the best place for coffee in the Stevens Point Journal’s PortageCounty’s Best reader survey. (DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

A group of men take pictures of the Stevens Point Brewery before taking a tour. (NICKPAULSON/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

ABOUT STEVENSPOINT BREWERYAddress: 2617 Water St.,Stevens PointContact: 715-344-9310;www.pointbeer.com

TOP 32. Central Waters BrewingCo.3. O’so Brewing Co.


I f there’s one thing Portage County has noshortage of, it’s bartenders.

Archie Hansen of Archie’s Cocktail Loungeand Grill, however, stands above the rest

and was voted the area’s best in the Stevens PointJournal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

“I’m flattered that I won,” said Hansen, who ownsArchie’s along with his wife, Sue. “It’s definitely anhonor, but completely unexpected.”

Hansen opened the business in 1977 and said hehas maintained a close relationship with all of hispatrons throughout those 34 years.

“I know all the patrons and treat everyone as partof the family,” Hansen said. “On occasion, some ofour patrons will even act as guest bartenders. It’sreally an easygoing environment.”

Frieda Myszkowski of Custer has been a patron of Archie’s for more than fiveyears.

Hansen’s friendly demeanor and ability to connect with patrons are two of thereasons she voted for him.

“Archie’s just a great guy. He’d give you the shirt off his back if you needed it,”Myszkowski said. “You can go in there and talk to him about anything in confi-dence, and he’ll listen.”

Hansen also serves great food at the lounge, Myszkowski said, which is anotherreason she felt that he deserved the No. 1 spot.

“Archie serves the best darn chicken wings in all of central Wisconsin, and hisburgers are awesome,” she said. “It’s the whole package.”


BEST BARTENDER

Archie HansenABOUT ARCHIE’SCOCKTAILLOUNGE ANDGRILLAddress: 3717 Division St.,Stevens PointContact: 715-344-9895

TOP 32. Johnny Wilkinson atMatero’s Pizza and Pub3. Jeremy Moss at Christian’sBistro

Archie Hansen of Archie’s Cocktail Lounge and Grill tops the vote as best bartender inPortage County. (DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

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BEST PLACE FOR A CHEAP DATE

Belts’ Soft Serve

W hen Mike and Karen Willis say thatChristian’s Bistro is one of the best res-taurants around, you can believe them.

After all, they regularly dine in NewYork’s finest.

The Willises are among many of the bistro’spatrons who dine there weekly, and that is prob-ably the reason Christian’s Bistro was voted thebest place for a romantic date in the Stevens PointJournal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

“It should’ve been voted best place to eat, period,”Mike Willis said.

Karen Willis travels to New York during the weekfor her consulting job and eats at some of the finestrestaurants New York has to offer. Mike Willis trav-els with her often and eats at those restaurants, too.

But that doesn’t stop them from looking forward to their regular Saturday nightdate at Christian’s, which they both say is top-notch in food, atmosphere and wineexpertise.

The couple lives in Arkdale and travels 45 minutes every Saturday to visit witha staff they know well. Online reviews are full of similar stories of long tripstaken to the bistro.

The restaurant carries good heritage. Executive Chef Christian Czerwonka hasworked at some of the most famous restaurants in the country as well as underwell-known chef Emeril Lagasse.

Menus are put together from some of the finest ingredients in the area, with anemphasis on local food. Paired with just the right wine from sommelier JeremyMoss, Christian’s offers an experience that lends itself to an impressive datenight.


S pending a lot of money isn’t always the keyto a great date. Start with some good com-pany, serve up a tasty treat, and the sparksjust might fly.

For many Portage County residents, Belts’ SoftServe is the place that comes to mind for that per-fect date. The local ice cream shop, home of the“large cone,” has been named the best place for acheap date in the Stevens Point Journal’s PortageCounty’s Best reader survey for the second year ina row.

For a cheap date location, it can’t be beat.“It’s delicious,” Daniel Parker said.“It’s fun to go somewhere local,” added his date, Haley Neja.Other customers agree.“I come here for dates all the time,” said Tiffany Johnson, a regular at the ice

cream shop.The third-generation, family-owned business is open the first Friday in March to

the end of the first weekend in October.No matter the weather conditions, die-hard ice cream enthusiasts camp out

overnight for the first taste of the coveted ice cream each year, and they keepcoming back as the days grow colder and the allure of a homemade cookie doughflurry and other frozen treats are too tempting to resist.

“People want to get their last licks in for the season,” said manager Cole Racine.


BEST PLACE FOR A ROMANTIC DATE

Christian’s Bistro

ABOUT BELTS’SOFT SERVEAddress: 2140 Division St.,Stevens PointContact: 715-344-0049

TOP 32. McDonald’s3. Rogers Cinema

Daniel Parker and his date, Haley Neja, enjoy an ice cream treat at Belts’ Soft Serve.(ADAM MALOOLY/FOR THE JOURNAL)

ABOUTCHRISTIAN’SBISTROAddress: 3066 Village ParkDrive, PloverContact: 715-344-3100;www.christiansbistro.com

TOP 32. Silver Coach3 (tie). @1800 and Michele’sCatering & Restaurant

Karen Willis enjoys a pre-meal bottle of champagne with her husband, Mike Willis, atChristian’s Bistro in Plover. (B.C. KOWALSKI/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

PORTAGE COUNTY’S BESTWWW.STEVENSPOINTJOURNAL.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011 11BEST SPORTS BAR

Graffiti’s Sports Pub

A s Gary Kuplic watched the MilwaukeeBrewers close out the National LeagueDivision Series, it was easy for him toexplain why he chose to watch the game at

Graffiti’s Sports Pub.“It’s the atmosphere,” Kuplic said. “It’s the per-

fect sports bar.”He was too far away to hear Kuplic’s answer, but

if owner Troy Hojnacki had heard him, it wouldhave been music to his ears.

Creating a warm, friendly atmosphere for patronsto watch the game is what Hojnacki has aimed forwith Graffiti’s. And the atmosphere is one rea-son Graffiti’s was voted best sports bar in the Stevens Point Journal’s PortageCounty’s Best reader survey for the second year in a row.

It begins with the friendly staff, Hojnacki said, but goes well beyond that.As with any good sports bar, the walls in Graffiti’s are lined with unique sports

memorabilia, including items from local hockey star Joe Pavelski, who plays forthe NHL’s San Jose Sharks.

The building also has about “a zillion” TVs, as Hojnacki put it, that allow patronsto watch multiple games at once, and in high definition. There are even TVs in therestrooms.

“It gives you a chance to catch that play you would have otherwise missed,”Hojnacki said.

Graffiti’s staff puts a lot of thought and effort into the menu, making sure eachdetail is just right.

“We invest that time and find that perfect part of every sandwich,” Hojnackisaid.

On game days, the bar offers giveaways and has small raffles — a little kick-back to the customers, the owner said.

ABOUT GRAFFITI’SSPORTS PUBAddress: 912 Main St.,Stevens PointContact: 715-344-4450;www.graffitissportspub.com

TOP 32. Final Score3. Rookies Sport Pub

Patrons watch the Milwaukee Brewers at Graffiti’s Sports Pub in Stevens Point. (NICKPAULSON/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

@1800 is the perfect placefor a romantic evening

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Call 346-1800 for reservations.

1800 North Point Drive N Stevens Point 346-1800 N www.at1800.com

WI-5001398993WI-5001398733

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BEST LIVE MUSIC

Partners Pub

W hen it comes to rockin’ out to live tunes,Partners Pub is the place to be.

Partners Pub opened its doors in 1977 andhas been a staple of the Stevens Point area

for more than 30 years. This year, it was voted as thebest place for live music in the Stevens Point Journal’sPortage County’s Best reader survey.

“It makes us feel good to win because all we want to dois provide a fun, friendly atmosphere where people cancome have a good time,” said Tim McKeown, co-ownerof Partners Pub. “I guess we’re doing something right ifpeople voted us No. 1.”

Partners generally books rock ’n’ roll, classic rock andcountry music bands.

Having live music adds to the pub’s atmosphere and even helps bring patrons out oftheir shells, McKeown said.

“Partners is a good meeting spot in general, but the live music allows you to comeout and maybe meet some new people,” McKeown said. “It doesn’t matter if you’rehere alone or with a group of people. You can always have a good time.”

John Kitowski of Stevens Point said he visits Partners Pub a few times a month withfriends, especially when a band is booked to perform.

“Having a live band makes it feel more like a party,” he said. “Everybody’s havingfun and moving around. ... It gives you something to do on a Friday or Saturday night.”


ABOUT PARTNERSPUBAddress: 2600 Stanley St.,Stevens PointContact: 715-544-0661;www.partners-pub.com

TOP 32. Amber Grill3. Rookies Sport Pub

Partners Pub at 2600 Stanley St. was chosen as the best place for live music in PortageCounty. (DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

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PORTAGE COUNTY’S BESTWWW.STEVENSPOINTJOURNAL.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011 13BEST LOCAL BAND

Spicy Tie Band

P ortage County has no shortage of outstand-ing entertainment choices, and for the sec-ond year in a row, voters have chosen theSpicy Tie Band as their favorite local band

in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Bestreader survey.

The band had its first performance in 1999,though the current lineup of eight members hasbeen performing together for just more than fiveyears. Its unique blend of music appeals to a vari-ety of listeners, featuring popular music from sev-eral decades.

Scott Siewert of Stevens Point said he has been afan of the Spicy Tie Band for years.

“They aren’t just a typical bar band,” Siewertsaid. “I love all the instruments they use.”

In addition to the keyboard, electric and bass gui-tars, and drums often found in musical groups, theSpicy Tie Band features a variety of instrumentsincluding trumpet, saxophone and harmonica.

The band has played for dozens of festivals and events, including Summerfestin Milwaukee. Despite the impressive list of venues, band member Pat Dunn saidone of his favorite performances was a recent collaboration between the Spicy TieBand and Wausau West High School.

“I personally had a great time,” Dunn said. “It was a very cool collaboration withour band and theirs.”

According to Dunn, the best thing about being a member of the group is the funthey have making music together.

“If we’re not having fun, there isn’t a reason to keep going,” he said.


ABOUT SPICY TIEBANDBand members:» Pat Dunn, vocals, guitar» Patience Dunn, vocals» Eric Schmies, bass» Brian Chojnacki, vocals» Josh Freymiller, drums» Tom Jaworski, keyboard» Rob Raflik, guitar» Brad Pagel, trumpetContact: 715-341-3967;www.spicytie.com

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BEST PLACE FOR KARAOKE

Partners Pub

Chauncy Vreeland sings karaoke at Partners Pub in Stevens Point. (DOUG


W hen Portage County residents want to sing their heartsout, the majority prefer to take the stage at PartnersPub in Stevens Point.

That’s why the local pub and grill was voted the bestplace for karaoke in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’sBest reader survey for the second year in a row.

“We like to have karaoke because it’s something that peopleenjoy doing when they go out for the night,” said Tim McKeown,co-owner of Partners Pub. “People like to sing and have a goodtime.”

Partners hosts karaoke once a week, alternating between everyother Wednesday and Thursday night.

Ashley Goetz of Whiting said she enjoys performing karaoke because it livens up the crowd.“Karaoke is all about having fun and putting yourself out there,” she said. “It doesn’t even mat-

ter how good you can sing. People are going to cheer you on no matter what.”While Goetz said she usually tackles songs by country artists such as Carrie Underwood and

Gretchen Wilson, she occasionally branches out to classic rock singers such as Pat Benatar andJoan Jett.

“Singing helps people open up, and you can even get to know a person better by what kind ofsong they sing,” she said.

McKeown said karaoke attracts a wide range of customers, from college-age patrons all theway up to people in their 50s and 60s.

“We don’t shoot for any one crowd,” McKeown said. “We have the best customers in the world,so getting to spend time with them makes coming to work fun. There’s a laugh every single day.”


ABOUT PARTNERSPUBAddress: 2600 Stanley St.,Stevens PointContact: 715-544-0661;www.partners-pub.com

TOP 32. Rookies Sport Pub3. Pete’s Sports Bar

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C arol Rucinski was barely in the doorat Auto Select, 3145 Church St., beforeowner Doug Noskowiak spoke up.

“Hey Carol,” he said, “What can wedo for you today?”

Though Rucinski is just one of hundreds ofcustomers ofthe southsider e p a i r s h o p ,the employeesthere know herby name, andknow she oftenstops in for justa quick check-upbefore headingout on a trip.

That personal,friendly serviceis a big reasonAuto Select wasvoted best auto-motive service in the Stevens Point Journal’sPortage County’s Best reader survey.

That the company was viewed so highly wasno surprise to Rucinski.

“They take good care of me,” said Rucinski,who has been coming to the shop for abouteight years. “(Noskowiak) is really nice andaccommodating.”

Noskowiak prides himself and his companyon the ability to greet every customer with afriendly face, and often by first name. In the11 years Auto Select has been on the south-side, the employees have made it a point to getto know customers and become a part of thelocal community.

If customers see Auto Select workers asfriends, they are more at ease, Noskowiak said.Combine that relationship with the strong ser-vice and work, and people keep coming back.

“We’re committed to quality work at a fairprice,” Noskowiak said. “I think it comes acrossthat we feel like we’re your friends and fam-ily.”

— By Nick Paulson, Journal staff

ABOUT AUTOSELECTLocations: 3145 Church St.,Stevens Point, 715-341-1576;5382 Highway 10, StevensPoint, 715-341-1600Website: http://autoselectonline.com

TOP 32. Schierl Tire & ServiceCenter3. Len Dudas Motors

BEST AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE

Auto Select

Jacob Bloyd works on a vehicle at Auto Select, which was votedbest automotive service in the Stevens Point Journal’s PortageCounty’s Best reader survey. (NICK PAULSON/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

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BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

Kohl’sBEST PLACE FOR DEALS

Kohl’s

I f there’s one thing Portage County residents know when they walk intoKohl’s, it is that they will get a deal.

Since opening in Plover in 2005, residents have flocked to the store lookingfor a good price on everything from clothes to shoes and kitchen items.

And for the second straight year, readers have selected the store at 150Crossroads Drive as the best place for deals in the Stevens Point Journal’s PortageCounty’s Best reader survey.

With the store being so close to her home, Kelly Caughlan of Plover says Kohl’scan be “very dangerous” with two children and a husband to shop for.

She estimates she shops at the store two to three times a month for a variety ofitems, and she said she appreciates that she can count on getting a good bargain.

“I don’t think I have ever paid full price for something there,” Caughlan said.“Something is always on sale, and there’s always a coupon if you’re shopping inthe store or even online.”

Cindy Primeau of Stevens Point said she shops regularly at Kohl’s and that theprices are better than other places she shops. She said the company also goes outof its way to provide shoppers opportunities to save through coupons and sales.

“They not only encourage current customers to come back, they work to attractnew customers,” Primeau said.


K ohl’s has a record of quality customer service other retailers could findhard to match.

The Menomonee Falls-based company — which was founded in1962 and now includes 1,067 stores in 49 states and employs 130,000

— has a list of accolades that includes a No. 3 ranking in the United States by theUniversity of Michigan’s American Customer Satisfaction Index and a No. 10ranking by the National Retail Federation.

That tradition is continued at the company’s Plover store, 150 Crossroads Drive,which has been named No. 1 for customer service for the second consecutive yearin the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Sharon Laska of Stevens Point said she shops at Kohl’s frequently for any num-ber of items, from clothes for her husband to new sheets for her daughter whorecently moved out of the house.

Laska said she tries to avoid having to return items by having people she buysthings for come along with her, but that whenever she needs to return an item shehas no problem. She added that the staff always is helpful whenever she is in thestore.

“If I am looking for certain sizes or something specific, I always get someonewho helps me find what I need,” Laska said.


ABOUT KOHL’SAddress: 150 CrossroadsDrive, PloverContact: 715-344-0480;www.kohls.com

TOP 3CUSTOMER SERVICE2. Frank’s Hardware3. Shuda Funeral Home

PLACE FOR DEALS2. Walmart3. Mills Fleet Farm

Readers have chosen Kohl’sat 150 Crossroads Drive inPlover as the best customerservice and best deals inPortage County. (DOUG WOJCIK/

STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)


SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Beyond Ordinary

Anna Neuenfeldt loves to make people happy. Her Plover store, Beyond Ordinary, has been putting smiles on the faces of its customers for just more than four years,

and recently it was named the best shopping experi-ence in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

A new winner in this category, the store offers an eclectic mix of merchandise unique to the area.

“I look for merchandise that people will be proud to own,” said Neuenfeldt. “I want customers to feel good when they walk out of the store.”

Beyond Ordinary carries home decor as well as gourmet food and a variety of wines, most of which come from Wisconsin. The store carries Chameleon jewelry, eye-catching scarves, interchangeable purses and more, all artfully arranged to entice shoppers. There also is a baby section for those looking to find that perfect one-of-a-kind gift.

Neuenfeldt said it’s rewarding to see the eyes of a customer light up when walk-ing through the door for the first time.

“Seeing the happy face of a new customer is one of the best compliments I could get,” she said.

Neuenfeldt believes the store’s popularity has a lot to do with her group of employees.

“It’s just a great group of people,” she said. “They see what comes in, and get excited about it all. I know they have a passion for it, too.”

Beyond Ordinary will have its fifth annual Holiday Open House from Nov. 3 to 6, when the store will be stocked and decorated for the holiday season.


ABOUT BEYOND ORDINARYAddress: 3044 Village Park Drive, PloverContact: 715-344-3180

TOP 32. Mills Fleet Farm3. Gepetto’s Workshop

Anna Neuenfeldt, owner of Beyond Ordinary in Plover, stands near a display of autumn merchandise available at her store. (DOUG WOJCIK/

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BEST DAY SPA

The Wellness Spa

From the moment you walk through the doors of the castle-like building, you realize this is no ordinary day spa. The Wellness Spa is where Portage County residents go

to be treated like royalty.For the second year in a row, this unique spot has

been named the best day spa in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

And for good reason. Owner Deb Adams says 17 years in business has given her the chance to focus on what really matters to her customers.

“It’s consistency,” Adams said. “When you come here, there are no surprises. You know what you’re going to get, and it’s good.”

From the warm, soft lighting provided by salt lamps to the soothing scents ema-nating from the spa’s treatment rooms, the environment is one of serenity and peace. In addition to massages for individuals or couples, The Wellness Spa offers a variety of treatments, including manicures and pedicures, facials, waxing and hydrotherapy.

A comfortable space is available to reserve for corporate retreats, parties and showers, with catering options available. Weekend wellness retreats are held peri-odically, and yoga is taught throughout the week in an expansive room filled with sunshine and warmth. Adams also offers free tai chi classes twice a week, open to anyone.

“It’s just a nice thing to do for the community,” she said.Class times and descriptions are listed on the spa’s website.Despite the beautiful facility, Adams said when it comes right down to it, it’s all

about the people.“Our therapists just give a really amazing massage,” she said.


ABOUT THE WELLNESS SPAAddress: 3916 Water St., Stevens PointContact: 715-341-3333; www.wellnesssparesort.com

TOP 32. Tiarah Day Spa3. Adventure 212 Spa

Nail technician Lori Horgan massages Jamie Roe’s hands at The Wellness Spa in Stevens Point. (DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

BEST HAIR SALON

Trendsetters Act II

In business for more than 30 years, Trendsetters Act II is separated into three separate salons — one for women, one for men and one just for kids. Manager Michele Bagan said this design

helps customers relax, making it easier for those who might be shy about having a service performed.

“Men especially can be self-conscious about having a perm or a highlight,” she said. “This gives them the privacy they need to feel comfortable.”

The local business recently was named the best hair salon in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Bagan said color seems to be the most popular ser-vice right now at the salon, as customers get ready to look their best for the holiday season. And it isn’t just women who color.

“It’s our biggest trend, from men to teenage girls,” she said.A full-service salon, Trendsetters offers a variety of services, from electrolysis

to perms. Hair straightening is popular, and there is a stylist on staff who spe-cializes in hair extensions. It also offer pedicures, manicures and artificial nails. Customers can tan in a traditional tanning bed, or have a spray tan applied for a temporary glow for a special occasion.


ABOUT TRENDSETTERS ACT IIAddress: 3468 Church St., Stevens PointContact: 715-344-3440

TOP 32. Salon Envy3. Studio 2827

Trendsetters Act II in Stevens Point was named the best hair salon in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey. Shown are the stylists who work at the salon. (DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

Steve Lane of First Weber Group was voted the best Realtor in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey. This is the first year the category was offered.

“Energy, experience, professionalism and results are what I offer to make buying or selling a home a success,” Lane says on his website. “I attribute my continued success based on satisfied customers that have shown their appreciation by recommending me to their friends and family.”

— Journal staff

BEST REALTOR

Steve LaneABOUT STEVE LANEOffice: 5424 Highway 10 E., Stevens PointContact: 715-498-5263, [email protected], www.firstweber.com

TOP 32. RE/MAX3. Coldwell Banker


M ark Toyota Scion has been in the car business a long time — 23 years— with the last six at 1765 Park Ave. in Plover.

During that time, the company has served many residents of cen-tral Wisconsin, building a reputation not only locally but nationally

— it recently was selected for its sixth consecutive Presidents Award, given outby Toyota to dealerships that have demonstrated a commitment to maintainingits high standards for customer satisfaction.

Portage County residents continue to recognize that record of success. For thesecond straight year, they have selected Mark Toyota Scion as the best car deal-ership in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

“We consider our employees and our customers to be part of our family, and Ithink that shows when it comes to our customer service,” said owner and presi-dent Mark Olinyk.

Sharon Mras owns and operate Sharon’s CareCentre, a day care business in Stevens Point. With16-hour workdays, Mras said she isn’t always ableto run her vehicle over for service, but Mark ToyotaScion always is willing to help her out.

“They will come and get my vehicle, leave me acar or truck, take it in for service and bring it backto me when I tell them I am going to need it,” Mrassaid.

Mras said that kind of service shows the companyis willing to go above and beyond for its customers.

“When you’re there, they take the time to talk toyou or bring you back to show you what they areworking on with your vehicle,” Mras said. “It’s won-derful, because you can tell they appreciate theircustomers.”


BEST CAR DEALER

Mark Toyota Scion

Mark Toyota Scion of Plover tops the Portage County’s Best reader survey as best car dealer in Portage County. (DOUG


ABOUT MARKTOYOTA SCIONAddress: 1765 Park Ave.,PloverContact: 715-503-4118;www.marktoyota.com

TOP 32. Scaffidi Motors3. Len Dudas Motors

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BEST WORKOUT SPOT

Adventure 212 Fitness

W ith a bistro,spa, physicaltherapy andc h i r o p r a c -

tic services all on site,Adventure 212 Fitnessstrives to offer customersa comprehensive fitnessexperience.

It’s for that reason thelocal fitness center hasbeen named the best work-out spot in the StevensPoint Journal’s PortageCounty’s Best reader survey for the second year in a row.

“It’s a one-stop shop for health in the area,” said ownerMichelle Peariso.

The variety of classes is nothing short of impressive.Kickboxing, yoga, spin, Pilates and Zumba are offered.Peariso said the most popular workout class is Body Pump,an hour-long group strength-training class.

“It’s designed for people who want the workout withoutall the machines,” she said.

Personal trainers also are available to help coach mem-bers of all fitness levels to achieve their goals and seeresults. The warm-water therapy pool also is a popularfeature, especially with older members.

Adventure 212 goes beyond offering basic child care,with a youth workout room, training for cheerleading anda variety of camps and workshops to keep kids active andhealthy.

Josh Murray said the staff inspired him to start racingtriathlons this year, after helping him get into the bestshape of his life.

“They’re not drill sergeants, but they’re not afraid tolet you know what you need to work on,” Murray said.“They’re just extremely knowledgeable, and the atmo-sphere is great.”

The owner of Adventure 212 agrees.“The staff here really goes the extra mile,” Peariso said.

“They’re the ones who make all the difference.”


Trainer Mary Schultz assists Michele Glaeser with herworkout at Adventure 212 Fitness in Stevens Point. (PHOTOS

BY DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

ABOUTADVENTURE 212FITNESSAddress: 3217 John JoanisDrive, Stevens PointContact: 715-343-0212,www.adventure212.com

TOP 32. Stevens Point Area YMCA3. Anytime Fitness

Jake Luther spots Eric Kundinger as Kundinger liftsweights at Adventure 212 Fitness. Below: The healthclub offers a variety of fitness classes, including Zumba.

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PORTAGE COUNTY’S BESTWWW.STEVENSPOINTJOURNAL.COM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011 21BEST LOCAL FESTIVAL

Riverfront Rendezvous

T he Fourth of July holiday wouldn’t be thesame in Portage County without the annualRiverfront Rendezvous festival. The eventfeatures live music, a variety of food and

refreshments, contests, children’s activities, anenormous fireworks display over the river andmore.

That’s why voters chose Riverfront Rendezvous,which will mark its 28th year in 2012, as the bestlocal festival in the Stevens Point Journal’s PortageCounty’s Best reader survey. This is the first yearthe category was offered.

Amy Boyd of Stevens Point attends the three- tofour-day festival almost every year.

“It’s all about the food, the bands and just beingby the river,” she said. “That, and there are alwayslots of people.”

Event organizer Tom Schrader, director of theStevens Point Parks, Recreation and ForestryDepartment, said an estimated 50,000 to 60,000people attend the festival each year. He said plan-ning begins in early November and, by December, the headlining bands usuallyhave been booked.

“Sometimes we luck out with bands on their way to or from (Milwaukee’s)Summerfest,” he said. “We can usually get really top entertainment at a greatprice, and it makes their agents happy, too.”

This year’s event featured a Journey tribute band that appealed to a large cross-section of festival-goers, Schrader said. During the festival, one night features acountry band as the headliner, and the other nights lean more toward classic rock.

“We really try to appeal to everyone,” Schrader said.


ABOUTRIVERFRONTRENDEZVOUS2012When: June 29 to July 1 atPfiffner Pioneer Park, offCrosby Avenue.More information: Aschedule of events will beavailable on the StevensPoint Parks, Recreation andForestry Department web-site at www.stevenspoint.com/index.aspx?nid=151.

TOP 32. Corn on the Curb3. Panacea

The Dang-Its — Pete Olig, left, Jami Lampkins and Tom Waselchuk — perform on the MainStage during the 2011 Riverfront Rendezvous.

Green Tea entertains on the Main Stage during the 2011 Riverfront Rendezvous inPfiffner Pioneer Park. (STEVENS POINT JOURNAL FILE PHOTOS)

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BEST JEWELER

Lee Ayers JewelersBEST PHOTOGRAPHER

John Hartman

F or 26 years, Lee Ayers Jewelers has graceddowntown Stevens Point with its sense ofclass and true business spirit.

“It’s a happy business,” said founder andowner Lee Ayers.

He has been asked when he’ll retire. His answer?“I’m still having too much fun!”With the in-house design work of Thomas Dailing,

seasoned goldsmiths and an experienced sales staff,the business continues to provide the communitywith top quality products and services.

That’s why Lee Ayers Jewelers was named thetop jeweler in the Stevens Point Journal’s PortageCounty’s Best reader survey for the second consecutive year.

Through charitable contributions such as unique Dailing-designed piecesdonated to various community organizations, Ayers and his staff remain active in

giving back to thecommunity, whicheasily can be for-gotten in today’sbusiness world.

“We really havea passion for allthe parts of this,”Ayers said. “It’sthe people.”

T h r o u g h t h ey e a r s A y e r sh a s t r a v e l e dt o A n t w e r p ,Belgium, and mostrecently the trad-ing mecca of theeast, Hong Kong.He meets with thewho’s who of thediamond industryto get the best dia-monds for every-one’s occasion.

And customersseem to get a feelfor the amount ofeffort the staffputs into its com-mitment to excel-lence.

Customer DanDieterich saidt h e b u s i n e s sdoes “outstand-ing work, they’rereliable and it is apleasure cominghere.”

— By Adam Maloo-ly, for the Journal

W hen Portage County residents wantto capture special memories or sim-ply strike a pose, they often turn toJohn Hartman and his business,

Contemporary Photography.Hartman, who started Contemporary Photography

in 1974, recently was voted best photographer in theStevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best read-er survey for the second year in a row.

“I honestly didn’t think I’d win again, but I’mpleased and humbled,” Hartman said. “Sometimesyou just do your thing every day and don’t thinkabout how other people view you and your work. Iappreciate the vote of confidence that the readershave put in me, and I’m glad to be noticed.”

Hartman said he most often is hired to do family photography and to take seniorportraits of high school students. He also constantly experiments with new equip-ment and computer technology to stay on top of his game.

“Anybody with a camera these days is considered to be a photographer,” he said.“I work really hard to take photos that are a bit different and that aren’t easy toreplicate.”

Stevens Point resident Roberta Laine, an art and photography teacher at StevensPoint Area Senior High, said she voted for Hartman in the survey because of hisinnovative and imaginative photography style and because of his welcoming per-sonality.

“I’ve seen a lot of John’s work, and it’s always full of creativity and on the cut-ting edge,” Laine said. “As someone who teaches photography and knows to lookfor things like style and composition, I have a real appreciation for his work.”


Dan Zieher, a goldsmith at Lee Ayers Jewelers, works on a pieceof jewelry. (ADAM MALOOLY/FOR THE JOURNAL)

ABOUT LEE AYERSJEWELERSAddress: 1044 Main St.,Stevens PointContact: 715-341-0411;www.ayersjewelers.com

TOP 32. Grubba Jewelers3. Brody Designs

ABOUTCONTEMPORARYPHOTOGRAPHYAddress: 1416 Clark St.,Stevens PointContact: 715-341-3527;www.jhartmanphoto.com

TOP 32. Sarah Gwidt Photography3. Newdae Photography

John Hartman, owner of Contemporary Photography in Stevens Point, photographsSydney May of Marshfield for her senior portrait. (DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL)

Central Wisconsin

www.dealchicken.com


F or 22 years, local residents have enjoyed theGreen Circle Trail, a one-of-a-kind naturaltrail and wildlife corridor. It is one of the firstin the nation to encircle an entire community.

The 26-mile scenic trail has been named the besthidden treasure in the Stevens Point Journal’s PortageCounty’s Best reader survey.

John Jury, one of the founders of the project, saidthe trail is about family, friends and fitness.

“It’s a place for all of us to slow down from the ratrace and find harmony with our friends in nature,”Jury said.

Keith Severt said he tries to bike on the trail at leastonce a week, weather permitting.

“The natural beauty of the trail makes it a reallyinspiring place to bike,” Severt said. “We are reallylucky to have it here in Stevens Point.”

Joggers, hikers, walkers and bird enthusiasts alsovisit regularly. The Portage County Parks Department,which helps maintain the trail, estimates that morethan 100,000 people use it each year. Roughly half thetrail’s visitors are bicyclists. The trail also is open tocross-country skiers and snowshoers in the wintermonths.


BEST HIDDEN TREASURE

Green Circle TrailABOUT GREENCIRCLE TRAILHours: 6 a.m. to 11p.m. daily, except forthe University Trail sec-tion through SchmeeckleReserve, which closes atsunset.Information: Maps areavailable online at www.greencircletrail.org or at theSchmeeckle Reserve VisitorCenter, 2419 NorthpointDrive.

TOP 32. O’so Brewing Co.3. (tie) Schmeeckle Reserveand Wisconsin MasterChorale

Residents of and visitors to Portage County can connect withnature on the Green Circle Trail. The 26-mile route offers a scenicroute to bikers, hikers and joggers in warmer months and cross-country skiers and snowshoers when snow covers the ground.

(STEVENS POINT JOURNAL FILE PHOTOS)

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