Last month, we collected responses for the first-ever Insider readers favorites awards. We came up with 24 categories and asked you, readers (aka the reason we exist), to tell us who and what you liked best in Concord.
There were some pretty close calls and all-out fights when it came time to tally the results, but one thing's for sure: You people know what you like and you stick to it. (This became rather clear when the same restaurant or business was nominated for seven or more categories).
Congratulations to all the winners! Certificates declaring your awesomeness – complete with motivational stickers – are on the way. Display them proudly, or else. (Ha! We kid. But seriously, we're not opposed to a place of prominence, you know, if you want to look cool and all.)
Place to feel cultured: Capitol Center for the Arts
Staff pick: The Audi (We love the selection of shows and ticket prices.)
Hot coffee: Dunkin’ Donuts
Staff pick: Starbucks (One Insider is a particular fan of the chain’s burnt-tasting coffee. Don’t ask.)
Iced coffee: Dunkin’ Donuts
Staff pick: In a Pinch (You can get your iced coffee and a delicious seven layer bar. Nice.)
Dreamiest resident: Mark Ciborowski
Staff pick: Tom Aspell (Come on, you know he’s the Brad Pitt of Concord. He wears cardigans, people!)
Concord celebrity: Bob Tewksbury
Staff pick: Bigfoot (He’s big, hairy and really into personal hygiene products. What’s not to love?)
Deep fried food: Markis Lobster and Steak House
Staff pick: McDonald’s (We’re buttering them up so we can win Monopoly.)
Place to kill time: Borders
Staff pick: Our cubicle (We’ve got warm lemonade and a wall of cute animal photos. There’s plenty to keep you busy!)
Favorite salsa: Hermanos
Staff pick: Margaritas (We were a cubicle pided over this one, but ad rep Sherri Cote helped us settle the score.)
Downtown shop: Things are Cooking
Shop elsewhere: Target
Staff pick: Family Dollar (Did somebody say newspaper salary? Oh, right, that was us.)
Free weekly: The Concord Insider
Favorite city park, place to see ducks & place to take pets: White Park (Yes, that is a three category win. Way to go, White Park!)
Inexpensive lunch: Dos Amigos
Best restroom: Red Blazer
Favorite oil change: Prompto
Place to unwind: Home (No, seriously. That’s what you told us.)
Place to go at night: Red River Theatres
Free wireless: Panera
Hippest retirement center: Havenwood
Burn calories: YMCA
Place to get a bagel: The Works Bakery Cafe
Calorie splurge: Granite State Candy
