Hundreds voted during the month of October after readers nominated their favorites and decided who should be on the final ballot. That means the shops, restaurants, concerts and events were truly selected by you, our readers.

If you don’t see your favorite holiday shopping, dining or event destination,  share your ideas with other readers in the comment field after this article.

BEST PLACE FOR LAST MINUTE GIFTS

Richard’s Variety Store
Locations in Midtown and Buckhead
richardsvarietystore.com
Cards, costumes, board games and classic toys are just some of the items that make Richard’s two locations treasure troves for unique and kooky gifts. It’s old five-and-dime store vibe will appeal to traditionalists, while kids (of all ages) will have a field day with all the tchotchkes on display.
Runners-up: At the Collective and Ten Thousand Villages

BEST SHOP FOR UNIQUE ORNAMENTS & DECOR

Ten Thousand Villages
1056 St. Charles Ave.
(404) 892-5307, atlanta.tenthousandvillages.com
This fair trade retailer features artisan-crafted home decor, personal accessories and gift items from more than 130 artisan groups in some 38 countries. You’ll definitely find something cool and unusual here.
Runners-up: Traders and Davonshire.

BEST GIFT FROM A LOCAL ARTISAN

Young Blood Gallery & Boutique
636 N. Highland Ave.
(404) 254-4127, youngbloodgallery.com
Young Blood is the home for emerging artists and DIY crafters, whose work is now highly sought after around the country. If you’re looking for something truly unique from a local artisan, look no further than Young Blood’s space in Ponce-Highland.
Runners-up: Janke Studio and Hats by Suzseams

BEST ECO-FRIENDLY GIFTS

Morningside Farmers Market
1393 N. Highland Ave.
morningsidefarmersmarket.com
Unlike many of the local farmers markets, Morningside is held year-round every Saturday from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. From the freshest organic produce to items made by local artisans, you’re sure to find something for your “green” friends.
Runners-up: Ten Thousand Villages and Atlanta Habit ReStore

BEST HOLIDAY CLOTHING

Junkman’s Daughter
464 Moreland Ave.
(404) 577-3188, thejunkmansdaughter.com
This Little Five Points mainstay is the place for retro and far-out fashions. You’re sure to find a fun dress, pair of shoes, bag, gloves and accessories in the funky shop. There’s plenty of stuff for the guys, too.
Runners-up: Fab’rik and Mitzi & Ramano

BEST CHILDREN’S GIFTS & CLOTHING

Sprout
1170 Howell Mill Road
(404) 355-2043, sproutatlanta.com
Sprout has books, toys, furniture and clothing for kids in this bright, airy space in White Provision, which it shares with The Seed Factory.
Runners-up: Heliotrope and Egg’s Nest

BEST PLACE TO SHOP FOR YOUR PET

Highland Pet Supply
1186 N. Highland Ave., #G
(404) 892-5900, highlandpet.com
Toys, beds and food for cats and dogs are available at this popular Virginia Highland shop when you absolutely positively cannot leave your pup or kitty off the Christmas list.
Runners-up: The Pet Garage and City Dog Market

BEST PET CARE & BOARDING

Piedmont Bark
501 Amsterdam Ave.
(404) 873-5400, piedmontbark.com
Short, long-term and daycare services are available for dogs at this Midtown business, where there’s plenty of time for play, interaction with humans and walks three times a day.
Runners-up: Barking Hound Village and Spot for Dogs

BEST FESTIVE FOOD SHOPPING

Alon’s Bakery & Market
Locations in Virginia Highland and Ashford Dunwoody
alons.com
Delicious sandwiches, prepared foods, gift baskets and sinfully good sweets have made Alon’s a holiday shopping destination for years.
Runners-up: A Piece of Cake and The Mercantile.

BEST WINES & CHAMPAGNE

Green’s
Locations on Ponce de Leon Avenue and Buford Highway
greensbeverages.com
If you need some liquid fortification to get through the holidays, there are two locations of Green’s with beer, wine, liquor and even fine cognac and single malts.
Runners-up: Ansley Wine Merchant and Tower

BEST RESTAURANT FOR GLOBAL CUISINE

Doc Chey’s
Locations Emory Village, Virginia Highland & Grant Park
doccheys.com
Prepared fresh and made from scratch Asian food are hallmarks of Rich Chey’s noodle outposts. Whether you just want a simple bowl of chicken fried rice or coconut soup or maybe a Korean taco, Doc Chey’s three locations have you covered.
Runners-up: 10 Degrees South and Bocado

BEST PLACE FOR CARRY OUT

Metrofresh
931 Monroe Drive, Suite A106
(404) 724-0155 or metrofreshatl.com
Actor Mitchell Anderson cut his teeth in the culinary world with Souper Jenny before striking out on his own with MetroFresh. Located in Midtown Promenade, MetroFresh has become the go-to for grabbing a sandwich, soup or something sweet.
Runners-up: Doc Chey’s and Grant Central Pizza

BEST RESTAURANT FOR FAMILY OR VISITORS

Yeah! Burger
Locations in West Midtown and Virginia Highland
yeahburger.com
With the proliferation of burger joints in Atlanta, Shaun Doty has carved a successful local brand that appeals to all ages. With made-to-order burgers, a casual but sophisticated atmosphere and damn good onion rings, Yeah! Burger is a great place to stop off after some holiday shopping to refuel.
Runners-up: Ted’s Montana Grill and Vintage Pizza

BEST ORGANIC FOOD SHOPPING

Your DeKalb Farmers’ Market
3000 E. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur
(404) 377-6400, dekalbfamersmarket.com
A haven for organically grown food, the DeKalb Farmers’ Market supports small farms that are environmentally responsible and sustainable. Get your meats, seafood, dairy and fresh coffee here without compromising your principles.
Runners-up: Sevananda and Return to Eden

BEST PLACE TO GET FIT

Urban Body Fitness
500 Amersterdam Walk, Unit R
(404) 885-1499, urbanbodyfitness.com
This local gym is now in its new home at Amsterdam Walk and has a full complement of trainers, classes, chiropractic care and much more to keep you healthy.
Runners-up: Catalyst Fitness and B2B Fitness

BEST SPA OR SALON

Blue Med Spa
190 10th St.
(404) 815-8880, bluemedspa.com
Chosen by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the best spas in the world, Blue Med Spa is a great place to treat yourself or friends to a facial, massage or a little botox pick-me-up before the holiday parties, this cool retreat will make you relax the moment you walk in the door.
Runners-Up: Crimpers and Blo Beauty Bar

BEST HOLIDAY CONCERT OR SHOW

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
The Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St.
(404)873-3391, puppet.org
This live action version of the classic TV special was a huge hit during its premiere in 2010 and every show sold out. Kids and adults will get a kick out of this timeless story.
Runners-up: Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony and A Christmas Carol at the Alliance

BEST PLACE TO SEE HOLIDAY LIGHTS & DECORATIONS

Downtown Decatur
decaturga.com
The City of Decatur knows how to do the holidays with the historic courthouse square and streets festooned with colorful lights and decorations. Adding to the spirit of the season will be annual Holiday Home Tour and a host of other community events.
Runners-up: Centennial Park and Atlantic Station

BEST PLACE TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR

At home
Times change and so do the ways people celebrate holidays. Once upon a time, if you weren’t liquored up and kissing everyone at a New Year’s Eve party then you were a total loser. Now, staying at home with friends and family and watching festivities in New York or the Peach Drop at Underground on TV is our readers’ favorite way to ring in the New Year.
Runners-Up: Centennial Park and Underground Atlanta

By Julia Turner

Thanksgiving kicks off the start of the holiday season by bringing together family and friends for some great food, but for anyone cooking dinner, it can be more stressful than enjoyable.

If you’re looking to spend more time appreciating the company you’re with than the fact that the sweet potatoes didn’t burn, perhaps you could consider eating out this year. Several Atlanta eateries provide dine-in or take-out options for the annual turkey day, and we’ve selected a few for a list that is particularly delectable.

Whether you’re looking for an upscale dining experience or just want someone else to take care of that beast of a bird for you, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our list. Happy eating!

Atkins Park offers Big Green Egg smoked turkey breast with caramelized apple and sage stuffing and cider gravy, green bean casserole and roasted garlic mashed potatoes for sides, sweet potato biscuits and cranberry Grand Marnier compote to finish it off. For dessert, they have pumpkin cheesecake or southern pecan pie. $20 for adults, $15 for young adults, and $8 for under 10. Doors open at 5 p.m. Reservations recommended. Call (404) 876-7249 or visit atkinspark.com for more information or to make your reservation.

Steakhouse Davios’ Thanksgiving menu, served from 12-8 p.m., includes roasted butternut squash soup and a large plate of sliced oven-roasted Vermont free-range organic turkey for every diner. Sides of Yukon gold mashed potatoes, glazed yams, creamy Cipollini onions with fresh peas, corn bread herb stuffing and homemade gravy, cranberry apple chutney, and sautéed creamy kale are served family style with the soup and turkey. If there’s any room left, desserts of pumpkin and apple pie or chocolate pecan tart are available, and Davio’s offers the option of “Tomorrow’s Turkey Sandwich—To Go,” which includes stuffing, cranberry apple chutney, and gravy. The regular dinner menu will be available in addition to the Thanksgiving menu, and a children’s menu is also provided. $40 for dinner, $10 for dessert, $15 for children’s menu (12 years or younger). Reservations requested. davios.com

Food 101 will serve a family style menu from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The menu features herb roasted turkey, maple and sugar spiral ham, rosemary leg of lamb, smoked gouda mac and cheese, black-eyed peas, okra and stewed tomatoes, creamed corn, and more. $40 for adults, $20 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and under. For more information see food101atlanta.com.

Lobby Bar and Bistro and Room at Twelve will both offer their annual Thanksgiving buffets from 12 p.m.- 8 p.m. With roasted brined turkey breast, prime rib and horseradish sour cream, and pineapple, mustard and brown sugar glazed ham at the carving station and sides ranging from truffle macaroni and cheese to roasted winter squash to fresh salads, Lobby and Room have something for everyone. The buffets also includes seafood entrees, children’s options, and a comprehensive dessert table. $49 for adults, $17 for children 5-12, and free for children under 5. To make a reservation, call (404) 961-7370 (Lobby) or (404) 418-1250 (Room). Visit lobbyattwelve.com and roomattwelve.com for more information.

Parish Foods & Goods offers an a la carte to-go menu that presents fresh, organic ingredients harvested from local farmers. Menu items include all natural roasted boneless turkey breast with giblet gravy, sausage and cornbread dressing, chile and lemon glazed sweet potatoes, bread and butter deviled eggs, and more. Dessert options are pumpkin, apple, or sweet potato and marshmallow pies. Orders must be placed by Sunday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. and picked up on Wednesday, Nov. 23 after 12 p.m. To place your order, call (404) 681-4434. parishatl.com

Villa Christina has their annual Thanksgiving Brunch from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. The menu includes traditional Thanksgiving favorites such as turkey topped with fresh herbs and butter and smashed sweet potatoes topped with roasted marshmellows as well as Tuscan inspired cuisine. Mediterranean dishes of seafood, salads, and an array of pastas like ravioli stuffed with lobster and ricotta cheese will tempt anyone away from the day’s usual repast. $45 for adults, $25 for children (6-12), and free for children 5 and under. Reservations are necessary and can be made at (404) 303-0133. See villachristina.com for more information.

Wildfire at Perimeter Mall serve a family-style menu from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving day. The menu offers homemade cornbread, deviled eggs, spit roasted turkey, brown sugar glazed sweet potatoes, and several vegetable options. For dessert, diners can choose from an assortment of pies and cakes including apple streusel, pumpkin, and maple pecan pies. Reservations are required and can be made at (770) 730-9080. $34.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 12 and under. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank. wildfirerestaurant.com/Atlanta.

And if you want a traditional Southern dinner, The Colonnade will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. serving up its four-course traditional turkey and dressing dinner along with their famous veggies. The prices is $20 per person. We recommend patience because there is usually a wait to get a seat, so maybe have a drink in the bar. You can see the full menu and more at colonnadeatl.com.

King of Pops owner Steve Carse said Criminal Records is an amazing part of Atlanta culture and deserves to be saved. The event is free and open to all ages, but donations are encouraged. Some of the day’s activities will include a ping pong tournament, ice carving, pop eating contest, food provided by a bevy of local food trucks, yoga classes from Tough Love Yoga and 10 local bands, including Sealions and Please Please Rock Me.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Field Day without games, so you’ll find the three-legged race, egg toss, potato sack race, dunk tank and more. Attendees will get three free game tickets and then it’s $1 for each game. Visit the Facebook page for more information. Masquerade Music Park is at 695 North Ave.

– Annie Kinnett Nichols

Runners and non-runners alike will enjoy an afternoon of festivities from noon to 3 p.m. including live music, food and family fun provided by Atlanta firefighters, Doc Chey’s and other Morningside Village businesses. Race registration ends Oct. 10, but space is limited, so register soon before racenumbers are sold-out. Register in-store at Phidippides or online at MorningsideMile.com.

The first 500 registrants will receive a technical race hat and all other registrants will receive a cotton T-shirt. Guests can celebrate Doc Chey’s 14th anniversary by competing in the 4th annual Noodle Eating Contest at 1:30 p.m. The fastest speed-eater to conquer a heaping bowl of noodles will win a $100 gift card.  At 2 p.m., attendees can watch neighborhood schools and nonprofits compete for a donation check in the Charity Sumo Tournament.

Other block party festivities include a live band, pet adoptions, craft market, local merchants, bouncy house, face painter, charity dunk tank and more. Kids can enjoy fire safety activities with station 19 firefighters in celebration of October being National Fire Safety Month. Bring your well behaved leashed dog to Intown Animal Hospital for $10 nail trims benefiting a local animal shelter and other doggie fun. Food provided by Doc Chey’s and other Morningside Village restaurants. Last year’s inaugural Morningside Mile raised $6,000 for Atlanta fire station 19 in Virginia Highland.

Artists will bring their art for sale and display, and many artists will also provide demonstrations. The festival will offer a children’s interactive market, food stands, and live music from Women of Rock and the Round, Gwen Hughes, and Brown and Taylor. Saturday the festival stays rolling with food and music for a block party from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The festival takes place on Apple Valley Road, directly behind the Oglethorpe MARTA station. MARTA will provide free parking for festival-goers. The Brookhaven Arts Alliance, a non-profit organization, organizes the event with the help of local volunteers. The Alliance is highly appreciative to all their volunteers, especially the returnees, but is always looking for more members of the community to get involved. For more information, visit brookhavenartsalliance.com.

By Julia Turner

Food and beverage connoisseurs brace yourselves: on Oct. 22 and 23, Taste of Atlanta is going big for its 10th anniversary. Taking place on 5th Street between Techwood Drive and West Peachtree Street again this year, the festival promises to be a weekend that cannot be missed with more than 80 restaurants offering bites.

In honor of the big 1-0, Taste of Atlanta kicks off with The Big Grill event on Friday, Oct. 21. The evening will include an array of grilled bites, beer, live music and cake. Atlanta chefs Kevin Rathbun, Scott Serpas, Ford Fry and others will be present as well as Food Network’s Aarón Sánchez. The block party will support Georgia Organics.

This year the festival has added live cooking competitions, which will range from timed, secret ingredient contests to challenges to recreate the best dish the chef has ever tasted. There will also be a Top Chef Kids Cooking competition that will pair up three chefs-in-training with professional Atlanta chefs.

Also new this year is the Global Flavors International Stage where Atlanta chefs will be able to showcase their signature dishes. “Atlanta has such a diverse culinary landscape,” says event director Dale DeSena, “and Taste of Atlanta chefs represent flavors from every corner of the world.”

Old favorites will return for the 10th anniversary celebration as well. Both the Barcraft Competition and the Inside the Food Studio experience will be back, and the festival’s Silent Auction will take place on 5th Street Bridge. The auction will benefit Share Our Strength’s Cooking Matters program.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 the day-of and are available at tasteofatlanta.com.

Following our new KEEP IT INtown campaign, we ask that you nominate local businesses, events and businesspeople rather than the usual national chains. Best of the Holidays is designed to showcase what our unique Intown neighborhoods have to offer.

Some of this year’s categories include Best Place for Last Minute Gifts, Best Global Cuisine, Best Place to Ring in the New Year, Best Salon or Spa, Best Pet Care and Boarding and many more.

To make your nomination, visit this link.

The event is free and open to all ages. It will bring together outstanding artists from all over the country and will feature 200 of the country’s finest painters, photographers, sculptors, glass blowers and more. There will also be artist demonstrations, classes and live entertainment. Scheduled to perform are Todd Wells, Amy Gerhartz, Sam Thacker, Wade in the Rhythm, AIA, James Arthur, Zydeco T, JK & The Lost Boys and The Whiskey Gentry.

Food will be provided by Williams Bros. Barbecue, Bayou Bistro, The Pup Truck, S&J’s Woodfired Pizza, Rumtastic and many more.

Festival organizers are encouraging visitors to take MARTA to the park, since there will be limited parking in Sage Parking Deck and the Woodruff Arts Center parking deck. Visitors are strongly discouraged from parking on the streets of neighborhoods around the park. For more information, visit atlantaartsfestival.com.