Antique Store

Winner: Owls Nest

Browsing at either of Owls Nest two locations is always an adventure. Original local artwork is for sale, along with vintage items of all types. Antique headboards and sideboards, cobalt glass and a marble-topped table were all recent finds on the store’s Facebook page. Shopping in person is even better. “It’s large and the booths are attractively styled,” said one review. “Love the variety and quality of pieces, unique finds and very helpful staff,” said another review.

Runner Up: Red Door Chicken Coop Flea Market

Bridal & Formal Wear

Winner: Gracyn Elizabeth Bride

Gracyn Elizabeth Bride offers its own exclusive collection of bridal wear that includes classic silhouettes featuring on-trend necklines and gorgeous trains. “We have used Gracyn Elizabeth for my daughter’s wedding dress. They are top notch. What a treasure,” said one review. “Everyone at the salon went above and beyond to make the perfect bridal experience for our daughter,” said another review.

Runner Up: Traditions Bridal & Formal

Children’sClothing Store

Winner: Dillard’s

Dillard’s continues to fulfill the same commitment its founder made more than 70 years ago. Buyers search for the finest merchandise around the world and bring the newest and best to the store. The children’s department, like other departments, always offers the trendiest items along with classic staples.

Runner Up: Kid to Kid

Dance Studio

Winner: Judith McCarty School of Dancing

Judith McCarty’s School of Dancing has long been a fixture in the Texarkana dance world. The school is known for its classical training and support of its young dancers. “Wonderful staff, and a classical and classy approach to dance education,” says a review of Judith McCarty’s School of Dancing. “Our daughters are loved, nurtured and pushed to their very best.”

Runner Up: Texarkana Dance Academy

Events Center

Winner: Crossties

Crossties has brought live shows, outdoor events and more overall excitement to downtown since opening its doors on Broad Street. The name is a nod to Texarkana’s railroad past. Games of cornhole can be played every week. Salsa dance lessons are often taught at the venue. The live music shows have included big name country stars, glam rock bands and up and comers of all genres. “Best venue in town…they are bringing downtown back to life,” said a review. “Very unique venue. Locally owned and operated. Great asset to the entertainment district,” said another review.

Runner Up: Silvermoon on Broad

Family Entertainment

Winner: Sling Blades Axe Throwing

“The most fun that one can have legally,” is a description on Sling Blades Axe Throwing website. Its entertainment for the entire family and can be a great outlet for frustration. In addition to axe throwing, Sling Blades also offers pool tables, arcade games, air hockey and more. Coaches on staff can teach novices how to thrown an axe safely. Private party rooms are also available.

Runner up: Fun Country Park

Florist

Winner: Ruth’s Flowers

Texarkana’s longest established flower shop, Ruth’s Flowers, specializes in weddings, proms, homecoming flowers and custom wreaths. “Best flower shop around. I have been using this florist for over 10 years and can vouch that they do a wonderful job and value their customers. This is a locally owned and operated business with tons of combined experience to make the perfect arrangement for an occasion,” said a review on the shop’s Facebook page. “The boutonnieres and my bridal arrangement was perfect. Thank you for the details and time you spent making them perfect,” said another review.

Runner Up: Unique Flowers & Gifts

Golf Course

Winner: Texarkana Country Club

Golfers of all ages and skill levels love the golf course at Texarkana Country Club. The green course if often filled with golfers competing with teams in a tournament or just playing a relaxing round. “I had the privilege of taking my golf team to a well-run, first-class high school golf tournament at Texarkana Country Club this past weekend. I had heard great things about this place and it exceeded my expectations. Nicknamed ‘Little Augusta’ for a reason,” said one review on the club’s Facebook page.

Runner Up: Texarkana Golf Ranch

Grocery Store

Winner: Super 1 Foods

Texarkana’s Super 1 Foods is one of several warehouse-style stores with upscale, full-service specialty departments that operate in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. Super 1 is owned and operated by Brookshire Grocery Co., based in Tyler, Texas. “Great store. It has everything. Great deli and among other items, the avocado’s are the best,” said one review. “Service is great, there is a great selection and employees are friendly,” said another review. The store added sushi this year.

Runner Up: DeLaughter’s

Gymnastics

Winner: NE Texas Elite Gymnastics

NE Texas Elite Gymnastics is open all year-round for all gymnastics, tumbling and cheer needs. It is a USA Gymnastics member club. “Absolutely the best gym around. If you want your gymnast to be pushed and to have constant gains, on top of accountability and discipline, this is the place to be,” said a review. “The coach is so patient with them…awesome place for kids to find themselves,” said another review.

Runner Up: Joni’s Gymnastics and Dancing

Health Store

Winner: Granary Street Health Food Store

Those who are trying to have a healthier lifestyle can find food, herbs and vitamins locally without needing to shop out of town because of Granary Street Health Food Store offering a wide variety of healthy foods that cover every need. They have a wide variety of vitamin pills, minerals, herbal pills and other needs for our bodies,” said a review. “I needed some gluten-free baking powder ASAP. I was going to have it shipped from Amazon with one day-delivery but stopped here and got the same item for half the price,” said another review.

Runner Up: 5 Star Nutrition

Hotel

Winner: The Hotel Garden Inn

With a stay at Hilton Garden Inn Texarkana, you’ll be just a three-minute walk from Texarkana Convention Center and 11 minutes by foot from CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System.

Make yourself at home in one of the 154 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, while 32-inch flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment. Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations are provided. Conveniences include safes and housekeeping provided daily and cribs/infant beds (complimentary) can be requested.

Runner Up: The Holiday Inn Arkansas

Kids Party Place

Winner: iJump

iJump believes Texarkana needs a primary entertainment venue for a growing city, so they put together a first-class, indoor, safe facility for all ages. They do it by providing trampolines, air bags, dodgeball courts, basketball hoops, a competitive style ninja course and much more.

Features include trampoline half-pipes for fun tricks, a state-of-the-art LED lighting and sound system, a parent lounge with free WiFi, private rooms for birthday parties and meetings and a full-service iCafe featuring chips, candy and drinks.

Runner Up: Fun Country Park

Local Band

Winner: Jawbone

Texarkana cover band Jawbone’s playlist includes Bruno Mars, LMFAO, Journey, Carrie Underwood, CeeLo Green, Black Eyed Peas, Madonna, Jason Aldean, PSY, Dwight Yoakum, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock, Maroon 5, Sade, Tone Loc, Eminem, INXS, George Strait, B-52s, Elton John, Village People, Guns N’ Roses, Prince, Gwen Stefani and many other rock, funk, dance, country and pop hits.

Jawbone is composed of Lisa Childress on vocals; Meko Radomski on drums and vocals; Paul Whitt on keys, bass and vocals; Curt Richardson on bass, guitar and vocals; Sean Womack on guitar, sax and vocals; and Bret Craytor as sound and light engineer.

Runner Up: Relentless

Marital Arts School

Winner: Texarkana Jiu Jitsu

Texarkana Jiu Jitsu calls itself Texarkana’s leading martial arts facility for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, mixed martial arts, self defense and fitness. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes are available for everyone from kids age 4 through adult men and women, with no experience necessary.

“If you are interested in training, I highly recommend coming to Texarkana Jiu Jitsu! They work with all skill levels … which mine was no skill. Great coaches and teammates that make you feel like family! My son and I both train and love it!! It has helped him learn to be more disciplined and focused! You will not be disappointed,” a reviewer states.

Runner Up: Lacy’s Shotokan Karate

Music Store

Winner: The Band House

The Band House offers instrument sales, rentals and repairs, as well as lessons for aspiring musicians.

The Band House is a product of musicians and band directors, and its goal is to help musicians and band directors achieve the highest levels of success. “We look forward to being part of a vital partnership with schools, band directors, and most importantly, band parents and their children for decades to come!”

Runner Up: Texarkana Pro Sound

Place to Karaoke

Winner: Redbone Magic

Redbone Magic calls itself ” a down to earth mom and pop local brewery” and offers a variety of house-brewed beers and a menu featuring oven-fired pizza, burgers and wings.

Live music Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., trivia Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and karaoke Thursdays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Runner Up: Fat Jack’s

Resale Store

Winner: Haven Homes

The Haven Homes vision is “to bring restoration to broken people through grace-based discipleship and to reach those in pain from addiction and through God’s grace, help these individuals receive love, joy, hope and healing.”

The resale shop supports housing and other services for men and women who have found themselves in the midst of legal issues because of their drug and alcohol use.

Runner Up: Uptown Cheapskate

Shoe Store

Winner: Racquet & Jog

Racquet & Jog opened in Longview, Texas, in 1978. Now, more than 40 years later, they’ve opened two more stores in Rockwall and Texarkana, partnering with many other small businesses and quality brands.

They are a retail store specializing in running. Enter any of the three stores and be educated on running shoes, attire and accessories that will enhance your run. Additionally, they offer tennis equipment, tees, everyday accessories, shoes for different lifestyles and various clothing for men, women and children.

Runner Up: Nelson’s Boots and Shoes

Shooting Range

Winner: Texarkana Gun Barn and Range

Designed with comfort of the shooter and family in mind, Texarkana Gun Barn and Range features services and amenities not currently available in the surrounding area.

“Our mission is to train quality people to be qualified to carry a firearm. We are a premier training facility, firearms dealer, indoor gun range and ammunitions manufacturer in the Ark-La-Tex.”

Runner Up: Legendary Firearms

Women’s Boutique

Winner: The Rancher’s Wife

The Rancher’s Wife was established in 2013 in Terrell, Texas. The store’s number one focus is offering customers good quality products without breaking the bank. Every employee brings unique qualities and style to the table. Each team member works hard to make sure every customer has a pleasant experience while shopping.

They meet the trends, styles and comfort for all women! Customer satisfaction is important to them.

Runner Up: Sweet Caroline’s