Category: Services

Wahooptie

466-9463
wahooptie.com

Runner-up:
Yellow Cab
295-4131
cvilletaxi.com

According to Urban Dictionary, a “hooptie,” is any vehicle for which the driver must enter through the passenger side; that has three different brand and size tires; that only gets one AM station on the radio… The list goes on. And maybe Wahoopties start out that way, but that definition just doesn’t seem accurate for the kind of experience you get riding in the area’s best cab service once they’ve refurbished each brightly colored cab. For a more traditional taxi experience, readers choose Yellow Cab, with a new fleet of 2012 Hybrid Hyundai Sonatas and a convenient online booking option.

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Fare play: Yellow Cab angles for exclusive rights to Amtrak passengers

Advantage Handyman

817-7222
advantagehandy.com

Runner-up:
Jeff Easter
295-9911
jeffeasterremodeling.com

During World War II, Vesta Stoudt, a mother of three naval officers, invented duct tape when she noticed the paper tab used to rip open a box of rifle cartridges was inefficient. It’s this kind of attention to detail and creativity that’s expected when it comes to your home, which is why readers recommend Advantage Handyman. Jeff Easter takes on the second place spot with his 33-year-old design-build company.

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Best home repair/handyman 2013: Advantage Handyman

Piedmont Pediatrics

900 Rio E. Ct.
975-7777
piedmontpediatrics.net

Runner-up:
Paige Perriello
1011 E. Jefferson St.
296-9161
charlottesvillepeds.com

It takes 11 years to become a pediatrician, which means that, all together, this year’s winners (five doctors at Piedmont Pediatrics) and runner-up have 66 years of medical experience between them. That’s a lot of expertise looking after your little one. But, then again, you probably wouldn’t consider anything less.

Robertson Electric

973-4348
robertsonelectric.com

Runner-up:
Hodges Myers
973-2670

If it’s true that more than 70 percent of the earth’s total population doesn’t use toilet paper, then how in the world are there so many plumbing problems? That’s a question better left unanswered, as far as this category is concerned. Robertson Electric, which began as a one-man electrical business out the basement of a home on Greenleaf Avenue, takes the top slot. Last year’s winner, Hodges Myers, flushes out the competition to take the runner-up position.

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Best electrician 2013: Robertson Electric

Merry Maids

296-6603
merrymaids.com

Runner-up:
Charlottesville’s Earthly Cleaning
202-0455
cvillesearthlycleaning.com

Unless you’re talking about dust bunnies, sometimes bigger really is better: Merry Maids operates 1,351 franchises and was voted No. 1 Residential Cleaning Service in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. The company cleans apartments, too! With less than a year in business, owner Lucille Weakley takes second place with Charlottesville’s Earthly Cleaning. Though, she isn’t short on experience: She was a partner and operational manager for One Clean World (once a top performer in this category before shuttering last year), and holds licenses in smoke and water restoration, textile and upholstery cleaning, as well as odor damage.

Heidi’s Perfect Fit

1311 Wertland St.
295-8777
hpfinc.com

Runner-up:
E Tailor
112 W. Main St. #7
923-8500

In a season 2 episode of “Friends,” Joey sends Chandler to his family tailor, who takes a few inappropriate liberties with his measuring methods. Hilarity ensues, of course, but that’s not quite what you want from a tailor. Which is why Heidi’s Perfect Fit and E Tailor take the top spots this year. Both alteration businesses exercise professionalism, expertise, and punctuality, as readers clearly know.

Bright Beginnings

1221 Stoney Ridge Rd.
979-8585
3401 Worth Crossing
973-8414
brightbeginningsva.com

Runner-up:
ACAC Preschool
200 Four Seasons Dr.
978-7529
acac.com/youth/after-school

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” That’s a quote from Frederick Douglass who, as an escaped slave and revered orator, knew a little something about strong men. Bright Beginnings has been dedicated to the cause since 1984, teaching youngsters through field trips, parent participation, and outdoor gardens and classrooms. In second place, ACAC offers academic support with a special emphasis on physical education.

Lakeside Apartments

200 Lake Club Ct.
984-5253
liveatlakeside.com

Runner-up:
The Reserve at
Belvedere
200 Reserve Blvd.
296-6200
liveatbelvedere.com

Ask anyone the things they love about Charlottesville and, most likely, one of those things will be that you can be in the city one minute and, after a short drive, in the middle of nature’s bounty. Lakeside Apartments is situated at that intersection of town and country. Nestled lakeside (obvi), the complex is just minutes from Downtown. In second place, The Reserve at Belvedere, a newer construction located in the Belvedere community with custom homes, walking trails, and mountain views.