Category: Services

Doug Cox

1006 E. Market St.
293-6165
coxclinic.com

Runner-up:
Scott Wagner
147 Zan Rd.
978-4888
cvillespineandsportsinjury.com

The founder of chiropractics, D.D. Palmer, described the body as a machine and reasoned that the parts could be manipulated to provide a drugless cure. That was in 1896. That mindset is still the driving force behind the industry today and Doug Cox and Scott Wagner help cure what ails you. Dr. Cox is certified in acupuncture too, so he has a particular interest in treating headaches, neck and lower back pain, and sports injuries. In second place, UVA’s chiropractor, Scott Wagner, who specializes in sports medicine.

Georgetown Veterinary Hospital

200 Georgetown Way
977-4600
georgetownveterinaryhospital.com

Runner-up:
Old Dominion Animal Hospital
811 Preston Ave.
971-3500
olddominionanimalhospital.com

The 2011-2012 National Pet Owners survey concluded that 62 percent of U.S. households own a pet. That’s a lot, but it’s not surprise to us, considering how many top-notch veterinarians are in the area. Among them, Georgetown Vet, with three experienced DVMs and more than 50 years in business. At Old Dominion, three docs take good care of your dogs, cats—even birds and exotic pets.

Advantage Handyman

817-7222
advantagehandy.com

Runner-up:
Charlottesville Handyman
760-4263
charlottesvillehandyman.com

It’s clear that Advantage Handyman delivers when it comes to contracting, but it’s no stranger to the small stuff either. The contractor can do anything from electrical work and painting to landscaping and cleaning. Russ Melton (a.k.a. Charlottesville Handyman) takes the No. 2 spot. He opened his business in 2004 after teaching a class on entrepreneurship and realizing he should be practicing what he preached.

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Best contractor 2013: Advantage Handyman

Brown’s Dry Cleaners

1135 Millmont St.
296-6285
510 Preston Ave.
296-6285
1326 E. High St.
295-4336
brownsdrycleaners.com

Runner-up:
Skyline Cleaners
2110 Barracks Rd.
970-1004
skylinecleanersva.com

What’s the one thing you should always remember before you take your clothes to the dry cleaners? Empty your pockets. In 1975, President Carter allegedly left the nuclear launch codes in his suit when it was sent out to be dry cleaned. You can bet he never made that mistake again! ’Round these parts, readers say Brown’s is the best place to go and Skyline, in the runner-up spot, gets the job done right.

Oasis Day Spa

103 W. Water St.
244-9667
oasisspacville.com

Runner-up:
Spa at Boar’s Head
200 Ednam Dr.
972-2253
boarsheadinn.com/spa

In the Sultan Ahmet area of Istanbul, a “spa”-like experience consists of lying on a marble slab in a sauna while a woman pours water over your body then scrubs you from head to toe. That costs the equivalent of $50 American dollars. As far as relaxation goes, you get what you pay for. Here in Charlottesville, readers prefer a higher-end experience, which is why they choose Oasis. Get a massage, manicure, facial, and wax, and even walk out with some new bath products from the front-of-the-house shop. In second place, the Spa at Boar’s Head, which maximizes relaxation during your stay at the inn.

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Best Place for a mani/pedi 2013: Oasis Day Spa

Oasis Day Spa

103 W. Water St.
244-9667
oasisspacville.com

Runner-up:
Happy Nails
2295 Seminole Ln.
975-1170

The Japanese invented a nail-dryer involving individual tubes for each nail with a hand-held air pump. Creative, but perhaps a little cumbersome when you get down to it. And definitely not luxurious, which is what your winner this year excels in. At Oasis, choose a special package like the flower manicure (a floral hand soak, botanical exfoliation, hand softening treatment, and an herbal paraffin wax wrap). Happy Nails delivers a classic mani/pedi experience, with many stations to encourage walk-ins.

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Best spa 2013: Oasis Day Spa

Snow’s Garden Center

1875 Avon St.
295-2159
snowsknows.com

Runner-up:
Nigel Wood Tree Service
960-9575
nigelwoodtreeservice.com

There are approximately 50 million acres of grass in the U.S. and readers have no doubt Snow’s Garden Center could trim every last blade. And then some. The 101-year-old company cuts ahead of the competition with residential and commercial services, tree and shrub care, disease control, and seasonal cleanup. In second place, Nigel Wood Tree Service, a relatively newer company by comparison, chops the competition by focusing on, you guessed it, trees: removal, cabling, pruning, chipping, stump grinding, log splitting, lightning protection, and storm damage.