In the April 25, 2009 issue of the Kent Reporter, readers named their Kent favorites in the “Best of Kent 2009″ community contest. Winners included:
Community volunteer: Sue Froyd
Insurance agent: Bob Wagner
Doctor: Dr. Twe
Dentist: Dr. Rich Hayashi
Firefighter: John Robbins
Police Officer: Paul Peterson
Public Official: Mayor Suzette Cooke
Realtor: Marti Reeder, John L. Scott
Teacher/School: Mrs. Carchedi – Glenridge
Automotive: Kent East Hill Tire Factory
Fitness Center: 24 Hour Fitness on Kent-Kangley
Bank/Credit Union: Bank of America
Spa Services: Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage
Green Business: REI Corporate
Nail Salon: Peridot Nail Salon
Hair Salon/Barber Shop: Salon Ivoni
Plant Nursery: McLendon Hardware
Senior Living Facility: Arbor Village
Winery: Castle Bridge Winery
Asian Cuisine: Archa Thai Bistro
BBQ: Cave Man Kitchens
Breakfast: Maggie’s on Meeker
Lunch: Bittersweet Restaurant
Coffee Shop: Starbucks on 4th
Family Restaurant: Golden Steer
Mexican Cuisine: Mexico Lindo
Pizza: Pizzeria Fondi
Italian Cuisine: Paolo’s Italian Restaurant
Fine Dining: Paolo’s Italian Restaurant
Waiter/Location: Rebecca at Maggie’s on Meeker
Pet Groomer: Soggy Doggy
Veterinarian: McMonigle Veterinarian Hospital
Flower Shop: Bella home and garden
Jewelry Store: Bonaci Fine Jewelers
Antique Shop: Mad Hatter Antiques
Gift Store: Marie Haggin Accessories
Grocery/Convenient Store/Location: Top Food & Drug
Clothing/Shoe Store: Just the Thing
Furniture/Home Decor: Chair & Trellis
Bookstore: Children’s Bookshop & Teaching Supplies
Consignment/Thrift Store: Meeker Street Emporium
Best View of Kent: Grandview Off-Leash Dog Park
Most Romantic Spot: Lake Meridian Park
Favorite Family Destination: Kent Station
Congratulations to all of the “Best of Kent 2009″ winners and to all of the honorable mentions and nominees! We’re proud of Kent, and it shows!
I just moved to Kent from Phoenix/Tempe, AZ. Coming from a place with lots of local coffee shops and places to relax, it saddens me that the best local coffee shop happens to be the biggest coffee corporation in the country. As much as I admit to drinking Starbucks, I can hardly tell the inside of one location from another, so what makes this one the best? Either way, I just moved here about a month ago and have yet to find anything interesting in the area in regards to art/entertainment, local culture, and intellectual stimulation (especially as a college-aged adult).
Welcome to Kent, Matt. Thanks for your comment. Starbucks is, indeed, popular here but not our only choice. I recommend you check out Kona Kai Coffee Co. It is a cute little, independently-owned Hawaiian-themed coffee shop on the corner of Gowe and Fourth in downtown Kent. They have great food, coffee and events. If you go to their website, you’ll see a list of regular events for all ages. In particular, the coffee shop as Open Mic night, comics occasionally and music every weekend.
For other hot spots for the young (I’m in my early 40s, so not sure I’m helpful here), check out Vibe on First Avenue South, the Shindig Martini Bar (next door to Vibe), Pat’s Bar and Grill (Railroad Ave – live music on the weekends), Kent Station (lots of restaurants, shops and a movie theater) and ShoWare Center (local hockey teams as well as concerts, sports, etc.). If you are athletically inclined, there are lots of gyms here. I like LA Fitness in Covington (sorry, Kent). It has a couple of local sports leagues – volleyball and basketball, for example. The Kent Commons also hosts a lot of different leagues for kids and adults.
It really depends on what you’re looking for, but Kent has a lot to offer if you look for it. If you can’t find what you want, Tacoma and Seattle are each about 25 miles away and there are always shows, events, sports, etc. going on there.
Hope that helps! If not, let me know. You can pick my brain any time!
~ Dana
I think it’s GREAT that most of the “Best of Kent” winners are NOT large chains (like Starbucks, which didn’t win, versus Kona Kai, which did win). It’s a real treat to be able to walk into an establishment and be able to say “hi, how’s it going?” to the onsite owner! It sort of feels like the TV show “Cheers” where everybody knows your name!
Matt – if you do try the Shindig Martini Bar, order the Mango Martini. “Wow” is the only word for it. And p.s. Welcome to Kent!