Sunshine, Spring and Readers' Favorite Things

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Madison Merica Illustration

Just like a rotund marmot sleepily peeking out of its rocky burrow near the riverbank is a sure sign that spring has finally returned to the Inland Northwest, so, too, is the Inlander's annual Best Of Readers Poll results issue.

This year marks the 32nd annual Best Of, and more voters than ever turned out to support their favorite places to dine, shop, recreate, relax and more across nearly 200 unique categories.

To keep things fresh, we changed up some of those categories and created several totally new ones, like "Best Hop Water," "Best Bird Watching Spot" and "Best Martial Arts Gym." Find out who won those alongside perennial favorites like "Best Burgers," "Best Coffee Roaster" and "Best Art Gallery." As always, there were upsets as well as many names that held onto long first-place streaks, plus nods to numerous newly opened local businesses.

The Inlander team has spent the better part of the last month verifying votes, interviewing and photographing winners, writing and editing tons of copy, collaborating with an incredible local artist (read more about her below) to help us design the issue, and much more.

Now, all that's left for you to do is find out who won, and for all of us to continue celebrating all things local that make our home such a wonderful place.

— CHEY SCOTT, Inlander Editor