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• BEST CHANGE TO THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE IN THE PAST YEAR
• BEST MAKE-OUT SPOT
• BEST PLACE FOR A DAY TRIP
• BEST PLACE TO IMPRESS OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS
• BEST PLACE TO TAKE A PET
• BEST PUBLIC PARK
• STRUCTURE IN MOST NEED OF DEMOLITION
• YOUR MOST SORELY MISSED LANDMARK

1st Place: Twin Cities
2nd Place: Madison
3rd Place: Stillwater (tied)
3rd Place: Duluth (tied)

Taking top honors for best day trip, a Twin Cities getaway can be easily repeated for those unfamiliar with its intense array of entertainment options. From nightlife to lakes, both cities combine to create an eclectic and pulsating metropolis. Madison comes in second and the thoroughfare of the hub is easily State Street, with eclectic shops and a myriad of bars and eateries. Older than Minnesota itself, third-place Stillwater goes beyond it’s clichéd collection of antiques and haunted Victorian houses. Tucked along Main St., visitors will find a diverse collection of coffeehouses, fine dining, and burger joints. Chill by the riverside, an artistic display itself, anchored by the historic lift bridge. Big enough to pretend it’s an ocean, epic Lake Superior is the perfect backdrop to a chill Duluth getaway. Visit a wine cellar, brewhouse, shops, and restaurants without stepping outdoors at the Fitgers Complex, or take advantage of stunning sights at Enger Tower, Duluth’s highest point. And don’t come home without stopping at Leif Erikson Park, a photographer’s paradise. – Caitlin Heidbrink
 

1st Place: Farmers market
2nd Place: Leinenkugel’s Brewery
3rd Place: Phoenix Park

It’s been a very, very long time since Eau Claire looked to its rivers for any source of pride, but with all of the development in the North Barstow area, we have finally arrived. If family or friends happen to be around on a Saturday, Wednesday, or Thursday, the Farmers’ Market is a great place to stop. Not only is the pavilion attractive, the selection of produce, meats, baked goods, and the general carnival atmosphere creates a local attraction anyone would find fun and interesting. For second place you’ll need to head towards Chippewa Falls and greatest brewery tour around – check out the vats, learn about wort, and, best of all, sample all sorts of beer. In third place, which is super-convenient if you took your guests to the first place winner, is Phoenix Park. Between the walking paths, amphitheater, converted railroad bridge, and outstanding river views, this park is a gem in the sandy banks of the Chippewa River Valley.  – Eric Rasmussen

Fall Creek Pick: Beaver Creek Reserve, County Highway K
 

1st Place: Kerm’s
2nd Place: Cameraderie
3rd Place: Carson Park Rocket

Kerm’s on Water Street was in a tough position, like some poorly adapted little mammal after everyone else had evolved. It was crazy convenient for Randall Park neighborhood folks, but it was small, and the new sleek mega-grocery stores were so much cheaper. Unfortunately, neighborhood traffic wasn’t enough, and now the only way we can appreciate the delicate fur and gentle yipping of this extinct Kerm’s beast is through history books. Camaraderie was a different story – this Water Street bar and restaurant was in the middle of its cheese-curdish prime when a fire consumed it. The Carson Park Rocket was a mecca of playground equipment – it had three levels, slides, and was made completely out of cold, unforgiving metal. Apparently modern children are more delicate than they once were, because we lost the rocket for more plastic equipment. – Eric Rasmussen

1st Place: Phoenix Park
2nd Place: Carson Park
3rd Place: Irvine Park

You know what bugs? Mother Nature. She whips out these gorgeous natural locales, but she doesn’t finish the job. It’s like, nice river confluence, Ms. Nature, but there’s nowhere to sit. Were you too busy with all the natural beauty to spit out a bench? Good thing the engineers of our local bergs came along to fill the gaps. The best polish job on Ma Nature’s handiwork is Phoenix Park, at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers. Featuring great views, a natural amphitheater, tons of paths, a converted railroad bridge, a restroom gazebo, and the farmer’s market pavilion, this park is the perfect centerpiece for the new downtown Eau Claire. Carson Park, in second place, has been around a little longer, and it is impressive. Surrounded by Halfmoon Lake, it has sports fields, playground equipment, and lots of forest-type nature for your park enjoyment. In third place is Chippewa Falls’ pride and joy, Irvine Park. In addition to lots of natural goodness, Irvine has a zoo, with real-life animals, in both enclosure-type settings and buffalo-in-a-field-type settings. – Eric Rasmussen