Not only does the arrival of summer mean rising temperatures, the sizzling sun also heralds the announcement of what’s hot in the area based on the results of over 3,000 ballots in the Seventh Annual MetroBravo! readers’ poll. Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to buy a cute couture sundress, where to take that much-needed getaway, tips on how to re-decorate your home or a suggestion for what book to toss into your beach bag, Part One of the results offers recommendations by Metro readers about the best from local retailers and local and national media.
This year’s voters showed their affinity for luxury merchandise, giving a nod in multiple categories to last year’s newcomer, Saks Fifth Avenue; and the newest addition to the area’s retail circuit—Brier Creek Shopping Center—also grabbed readers’ attention and garnered enough votes to put them on the Metro map. Check out the winners in the fashion category for more.
Readers facing the arduous task of summer renovations, or those simply wanting to add some decorative flair to their home dcor, can peruse the retail section and discover the best place to purchase carpet, fabrics, art and antiques.
The media section gets Metro readers plugged in with new categories for best in cool media, including online news, weather, sports and music store sites. There is also information about more traditional cool media—such as the best television and radio personalities—and old-fashioned hot media choices for best fiction and non-fiction.
For those planning a much-needed vacation, Bravo awards offer suggestions for the best hotels and resorts at the beach, the mountains, or on the golf course. And whether you’re looking to make a stylish getaway or save some gas money, peruse the car dealership categories for places to buy a luxury auto, sports car or a cost-efficient hybrid.
Next month the August issue presents the best in food and wine, the top health clubs and spas, the right realtors, where to dance and dine, the most prestigious schools and universities, and the most advanced hospitals and health care facilities.
Thanks to our readers for their votes and congratulations to the winners of the Seventh Annual MetroBravo! Awards.
by Jennifer Hadra and Dan Reeves
FASHION
Mall
Standing Ovation
Crabtree Valley, Raleigh
MetroBravo
The Streets at Southpoint, Durham
Honorable Mention
Triangle Town Center, Raleigh
Shopping Center
Standing Ovation
North Hills, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Cameron Village, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Brier Creek, Raleigh
Close Calls
Crossroads Plaza, Cary
Department Store
Standing Ovation
Belk, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Saks Fifth Avenue, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Nordstrom, Durham
Gift Store
Standing Ovation
Quintessentials, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Charlotte’s, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Frances T. King Stationery, Raleigh
Men's Clothing Store
Standing Ovation
Nowell’s Clothing, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Lile’s Clothing Studio, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Varsity Mens Wear, Raleigh
Men's Formal Wear
Standing Ovation
Nowell’s Clothing, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Nordstrom, Durham
Honorable Mention
Varsity Mens Wear, Raleigh
Close Call
Norman Stockton, Chapel Hill
Suits
Standing Ovation
Nowell’s Clothing, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Varsity Mens Wear, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Saks Fifth Avenue, Raleigh
Overcoats
Standing Ovation
Nowell’s Clothing, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Saks Fifth Avenue, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Norman Stockton, Chapel Hill
Place for Kid's Clothing
Standing Ovation
Lamb’s Ear, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Children’s Place, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Gap Kids, Triangle-wide
Crabtree/Brier Creek
This year’s voters showed a love for all things new—and old, voting the recently opened Brier Creek shopping center as one of the areas’ best outdoor plazas and Crabtree Valley, Raleigh’s oldest mall, as the areas’ best mall. While Brier Creek offers a variety of shops like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Barnes & Noble and Linens-n-Things, for people with all shopping needs and interests, Crabtree Valley is home to fashion staples like Banana Republic, Hudson Belk and J Crew. Brier Creek’s sprawling location near I-540 and RDU airport makes the shopping center easily accessible and open to future growth. But don’t think that age has stunted Crabtree’s growth either. The recent opening of Lacoste offers men and women a variety of brightly colored polo shirts for the warm summer months and in September, the opening of Macy’s department store will bring an old favorite to a new location.
BEST PLACE FOR MEN'S
Casual Wear
Standing Ovation
Nowell’s Clothing, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Belk, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Norman Stockton, Chapel Hill
TIES
Standing Ovation
Nowell’s Clothing, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Saks Fifth Avenue, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Varsity Mens Wear, Raleigh
SHOES
Standing Ovation
Nordstrom, Durham
MetroBravo
SRI Shoe Warehouse, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Saks Fifth Avenue, Raleigh
BEST PLACE FOR WOMEN'S
Women’s Clothing Store
Standing Ovation
Vermillion, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Beanie + Cecil, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Razook’s, Raleigh
Close Call
Scout & Molly’s, Raleigh
Vermillion
Contemplating a trip to New York to snag the new summer styles from designers like Zac Posen, Lucy Sykes or Derek Lam? Before booking that flight, check out posh boutique Vermillion in Raleigh’s North Hills. Owner Ashley Vermillion Harris brings the runways to Raleigh with a wide range of items and prices that target customers on the cutting edge of fashion. Whether you’re in search of the perfect cocktail dress or a new Balenciaga bag, the experience of shopping at Vermillion guarantees you’ll leave a satisfied customer.
Evening/Cocktail Wear
Standing Ovation
Razook’s, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Saks Fifth Avenue, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Beanie + Cecil, Raleigh
Fur Coat
Standing Ovation
Hertzberg Furs, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Serotta’s of Raleigh, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Saks Fifth Avenue, Raleigh
Wedding Dress
Standing Ovation
Traditions, Chapel Hill
MetroBravo
Victorian Rose Bridals, Raleigh
Enchanting Moments, Fuquay Varina
Honorable Mention
Alexia’s Bridal Boutique, Cary
Casualwear
Standing Ovation
Cameron Clothing Co., Raleigh
MetroBravo
Beanie + Cecil, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Certain Things, Raleigh
Jeans
Standing Ovation
Uniquities, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Saks Fifth Avenue, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Scout & Molly’s, Raleigh
Shoes
Standing Ovation
Main & Taylor, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Saks Fifth Avenue, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
SRI Shoe Warehouse, Raleigh
Handbag
Standing Ovation
Saks Fifth Avenue, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Main & Taylor, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Coach, Raleigh
Lingerie
Standing Ovation
Victoria’s Secret, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Saks Fifth Avenue, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
J. Alanes, Raleigh
Maternity Clothing
Standing Ovation
Cravings, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Pea in the Pod, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Posh Pregnancy, Raleigh
Bathing Suit
Standing Ovation
J. Crew, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Belk, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Beanie + Cecil, Raleigh
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry
Be it their smooth texture, round shape or neutral color, a pearl necklace adds a classic touch to any ensemble. Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, this years standing ovation winner for best place to buy pearls, offers customers one of the area’ss largest selections of the internationally renowned Mikimoto pearls. The store’s in-house pearl stringer Jeanette Baugh provides customers with repairing and restringing services for their delicate strands. According to Baugh, the task of tying tight, evenly spaced knots out of silk thread makes pearl stringing a tedious task. Regardless, Baugh admits she loves being able to “play with beads” at work every day.
Designer Jewelry
Standing Ovation
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, Raleigh and Rocky Mount
MetroBravo
Elaine Miller Collection, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Jewelsmith, Durham
Estate Jewelry
Standing Ovation
Elaine Miller Collection, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, Raleigh and Rocky Mount
Honorable Mention
Joint Ventures Estate Jewelers, Cary
Wedding Rings
Standing Ovation
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, Raleigh and Rocky Mount
MetroBravo
Jolly’s Jewelers, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Johnson’s Jewelers, Raleigh
Close Call
JM Edwards, Cary
Pearls
Standing Ovation
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, Raleigh and Rocky Mount
MetroBravo
Jolly’s Jewelers, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Haydon & Company, Raleigh
Watches
Standing Ovation
JM Edwards, Cary
MetroBravo
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, Raleigh and Rocky Mount
Honorable Mention
Jolly’s Jewelers, Raleigh
Haydon & Company, Raleigh
Sunglasses
Standing Ovation
Saks Fifth Avenue, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Sunglass Hut, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
20/20 Eyeworks, Triangle-wide
Perfume
Standing Ovation
Belk, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Sephora, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Luxe Apothecary, Raleigh
Skin Care Products
Standing Ovation
Luxe Apothecary, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Sephora, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Belk, Raleigh
Close Call
Personal Image Center, Raleigh
Prescription Eye Glasses
Standing Ovation
LensCrafters, Raleigh
MetroBravo
20/20 Eyeworks, Triangle-wide
RETAIL
Bed
Standing Ovation
Fred’s Beds, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Ethan Allen, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Porto, Raleigh
Kitchen Appliances
Standing Ovation
Lowe’s, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Sears, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Jeffries Appliance Center, Raleigh
Close Call
Ferguson, Raleigh
Lamps
Standing Ovation
Thompson Lynch, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Highsmith Home, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Pottery Barn, Triangle-wide
Antiques
Standing Ovation
Regency Antiques & Art, Raleigh
MetroBravo
George R. McNeill Fine Antiques & Interiors, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Glenwood South, Raleigh
Regan Lewis Antiques, Raleigh
Close Call
Boone’s Antiques & Art Gallery, Wilson
Art
Standing Ovation
Artsource Art Consultants & Gallery, Raleigh
Gallery C, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Summerhill Gallery, Chapel Hill
Honorable Mention
Artspace, Raleigh
Fabrics
Standing Ovation
Printer’s Alley, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Decorative Fabrics, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Mill Outlet Village, Raleigh
Carpet
Standing Ovation
Eatmans Carpets & Interiors, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Brentwood Carpets, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Bells Carpets Inc., Raleigh
Oriental Rug
Standing Ovation
Capel Rug Outlet, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Green Front Interiors & Rugs, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Persian Carpet, Raleigh
Home Media System
Standing Ovation
Audio Advice, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Bose, Durham
Honorable Mention
Advanced Audio, Triangle-wide
Close Call
Tweeter, Raleigh
Dry Cleaner
Standing Ovation
Brothers Cleaners, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Medlin Davis, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Hangers Cleaners, Raleigh
Tailor
Standing Ovation
Lee’s Tailor Shop, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Best Tailoring, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Exclusive Alterations, Raleigh
Drug Store
Standing Ovation
Eckerd, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Kerr Drug, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
CVS, Triangle-wide
Linens
Standing Ovation
Lavender and Lace, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Yves Delorme, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Bed, Bath & Beyond, Triangle-wide
Outdoor Clothing
Standing Ovation
REI, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Great Outdoor Provision Co., Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Triangle-wide
Golf Equipment
Standing Ovation
Carolina Custom Golf, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Golf Galaxy, Cary
Picture Framing
Standing Ovation
Frameworks, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Jerry’s Artarama, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Frame Warehouse, Raleigh
Piano
Standing Ovation
Hopper Piano & Organ, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Maus Piano & Organ, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Ruggero Piano & Organ, Raleigh
Frances T. King
In the age of Blue Tooths and Blackberries, letter writing is an antiquated form of communication for most people. One walk through the doors of Frances T. King Stationery, however, and customers are transformed back to the days of handwritten correspondence. The store offers a cornucopia of notepads, cards, and invitations by designers such as Crane & Co. The wide variety of colors and designs as well as the availability of in-store monogramming allows customers to add their personal touch to nearly every message. Those juggling a hectic schedule will also be interested in the assortment of journals and day planners by Kate Spade, Vera Bradley and more.
Stationery
Standing Ovation
Frances T. King Stationery, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Taylors Fine Papers and Gifts, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Swoozies, Raleigh
Children's Toys
Standing Ovation
Tookie’s Toys, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Learning Express Toys, Cary and Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Toys “R” Us, Triangle-wide
Computer Accessories
Standing Ovation
Best Buy, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Apple Store, Durham
Honorable Mention
Circuit City, Triangle-wide
Pet Boutique/Salon
Standing Ovation
Wag Pet Boutique, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Canine Country Club, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Hair of the Dog, Raleigh
Boat and Marine
Landlocked is not a term used when complaining about North Carolina. We are blessed with the mighty Atlantic to the east and dozens of rivers and recreational lakes west to the majestic mountains. .For a great deal of North Carolinians the water is nearly as common as the ground we walk on and when it comes time to purchase a boat, the top choice for Metro readers is Chatlee Boat & Marine located in Sanford, NC. Since 1967, this family owned establishment has built an impeccable reputation on valuing each costumer. On top of winning a MetroBravo award, Chatlee Boat & Marine also landed a spot in Boating Industry Magazine’s Top 10 this year. They offer five indoor showrooms, a ten acre test lake and over 250 boats and jet-ski’s in stock and on site.
Boat
Standing Ovation
Chatlee Boat & Marine, Sanford
MetroBravo
West Marine, State-wide
Honorable Mention
MarineMax, Wrightsville
Marina
Standing Ovation
70 West Marina, Atlantic Beach
MetroBravo
Coral Bay Marina, Morehead City, Wilmington
Honorable Mention
Pages Creek, Wilmington
MEDIA
Regional TV Personality
Standing Ovation
David Crabtree, WRAL-TV5
MetroBravo
Steve Daniels, WTVD
Honorable Mention
Pam Saulsby, WRAL-TV5
Larry Stogner, WTVD
National TV Personality
Standing Ovation
Oprah Winfrey, ABC Oprah Winfrey Show
MetroBravo
Katie Couric, Today Show
Honorable Mention
Diane Sawyer, ABC Good Morning America
Radio Personality
Standing Ovation
Rush Limbaugh
MetroBravo
Bill & Sherri, Mix 101.5 WRAL-FM
Honorable Mention
Don Imus, WFAN
Weather Personality
Standing Ovation
Greg Fischel, WRAL-TV5
MetroBravo
Elizabeth Gardner, WRAL-TV5
Honorable Mention
Mike Maze, WRAL-TV5
Bill Reh, WNCN
Local Politician
Standing Ovation
Elizabeth Dole, State Senator
MetroBravo
Philip Isley, Raleigh City Councilman
Honorable Mention
Richard Moore, State Treasurer
WRAL.com
This year www.wral.com took first place for best online news source. Headlines on the local and national level, combined with up-to-the minute weather and traffic reports, keep Channel 5 on your side 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Online News
Standing Ovation
WRAL.com
MetroBravo
CNN.com
Honorable Mention
MSNBC.com
Online Sports
Standing Ovation
ESPN.com
MetroBravo
WRAL.com
Honorable Mention
cbssportsonline.com
Online Weather
Standing Ovation
weather.com
MetroBravo
wral.com
Honorable Mention
wunderground.com
Online Music
Music lovers know that iTunes is the definitive online music source today. That is, if you are playing by the rules. The availability of music online has done wonders for those musicians trying to get their material to the public. Unfortunately, illegal downloading has taken its toll on the industry at large, causing record companies to lose money from album sales. iTunes offers a legal and abundant reserve of music to subscribers by pricing each song at only 99 cents (roughly $10 an album). The simplicity of purchasing is matched by the organizational software that comes with the program. Making mixes has reached a whole new level: iTunes will recognize genres and suggest other artists that you may like. While some may find such assumptive programming intrusive, with iTunes all it is doing is opening new doors. Some bands even feature songs or entire albums exclusively on iTunes. You can even download the album cover art.
Online Music Store
Standing Ovation
iTunes
MetroBravo
Amazon.com
Fiction Book
Standing Ovation
The DaVinci Code, Dan Brown
MetroBravo
The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini
Honorable Mention
The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd
Non-Fiction Book
Standing Ovation
The World is Flat, Thomas L. Friedman
MetroBravo
Marley & Me, John Grogan
Honorable Mention
The Bible
Local Author
Standing Ovation
Nicolas Sparks
MetroBravo
Kaye Gibbons
Honorable Mention
David Sedaris
Margaret Maron
Local Artist
Standing Ovation
Kyle Highsmith
MetroBravo
Steve Moore
Honorable Mention
Jason Craighead
Local Bookstore
Standing Ovation
Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh
MetroBravo
McIntyre’s Fine Books & Bookends, Pittsboro
Honorable Mention
The Regulator, Raleigh
RESORT/TRAVEL/HOTEL
Airline
Standing Ovation
American Airlines, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Southwest Airlines, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Delta Airlines, Raleigh
Car Rental Firm
Standing Ovation
Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Hertz Rent-A-Car, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Triangle Rent-A-Car, Raleigh
Capital Style or White Horse
It was Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals and your party of eight needed to arrive in plenty of time to see the first face-off. Under most circumstances getting out to the RBC Center is a hassle. This is when you call Capital Style, North Carolina’s leading transportation service that can accommodate any occasion in comfort and style. Offering a fleet of luxury limousines, sedans and party buses, Capital Style is nothing short of the premium transportation service in the Triangle. Second place winner, White Horse Transportation has been serving area revelers with dependable van, SUV and car service with affordable rates for over 10 years.
Capital Style offers:
New 8, 10, 14 Passenger Limousines
New 20 Passenger H2 Hummer Limousine
New 20, 35, 47, and 53 Passenger Buses
20 Passenger Limousine Buses
Antique White 1960 Bentley Sedan
New Corporate Lincoln Town Car Sedans
New Corporate S 500 Mercedes Sedans
Limousine / Car Service
Standing Ovation
White Horse Transportation, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Capital Style Luxury Transportation, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Elite Coach, Triangle-wide
Classic Limousine, Inc., Raleigh
City Hotel
Standing Ovation
Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley, Raleigh
MetroBravo
The Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill
Honorable Mention
Sheraton Hotel, Downtown Raleigh
Coastal Hotel
Standing Ovation
Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort, Wrightsville Beach
MetroBravo
Blockade Runner, Wrightsville Beach
Honorable Mention
Landfall Park Hampton Inn and Suites, Wilmington
Hampton Inn and Suites, Morehead City
Hotel for Out of Town Guests
Standing Ovation
The Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill
MetroBravo
Embassy Suites Hotel Raleigh – Crabtree
Honorable Mention
Raleigh Marriot Crabtree Valley, Raleigh
Hotel for Meetings and Conventions
Standing Ovation
Hilton North Raleigh
MetroBravo
Sheraton Hotel, Downtown Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Embassy Suites Hotel Raleigh – Crabtree
Coastal Hotel for Meetings and Conventions
Standing Ovation
Blockade Runner, Wrightsville Beach
MetroBravo
Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, Wrightsville Beach
Honorable Mention
Hilton Wilmington Riverside, Wilmington
NC Beach Resort
Standing Ovation
Bald Head Island, Southport
MetroBravo
The Sanderling Resort and Spa, Duck
Honorable Mention
Figure Eight Island, near Wilmington
NC Mountain Resort
Standing Ovation
Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, Asheville
MetroBravo
Inn On Biltmore Estate, Asheville
Honorable Mention
Chetola Mountain Resort, Blowing Rock
Close Call
Eseeola Lodge, Linville
Resort Spa
Standing Ovation
Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst
MetroBravo
Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, Asheville
Honorable Mention
The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, W. Va.
Golf Resort
Standing Ovation
Pinehurst, NC
MetroBravo
Kiawah Island, SC
Honorable Mention
Grandover Resort and Conference Center, Greensboro
HOME LIFE
Florist
Standing Ovation
Fallon’s Creative Flowers, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Kelly Odom Flowers, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Carlton’s Flowers, Raleigh
Garden Center / Nursery
Standing Ovation
Logan’s Trading Company, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Atlantic Nursery, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Homewood Nursery, Inc, Raleigh
Garden Supply Company, Cary
Place to Own a Second Home
Standing Ovation
Wrightsville Beach, NC
MetroBravo
Bald Head Island, NC
Honorable Mention
Atlantic Beach, NC
Coastal Development
Standing Ovation
Landfall, Wilmington
MetroBravo
Bald Head Island, Southport
Honorable Mention
Figure Eight Island, near Wilmington
PLACE TO BUY
Contemporary Furniture
Standing Ovation
Nowell’s Contemporary and Scandinavian Furniture, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Cherry Modern Design, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
The Ambiente Collection, Raleigh
Traditional Furniture
Standing Ovation
Ethan Allen, Nationwide
MetroBravo
Green Front Interiors and Rugs, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Expressions Custom Furniture, Raleigh
Beach House Furniture
Standing Ovation
Wicker Gallery, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Seaboard Imports, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Pottery Barn, Triangle-wide
Outdoor Furniture
Standing Ovation
Summer Classics, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Smith & Hawken, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Firehouse Casual Living Store, Raleigh
AUTOMOTIVE
Car Dealership
Standing Ovation
Johnson Lexus of Raleigh
MetroBravo
Land Rover, Cary
Honorable Mention
Fred Anderson Toyota, Raleigh
SUV
Standing Ovation
Lexus RX
MetroBravo
Land Rover
Honorable Mention
Chevrolet Tahoe
Sports Car
Standing Ovation
Porsche
MetroBravo
BMW
Honorable Mention
Corvette
Luxury Car
Standing Ovation
Lexus
MetroBravo
BMW
Honorable Mention
Mercedes
Hybrid Cars
With the recent increase in gas prices, some readers have turned to hybrid cars to help the environment …and a chunk of change. This year the Toyota Prius was voted best hybrid car by Metro readers. This parallel hybrid automobile uses an electric motor combined with a small reserve of gasoline to operate. The Prius comes in several styles, offering all of the amenities of a luxury automobile. While the hybrid phenomenon has been mostly a West Coast sensation, North Carolinians are jumping on board to save the planet and money.
Hybrid
Standing Ovation
Toyota Prius
MetroBravo
Lexus GS
Honorable Mention
Honda Civic
Dealership for Service
Standing Ovation
Land Rover, Cary
MetroBravo
Johnson Lexus of Raleigh, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Fred Anderson Toyota, Raleigh
Sedan
Standing Ovation
Lexus
Mercedes
MetroBravo
Volvo
Honorable Mention
BMW