PHOTOCREO/Niserin

BEST PET TO BE SEEN WALKING IN PIEDMONT PARK

Dog

THE LOWDOWN: If you’re not accompanied by your canine pal, you might as well be walking alone through Piedmont Park, which includes an off-leash area just for dogs (and their people). Whether your pet is a toy poodle, a golden retriever or anything in between, make sure it’s well-turned out (we’re talking good grooming, not doggie couture) for a promenade through the park—because you can, indeed, judge an owner by his or her dog.
THE BASICS: The park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. 404-875-7275.
www.piedmontpark.org.
THE RUNNER-UP: Golden retriever

BEST PET STORE

PetSmart

THE LOWDOWN: Need a “pet booster seat” for your car? Bet you didn’t know it existed, but now you think you might need it, right? That’s the genius of PetSmart—it does for pets what Toys “R” Us did for kids, introducing a wealth of possibilities that aren’t (strictly speaking) necessary, but nonetheless really cool. From activity centers for birds to aquarium furniture and fantasy fish bowl toys for cats, there’s lots you didn’t know you needed.
THE BASICS: Nearly a dozen locations in the metro area. Visit www.petsmart.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Pet Set

BEST PLACE TO ADOPT A PET

Atlanta Humane Society

THE LOWDOWN: Prepare to fall in love. In a world that focuses too much on avoiding inconvenience, the Atlanta Humane Society stands as a monument to the basic idea of human decency, which requires a willingness to be inconvenienced. To care for a pet is to learn how to love selflessly and to get unconditional love in return. The shelter has dogs and cats, as well as rabbits and other small animals who need your help. Do the right thing.
THE BASICS: 981 Howell Mill Road NW. 404-875-5331. www.atlantahumane.org.
THE RUNNER-UP: Fulton County Animal Services

BEST PET SPA

BEST PLACE TO BOARD YOUR PETS

Dog Days
THE LOWDOWN: Turns out, it’s not a nail-clipping—it’s a “pedicure.” Plus, Dog Days offers any style of haircut requested, and shampoos are all natural and hypoallergenic. Prices range from $20 baths for small dogs to $100 grooming packages for large dogs. Should you need to board your pet, Dog Days offers a Web cam so you can check in on your pooch to make sure he’s happy.
THE BASICS: Two locations: 3225 Cains Hill Place NW. 404-266-8668; 3571 Broad St., Chamblee. 770-451-0461. www.dogdaysatlanta.com.
THE RUNNERS-UP: Barking Hound Village (spa); Piedmont Bark (boarding)

BEST VETERINARIAN

Wieuca Animal Clinic

THE LOWDOWN: Why can’t people get this kind of service? Wieuca Animal Clinic offers home delivery of heartworm/flea preventative, medical prescriptions, and specialty diet foods. In addition to preventive health care, vaccinations, routine checkups and consultations, as well as radiology, diagnostic laboratory screenings, the clinic also offers dental care and surgical procedures.
THE BASICS: 4589 Roswell Road. 404-252-8676. www.wieucaanimalclinic.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Pharr Road Animal Hospital

BEST PLACE TO TAKE PHOTOS

Piedmont Park

THE LOWDOWN: Photographers, both amateur and professional, often focus their lenses on this Midtown oasis, which offers a wide range of scenic settings. To start with, there’s the skyline backdrop, the wide expanse of lawn, the reflective Lake Clara Meer and those cool stone bridges. Add in a plethora of people, from couples strolling hand-in-hand to families playing together, and you’ve got enough material to fill a library of photo albums—and at least a few museum-quality shots.
THE BASICS: 400 Park Drive NE. 404-875-7275. www.piedmontpark.org.
THE RUNNER-UP: Atlanta Botanical Garden

Courtesy of the Georgia Department of Economic Development
Scenic Helen, Ga.—the next best thing to a trip to the Alps.

BEST DAY TRIP

Helen, Ga.

THE LOWDOWN: The 90-minute drive to this mountain town, modeled after an Alpine German village, is the perfect way to unwind—and escape Atlanta traffic. Here, the Chattahoochee is but a scenic stream, and the best way to get around is on foot. There’s plenty of restaurants offering everything from sandwiches to German cuisine, lots of shops and a variety of outdoor activities to keep you occupied during a day here.
THE BASICS: www.helenga.org. www.helengeorgia.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Chattanooga, TN

Courtesy of the Georgia Department of Economic Development
One of Savannah’s historic homes

BEST WEEKEND TRIP

Savannah, Ga.

THE LOWDOWN: In the last decade, this coastal city, known for its serene squares and live oaks draped with Spanish moss, has experienced a renaissance, and is still an area of active growth and restoration. The historic district caters to tourists with hotels, bed-and-breakfast inns, antique shops and galleries, as well as restaurants like the Olde Pink House and Paula Deen’s The Lady and Sons, serving classic Southern cuisine.
THE BASICS: www.savannahvisit.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: St. Simons Island

Dave Thompson
Looking to beat the drought? Pour yourself a cold one.

BEST WAY TO BEAT THE DROUGHT

 Drink a Cold Beer

THE LOWDOWN: Our cherished readership has spoken, and according to you, the best way to cope with the depletion of our local water supply isn’t digging a well, using grey water to help out plants and trees, importing water from neighboring states, blaming Florida or even refusing to wash your car or water plants. Your solution? Take your hand off that water faucet, step over to the fridge and crack open a cold beer (also pronounced col’beer—for all you transplants out there). So as we kick back, sip on our favorite brew and watch the grass die off, we’ll be thinking one thing: Cheers, Sunday Paper readers—this one’s for you.
THE RUNNER-UP: Take showers together

BEST LOCAL MECHANIC

Catherine’s Automotive Repair & Service

THE LOWDOWN: Intimidated by impersonal repair shops? Tired of mechanics that charge premium prices and don’t explain why? Catherine Simpson feels your pain. Better yet, she promises “respect for you and your car,” and has been delivering on that promise with quality work and personal service since 2000. Congrats: You’ve just found your new mechanic.
THE BASICS: 1916 Piedmont Circle NE, 404-875-7212; 1172 Northside Drive, 404-817-7640, www.catherinesautorepair.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: My Favorite Mechanic is a Woman

BEST CAR DEALERSHIP

Global Imports BMW

THE LOWDOWN: When you want a BMW, why wouldn’t you buy it from the place that knows them better than anyone else? Atlanta’s leading BMW dealer serves happy customers throughout the Southeast, as reflected in its five consecutive Center of Excellence Awards. That’s almost as impressive as the cars themselves.
THE BASICS: 500 Interstate North Parkway. 800-263-0137. www.atlantabmw.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Mercedes of Buckhead

Courtesy of Cactus Car Wash
Cactus Car Wash

BEST CAR WASH

Catcus Car Wash

THE LOWDOWN: Though it’s named for a desert plant, there’s nothing prickly about this car wash, which offers quick and friendly service. Plus, the business recycles its water, so there’s no reason to feel guilty about keeping your ride in tip-top shape even during the driest days of the drought.
THE BASICS: 2980 Piedmont Road. 404-846-8040; 575 Ponce de Leon Ave. 404-876-3232. www.cactuscarwash.net.
THE RUNNER-UP: Avril’s

Courtesy of the Four Seasons
The Four Seasons’ Park 75 Lounge

BEST HOTEL

The Four Seasons

THE LOWDOWN: Being treated like royalty for even just 24 hours is never a bad thing—which is probably why people are willing to throw down upwards of $240 a night to stay at the Four Seasons Atlanta. Hey, why not mix a little business expense with pleasure? Plus, we’re told it’s Bruce Springsteen’s hang when he’s in town.
THE BASICS: 75 14th St. 404-881-9898. www.fourseasons.com/atlanta.
THE RUNNER-UP: Ritz-Carlton Atlanta

Best Hotel for Romance

The Ritz-Carlton

THE LOWDOWN: If you’re looking to get lucky, booking one of six specialty overnight packages from the Ritz is a good place to start. The Ritz-Carlton folks have perfected the art of romantic hotel stay, offering such amenities as rose-petal turndown, chocolate-dipped strawberries and champagne, dual massages, romantic prix-fixe dinner for two, breakfast in bed, late checkout—and even a late-night snack if you need an energy boost at 3 a.m. Definitely better than any wingman you’ve ever had.
THE BASICS: Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, 181 Peachtree St. 404-659-0400. Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, 3434 Peachtree Road NE. 404-237-2700. www.ritzcarlton.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: The Four Seasons

Best Hotel for Business

The Westin

THE LOWDOWN: Outside of having one of the most impressive rooftop views in Atlanta, the Westin is fully equipped to help even the most intense Type-A personality feel comfortable conducting business away from the office. A fully stocked business center (complete with secretarial service), high-speed Internet access, 53 meeting rooms and business event concierges keep everything on track. And the fully tricked-out Reebok fitness facilities are perfect for that early morning brainstorming power run.
THE BASICS: 210 Peachtree St. 404-659-1400. www.starwoodhotels.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Atlanta Marriott Marquis