Readers' Choice Award Winners

Updated Wednesday, February 28, 2007 - 5:00am by Anonymous

Location 

Cabana Jacks

Best perch: NEW SANDUSKY FISH CO.

Less than 100 yards from Lake Erie, New Sandusky Fish Co. does not have to travel far to find items for its menu.

The way they cook up those items is good enough to earn the restaurant the tag of "Best Perch" in the 2007 Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Awards.

The restaurant, located in downtown Sandusky at 235 E. Shoreline Drive, has been closed for the winter since Dec. 2 but is preparing to open up again March 1.

An online review of the New Sandusky Fish Co. at www.roadfood.com says "the fish is fresh. The frying is performed with expertise and the owners are as sweet as can be."

The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. daily, according to its sign. It sits across the street from a public gazebo where the perch can be enjoyed in the peaceful shade.

- Justin Powell

Best hamburger: OLD DUTCH TAVERN

When it comes to getting a burger fix, Funcoast.com readers say Old Dutch Tavern, located at 2219 E. Perkins Ave. in Sandusky, is the place to go. The restaurant won the 2007 Readers' Choice Award for "Best Hamburger."

"It makes me feel good to know that people recognize that we have some good burgers without plastering (advertising) everywhere," owner Larry Gerold said. "Just to know they nominated us on their own and their own feelings by just word of mouth makes it worth it."

Old Dutch Tavern has become synonymous for two burger innovations.

"We have a burger night on Thursday night, which I think I've done the last 15 years," Gerold said. "It's name your own steak burger with any five items for $2.50. The burgers are great and you get to pick your topping of what you want on it."

Aside from the norm - mayo, mustard, ketchup, onions, etc. - Gerold introduced the weekly odd item, which over the years has ranged from Pepto-Bismol to raisins, chocolate syrup ... and we'll stop right there.

"Somebody will usually try the odd item every week no matter what it is," Gerold laughed. "You name it, I think we've had it. I hear some folks think it's good, some think it's bad."

Just remember, there are no refunds for the odd selection on your half-pound steak burger.

With the spotlight shining toward his establishment, the Old Dutch Tavern owner wants to set the record straight.

"You know how everybody has a burger night now?" Gerold said. "I'm pretty sure I started that."

- John Benson

Best pizza: CAMEO PIZZA

Since 1936, Cameo Pizza has been providing the Sandusky community with quality pizza made with fresh ingredients.

All that hard work has certainly paid off.

Cameo was voted as having the "Best Pizza" in the Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Awards. Matt Keech, owner of the Cameo on 702 W. Monroe St., said he was very pleased by the recognition.

"I think it's great," Keech said about the award. "This place has been here so long and all the customers that come here from the North Coast all year long love it."

Keech said he and his family have owned Cameo since 1981 - the secret to their success has been the quality people who eat there and spread the word around town.

"The exposure and stories people tell about this place, it's pretty awesome," he said.

- Chauncey Alcorn

Best fries: BERARDI'S

For more than 30 years, Berardi's restaurants and Berardi's french fries have been a part of the culture of Sandusky.

In keeping with that tradition, Funcoast.com readers have chosen Berardi's as the winner of "Best Fries" in the 2007 Readers' Choice Awards.

Maria Berardi-Nainee, owner of the Berardi's Restaurant at 1019 Perkins Ave., said that's because of her family's signature homemade taste.

"People forget the taste of homemade," she said. "They're so used to the processed foods and take out, they forget how good homemade food is."

Berardi-Nainee said she was grateful for the recognition Funcoast.com has brought to her family's trademark fries.

"It feels good to have something we've worked on for so long and put so much effort into be appreciated by so many people," she said.

- Chauncey Alcorn

Best sub sandwich: QUIZNOS SUB

Quiznos Subs has only been a part of the Sandusky community for a little more than two years, but that hasn't kept the restaurant from making a good impression.

This national restaurant chain was selected by the as having "The Best Sub Sandwiches" in the Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Awards.

Franchise owner Paul O'Malley said he is proud of his company's landmark achievement.

"We're very delighted our customers have taken the time to vote for us," he said.

O'Malley attributes the company's success with the high-quality ingredients it uses in its sandwiches, with meats, cheeses and vegetables that are cut fresh in the restaurant every day.

"Our toasting isn't done as an afterthought either," he said. "When you combine uniqueness with a high-quality product, a nice clean restaurant and terrific service, that's what our customers want and really enjoy."

O'Malley said Quiznos is proud to be a part of the Sandusky community and has done its part to better schools for local children.

"We're very involved in local schools," he said. "We try to run our business as a local community restaurant, not so much as a fast food chain. That probably helped us in voting."

- Chauncey Alcorn

Best margarita: CASA FIESTA

For more than seven years, Casa Fiesta has been a part of the Sandusky community - the restaurant's signature drink is a big reason why many people keep coming back.

Funcoast.com readers voted for Casa Fiesta as having the "Best Margaritas" in the area.

Manager Carlos Hernandez says that means his business is on the right track.

"We try to provide what the customer needs," he said. "And by doing that we've accomplished a lot. We get recognized for our work ethic because we try to do the best work."

Hernandez said Casa Fiesta believes in giving customers the most for their money.

"We don't cheat the customer," he said. "We have just the right amount of liquor to make our margaritas extra special."

- Chauncey Alcorn

Best wings: PUB'N'GRUB

Jeff Smith makes sure to point out his restaurant has a large and diverse menu with plenty of good items, but he admits Pub & Grub is best known for its wings.

"The wings are more of a selling point for us - a lot of people know us because of our wings," said Smith, owner of the Pub & Grub Club at 1504 Milan Rd.

Funcoast.com readers agree, awarding Pub & Grub the title of "Best Wings" for 2007.

"I think we have a better quality of wings (than the competition)," Smith said. "They're definitely larger than most places, and they don't shrink."

Smith said a lot of the flavors have been passed down through the years, but some other flavors have been altered and created as different cooks come up with different ideas.

Monday is Wing Night at the bar/restaurant, where wings are 30 cents each in-house and 35 cents each to go.Smith said in addition to the 30 flavors on the menu, the kitchen can create thousands of more flavors by combining certain sauces.

He said every wing has its consumers, but among the most popular are Hot Garlic Parmesan and Sandusky Jerk.

- Justin Powell

Best tacos: CASA FIESTA

Tacos may be the hamburger of the Mexican food menu, but there's something about a good taco that makes it tantamount to a religious experience.

As the winner of the 2007 Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Award for "Best Tacos," Casa Fiesta owner Ramon Ornelas is proud his hard work has yielded such recognition.

"It makes me very, very happy," said Ornelas. "The way we do it, it's not easy. But we have 25 years experience and we try to do the best we can, so I'm very happy to hear we make the best tacos in the area."

With nine Casa Fiesta locations throughout Ohio, including 1007 W. Perkins Rd. in Sandusky, Ornelas considers himself a taco master, offering insight into his craft.

"These are the best tacos," said Ornelas, who opened the Sandusky location five years ago. "The big thing is the crunch. They stay very crispy and if you take a taco that's not very crispy, I hate that. I like crispy and when you bite there's a crunch. Another thing is the flavor of the meat. Good quality. Good flavor. Plus the cheese is another big thing. We get our shredded American white cheese from Atlanta."

- John Benson

Best coffee: STARBUCKS

Starbucks is known for its high-quality coffee but it also prides itself in speedy service.

You can not only get a cup of joe to go, you can get it in a drive-through.

General Manager Richard Columbaro said that may be why Funcoast.com readers voted Starbucks as "Best Coffee" in the area.

"It's really exciting that we've only been in the community for two years now and we've been recognized," Columbaro said. "It's a real honor."

Columbaro said Starbucks' Frappuccino is really popular among his customers, but it's the great service that keeps people coming back for more.

"I think the big thing for our store is providing legendary services to our customers," he said. "My employees take a lot of pride in excellent customer service."

- Chauncey Alcorn

Restaurant with best view of the lake: DAMON'S

Across the country, Damon's is known for being a great place to watch a game on some big-screen televisions. In Sandusky, however, Damon's has a bit of a different reputation.

The Damon's at 701 E. Water St. in Sandusky was selected by Funcoast.com readers as the "Restaurant with the Best View of the Lake."

"That's basically why a lot of people come here," Damon's supervisor Vicky Wiedle said. "... We're very happy about doing well in these awards. It's something we take pride in."

The large glass windows looking out over Lake Erie provide restaurant-goers with a great view of the water and also Cedar Point. Wiedle said that because the Sandusky location - which is in its 20th year of existence - has been around for so long, it opened before Damon's were known for large-screen TVs and sporting events.

The result is Damon's being viewed in the area as a bit more of a place to have a nice meal in a nice setting and not quite as much of a place to go watch the game - though they do still have TVs in the bar area.

Damon's was nominated as one of the best places to have a romantic meal in the area.

"We like to cater to all types of people, but honestly that one kind of surprised me," Wiedle said.

- Justin Powell

Best breakfast: BOB EVANS

As parents have said for generations, a good breakfast is a crucial part of a good morning.

Bob Evans is doing its part to make sure that good breakfast is tasty. The restaurant was selected as the "Best Place to Eat Breakfast in the Area."

"This means a great deal," said Cathy Young, general manager of the Bob Evans at 230 Milan Ave. in Norwalk. "We worked really hard to get to the point where we are right now, where we are receiving such recognition. I believe it's because we do have the best breakfast in town and we ensure that we have enough staff to make sure our customers get their breakfast fast and hot, so we can get them out and they can start their day."

While Young didn't want to single out one breakfast choice over another, she did hint a new menu entry could lead to a 2008 Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Award.

"Our new stuffed hotcakes seem to be the hot seller right now," Young said. "They're stuffed with vanilla cream cheese and you can get roasted apple, chocolate or banana topping. They're delicious."

Young believes the Milan Ave. location, which opened up 13 years ago next month, in Norwalk is key to the restaurant's success. In fact, Bob Evans is currently looking to relocate to a larger property in the same area within Norwalk.

When asked what makes breakfast at Bob Evans so special, Young replied, "It's the most important meal of the day, and we give the customer what they order, the way they order it, with freshness and quality being atop our list."

- John Benson

Best happy hour: TGI FRIDAY'S

So you just finished up a long, bad day at work and you need something to put you back in a good mood again - where do you go?

If you're looking to get happy, Funcoast.com readers think TGI Friday's is the place to be.

The restaurant at 2003 Cleveland Road was voted as having the "Best Happy Hour" in the 2007 Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Awards.

From 4-7 p.m. weekdays, TGI Friday's offers $1 off all drinks and several appetizers for $.399, including wings and fried macaroni and cheese.

The restaurant shut down operation late last year for several weeks before re-opening in December with a new design. "It's nice to see the locals returning after we'd been closed down for a month-and-a-half," said Mike Simmons, a manager at the restaurant. "It's good to see all the people coming back here."

Don't let work get you down, but if it does, you know where to go.

- Justin Powell

Best place for a romantic meal: MON AMI

There are dozens of restaurants throughout the Sandusky area, but which is the best place to take that special someone?

Funcoast.com readers chose Mon Ami Restaurant on Wine Seller Road as the "Best Place for a Romantic Dinner," and manger Lori Berardi says it's all about atmosphere.

"It's got such a history," she said. "It's all in original stone with chandeliers and low lights. It's got rooms everywhere, fireplaces burning and great wine. That's why they voted for us."

Berardi was not surprised by the restaurant's achievement, saying the voters made the right choice.

"Obviously people are having a lot of romantic dinners here for people to even put us in that category, so something must be right," she said.

- Chauncey Alcorn

Best place to eat outdoors: TGI FRIDAY'S

It's a little bit chilly outside right now, but give it a few months - before too long you'll be wanting to enjoy your beers, hamburgers and french fries outdoors in the sunny weather.

And where's the best place to do that? Funcoast.com readers say it's at TGI Friday's.

The restaurant at 2003 Cleveland Road was selected as the "Best Place to Eat Outdoors" in the 2007 Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Awards.

The outdoor patio, which faces Castaway Bay, seats somewhere around 100 people and includes an upstairs section where bands play on the weekends. The outdoor section closes down at midnight.

Although there is no exact timetable for when the outdoor area will open up for the season, it will be before the end of May.

"Probably at least by Memorial Day," said Mike Simmons, a manager at the restaurant. "We try to wait for the college kids to come back so we have more staff."

- Justin Powell

Best place to watch the game: MANNY'S

It's no secret the Sandusky community loves to watch football and other big-time sports, but with all the sports bars and taverns in the area, it's hard to say which one is the best.

Funcoast.com readers voted for Manny's Sports Tavern and Grill on 6201 Milan Road as the best place to watch the big game.

Marcy Manion, owner of Manny's hopes the award brings even more people out to the tavern."We are honored to win this award," she said, "and we look forward to seeing new faces."Manion said Manny's tavern with it's eight T.V. screens, including two big screen T.V.'s, was a big hit during the Ohio State vs. Michigan game and the Super Bowl this season.

"It's just a great place to watch a game with great customers," she said. I think we have a good atmosphere and the best service staff in town."

- Chauncey Alcorn

Best ice cream: TOFT'S

The Sandusky community loves its ice cream, and when it comes to that ice cream, Toft's is at the top.Funcoast.com readers voted Toft's Ice Cream Parlor at 3717 Venice Road as "Best Ice Cream" in the area. General Manager Glenn Bango says that's because his parlor gives its customers more ice cream for less money.

"In a small cone," Bango said, "we charge you $2.10 and you get almost four scoops of ice cream. Our low prices and large portions separate us from the competition."

For more than 107 years community members have been coming to Toft's to satisfy their sweet tooth, and part of that is because of the parlor's signature butter pecan ice cream, according to Bango.

"Our butter pecan would be our signature ice cream," he said. "It's just the flavoring we use that sets us apart from everybody else."

- Chauncey Alcorn

Best bartender: MONICA PARKER, The Pump

People go to bars to be around people they like and have a good time.

Monica Parker works at a bar for the exact same reason.

Monica, selected as the "Best Bartender" in the 2007 Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Awards, said she enjoys her job so much because she's a people person.

"I've been doing it for so long - initially it was just a part-time thing to pick up some extra cash, but now I just like doing it and don't want to stop," she said. "I really like being around people, and I also love the people I work with."

Those are the other employees at The Pump Bar and Grill, on the corner of Strub Road and OH 4.

"I like it there - it's a kickin' place to be, especially on Friday and Saturday nights," she said. "You get a lot of different people, with an older crowd and a younger crowd. And then I have my regulars just like every other bartender."

--Justin Powell

Best place to work: FIRELANDS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Some people dread going to work on Monday mornings, but a lot of people at Firelands Regional Medical Center don't feel that way.

The community hospital was voted "Best Place to Work" in the Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Awards. It's an achievement that falls right in line with the vision of Chuck Stark, the hospital's President and CEO.

"I would have to say we're honored to be included," Stark said. "We've worked hard over the last three years to make it not only a great place to work, but the best place to work."

The hospital is also being recognized in the national Great Place to Work 2007 conference in Los Angeles for it's improved employee satisfaction ratings over the last three years.

Stark said the reason the hospital's employees are so fulfilled in their jobs is because the administration listens to them and try to make work fun.

"I'm just part of a big team," he said. "We look for reasons to have fun together and to say thank you to our staff for their hard work."

- Chauncey Alcorn

Best place for karaoke: CABANA JACKS

Even if you don't aspire to be the next American Idol, there's nothing more fun than going on with friends for a night of food, drinks and a little karaoke.

And where's the best place to karaoke? Hands down, Funcoast.com readers say, it's Cabana Jacks in downtown Sandusky.

Cabana Jacks owners Dan and Donna Sharp couldn't be happier about their new title. Dan says there are two reasons Cabana Jacks is the best for karaoke.

"We've got the best guy in the area for karaoke," says Dan, "Johnny Rhonehouse is the best in Erie County, if not further. He's been doing it a long time."

Cabana Jacks also features a stage-like karaoke area, which puts the singers in full view of the audience, making them feel more like professionals.

You can find the best karaoke in town every Sunday night at Cabana Jacks. Sunday is also Ladies Night, featuring $1 off all drinks.

"We're going on five years in downtown Sandusky," says Dan, "We've got different food specials every night and reasonable prices."

-Shannan Hulbert

Best hotel: KALAHARI

Being recognized as the best hotel in one of the nation's biggest tourist destination is quite in accomplishment, which is why Kalahari - generally known for its indoor waterpark - is so thrilled.

The indoor resort was voted by Funcoast.com readers as the community's "Best Hotel."

General Manager Todd Nelson said the award is a big honor.

"I think it's great," he said. "We put a lot of time into our decor, traveling to Africa at least once a year to find new pieces to add to the hotel."

Kalahari has been a part of the community for only a little more than two years, but Nelson said during that time the resort has been giving back to the community that birthed it.

"When we opened our convention center a large donation was made to charity," he said. "My family has gotten to know quite a few people around town. We also employ 800 to 1,000 people in the summer. I think this is a fun place to work."

- Chauncey Alcorn

Best place to buy clothes: KOHL'S

Nothing feels better than looking great with money still left in your pocket.

Kohl's in Sandusky carries great clothes at great prices - which is why they've been voted the best place to buy clothes in Funcoast.com's Readers' Choice Awards.

According to Assistant Store Manager Scott Smith, Kohl's in Sandusky is outstanding for two reasons - their prices and their lines of clothes. They sell high quality merchandise including well-known brand names likes Chaps, Villagers, Sonoma and Apt. 9.

Their most recent honor came as no surprise to Smith.

"It's the quality of our merchandise," he says "We always do well for sales and everything. We have sales everyday."

Smith says Kohl's in Sandusky is special because they do "whatever possible" for their customers. Though its Sandusky location has only been open for only two years, its employees have worked hard to establish it as Sandusky's best place to buy clothes.

- Shannan Hulbert

Most trustworthy auto repair shop: MATHEWS FORD

You can never underestimate the good fortune of knowing a dependable auto mechanic.

That said, the 2007 Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Award for "Most Trustworthy Auto Repair" goes to Mathews Ford, located at 610 E. Perkins, Ave. in Sandusky.

"I think it's kind of like a pat on the back for a job well done" said Mathews General Manager Tom Ripley. "The main reason I would say we do so well is number one, the dealership itself. It's on top of its game with the training of service personnel. And probably the biggest reason we're so successful with what we do back there is the longevity of our employees."

Ripley said the fact each service employee has well over a decade of experience means customers enjoy a unique phenomenon in the modern world at Mathews Ford.

"We're one of the few dealerships you'll ever go to and be serviced by the same people you did 15 years ago," Ripley said. "That's kind of the way the whole dealership is from front to back."

Opened in 1979, Mathews Ford has obviously made an impression on Erie County residents.

Said Ripley, "I think what it really means is a thank you to the employees of the dealership and the service personnel for a job that is continually well done."

- John Benson

Best hair salon: SCARLET O'HAIR'S

For Scarlett O'Hair's owner Jami Tallman, seeing her business selected as the best hair salon in Sandusky is a sweet reward.

When she purchased Scarlett O'Hair's it was going under. Now, just one year later, Tallman has completely turned the salon around.

"I remodeled the whole thing, advertised as much as I could. I busted my butt," Tallman said.

When she first opened, she had only two stylists. And now? "I just hired my 16th girl."

Tallman says winning best hair salon in Sandusky is a really big deal.

"We run all kinds of specials," she says. "We're a full service salon serving men, women and children. The whole family."

Scarlett O'Hairs also offer spa services and packages.

What makes them stand above the rest? Jami believes it is the expertise of her stylists. Scarlett O'Hairs' clients can expect quality.

"We're all experienced," says Jami. "We're safe."

- Shannan Hulbert

Best barber shop: FIFTH STREET CUTS

Considering you never get a second chance at first impressions, a good haircut or style is important.

That's why the 2007 Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Award for "Best Barbershop" goes to Fifth Street Cuts, located at 801 Fifth St., in Sandusky.

"I'd say we're putting out some good heads," laughed owner Mike Lipstraw, who opened Fifth Street Cuts over seven years ago. "It's more a barbershop than anything else. It's not really cosmetology. It's like a nostalgic place. We're keeping a tradition alive. That's what it's all about. We're like a Floyd-the-Barber type of place, a down home barber shop."

Located in an old corner gas station, Fifth Street Cuts remains a hub for good hair and lots of laughs.

"Because we're entertaining and we put out good haircuts," said Lipstraw. "People just come in and have a good time. It's just a happening place. I don't know why. They like the haircuts and they like the atmosphere."

Lipstraw said he'd be remiss not to mention compadres-in-scissors stylists Sharon Wilson and Gemma Link. All together, the trio has over 90 years of experience.

"I think it's great," Lipstraw said. "That's Sandusky saying to us, ëKeep up the good work.' That's how I feel."

- John Benson

Best tattoo/piercing shop: PAIN AND PLEASURE

A relationship with a tattoo artist is like a relationship with a significant other. It's built on trust.When it comes to getting a tattoo, Funcoast.com say they trust the artists at the Pain & Pleasure tattoo Parlor at 5316 Milan Road.

Pain & Pleasure Manager Rob Bushey says that trust comes from years of building a good reputation."We've been prevalent for a lot of years, so our reputation has a lot do with that," he said. "We keep photo albums of our work and it speaks for itself."

Bushey and owner Sandra Corte said they're thankful to Funcoast.com readers for making them number one."I think that's awesome," Bushey said. "Sometimes it's kind of a thankless job, so it's pretty cool that they're voting for us."

- Chauncey Alcorn

Best spa: KALAHARI

Men and women young and old love to be spoiled and pampered, and there's no better place to do that than at your favorite neighborhood spa.

Funcoast.com readers have voted Spa Kalahari as the winner of "Best Spa" in the 2007 Readers' Choice Awards.

Manager Jaclyn Busold said it's her spa's signature massages, spirulina body wraps and hot stone pedicures that keep customers coming back for more.

"I think that we try to pamper the guest as much as possible," she said. "They are here for a short time, so we try to make that time memorable."

Busold said she thanks all those who voted to make Spa Kalahari number one.

"We are very appreciative of the award," she said. "We're glad the local community has been coming to the spa."

- Chauncey Alcorn

Best financial advisor: JOHNNIE LEONHARDT

They say a good friend is hard to find, but a finding a trustworthy financial advisor may be even harder.Funcoast.com readers voted Johnnie Leonhardt of Edwards Jones as the best favorite financial advisor in the area."I'm very honored," Leonhardt said. "Over the last 18 years I've worked very hard to build relationships with the folks of Erie County on their financial and investment needs."

Leonhardt, who also has taught investment classes in the community, says Funcoast.com Readers probably voted for her because she puts her customers' financial needs first.

"I prefer to meet people face to face to build and maintain a relationship," she said. "Our office focuses on the investment needs of the individual, not the latest hot stock.

- Chauncey Alcorn

Best apartment complex: SHAKER VILLAGE

Shaker Village apartment tenants are making quite a statement in the 2007 Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Awards, helping the complex win as "Best Apartment Complex."

"It doesn't surprise me," said owner James Schoenegge. "That's what we intended to do when we built the place, to be better than any apartments around. We pride ourselves on having the nicest place in the area, the largest square footages and amenities such as pool, fitness room and attached garages."

With more than 400 units spread across three properties, Shaker Village of Perkins (1007 E. Bogart Rd., Sandusky), Shaker Village of Plum Brook (1500 E. Bogart Rd., Sandusky) and Shaker Village at Hunter's Marsh (2800 N. Mall Dr., Sandusky), Schoenegge takes a pragmatic approach toward apartment living.

"Everyone looks at apartments like a necessarily evil, but we look at it like a choice to make as far as a lifestyle," Schoenegge said. "Not just something you have to move into. And certainly we're not the cheapest around so people live here because it's an alternative to a commitment of buying a home. It's really a condominium alternative."

As far as taking home the 2007 Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Award, Schoenegge said, "It's a nice award, but we know we have the nicest units in the area. Ultimately, it just validates what we're doing."

- John Benson

Best golf course: SAWMILL CREEK

Springtime means golf time. Sawmill Creek is the place to go.

The Sawmill Creek Golf Club earned the 2007 Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Award for "Best Golf Course.""I think it says a lot for the quality of the experience people get when they come there," said Sawmill Creek Resort Director of Golf Chris Bleile. "Personally for me, it's just satisfying knowing that your staff is being able to not only meet your guest expectations but exceed them."

Bleile said that bragging rights for the Funcoast.com award will be enjoyed by his entire staff.

"Because we're a resort, we market it in Cincinnati and Columbus so I think the (Funcoast.com award) will be something nice to let people know Sawmill is quality," he said.

Opened in 1974, the Sawmill Creek Golf Club, located at 300 Sawmill Creek in Huron, is known for its very difficult par-3 holes, which all include water.

"Even the 135-yard fifth hole, I see good players put 5s and 6s on that hole all of the time," Bleile said. "And then the back nine is just beautiful. It's not your traditional northern golf course. You kind of feel like you're in the marshes of the Carolinas with the growing of dandelions and different wildlife."

- John Benson

Best waterpark: KALAHARI

General Manager Todd Nelson of Kalahari Indoor Waterpark says his resort's staff strives hard to be the best, and the area community seems to agree.

Kalahari was voted as having the "Best Waterpark" in the Funcoast.com Readers' Choice Awards. It's a feat Nelson is proud of.

"We put a lot of effort into upkeep, and our rides to continue to be the best," Nelson said. "We have a little bit of everything."

Nelson said Kalahari is in the process of expanding, with plans to install a wave pool, new rides and at least one new bar.

"We want to have everything our competition provides plus more," he said. "I'm so very happy the community thinks of us in such high regard."

- Chauncey Alcorn