* Best Art Exhibit (Local)
"At Gallery Twenty-Two they have one of the coolest reassuring art exhibits I have ever seen. They do a skate deck art exhibit every year that I always look forward to all year. They pack the walls with beautifully painted decks from floor to ceiling all done by local artists. It doesn't hurt that they have amazing beers and wine, too. I love that place and that exhibit."
* Best Dive Bar
"My absolute favorite dive bar is Smokey Joe's Cafe on Monroe Road. Anytime I am trying to show an out-of-town friend, a little slice of why Charlotte is great, I take them to Smokey Joe's. They have a super friendly staff, an amazing beer selection and they have the most reasonable prices I have seen in years. If that isn't enough, they have a ping-pong table, two pool tables, a foosball table and live music several times a week. I love it there."
* Best Club DJ
"My favorite DJ is an old friend, A-Huff. I love his taste in music, he likes the real stuff, whether it is old or new, he plays great music. He is amazing at reading the crowd and feeding off their energy and then giving it back to them. It is always an amazing night when A-Huff is behind the turn tables."
* Best Local Coffee Shop
"I have a small problem with my enormous desire for coffee, so when I need to scratch my caffeine itch, I march over to my favorite coffee spot, The Daily Press. It's great because they have so many different techniques to make coffee. I love going in there and saying, 'I'll have whatever you want to make me.' Without fail, it is always a wonderful experience and absolutely delicious."
* Best Vietnamese
"It is really easy to share my favorite Vietnamese restaurant because it is a Charlotte legend, Lang Van. I have been going to see (the owner) Yun, for over 15 years. She always has a smile on her face and a hug for everyone that walks in her door. Charlotte is very lucky to have such a wonderful Vietnamese restaurant and it is definitely my favorite."
* Best Tattoo Shop
"People ask me from time to time about where to go to get an amazing tattoo. I always have the same answer, 'Ace Custom Tattoo.' Those guys have put out the most consistently flawless work for years and years. If there is one thing that you want to be perfect, it is a tattoo that you will have for the rest of your life."