Best Reason to Stay in SeattleReaders’ votes produced a landslide victory for the area’s NATURAL BEAUTY. And, apparently, the promise of more beauty: “Global warming will make it warmer in the winter, and Phinney Ridge will be surrounded by waterfront property.” Uh, not so good for all the refugees from Ballard crowding Phinney Island, right? Considering how our city is known for its lush greenery and picturesque mountain ranges, it’s good to know that Seattleites haven’t become desensitized to our emerald landscape.Best Reason to EmigrateThe WEATHER, most specifically “December through March,” “winter,” “rain, gray skies,” “the rest of the year.” And, for one reader, the inability to enjoy the weather: “The cops closed Golden Gardens early during Summer Solstice.”BEST PLACE TO PICK SOMEONE UPThis one confused some of you, who (cheekily?) voted for “the airport.” We’re talking about getting some, people, not picking up your relatives! Apparently, most of you like scoping out your latest paramour while browsing fresh produce, naming A GROCERY STORE as the best place to meet someone. Only 10 items or less in the express lane, please—and that includes your date.BEST NEIGHBORHOODA perennial favorite, CAPITOL HILL gets to share this year’s honors with flourishing (though soon-to-be-inundated) BALLARD. Could this be a cosmic shift in the stars? Are people really turning their backs on Capitol Hill? As of now, voters seem to be at a crossroads.BEST NEIGHBORHOOD FOR A STRIP CLUBNow that we think of it, why doesn’t CAPITOL HILL have its own strip club? With an incredibly diverse neighborhood and booming gay community, it’s safe to assume that not just any old nudie bar will do—a strip club on Capitol Hill would have to appeal to dicks and chicks of all persuasions.BEST PLACE TO SEND TOURISTSMost of you voted to send tourists ELSEWHERE, which ranged anywhere from L.A. to hell—though you might argue that those two are one and the same.BEST PUBLIC SCHOOLKnown for turning out some of the brightest students in Seattle, GARFIELD HIGH SCHOOL topped this year’s list. As a constant competitor with Lakeside School for the most National Merit scholars in the city, Garfield excels not only in academics but also in sports, and the arts—particularly music (notable alumni include Jimi Hendrix and Quincy Jones). 400 23rd Ave., 206-252-2270, ghs.seattleschools.org.BEST PRIVATE SCHOOLBill Gates’ fancy pants alma mater, LAKESIDE SCHOOL, scored top honors as your favorite private school. The school’s mission is to educate students who will “contribute wisdom, compassion, and leadership to a global society.” It’ll also give you a leg up if you’re a genius with a brilliant idea to change the face of modern technology. Lakeside Upper School, 14050 First Ave. N.E., 206-368-3600; Lakeside Middle School, 13510 First Ave. N.E., 206-368-3630; www.lakesideschool.org.BEST LANGUAGE SCHOOLWith an extensive ESL programs and 14 languages to choose from (including ancient Greek and Latin), SEATTLE LANGUAGE ACADEMY received a hearty thumbs-up from readers. Muy bien! 126 N.W. Canal St., 206-325-4109, www.sealang.com.BEST DAY CAREFor 24 years, the PIKE MARKET CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOL has catered to families of all backgrounds. Not only does the school provide scholarship money for low-income families, it also supports the physical health of students by serving nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, and two snacks) and conducting yearly vision tests. 1501 Pike Place No. 313, 206-625-0842, www.pikemarketkids.org.BEST SCOOTER SHOPBeing mod isn’t easy. You gotta have the look, the clothes, and proper transportation. Seattle modsters gave this year’s seal of approval to VESPA SEATTLE, where you can choose from a selection of Vespa and Piaggio scooters, plus a plethora of accessories and hip clothing. 93 Denny Way, 206-284-7634, www.vespaseattle.com.Best Bike RepairVoters take this category seriously: If the bike needs work, they head to Gregg’s Cycles,a Seattle biking scene icon for 74 years and counting. Gregg’s has the experienced wrenches to do whatever it takes, whether it’s adjusting the shifting once your new cables stretch or performing an overhaul from handlebars to tail light. 7007 Woodlawn Ave. N.E., 206-523-1822, also on Aurora and in Bellevue, www.greggscycles.com.BEST IMPORT STOREOne would expect that Seattle’s best import store would be some chic, locally owned establishment fawned over by the city’s elite. Not the case, as national chain COST PLUS WORLD MARKET earned readers’ top votes. Maybe bigger is better, considering Cost Plus’s impressive selection of furniture, home decor, and gifts. 2103 Western Ave., 206-443-1055, www.worldmarket.comBEST LOCAL BEACHThe summer is still young, so why not jaunt over to ALKI BEACH for a quick stroll or a nighttime bonfire? Voted best beach for, oh, as long as Seattle Weekly has been balloting, Alki’s consistent wins continue to prove that Seattle has only one official beach of choice. 1702 Alki Ave. S.W., 206-684-4075, www.seattle.gov/parks.BEST LOCAL NURSERYA self-proclaimed “gardener’s paradise” for the last 82 years, SWANSON’S easily beat out the competitors. And it’s no wonder—Swanson’s offers a wide-ranging selection of plants and garden products, as well as foliage-stimulating seminars on its notable 5-acre lot. 9701 15th Ave. N.W., 206-782-2543, www.swansonsnursery.comBEST P-PATCH GARDENThe 40-plot BELLTOWN P-PATCH GARDEN narrowly beat out the monumentally larger Interbay P-Patch (which has 132 plots). Green thumbs old and new are welcome to join Friends of the Belltown P-Patch at the Community Cottage every third Monday of each month from April through September. 2416 Elliott Ave., www.speakeasy.net/ppatch.BEST THRIFT STORENo longer only a mecca for the uber-thrifty, VALUE VILLAGE has become a store for every occasion. Need a quickie Halloween costume? Value Village. Planning a Christmas Party in July? This place is practically guaranteed to have something with Santa’s face on it. 1525 11th Ave., 206-322-7789; 8700 15th Ave. N.W., 206-783-4648; 12548 Lake City Way N.E., 206-365-8232; www.valuevillage.comBest boutiqueFor those who have yet to catch on, Fremont’s THE INDUSTRY opened this February offering loads of the hottest jeans for men and women as well as other trendy men’s wear. At second place, the Grooming Spa shows you love your little puppies almost as much as your denim. Paris Hilton would be proud. 3516 Fremont Pl. N., 206-547- 9961, www.theindustryseattle.com; 308 N.E. 72nd St., 206-527-2707, www.groomingspa.com.BEST HAIR SALONOwned by the eponymous Quint Eby, a former drag queen specializing in famous female impersonations, the QUINT EBY SALON beat out perennial Belltown salon darling Vain (last year’s winner) for top honors. Hats off to you, Quint Eby Salon—or should we say, hair off? 2518 Second Ave., 206-441-2722, www.quintebysalon.com.BEST TATTOO/ PIERCING PARLORBow down, minions, to the tattoo/ piercing parlor to end all tattoo/piercing parlors: SLAVE TO THE NEEDLE. This award-winning ink den has brought innovative flesh designs to Seattle for just over a decade. A sinfully sexy store name doesn’t seem to hurt business, either. 508 N.W. 65th St., 206-789-2618, www.slavetotheneedle.comBest Place to Pretend You’re not in SeattleYou’d think that staring straight at our skyline would make people feel like they’re in Seattle, but apparently ALKI BEACH is the place to pretend you’re not here. Whatever. Inclusive of fire pits, an art studio, the Seattle Music Fest, and a sandy waterfront that gets as close as we come to Venice Beach, readers picked Alki as their secret getaway. It’s on the edge of West Seattle, so those looking for a retreat need not look far. 1702 Alki Ave. S.W., 206-684-4075, www.seattle.gov/parks.Best New thing You Discovered in Seattle in the Last year”Taking the scenic route” just took on a whole new meaning thanks to the ELLIOTT BAY WATER TAXI. For $3 (or $1 if you have a valid Metro transfer), you can ride from Seacrest Park to Pier 55 on the downtown waterfront; the water taxi also provides special services during weekday evening Mariners games. Some other choice discoveries included: “breakdancing battle at the War Room,” “Girls/Cooties” (aw), “Bush flags on piles of unscooped dog shit,” and “I hate Maria Cantwell.” 1660 Harbor Ave. S.W., 206-938-0975, transit.metro kc.gov/tops/oto/water_taxi.html.