21 Pike businesses make Mississippi Magazine’s ‘Best of’ list for 2013
Pike County has lots to boast about and word is getting out. McComb and Summit had 21 rankings among the restaurants, galleries, parks and businesses spotlighted in Mississippi Magazine’s Best of Mississippi list this summer.
The magazine’s readers voted Holmes Stationers & Gifts in Summit the Best Stationery Shop in Mississippi — a nice surprise to co-owners Delores Feldman and Susan Gibbes.
“We were totally shocked,” Gibbes said. “I’ve had so many people calling and telling us congratulations. I’ve even had our Jackson customers call us.”
“We didn’t campaign at all for this,” said Feldman, who also said she was shocked at the first-place finish for Holmes Stationers.
After 72 years in business, Gibbes said Holmes has demonstrated that it can change with the times, and that has endeared them to their customers.
“I think we’ve proven ourselves,” Gibbes said. “Our business is ever-changing and we’ve seen trends. Even though we’re a whole lot more than paper, it will always be the root of our business.”
Other Summit businesses on the list were Malibu Hair Spa, Doretha’s restaurant, Star Drive In and Justin’s on the Lake.
Pike County’s state park jewel, Percy Quin — although the shine is off the diamond, as the lake is drained for dam work — sat atop the list of Best Parks in Mississippi. Percy Quin also placed second for Best Hiking Area/Destination.
Other McComb winners were The Dinner Bell, Selman’s Jewelers, Alford’s Flowers, The Caboose, Twice Is Nice, Friendgirl Things, Japonica, Backyard BBQ, Buddy’s, Tortilla Soup, Broadway Deli, debec's/Sew Be It and Kyoto Japanese Steak House.
The number of showings from Pike County in the magazine is a plus for the area, Gibbes said.
“It’s brought a lot of notoriety to Pike County,” she said. “I think it proves you don’t have to leave here to find good stuff.”
Percy Quin manager Will Busby said the honor carries even more prestige, “considering what the lake situation is.” And a Quail Hollow Golf Course nematode problem created a “double whammy” at the park, one of the state’s most visited.
“Folks know there are still things to do,” Busby said Saturday. “It’s still a beautiful place and a great place to come. As a matter of fact, we’re completely full — every cabin, all the hotel rooms. Every shed’s got people in it, the convention center is full and there are people everywhere, even though we have no lake.
“It’s one of the premier parks in the state,” he said. “We’ve got the most facilities. We’re in a struggle this year and are not as busy as we normally are, but we’re still rocking and rolling.”
Here are other local businesses who made the “Best of” list,” featured in the current issue of Mississippi Magazine:
• The Dinner Bell restaurant in McComb, second place for Best Cornbread.
• Selman’s Jewelers of McComb, third for Best Place to Find Antique Jewelry.
• Alford’s Flowers of McComb, third for Best Place to Find a Floral Arrangement.
• The Caboose in McComb, third place, Best Steak.
• Twice Is Nice of McComb, third place, Best Consignment Shop.
• Friendgirl Things of McComb, third for Best Place to Find Trendy Fashions and third for Best Place to Find Shoes and Accessories.
• Broadway Deli of McComb, fourth place for cheesecake in the Best Dessert category.
• Doretha’s in Summit, fourth place, Best Hamburger.
• Backyard BBQ in McComb, fourth place, Best Barbecue.
• Japonica of McComb, fourth for Best Place to Find Art.
• Malibu Hair Spa of Summit, fourth place, Best Salon.
• Tortilla Soup Irresistible Mexican in McComb, fifth place, Best Mexican Food.
• Justin’s on the Lake of Summit, third place, Best Seafood Restaurant and fourth place, Best Catfish.
• Star Drive-In of Summit, fourth place, Best Buffet.
• Buddy’s of McComb, fourth place, Best Tamales.
• Kyoto Japanese Steak House of McComb, fourth place, Best Sushi.
Neighboring Lincoln County also picked up the following awards on the magazine’s list:
• Imaginations of Brookhaven, first place, Best Mother-of-the-Bride Shop and third place, Best Bridal Shop.
• Expectations of Brookhaven, first for Best Place to Find Baby Items.
• Market Place Antiques of Brookhaven, second place, Great Antiques.
• Janie’s Pastry Shop and Bakery, Brookhaven, second place, Best Sweet Shop/Bakery.
• Broma’s Deli of Brookhaven, third place, Best Sweet Tea. Broma’s also has a McComb location. Broma’s Deli of Brookhaven also placed fourth for Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant, fourth for Best Deli and third for Best Appetizer (Broma’s Basket).
• Beyond the Rainbow in Brookhaven, third place, Best Place to Find Children’s Apparel.
• Serenity Salon and Day Spa of Brookhaven, fourth place, Best Day Spa.
• J. Allan’s of Brookhaven, fourth place, Best Furniture.
• The Finishing Touch of Brookhaven, fourth place, Best New Collectibles/Home Accessories.
