FROM BURGERS TO BREAD,

CAFFEINE TO CAMPGROUNDS,

SWIMMING TO SUNSETS,

MUSIC TO MUSEUMS,

DINING TO DRIVING,

BEER TO BIKING,

the 2004 readers' poll

results are in...

For the sixth year, The Kaweah Commonwealth is presenting the results of the “Best of Kaweah Country” readers’ poll. Some fine-tuning is always necessary; certain categories were omitted while new ones have been added.
  These changes are in direct response to input that we received from you, our readers. You rule!
  The best competition in this year’s poll was the tale of two restaurants. Both of these fine establishments are old favorites under relatively new and highly innovative owners.
  The Gateway and the upstart Main Fork Bistro deserve plenty of recognition because as these restaurants strive for excellence within their own style and unique niche, the real winner is the visitor and the throng of locals who enjoy eating out.
  We regret that we could not accommodate online voting in 2004. Last year, we noted more quantity, but not necessarily more quality, in the votes that were submitted via the website.
  Thanks and a tip of the hat to the hundreds of voters who took the time and made the effort to help once again in proving that the Best of Kaweah Country is a solid favorite with the TKC readership.
  And now, the drum rolls please… Let’s have fun all over again and celebrate the winners in 2004’s Best of Kaweah Country.

                                     DINING

FAVORITE RESTAURANT
This race was a dead heat with the Main Fork Bistro edging out Gateway by only five votes.
  Cider Mill garnered an honorable mention.

ROMANTIC DINING
How does anyplace compete with elegant service in the epitome of Three Rivers ambiance? According to TKC readers, it’s Gateway for romantic and memorable dining. There’s something magical at the riverside where the Kaweah’s East Fork meets the Middle Fork.

OUTDOOR DINING
Although 11 different restaurants received votes in this category, signaling a positive trend in Three Rivers, again Gateway scored a win with its unmatched locale and scenery. The Bistro finished second with its inviting new patio.
  But all the restaurants that provide outdoor seating are appreciated. Visitors and residents alike come to Three Rivers to enjoy the great outdoors. They want to have their cake and eat it outside, too!

BUDGET EATS
It’s long established, but under new ownership: the Red Barn in Lemon Cove scored an impressive win in this new category. That tri-tip burrito is a real heavyweight and a bargain, too.

The Bistro with its reasonable lunch menu was second, and Woodlake’s Super Taco, where a family of four can eat dinner for about 10 bucks, received honorable mention.

PLACE TO GO
WHEN SOMEONE ELSE PAYS
There is no doubt that when someone else is picking up the tab for eating out, Gateway is the mark of excellence. The lodging packages at Wuksachi Lodge and the Plantation B&B finished second and third, respectively, in this category.

BREAKFAST
We Three, perennial winner among the restaurants, pulled a Lance Armstrong and finished breakfast of champions for the sixth consecutive year.
  And for second and third place, apparently restaurants will be hard-pressed to compete with the fare at the local B&Bs — Plantation and Wicky-Up. In fact, voters faithfully describe Marie Munger’s creations at the Plantation, as “the best ever.”

VEGETARIAN
Among all the quirky things about Three Rivers is that it has a large number of vegetarians. In fact, some parents have admitted moving to Three Rivers so that their children could take advantage of the optional vegetarian menu in the school cafeteria.
  Among local restaurants, Main Fork Bistro scores another win with crowd-pleasing favorites like braised tofu and portabello ravioli. Gateway finished a close second, and honorable mention goes to chef Marie at the Plantation.

MEXICAN FOOD
Mexican food in Three Rivers has become synonymous with Serrano’s, the 2004 winner by a landslide. Don’t forget to ask for the scrumptious whole beans for a healthier alternative.
  Second place goes to the venerable Cider Mill; an honorable mention to Super Taco in Woodlake for authentic, fresh-made, affordable fast food.

PIZZA
Here was a tight race at the start of voting, but Pizza Factory won going away over its closest competitor — River View.
  At least one visitor mentioned that it’s important to have something for the kids to do while mom and dad enjoy their meal. America loves pizza and spends more than a billion dollars annually proving it. In fact, so much cheese is used for pizza that it is partially blamed for the spike in the price of milk to over $4 a gallon.

SANDWICH
Thirteen establishments received votes for their sandwiches, but it was the crew at Anne Lang’s Emporium that does it best… again and again. Main Fork and Gateway scored second and third, respectively.

SALAD
The art of making a salad is simple, yet so complex. Main Fork Bistro edged out Gateway. Both do a great job in providing a healthy alternative for those diners who choose to make salad the main course.

DESSERTS
Here’s yet another category where upstart Main Fork edged out perennial favorite Gateway. The secret to attracting those who are craving a special sweet treat is delectable tiramisu and decadent Haagen Dazs ice cream, a favorite of the vacationing set.
  The backcountry bakers at Bearpaw High Sierra Camp received an honorable mention. They work with basic ingredients to create spectacular desserts, and they’re known throughout the Sierra for their brownies-and-lemonade welcome.

FRESH BREAD
The baked goods, piping hot from the oven, are tough to beat at We Three Bakery. Main Fork and the Gateway finished second and third, respectively.

CHINESE FOOD
Admittedly, the choices are limited, but for the sixth consecutive year, New China of Woodlake is the winner. The bountiful and affordable luncheon buffet keeps diners coming back for more.
  Congrats to Glenn at the Gateway for making excellent Chinese choices available on Wednesday. It’s an exotic change of pace.

BURGER
The contest in this category was once again Kaweah Country’s version of the burger wars. In the tightest of all the races, Main Fork and the Gateway finished in a tie with the River View in second place by mere votes.
  Several readers specifically mentioned the Bistro’s Yaki Burger as their favorite, a mouthwatering steal at $6.75.

STEAK
This race had lots of voters who love a choice cut of beef at its very best. The Gateway and its ferocious Grizzly Bear show no signs of becoming extinct since it won by a landslide.

“You just can’t beat their steak,” commented one voter about the Gateway.

TAKEOUT
What counts in this category is how good the food tastes when you get it home. According to those who don’t feel like cooking, Gateway does it best, followed closely by Main Fork Bistro and Pizza Factory.
  Although it’s been tried, to date it has not yet proven practical to offer home delivery in Three Rivers.

SEAFOOD
Fresh is everything when it comes to this all-important dinner alternative. Main Fork edged out over Gateway by a narrow margin and, interestingly, each eatery employs a different supplier. Thus, the consumer wins big again.

BARBECUE
Plantation B&B visitors, who traditionally get quite involved in this readers’ poll, voted Red Barn the overwhelming favorite. Village Market, who sends mouth-watering barbecue aromas wafting through town each weekend, was a not-too-distant second.

ORIGINAL RECIPE
Who can compete? After all, they’ve published their own cookbook...
  Plantation B&B was the big winner in this category. Chef Marie garnered votes from guests and locals — all big fans of her original gourmet cuisine.

COFFEE
The Cabin, now in its second year, has no peer when it comes to brewing the exotic and flavorful bean. Drop in and see why friends don’t let friends drink Starbucks.

ICE CREAM
When you think of ice cream in Kaweah Country, what comes to mind? If it’s Reimer’s and licking a cone on the deck outside their trademark red and white chalet, then you concur with the overwhelming choice of voters in the TKC readers’ poll.
  Got huckleberry in Three Rivers? You bet, and it’s a local favorite.

AROUND TOWN
BEST-KEPT SECRET
Mineral King received the most votes in this category, followed by the bed-and-breakfast crowd, who think they’re the only ones that know about the Gentry’s Cinnamon Creek Ranch, Plantation’s Gone-With-the-Wind theme, or the historic Wicky-Up and its working citrus ranch.
  Like most secrets in this town, all the above won’t be secrets for too much longer.
  And one voter laid a bombshell on us… “I’m pregnant!” she anonymously wrote. But that, too, won’t be a secret for long.

CUSTOMER SERVICE
In a restaurant, motel, or any business, the ability to smile and be enthusiastic about your customers’ needs can make it or break it. Sequoia Motel caters to every whim of their clientele, which garnered them the win. Plantation came in a close second, with Gateway receiving honorable mention.

INTERIOR DÉCOR
This category garnered votes for 13 different businesses. Gone with the Wind-inspired Plantation B&B was the top vote-getter, followed by the Gateway and Sequoia Motel.
  All three of these exemplary establishments have a homey décor that makes even first-time customers feel right at home.
Newcomer Heart’s Desire Gift Shop received honorable mention for their indoor ambiance.

STOREFRONT
With all the site improvements and works in progress, Naturedome won this category by an impressive margin.
Reimer’s Candy Store finished a close second.

                   SHOPPING

PLACE TO BUY SOUVENIRS
This race was a real dogfight between the eventual winner, Naturedome, and Three Rivers Drug. John Bryant and Steve Bennett, the respective owners, have gone to great lengths to keep local stuff affordable so everyone can take home a souvenir to remember one of the most special places on the planet.

PLACE TO BUY GROCERIES
Once again, Village Market is the local winner, but Sam and Sookie, who work tirelessly to fill an indispensible niche by keeping Three Rivers Market open till 10 p.m., came in second. Trader Joe’s, although 75 miles away in Fresno, came in third for their affordable, healthy food selection.

PLACE TO BUY
NATURAL FOODS
Products may come and go in local stores, but Flora Bella Farm remains committed to supplying the best in organic produce. Owner Bettina Birch even recently set up a weekend stand on Sierra Drive, making seasonal organic fruits and veggies even more accessible.
Watson’s Health Foods in Visalia received an honorable mention.

PLACE TO BUY
FRESH FOODS
Fresh and natural are similar, but there is a distinction. Are products on shelves rotated and perishables consistent?
  Village Market received the majority of the votes. Two area fruit stands, Flora Bella and Laro’s, received the rest of the best.

PLACE TO BUY
FISHING TACKLE
The tackle sections of the local markets are a far cry from WalMart, and thank goodness for that. All you’ll need to catch that trophy trout or bass is available right here locally.
  Kaweah General Store finished first in this category, but area anglers are also thankful for McCoy’s Mini-Mart in Lemon Cove and the Totem Market, near the Sequoia Park entrance.

BARGAIN BUY
Who could challenge the Thingerie, a fixture in Three Rivers for 30 years? The chances of finding something useful at a fraction of what it’s worth are very likely — and the icing on the cake is that all proceeds go to the Three Rivers Woman’s Club.
  Naturedome was voted best of the retailers.

PLACE TO BUY LOCAL ART
For several years running, since they arrived from the Central Coast, Marcos and Candy Guzman’s Whitewater Contemporary Art and Crafts has furnished the gallery space to show and sell local art. Through thick and thin, they say, in Three Rivers they are here to stay.
  Naturedome finished a not-too-distant second in this category.

PLACE TO BUY
OUTDOOR / CAMPING GEAR
Nothing is more mind-boggling than why, in this town, one of the great outdoor destinations, there is not a single camping/hiking store. With the right mix of new and rental gear, an outdoors store would be a goldmine, especially if the sign on the road read “Tourist Information” and/or “Clean Restrooms.”
  For the bare essentials, TKC readers voted for Kaweah General Store first, followed by the outdoor section at Lodgepole Market, where you can find what you need for a spontaneous day hike and more.

PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY
Naturedome won out in a close race over the Whitewater gallery. Teens said they especially love the hip, affordable products at the ‘Dome.
  Several voters agreed in their comments that the work of Tina St. John, local artist, is the best craftsmanship available for the price and is a good fit with the Three Rivers lifestyle.

PLACE TO BUY GIFTS
The shopping section of the 2004 poll is starting to sound like a broken record. Naturedome was again the people’s choice for gifts.
  John Bryant, after more than a decade, really knows the local scene and says currently his best selling line is clothing. Watch for some expansion in this area.

PLACE TO BUY ANTIQUES
This category wasn’t even a contest. Rosemary’s Remembrances received all but a handful of votes. She’s a really hardworking mom and has been very accommodating to local consigners.
  The store, she says, has always been a dream and is a great place to keep and display all her treasured antiques.

PLACE TO BUY T-SHIRTS
Three Rivers Drug scored a big win in this category with Naturedome finishing second. Have you seen the latest Three Rivers T-shirts — long-sleeve, short-sleeve, tanks, kids’, women’s crew? You don’t have to be a tourist to love these.

PLACE TO BUY BOOKS
Bette Bardeen is the bookworm of The Cabin’s dynamic-duo ownership. Books and coffee — what a concept. Congrats to the one-year-old coffee house and bookstore for a big win in this category. Thingerie was also honorably mentioned.

PLACE TO RENT MOVIES
Chump’s, this year’s winner that opened its custom doors and renovated building less than a year ago, has been a breath of fresh air. The owner’s commitment to investing in a Three Rivers business and making it successful within its first year has been very impressive.
  Voters like the huge selection that is growing by leaps and bounds each week. A loyal following at Silver Spur helped this store with its movie section to finish second.

PLACE TO BUY
FLOWERS AND PLANTS
This was a two-horse race where both mounts ran well on different courses. Anne Lang’s was most often mentioned for flowers; ditto for Sierra Garden Center when it came to plants.

              RECREATION

HIKING TRAIL
More than a dozen places to hike or specific trails were mentioned by voters in this category. It was unanimous; the best place to hike in these parts is just about anywhere in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
  Mineral King and its myriad trails were the favorite place among locals; visitors most often mentioned the trails in and around the Giant Forest.

BIKE RIDE
When it comes to biking, Three Rivers has some amazing possibilities. What it does not have is a local trail map so visitors can come to Kaweah Country specifically for the biking.
  Among local off-road favorites is the BLM-Salt Creek area. Mineral King also received plenty of votes, especially riding down the Mineral King Road.
  For the less extreme rider, Kaweah River Drive is an excellent workout with little traffic.

GOLF COURSE
Three Rivers Golf Course, as was expected, garnered nearly every vote in this category. Most local linksters seem to have forgiven the ownership for closing the restaurant, which once was a picturesque eatery and relaxing watering hole.
  The disc-golf course at the Bearpaw High Sierra Camp received honorable mention for its high-altitude challenges.

TEEN HANGOUT
Attracting teens to hang out somewhere other than the river is near impossible. Slicky received the most votes, but now even the sanctity of that swimming hole is once again threatened by too many flatlanders.

“Slicky is a little like a skate park where you get really wet,” said one local teen.
  Another voter said they would like to see local churches organize more activities for youth.

PICNIC SPOT
One of the beauties of Kaweah Country is that you are never very far from a good picnic spot. Voters mentioned dozens in this category with the Giant Forest receiving the most votes among all the favorites in the national parks. The best local spot; anywhere on the South Fork.
  The Potholes (Squirrel Creek proper), near Lake Canyon on the Mineral King Road, received honorable mention.

CAMPGROUND
More than a dozen campgrounds received votes in this category. The biggest vote-getter of all the area’s places to camp is once again Cold Springs in Mineral King. This campground is very limited on amenities, but has all the qualities of what’s best about car camping.
  The best local place to camp in lower elevation: Kaweah Park Resort. Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon received honorable mention.

RIVER ACCESS
Again, Slicky was the favorite among voters, but Slick Rock Recreation Area also received plenty of mentions, especially enjoyed during the off-season.
  Lake Kaweah rangers report that by summer 2005, new facilities above the present parking lot at Slick Rock should be a nice attraction for even more swimmers seeking river access. Hopefully, the new Slick Rock will be able to take some pressure off Slicky.
  The “Toilet Bowl” near Potwisha Campground received honorable mention for its flush hole.

PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS
Voters responded with more than a dozen favorite places. Generally speaking, Sequoia National Park and Mineral King garnered the most votes. Cinnamon Creek B&B received several mentions because they cater to families with kids — ranch setting, river access, farm animals, and more.
  One voter said that Three Rivers could really use a new playground/park where parents could feel secure to just let the little ones run.

LODGING
HOTEL/MOTEL
For the second consecutive year, Sequoia Motel was the top vote-getter in this all-important category. Comments like the following one were typical of what TKC received from satisfied Sequoia Motel guests:

“Thank you ever so much. We had a blast. What a great place — we felt so welcome. We’ll be back.” (Lynde and Larry Farmer.)
  Eleven different properties received a significant number of votes. The best of the rest were Gateway Lodge and Holiday Inn Express.

BED AND BREAKFAST
Year after year, nobody does it better than barefoot hosts Scott and Marie Munger. Guests rave about their visit and the wonderful hospitality of the Plantation B&B in Lemon Cove.
  And also going the extra mile for their guests, but on a smaller scale, are the Pizuras — Monica and Jack — at the Wicky-Up B&B on the outskirts of Woodlake. The Wicky-Up is the perennial runner-up in this category, followed by the Gentry’s Cinnamon Creek B&B up South Fork.

FAMILY LODGING
When it comes to catering to families with kids, it’s not even a contest. Cinnamon Creek B&B on the South Fork does it best by providing a safe and comfortable environment where a kid can really be a country kid.
  The Gateway Lodge and Wicky-Up finished second and third, respectively. The owners of these tourist attractions work diligently to help their guests find just the right activities for the kids, because then the adults get to enjoy a well-deserved vacation.

LUXURY SUITE
It’s the Scarlett O’Hara suite at the Plantation B&B by another landslide. In the six years of the TKC poll, no other property has even come close.
  An honorable mention goes to Cinnamon Creek B&B.

RUSTIC CABIN
Cinnamon Creek B&B and their growing legion of fans made certain that the South Fork property scored a repeat win. Silver City Resort in Mineral King and Lake Elowin of Three Rivers finished second and third, respectfully.

SWIMMING POOL/HOT TUB
When you cater to guests where the busy season includes days with triple-digit temperatures, a refreshing swimming pool is essential.
  Plantation B&B again won best swimming pool and hot tub with guests mentioning that they appreciate that the facilities are open 24 hours.
  Cinnamon Creek and Holiday Inn Express finished second and third respectively.

            SOCIAL SCENE

PLACE TO MEET PEOPLE
With all that’s happening on the local music scene to a casual neighborhood watering hole, the River View Restaurant and Lounge is Kaweah Country’s best place to meet people.
  For the traveler, the Plantation B&B attracts the most interesting bunch of folks you might want to meet while on vacation.

PLACE TO GO ON A DATE
Voters say it’s gotta be riverside romance at the Gateway. It was a toss up among the rest as River View and Wuksachi finished second and third best.

PLACE TO GET MARRIED
Voters were divided on how they interpreted this category. The majority were thinking setting and said they would want to tie the knot in Mineral King.
  Best among the full-service matrimonial masters are the White Horse Inn and the Gateway, who equally split the remaining votes.

ANNUAL EVENT
This race was one of the closest calls in all the voting. The no-longer-only-traditional Jazzaffair edged out the rejuvenated Redbud Festival.
  The Lions Roping rode away with third place. And the biannual Artists’ Studio Tour, which features dozens of Three Rivers artists in their home studios, received an honorable mention.

ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The River View, with its commitment to an ever-changing menu of live music, won this category, and it wasn’t even a contest. The Cabin with its Friday night Poetry and Music series and the Gateway finished second and third, respectively.

PLACE TO DANCE
Nobody does it better than the River View. Jazzaffair finished a distant second. And the annual Girl Scouts Father-Daughter Dance received a mention.

LOCAL BAND
Yes, it’s true. There are two well-known local bands in Three Rivers. One is Still Water and, for the past two years, their boisterous followers have submitted enough votes in this category to edge out the other guys — the High Sierra Jazz Band.
  There are no hard feelings among these second-place finishers, who were recently voted among the top three jazz bands of all time in another poll .
  Incidentally, Still Water, who played Jazzaffair in 2003, proved that they deserve a return engagement. Their recently-released CD, Dive Into It, is worth a listen and may be heard all around Kaweah Country wherever car and truck windows are rolled down.
  Faena Brava, a family affair, received honorable mention.

HAPPY HOUR
A good happy hour is synonymous with building a regular clientele. TKC voters say the Gateway does it best, especially because Glenn will celebrate just about anything, from birthdays to laundry day. The River View Lounge finished second and, between the two, received almost all the votes.

OPEN MIKE
We had to ask, but there’s really just one open-mike night around here. The sessions on Monday nights have filled the house for the River View, winners in this category.
  The Cabin and the Gateway each received votes because they offer similar formats at varying intervals that give everyone a chance to be a star.

BEER ON TAP
Nobody does it better than the Dyer boys, formerly of Three Rivers, but they’re making and serving their brew at Brewbakers in Visalia. The River View was voted the next best place to sip the foam.

WINE LIST
For the best wine list at a restaurant, the top vote-getter was the Gateway, followed very closely by the Main Fork Bistro.
  Voters expressed plenty of support for the Bullene Vineyards tasting room and also the great local selection at Silver Spur.

           OUT AND ABOUT

PROFESSIONAL GUIDE
Kaweah Country is most fortunate to have Paul Bischoff of Sequoia Sightseeing Tours to show them around. Paul has won this category for two years running, both times just edging out Frank Root, the hometown whitewater-rafting legend.
   Monica Pizura, hostess with the mostest information at Wicky-Up finished third for always pointing her guests in the right direction.

SCENIC DRIVE
Boosted by the visitor votes, the Generals Highway through the local national parks won an impressive victory in this category.   

Locals voted Sierra Drive and the Mineral King Road to second and third places, respectively.

DOG-WALKING SPOT
Kaweah Country is known as dog heaven — ask any of our four-footed best friends. The best places to walk a dog: Mineral King (on-leash only in this national park locale), along the Kaweah River, and in Cherokee Oaks.

MUSEUM
In the recent past, two quality museums have opened their doors to an appreciative public. The story of the Big Trees is presented at the Giant Forest Museum, this year’s top vote-getter for best museum.
  The Three Rivers Historical Museum, with emphasis on Kaweah Country’s people and places of days gone by, finished in second place.

PLACE TO TAKE AN
OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST
This one was an obvious choice: Sequoia National Park, the main reason why most folks come to these parts in the first place. Locals also expressed a preference to take their guest to see Mineral King.
   The happening place that locals want their visitors to be certain to experience is the Gateway. The riverside setting is difficult to beat.

NATIONAL PARK ATTRACTION
Moro Rock, General Sherman, and the Giant Forest are what TKC voters say are the most popular attractions.
  Evidently, the attraction is “big,” whether it’s the expansive view of the Great Western Divide or the biggest trees on the planet.

HISTORICAL ATTRACTION
Recently, more folks than ever are discovering the fascinating history of Kaweah Country. Visitors to the Wicky-Up raved so much about the enthralling history of that property and its old house that it easily won this prestigious category.
  The General Sherman Tree, (can’t get more ancient than that) was tops with visitor voters and finished second. The Mineral King cabins received the nod for third place.

PLACE TO BE AT
SUNSET/MOONRISE
When it comes to Kaweah Country, the expression “so many places, so little time” would certainly be appropriate.
  Moro Rock, especially at sundown was clearly the winner. Second place was a virtual lock for TKC’S innovative Kaweah Kam. which is conveniently located on this website. The cyber-set especially likes the always-on image at sunrise, and capturing an alpenglow on Moro Rock or Alta Peak is always a thrill, whether in Cherokee Oaks or overseas.