2023 Henderson Family Favorites

We are excited to announce the winners of our 4th Annual Henderson Family Favorites contest, where you, our loyal and trustworthy readers, have the opportunity to make your voices heard. Hundreds of you cast your votes for your favorite local spots — from pediatrician to preschools, and sweet treats to boutiques. Take a look at all of the 2023 Family Favorites and see if your choices made the cut.

 

Favorite Breakfast

Platinum Winner – Eastgate Family Restaurant

Eastgate Family Restaurant has been serving the community of Henderson for over 35 years. Known for all day breakfast, southern cooking, and homemade desserts, Eastgate Family loves being a place where friends and family gather around the table.

Gold Winner – Brown Bag Burgers

 

Favorite Food Truck 

Platinum Winner – Trappin Chick’n 

You can find Trappin Chick’n parked in different locations throughout Henderson. They offer wings, sliders, quesadillas loaded red potatoes, fries, nachos and more. Check out their Facebook page to find there they are headed to serve the community next.

Gold Winner – Mini Chimmi (Tacoholics)

 

Favorite Restaurant 

Platinum Winner – Tacoholics

Tacoholics is known for their affordable prices, friendly service and unforgettable flavors. Not only do they offer traditional Mexican dishes, but they also offer catering services, live music, and a taco truck to spice up any public or private event.

Gold Winner – Hometown Roots 

 

Favorite Sandwich Shop 

Platinum Winner – Sidewalk Café

Sidewalk Cafe is a family-owned business serving the Henderson community. Offering a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, sides and desserts, you will enjoy this family-friendly restaurant making you feel right at home. 

Gold Winner – Homer’s Barbecue

 

Favorite Burger Joint

Platinum Winner – Metzger’s Tavern

Metzger’s is more than a local neighborhood bar. Known for their delicious burgers, bean soup, house-made chili and old-fashioned dipped dogs, you’ll never leave the tavern hungry.

Gold Winner – Mr. D’s

 

Favorite BBQ Restaurant

Platinum Winner – Homer’s barbecue

Homer’s Barbeque is a local barbeque joint located in downtown Henderson offering smoked meats, craft sides and more.

Gold Winner – Thomason’s barbecue

 

Favorite Sweet Treat

Platinum Winner – Coffee + cream

Located in the Eastgate Shopping Center, Coffee + Cream is a coffee and hard ice cream shop. Offering over 16 hard scoop ice cream choices, 20 toppings and over 25 flavored creamers and syrups, customers are sure to find the perfect treat to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Gold Winner – The Dairette

 

Favorite Sweet Treat

Platinum winner – Coffee + cream

Located in the Eastgate Shopping Center, Coffee + Cream is a coffee and hard ice cream shop. Offering over 16 hard scoop ice cream choices, 20 toppings and over 25 flavored creamers and syrups, customers are sure to find the perfect treat to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Gold Winner – The Dairette

 

Favorite Coffee Shop

Platinum Winner – Roast coffee bar 

Roast Coffee Bar is the perfect place to grab your morning brew, offering a variety of delicious coffee and latte flavors. Not a coffee drinker? Grab a refreshing iced tea instead and satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh made muffins, scones, or parfaits to go along with your favorite Roast beverage.

Gold Winner – Antler Specialty Goods

 

Favorite Coffee Shop

Platinum Winner – Roast coffee bar 

Roast Coffee Bar is the perfect place to grab your morning brew, offering a variety of delicious coffee and latte flavors. Not a coffee drinker? Grab a refreshing iced tea instead and satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh made muffins, scones, or parfaits to go along with your favorite Roast beverage.

Gold Winner – Antler Specialty Goods

 

Favorite Donut Shop

Platinum Winner – Donut Bank

Donut Bank is a local, family run bakery business serving the community and Tri-State area since 1967. They offer donuts, pastries, cookies, coffee drinks and more.

Gold Winner – Golden glaze bakery

Favorite Mexican Restaurant 

Platinum Winner – Tacoholics

Tacoholics offers traditional Mexican dishes. Made with fresh ingredients and full of flavor, you can find your favorite dishes all week long. Local customers love the fajitas, chimichangas and Mexican street tacos.

Gold Winner – Agaves Mexican Grill

 

Favorite Kid-Friendly Restaurant 

Platinum Winner – Tacoholics

Tacoholics offers the perfect kid-friendly atmosphere for those fun, family outings, and kids eat free on Saturday.

Gold Winner – Rockhouse on the River

 

Favorite Pizza Place

Platinum Winner – Rockhouse on the River

Rockhouse opened in 1996 in Robards, KY as a small, carryout and drive-thru only business. Best known for their strombolis and delicious pizza, Rockhouse soon expanded to wings, salads, and sandwiches. They have been at their riverfront location since 2018, offering a family-friendly atmosphere, great service and exceptional food.

Gold Winner – Mister B’s Pizza & Wings

Favorite Medical Practice

Platinum Winner – Owensboro Health 

Owensboro Health’s mission is to “heal the sick and to improve the health of the communities we serve.” They have three hospitals and more than 20 locations across an 18-county area.

Gold Winner – Deaconess Clinic

 

Favorite OBGYN

Platinum Winner – Dr. John Rashidian

Dr. Rashidian is affiliated with Deaconess Henderson Hospital and has more than 48 years of experience specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. His primary practice is located at 1023 North Elm, and he is currently accepting new patients.

Gold Winner – Dr. Sarah O’Nan

 

Favorite Pediatrician

Platinum Winner – Dr. Rachel Farmer

Dr. Farmer is a pediatrician with Deaconess Clinic Henderson Pediatrics. She is board certified in the American Board of Pediatrics, and her goal is to “equip families and caregivers to provide the best care for their child.” 

Gold Winner – Dr. Jennifer Liles

 

Favorite Primary Care Physician

Platinum Winner – Dr. Charles Futrell

Dr. Charles Futrell is part of Deaconess Clinic – Klutey Park and board certified with the American Osteopathic Association.

Gold Winner – Dr. Scott Watkins

 

Favorite Pharmacy

Platinum Winner – Butler’s Apothecary

Butler’s Apothecary is a hometown family-owned pharmacy located in downtown Henderson. They offer low prices on prescriptions, compounding, free pill packaging, free delivery, curbside service, immunizations, strep/flu/covid testing and a 24/7 pharmacist on call.

Gold Winner – Dunaway’s Imperial Pharmacy

 

Favorite Chiropractic Office

Baker Family Chiropractic

Baker Family Chiropractic is focused on holistic, natural healing. Some of their services include sports related and work injuries, pediatrics, pregnancy care and women’s health issues, in addition to, school physicals, performance training, and more.

Gold Winner – Nunez Chiropractic

 

Favorite Retirement/Assisted Living Facility

Platinum Winner – Homeplace of Henderson

Homeplace of Henderson is a senior care facility offering trained staff, state of the art technology, a home-life atmosphere and more. Their residents have a range of socialization and activity opportunities, while also offering both personal and memory care services.

Gold Winner – Colonial Assisted Living & Independent Living

 

Favorite Optometry Office

Platinum Winner – Family Eye Care of Henderson

Family Eye Care of Henderson has been providing care to patients for 35 years. Their mission is to provide a family atmosphere while helping their patients obtain the best eye care.

Gold Winner – Hometown Vision

 

Favorite Dental Office

Platinum Winner – Audubon Dental

Audubon Dental offers a variety of services to the Henderson community including crowns, dentures, bridges, relines and more. They are committed to providing you with all your dental needs. 

Gold Winner – Starlite Smiles

 

Favorite Accounting Firm

Platinum Winner – Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC

ATA is a full-service accounting firm. Their professionals provide a wide array of accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting services for their clients ranging from small family-owned businesses to publicly traded companies, and international corporations.

Gold Winner – Kemper CPA Group LLP

 

Favorite Mortgage Company

Platinum Winner – Liberty Federal Credit Union

Liberty Federal Credit Union, formerly Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union, offers purchase, build or refinance program options. You may call today for your free consultation. 

Gold Winner – Field and Main

 

Favorite Credit Union

Platinum Winner – Liberty Federal Credit Union

Liberty Federal Credit Union, formerly Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union, serves community members from all walks of life, and they are ready to help you with all of your credit union needs.  

Gold Winner – Heritage Federal Credit Union

 

Favorite Bank

Platinum Winner – Field and Main

Headquartered in Henderson, Field and Main Bank is a Kentucky-chartered community bank with Modern Craft Banking being their brand promise by offering a more personalized banking experience. From checking and mortgage to loans and business services, they are ready to assist you with all of your banking needs. 

Gold Winner – Independence Bank

 

Favorite Financial Advisory Group

Platinum Winner – GuideWise Financial Group

GuideWise Financial Group is a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. They are committed to helping you prepare for your life, whether its expected or unexpected. Some areas of focus include charitable giving, estate, retirement and intergenerational planning, social security retirement benefits, investment management, family finances and more.

Gold Winner – Edward Jones

 

Favorite Real Estate Agent

Platinum Winner – Melinda Luntsford

Melinda Luntsford is an agent with ERA First Advantage Reality and has earned many local and national awards. Providing exceptional customer service, she is always just a call away from buying or selling your home or business.

Gold Winner – Tara Dixon

 

Favorite Real Estate Company

Platinum Winner – ERA First Advantage Realty 

ERA First Advantage Realty provides quality customer service, making every real estate transaction as easy as can be. 

Gold Winner – FC Tucker/Collier

 

Favorite Law Firm

Platinum Winner – King, Deep and Branaman

King, Deep and Branaman have been serving the Henderson community since 1927. With seven attorneys and eight support staff, King, Deep and Branaman is able to provide legal representation across a wide variety of practice areas and is committed to betterment of the Henderson community and to providing professional and quality legal services to their friends and neighbors. 

Gold Winner – Curt Hamilton Injury Law

 

Favorite Funeral Home

Platinum Winner – Tomblinson Funeral Homes

Tomblinson Funeral Homes offers a variety of funeral and cremation services to meet your family’s needs. Their directors will assist you and your family through every step from choosing the type of service and monument to offering life tribute videos in memory of your loved one. 

Gold Winner – Benton-Glunt & Tapp Funeral Home

 

Favorite Insurance Agent 

Platinum Winner – Anne Thrasher Boyd

Anne Boyd has been a State Farm agent in Henderson since 2001. She has consistently ranked in the top 3% in the country out of 19,000+ State Farm agents. Her team members have a total of 65 combined years of experience in the insurance industry. Anne has a philosophy of, “Always do what’s best for the customer,” which has been the core value in building her team and growing her agency.

Gold Winner – James Runion

 

Favorite Insurance Agency

 Platinum Winner – Kentucky Farm Bureau

Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company has been serving its members of Kentucky Farm Bureau since 1943 and is now the #1 property and casualty insurance provider in the state. Offering two offices in Henderson County, it makes it easy for members of this community to access all the membership benefits. 

Gold Winner – State Farm

 

Favorite Car Wash/Detailer

Platinum Winner – Green Street Car Wash

Green Street Car Wash provides professional car detailing services to give your vehicle the shine it deserves. Their experts not only scrub and wash down the outside but give the interior a spotless, clean finish, too.

Gold Winner – Clay G’s Detailing

 

Favorite Automotive Repair

Platinum Winner – Hargis Collision

Hargis Collision is an automotive body and repair shop offering great customer service and quality, detailed work.

Gold Winner – Classic Automotive

 

Favorite Auto Dealership

Platinum Winner – Henderson Chevrolet Buick GMC

Henderson Chevrolet Buick GMC has been serving the Henderson community for over 20 years. From purchasing a new vehicle to offering maintenance service,  their dealership professionals will provide you with quality customer service every step of the way. 

Gold Winner – Audubon Chrysler

 

Favorite Boutique

Platinum Winner – Elite Downtown

Elite Downtown is located in the heart of downtown Henderson. A unique boutique – they offer boutique clothing, printed t-shirts, jewelry and hair accessories, gift items and more.

Gold Winner – Beachbum Farms Designs and Company

 

Favorite Kids Clothing Store

Platinum Winner – Falcon Creek Boutique

Falcon Creek Boutique offers fashionable infant and children’s clothing, gifts, embroidery services and more.

Gold Winner – Elite Downtown

 

Favorite Gift Shop

Platinum Winner – Beachbum Farms Designs and Company

Beachbum is a family-owned business located in downtown Henderson. They offer a wide variety of home decor, baby and wedding gifts, floral arrangements and more. 

Gold Winner – Sweet Pea’s Gift Shop

 

Favorite Florist

Platinum Winner – J’Petals Floral & Gifts

J’Petals has been serving the Henderson community for over 14 years. From florals and gift registries to wedding and interior design services, they are ready to serve you. 

Gold Winner – Shaw’s Flowers Inc.

 

Favorite Place for Rainy Day Fun

Platinum Winner – Henderson County Public Library

The Henderson County Public Library offers a variety of services and programs for all ages. Community members can spend time reading their favorite books, participating in classes (children, teens and adults) and more. From reading and crafting to gaming and genealogy, the fun never ends!

Gold Winner – Echo Lanes Henderson

 

Favorite Park

Platinum Winner – John James Audubon State Park

For over 75 years, John James Audubon State Park has been serving the Henderson community. Open year-round, this park is a hidden treasure that is a favorite for children’s programming, local art exhibits, weddings, family reunions, school field trips, and more.

Gold Winner – Central Park

 

Favorite Place to Take a Family Hike

Platinum Winner – John James Audubon State Park

For over 75 years, John James Audubon State Park has been serving the Henderson community. Visitors can experience the beauty of the outdoors on their own hiking adventure, or they may hit the trails on a hiking event hosted by Audubon Park.

Gold Winner – Sandy Lee Watkins Park

 

Favorite Date Night Spot

Platinum Winner – Hometown Roots

Hometown Roots is locally-owned and located downtown Henderson offering delicious, southern comfort food. With weekly specials, a welcoming atmosphere and friendly customer service, you’ll be ready to plan your next visit before walking out the door. 

Gold Winner – Farmer and Frenchman

 

Favorite Place to Work

Platinum Winner – Henderson County Public Schools

The mission of the Henderson County Schools is to provide extraordinary educational opportunities for every student. The vision of Henderson County Schools is to excel as a national innovative leader in education. 

Gold Winner – Deaconess

 

Favorite Home Builder

Platinum Winner – Joe Mattingly Builders, Inc.

Joe Mattingly Builders, Inc specializes in custom homes, home remodeling, home building, and various subdivision developments.

Gold Winner – David Shelton Homes

 

Favorite Heating & Air Company

Platinum Winner – Woodard Cooling & Heating

Woodard Cooling and Heating is family-owned and operated with over 40 years of experience and knowledge. They specialize in both residential and commercial HVAC and commercial refrigeration, custom duct and metal fabrication. 

Gold Winner – Hager and Son Heating & Cooling

 

Favorite Hair Salon

Platinum Winner – Salon Calidora

Salon Calidora is here to meet all your beauty needs. Located in downtown Henderson, Salon Calidora’s stylists not only cater to cuts and color, but they offer services such as special hair treatments, microblading and more. New clients are always welcome, so make your appointment today.

Gold Winner – Beauty Box Salon

 

Favorite Dog Groomer

Platinum Winner – Happy Hounds Pet Salon LLC Plus Boarding

Happy Hounds consists of 4 groomers with 41 years combined experience – making them one of the most experienced grooming shops in Henderson. 

Gold Winner – Sleek & Savvy, LLC

 

Favorite Barber Shop

Platinum Winner – Lee’s Barber Shop

Lee’s Barber Shop is located in an old house from the 1930s that was renovated back to its original look. Specializing in men’s haircuts and shaves, men can come to a place where they can relax, sit in old school barber chairs and leave with a fresh, new look.

Gold Winner – K.T.’s Barbershop

 

Favorite Photographer

Platinum Winner – B + B Photography 

Brooke Hallmark and Brylee Cannon are two best friends just chasing their dream and telling your story with their cameras. 

Gold Winner – HJRR Photography

 

Favorite Dance Studio 

Platinum Winner – The Dance Factory 

The Dance Factory opened in 1992. The studio offers dance instruction in a Christian environment for all ages from toddlers to adults. Classes include ballett, jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip-hop along with several preschool class options. 

Gold Winner – Fierce Dance Studio

 

Favorite Sports League

Platinum Winner – Henderson PCMA 

The Henderson PCMA (Players, Coaches and Managers Association) is a non-profit, recreational baseball league for youth between the ages of 5-10. 

Gold Winner – Henderson Girls Softball Association

 

Favorite Running Race

 Platinum Winner – Tri-Fest 5K

The Tri-Fest 5K is in conjunction with the Henderson Breakfast Lion’s annual Tri-Fest fundraiser for local nonprofits.

Gold Winner – Turkey Trot

 

Favorite Golf Course

 Platinum Winner – The Bridges Golf Course of Henderson

The Bridges Golf Course of Henderson offers a variety of leagues for all ages including men, women, kids and couples. The course is open to the public and golf lessons are offered with Bill Rendall, who is a Quarter Century PGA Member and golf professional.

Gold Winner – Henderson Country Club

 

Favorite Preschool

Platinum Winner – Thelma B. Johnson Early Learning Center

Thelma B. is providing a high-quality education through exploration and learning in a nurturing environment. Every child. Every effort. Every day. 

Gold Winner – Busy Bees Educare

 

Favorite Annual Event

Platinum Winner – Tri-Fest

The Henderson Breakfast Lion’s Tri-Fest is an annual fundraiser for local non-profits. All money raised by the Lions goes back to the community. This event offers a variety of vendors, music, food and carnival rides for the entire family to enjoy.

Gold Winner – The W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival

 

Favorite Gym/Fitness Center

Platinum Winner – The YMCA

The YMCA has been serving Henderson County youth, adults and families since 1894 through programs, services and facilities that help build Christian spirit, mind and body for all. 

Gold Winner – Planet Fitness

 

Favorite Charity Event

Platinum Winner – Runway Red — Matthew 25

Runway Red is a Matthew 25 signature fundraising event highlighting 10 locally owned boutiques in a fashion showcase. There are 30 community members who model the spring/summer items, and guests have the opportunity to shop vendors, participate in a silent auction and enjoy cocktails and appetizers before the show begins.

Gold Winner – Night for Life – Marsha’s Place Pregnancy Resource Center