Best Garden: Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden in Key West (Monroe County) is a tiny jewel containing a miniature rainforest. Amidst the wooded acre of land is a collection of palms. orchids, bromeliads, cycada, ferns and bananas. Honorable mentions: Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden (Key West), McKee Botanical Garden (Vero Beach)

Best Beach: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West (Monroe County) was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973. Enjoy a sunset along the beach, or rent snorkels and floats. Explore the historic fort for a glimpse into U.S. military history. Honorable mentions: Sebastian Inlet State Park (Melbourne Beach), Bahia Honda State Park (Big Pine Key)

Best Resort Hotel: Capt Hiram’s Resort is a beautiful place to stay while visiting Sebastian (Indian River County). It offers a riverfront restaurant, Bahamian-style SandBar, boutique gift shop and a marina, with water taxi for transportation. All week long, enjoy live entertainment during the Capt Hiram’s Concert Series. Honorable mentions: Casa Marina Resort (Key West), One Ocean Hotel Resort and Spa (Atlantic Beach)

Best Golf Course: Key West Golf Club in Key West (Monroe County) is the southernmost golf course in the United States. Recently renovated, it offers 18 holes over 200 acres. Most notable is its Mangrove Hole, a 143- yard, par 3 challenge over a field of mangroves. Honorable mentions: Doral Golf Resort & Spa (Miami), Remington Golf Club (Kissimmee)

Best Golf Resort: Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami (Miami-Date County) offers a range of stunning courses, including the TPC Blue Monster, Great White, Jim McLean Signature, Gold and Red courses. Honorable mentions: Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa (Ponte Vedra Beach), Bay Hill Club & Lodge (Orlando)

Best Spa: Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa in Key West (Monroe County) is Key West’s only full-service spa. It offers a range of treatments that ease stress, relax sore muscles, and replenish minds and bodies. Honorable mentions: One Ocean Resort & Spa (Atlantic Beach), Prana Spa (Key West)

Best Main Street: Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue (Palm Beach County) offers a row of shops, restaurants and galleries. Enjoy Art & Jazz on the avenue on Thursdays, or celebrate one of the many festivals, such as the Delray Beach Film Festival or Latin American Vino Fest. Honorable mentions: Key West’s Duval Street, Dunedin

Best Bed & Breakfast: Grady House Historic Bed & Breakfast in High Springs (Alachua County) is run by Paul and Lucie Regensdorf and their four rescued dalmatians. The historic building’s offerings include delicious meals, gorgeous gardens and a relaxed atmosphere. Honorable mentions: The Marquesa Hotel (Key West), The Gardens Hotel (Key West)

Best Comedy Venue: McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre and Humor Institute in Sarasota (Sarasota County) is a 4,000-sq.-ft. showroom that hosts stand-up and improvisational performances. Honorable mentions: Riverside Theatre (Vero Beach), Visani Theater (Port Charlotte)

Friendliest Small Town: Key West (Monroe County), at the southernmost tip of Florida, has an incredible history of shipwrecks and sunken treasures. Mallory Square hosts one of the best sunsets in the state, and Duval Street features a number of celebrations throughout the year. Honorable mentions: Sebastian, Vero Beach

Best Place to Bring Fido: Dog Beach in Key West (Monroe County) is the only beach in the Florida Keys where dogs are allowed to play. Honorable mentions: St. George Island, Schooner Wharf Bar (Key West)

Best Mini Golf: Smuggler’s Cove miniature golf brings guests an exciting adventure via 18 action-packed holes. Play over, in and around rushing waters, mysterious caves, waterfalls, mountains and more in Tampa (Hillsborough County), Clearwater (Pinellas), Fort Myers (Lee), Sarasota (Sarasota) and Bradenton (Manatee). Honorable mentions: Boondocks Grille & Drafthouse & Miniature Golf (Ramrod Key), Pirate’s Cove (Lake Buena Vista, Orlando)

Best Renovated Building: Museum of Art & History at the Custom House in Key West (Monroe County) showcases a number of vintage items and local artwork, and it has become the cultural center of the island. Honorable mention: Gato Building (Key West)

Best Historic Landmark: Museum of Art & History at the Custom House in Key West (Monroe County). Honorable mentions: St. George Island Lighthouse, Castillo De San Marcos (St. Augustine)

Best Place for Antique Shopping: Mount Dora in Lake County features a variety of gift shops, fashion boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops line the streets. Honorable mentions: Arcadia, High Springs

Best-Looking Lighthouse: Key West Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters is considered a beacon at the corner of America. Built in 1847 to assist ships navigating the reefs, this Monroe County landmark stands 86 feet tall as a symbol of a bygone era. Honorable mentions: St. George Island Lighthouse, St. Augustine Lighthouse

Best Place to Buy a Florida Lottery Ticket: Publix was originally started in Winter Haven in 1930 and is now based in Lakeland (Polk County). Honorable mentions: 7-11, Circle K

Best Place to Spot Celebrities: Miami’s South Beach (Miami-Dade County) is host to beautiful beaches, an array of exquisite shops, and stunning architecture. Celebrities frequently flock there to enjoy the sun and sand. Many reality TV shows are also filmed there. Honorable mentions: Key West, the Costa d’Este Beach Hotel (Vero Beach)

Best Theme park: The Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista (Orange County) is one of the four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort. The park has greeted guests from across the globe since October 1, 1971, and is currently undergoing a major renovation to its hallmark Fantasyland area, slated for completion in 2013. Honorable mentions: Universal Studios (Orlando), Busch Gardens (Tampa)

Best Attraction (non-theme park): Gatorland is considered the alligator capital of the world. Opened in 1949, this 110-acre Orlando (Orange County) theme park allows guests to get up close and personal with the reptiles. Honorable mentions: Kennedy Space Center, Pirate’s Dinner Adventure (Orlando), Theatre of the Sea (Islamorada)

Best Rollercoaster: SheiKra at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Hillsborough County) is a floorless adventurer’s dream, with a 200-foot climb and a 90-degree drop while traveling more than 70 miles per hour. Honorable mentions: Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster (Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Orlando), Manta (SeaWord Adventure Park, Orlando)

Best Natural Attraction: Everglades National Park offers a bit of Old Florida, with its beautiful, rugged landscape and natural habitat. It is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, and it hosts many rare and endangered species. Honorable mentions: Gatorland (Orlando), Ginnie Springs (High Springs)

Best Kid’s Attraction: Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista (Orange County). Honorable mentions: Gatorland (Orlando), SeaWorld Adventure Park (Orlando)

Best Dinner Show/Theater: Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is an interactive swashbuckling family attraction in Orlando (Orange County) and dubbed the “most unique” interactive dinner show. Honorable mentions: Medieval Times (Orlando), Tropic Cinema (Key West)

Best Arts & Crafts Festival: Under the Oaks Fine Arts Show is a prestigious fine arts show hosted by the Vero Beach (Indian River County) Art Club each year. Honorable mentions: Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival (Winter Park), Key West Arts Festival (Key West)

Best Historical Re-enactment: The Battle of Olustee at the Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park (Baker County) commemorates Florida’s largest Civil War battle. The reenactment is held each February; 2011’s festival will feature crafts, food, music, pageants and a parade Feb. 17-18. The reenactment will be held Feb. 18-19. Honorable Mentions: Fort Zachary Taylor Civil War Heritage Days (Key West), Pirates Festival (Key Largo)

Best Rodeo: Davie Pro Rodeo in Davie (Broward County) was formed in May 1986 by the Weekley brothers. As a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association-sanctioned rodeo, it has been a stop on the Pro Rodeo Circuit since its inception. Twice it’s been nominated as the PRCA rodeo of the year. Honorable mentions: Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo (Arcadia), Silver Spurs Rodeo (Kissimmee)

Best Cultural Festival: Fantasy Fest in Key West (Monroe County) was originally conceived to attract people to the island during the off-season. Since then, the 10-day festival has become one of the most celebrated occasions. Nicknamed “Habitat for Insanity,” the festival and its parade take place every October. This year’s event will be held October 22-31. Honorable mentions: Key West Literary Seminar (Key West), Key Largo Stone Crab and Seafood Festival (Key Largo)

Best Aquarium: The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay (Hillsborough County) is one of the best places to view and interact with sharks, alligators, stingrays and penguins. Honorable mentions: SeaWorld (Orlando) and Key West Aquarium (Key West)

Best Museum: Key West’s Museum of Art & History at the Custom House. Honorable mentions: Salvador Dalí Museum (St. Petersburg) and John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (Sarasota)

Best Night Spot: Johnnie Brown’s in Delray Beach (Palm Beach County) is known for its burgers, wings, ribs and classic rock. Named after architect Addison Mizner’s energetic spider monkey, the place allows visitors to let loose, eat a good meal, and enjoy live music. Honorable mentions: Ybor City (Tampa), Universal CityWalk (Orlando)

Best Cinema/Café: Tropic Cinema in Key
West (Monroe County) plays a mixture of Hollywood films, foreign films and independent features. Honorable mentions: Enzian Theater (Maitland), Majestic 11 by Cinemaworld (Vero Beach)

Best Sign/Billboard: Don Bailey Carpets created a stir when, in 1972, Bailey posed for the billboard featuring him, practically nude, on a maroon shag carpet. It was originally a spoof of Burt Reynolds’s famous Cosmopolitan spread and has become iconic in South Florida. The billboard can be found off I-95 in Miami (Miami-Dade County). Honorable mentions: Gatorland Series (Orlando), John Morgan as Santa Claus (Orlando)

Best Performing Arts Center: David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts provides the best in Broadway plays, opera performances, children’s events and more. Upcoming performances at this Tampa Bay (Hillsborough County) venue include Dreamgirls, Fiddler on the Roof, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Honorable mention: The Broward Center for the Performing Arts (Fort Lauderdale)

Best Professional Theater: Waterfront Playhouse at Mallory Square in Key West (Monroe County) is a not-for-profit professional theater, with plays presented by Key West Players, Inc. This year is the group’s 70th season. Honorable mentions: Red Barn Theatre (Key West) and Riverside Theatre (Vero Beach)

Best Live Music Venue: The Green Parrot Bar in Key West (Monroe County) as been called “a sunny place for shady people.” Around since 1890, the venue hosts musicians each week. Honorable mentions: 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheatre (Tampa), Hard Rock Live (Orlando)

Best Art Gallery: Lucky Street Gallery in Key West (Monroe County) exhibits a range of fine art, sculptures, jewelry and more by internationally recognized Key West artists. Honorable mentions: Quayside Art Gallery (Pensacola), SoDu Gallery (Key West)

Best Florida Website: Visitflorida.com is the state’s official tourism website. Honorable mentions: floridamagazine.com, conchtv.com

Best Private University: University of Miami in Coral Gables (Miami-Dade County) has more than 15,000 students from around the world and a diverse academic staff. Honorable mentions: Stetson University (DeLand) and University of Tampa

Best Private College: Rollins College, founded in 1885, is the oldest recognized college in Florida. The liberal arts institution is located in Winter Park (Orange County). Honorable mentions: Flagler College (St. Augustine) and Eckerd College (St. Petersburg)

Best Public University: The University of Florida is the state’s oldest university and one of the nation’s largest, with more than 50,000 students. UF is one of 17 public, land-grant universities belonging to the Association of American Universities. Honorable mentions: Florida State University (Tallahassee) and University of Central Florida (Orlando)

Best Community College: Florida Keys Community College in Key West (Monroe County) is dedicated to serving the intellectual and cultural needs of its students. Honorable mentions: Valencia Community College (Orlando, Kissimmee, Winter Park), Palm Beach State College (Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens)

Best Public Honors College: New College of Florida in Sarasota (Sarasota County) is an honors college for the liberal arts offering specialized student-centered learning opportunities and curriculum development.

Best Weekend Getaway: Indian River County hosts thousands of visitors a year, all coming for the county’s diverse array of recreational activities, ranging from watersports to shopping and theater. Honorable mentions: Key West, St. Augustine

Best Airport: Tampa International Airport in Hillsborough County opened in 1971. Today, it receives more than 16 million passengers a year. Honorable mentions: Orlando International Airport, Key West International Airport

Best Airline: Southwest Airlines serves the Fort Meyers, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, Panama City Beach, Tampa and West Palm Beach markets. Honorable Mentions: JetBlue, Delta Airlines

Best Port: Port Canaveral in Cape Canaveral (Brevard County) is an embarkation port for Carnival, Disney, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruise lines. Honorable mentions: Port of Miami, Port of Tampa

Best Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International offers exquisite ships, spectacular entertainment and outstanding fare. Its ships sail from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale & Port Canaveral. Honorable mentions: Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line

Best Haunted Hotspot: St. Augustine boasts numerous haunted locales throughout the old city. Ghosts tours are led nightly for willing participants, eager to seek undead. Honorable mentions: Key West, Spook Hill (Lake Wales)

Best Theme Park Ride: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando (Orange County) has guests following Spider-Man on his quest to save New York City. Honorable mentions: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Disney’s Hollywood Studios), Pirates of the Caribbean (Magic Kingdom)

Best Daytrip: Indian River Lagoon, a grouping of the Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River and Indian River, is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America. Honorable mentions: Dry Tortugas National Park (Key West), Cedar Key

Best College Football Team: University of Florida Gators in Gainesville (Alachua County), led by Head Coach Urban Meyer, has won three National Championships and nine SEC Championships. Honorable mentions: Florida State University Seminoles (Tallahassee), University of Miami Hurricanes (Coral Gables)

Best College Basketball Team: University of Florida Gators men’s team in Gainesville (Alachua County) brought home NCAA National Championships in 2006 & 2007. Honorable mentions: Florida State University Seminoles (Tallahassee), University of South Florida Bulls (Tampa)

Best College Baseball Team: University of Florida Gators in Gainesville (Alachua County) advanced to the NCAA College world series and brought home its 11th SEC Crown this season. Honorable mentions: Florida State University Seminoles (Tallahassee), University of Miami Hurricanes (Coral Gables)

Best Professional Basketball Team: Orlando Magic has continuously risen to the top with outstanding performances and trips to the finals and Eastern Division Championships. The Magic opens its 2010-2011 season in the new Amway Center (Orange County) this October. Honorable mention: Miami Heat (Miami)

Best Professional Football Team: Miami Dolphins, who play at Sun Life Stadium (Miami-Dade County) have won two Super Bowls, five American Football Conferences, 13 AFC Eastern Divisions and 22 playoff berths. Honorable mentions: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Tampa Bay), Jacksonville Jaguars (Jacksonville)

Best Professional Baseball Team: Tampa Bay Rays, who call Tropicana Field (Pinellas County) home, won the 2008 Eastern Division pennant. This July, pitcher Matt Garza threw the first no-hitter game in team history. Honorable mention: Florida Marlins (Miami)

Best Annual Sporting Event: Daytona 500, “The Great American Race,” in Daytona Beach (Volusia County) is NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race. The 53rd annual race will run Feb. 20, 2011. Honorable mentions: Florida vs. Georgia Football Classic (Jacksonville), Orange Bowl (Miami)

Best High School Athletics Program: Key West High School (Monroe County) Honorable mentions: Armwood High School (Seffner), St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fort Lauderdale)

Best Motor Sports Event: Daytona 500. Honorable mention: Homestead-Miami Speedway NASCAR Championships/ Grand-Am Series

Best Radio Morning Team: Paul & Young Ron Mornings on BIG 105.9 in Miami (Miami-Dade County). Crowned the “Kings of South Florida Media,” Paul and Young Ron also broadcast on Gater 98.7 in Palm Beach and Sun 99.5 & 103.1 in the Keys. Honorable mentions: Bubba the Love Sponge Show 102.5 (Tampa Bay), Dave & Leslie on 107.7 (Maitland), MJ Morning Show on 93.3 (Tampa)

Best Talk Radio Station: KONK 1500 AM from Key West (Monroe County) is known as “the little radio station with a big voice.” The talk radio station debuted in 2009 and features local personalities discussing current events. Honorable mentions: WFLA NewsRadio 970 (Tampa Bay), WIOD NewsRadio 610 (Miramar)

Best Public Radio Station: WLRN broadcasts public radio and television to Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Honorable mention: WFSU (Tallahassee and Panama City)

Best Local Meteorologist: Steve Jerve from WFLA News Channel 8 in Tampa provides weekday weather forecasts at 5, 5:30, 6 and 11 p.m. Honorable mentions: Paul Dellegatto (WTVT Tampa), Tom Terry (WFTV Orlando)

Best Local TV Anchor: Laurie Jennings of WPLG Local 10 News in Miami is a three-time Emmy Award-winning reporter and Local 10 News’s main anchor. Honorable mentions: Tom Lewis (WJHG Panama City Beach), Jackie Nespral (WTVJ Miramar), Kelly Ring (Fox 13 Tampa Bay), Lauren Rowe (WKMG Orlando)

Best Local TV News Team: Bay News 9, on Brighthouse Networks, serves Citrus, Hernado, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties. Honorable mentions: Fox 13 (Tampa), Just News WPLG Local 10 (Miami)

Best Local TV Station: Bay News 9. Honorable mentions: Just News WPLG Local 10 (Miami) and WFTV Ch 9 Eyewitness News (Orlando)

Best Car: Ford Mustang Honorable mentions: Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Prius

Best Truck: Ford F-150 Honorable mentions: Toyota Tundra, Dodge Ram

Best Sports Utility Vehicle: Jeep Grand Cherokee Honorable mentions: Ford Explorer, Hummer, Chevy Tahoe, Toyota 4Runner

Best Performing Artist Group: Blue Man Group, a unique theatrical performance, combines music, comedy, live-action antics and multimedia at Universal Orlando Resort (Orange County). Honorable mentions: Howard Livingston & Mile Marker 24 (Key West), Cirque du Soleil La Nouba (Lake Buena Vista)

Best Entertainer: Scott Ringerson, Johnnie Brown’s resident Elvis impersonator, has been performing for 18 years in Delray Beach (Palm Beach County). Honorable mentions: Jimmy Buffett and Blue Man Group (Orlando)

Best Civil Servant: Governor Charlie Crist is Florida’s 44th governor. Honorable mention: Lois Frankel, City of West Palm Beach mayor

Best Legislator: Representative Ron Saunders is a member of Florida’s House of Representatives from Key West (Monroe County). Honorable mentions: Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson

Best Band: Howard Livingston & Mile Marker 24 is Key West’s (Monroe County) top tropical band. With five studio albums and more than 50 original songs, the band performs at corporate events, weddings and parties. Honorable mentions: Florida State Seminoles Marching Band (Tallahassee), Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers (Gainesville)

Best Book: A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith is a best-selling work of historical fiction following three generations of the MacIveys, a Florida family struggling on the frontier. Honorable mentions: Cross Creek by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Tourist Season by Carl Hiaasen

Best Columnist: Carl Hiaasen has been a regular columnist for The Miami Herald’s Sunday paper since 1985. His work has been featured in Sports Illustrated, Time, Life and Esquire. He has written more than 20 books for adults and young adults. Honorable mentions: Dave Barry (The Miami Herald), Mandy Bolen Miles (Key West Citizen)

Best Artist: Marcia Lain Herring is known for her bold paintings and vivid use of color. Her works have been sold on Sotheby’s Online Auctions and displayed at the Orlando Museum of Art. Honorable mentions: Rick Worth (Key West), Robert Butler (Okeechobee), the Highwaymen

Best Newspaper: St. Petersburg Times (Pinellas County), covering Tampa Bay, has won eight Pulitzer Prizes for its reporting; in 2009 it won two. Honorable mentions: The Miami Herald, Orlando Sentinel

Best Weekly Paper: Florida Keys Keynoter is a twice-weekly newspaper distributed in the Florida Keys (Monroe County). Honorable mentions: Solares Hill (Key West), Conch Color (Key West)

Best Local Celebrity: Jimmy Buffett defines “island escapism” with his tropical music and life as a singer, songwriter, author, businessman and movie producer. Honorable mentions: Hulk Hogan, Gloria Estefan, Howard Livingston, John Travolta

Best Community Service Organization: American Cancer Society Relay for Life allows more than 3.5 million people worldwide to celebrate those who have battled cancer and raise money toward fighting the disease. Honorable mentions: Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels

Best New Restaurant: Citrus Grillhouse in Vero Beach (Indian River County)‘s motto is “Life is short. Eat good food.” Honorable mentions: Azurea at One Ocean (Jacksonville), Colombian Grace (Key West)

Best Brunch: Blue Heaven in Key West (Monroe County) is a quirky restaurant and local favorite. It offers full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, catering, indoor & outdoor dining, and live entertainment. Honorable mentions: Azurea at One Ocean (Jacksonville), Azur Restaurant (Key West)

Best Restaurant: Mama Mia’s Kitchen in Sebastian (Indian River County), has been serving the best in Old World Italian cuisine since the late 1960s. Honorable mentions: Citrus Grillhouse (Vero Beach), The Fish House (Key Largo)

Best Buffet: Golden Corral, an extremely popular buffet and grill, is a nationwide chain with 50 Florida locations. Honorable mentions: The Ark Restaurant & Lounge (Davie), Chow Time Grill & Buffet (Panama City)

Best Seafood Restaurant: The Fish House in Key Largo (Monroe County) has two locations and specializes in fresh locally caught South Florida seafood. Honorable mentions: Sundowners (Key Largo), Red Lobster (statewide)

Best Hometown Café/Diner: Harpoon Harry’s in Key West (Monroe County) is a ‘50s-style diner serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Honorable mentions: Doc’s Diner (Key Largo), Pepe’s Café (Key West)

Best Coffee Shop: Starbucks has 412 Florida locations. Honorable mentions: 5 Brothers Grocery & Sandwich Shop (Key West), Coffee Plantation (Key West)

Best Place for a Picnic: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park’s beach in Key West (Monroe County) is scattered with picnic facilities and offers swimming, snorkeling, nature trails and bike paths. Honorable mentions: Bahia Honda State Park (Big Pine Key), Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales)

Best Outdoor Café: Salute! on the Beach in Key West (Monroe County) prepares Caribbean-influenced takes on Italian classics. Honorable mentions: Blue Heaven Restaurant (Key West), Blue Parrot Oceanfront Café (St. George Island)

Best Restaurant with a View: Capt Hiram’s Resort Restaurant in Sebastian (Indian River County) offers fresh seafood and great service in an open-air riverfront setting or indoor seating with dramatic views. Honorable mentions: Louie’s Backyard (Key West), Citrus Grillhouse (Vero Beach)

Best Microbrewery: Kelly’s Caribbean Bar, Grill & Brewery in Key West (Monroe County) is nicknamed the Southernmost Brewery and features a unique blend of ales and seasonal specialties. Honorable mentions: McGuire’s Irish Pub (Pensacola, Destin), A1A Ale Works (St. Augustine)

Best Steakhouse: Outback Steakhouse is an international chain headquartered in Tampa with more than 90 Florida locations. Honorable mentions: Bern’s Steak House (Tampa), Ruth’s Chris Steak House (14 Florida locations)

Best Barbecue: Sonny’s Barbeque, established in Gainesville in 1968, serves pit-cooked meats and savory sides at 92 Florida locations. Honorable mentions: 4 Rivers Smokehouse (Winter Park), Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que (Altamonte Springs, Orlando, Winter Park, Apopka)

Best Wine Store/Shop: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is Florida’s oldest and largest liquor merchant. Originally founded in 1936 in Orlando (Orange County), today it has about 150 Florida stores. Honorable mentios: Total Wine & More (14 Florida locations)

Best Pub: Black Dog Bar & Tables offers more than 65 brands of beer, fine wines, and Cedar Key’s (Levy County) only Cigar Humidor. Honorable mentions: Finnegan’s Wake Irish Pub & Eatery (Key West), Cactus Jack’s Sports Bar & Pub (Key Largo)

Best Hamburger: Five Guys Burgers & Fries quickly spread throughout Florida to be one of the top burger stops, with more than 70 locations in the state. The chain uses only fresh ground beef, fresh potatoes, and peanut oil. Honorable mentions: Cactus Jack’s Sports Bar & Pub (Key Largo), Red Top Café (Apalachicola)

Best Sub Sandwich Shop: Subway was named the no. 1 franchise in 2010 and best overall provider of healthy options, according to Zagat. Honorable mentions: Publix Deli (statewide) and House of Subs Deli (Florida City)

Best Key Lime Pie: Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory has five Key West stores and one Marathon (Monroe County) location. It serves up key lime pies, pies on a stick, rum cakes and more. It has been featured five times on the Food Network. Honorable mentions: The Fish House (Key Largo), Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe (Key West, Deland, Mount Dora)

Best Conch Fritters: The Fish House in Key Largo (Monroe County) has been serving conch fritters for more than 25 years. Honorable mentions: Sundowners (Key Largo), Louie’s Backyard (Key West)

Best Gator Tail: Nav-A-Gator Grill at the Old DeSoto Marina in Lake Suzy (DeSoto County) is an Old Florida-style fish camp with a diverse menu, live music and a dedicated following. Honorable mentions: Gatorland (Orlando), Marsh Landing Restaurant (Fellsmere)

Best Margaritas: Margaritaville, created by musician Jimmy Buffett, mixes up margaritas ranging from the “Who’s to Blame” margarita to the “Big Rita” and “License to Chill” margarita at its locations in Key West (Monroe County), Orlando (Orange County) and Panama City Beach (Bay County). Honorable mentions: Señor Frijoles (Key Largo), Chilis (144 Florida locations)

Best Place for a Hot Dog: Hot Dog Heaven has sold an array of authentic Chicago-style hot dogs in Orlando (Orange County) since 1987. Honorable mentions: Mel’s Hot Dogs (Tampa), Tom’s Hot Dogs (Panama City)

Best General Store: Fast Buck Freddie’s. Honorable mentions: Strunk Ace Hardware
(Key West)

Best Grocery Store: Publix. Honorable mentions: Faustos Food Palace (Key West), The Fresh Market (23 Florida locations)

Best Hospital: Florida Hospital is a trusted facility promising expert care at seven locations throughout Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties: Apopka, Altamonte, Orlando, East Orlando, Celebration, Kissimmee and Winter Park. Honorable mentions: Baptist Health South Florida (Miami, South Miami, Coral Gables, Homestead and Tavernier), Shands at the University of Florida (Gainesville)

Best Cosmetic Surgery Facility: Orlando Aesthetic Institute, led by Dr. Clifford P.
Clark, III, in Orlando (Orange County) uses the latest technology and techniques to provide non-invasive cosmetic treatments. Honorable mentions: Adler and Giles Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists (Miami and Stuart) and Nile Aesthetic Institute (Stuart)

Best Cancer Center: Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa (Hillsborough County) has cared for patients and conducted cancer research since 1986. Honorable mentions: University of Florida Shands Cancer Center (Gainesville), Baptist Health South Florida (Miami, South Miami), Tampa General Hospital (Tampa)

Best Cardiology Center: Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute is part of the Baptist Health South Florida (Miami-Dade County) system and offers state-of-the-art diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation areas, plus the most advanced endovascular suites in the world. Honorable mentions: Bay Area Cardiology Associates, P.A. (Brandon, Sun City), Florida Hospital Cardiovascular Institute (Orlando), Shands Cardiovascular Center at the University of Florida (Gainesville, Jacksonville) and Tampa General Hospital Cardiovascular Center (Tampa)

Best HMO/PPO: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida provides health insurance for approximately 4.2 million members—about 30 percent of the state's health insurance market. Honorable mentions: CIGNA, Humana

Best Pharmacy: Walgreens, statewide. Honorable mentions: CVS (statewide), Dennis Pharmacy (Key West), Publix (statewide)

Best Campground: Ginnie Springs offers tubing, cave and cavern diving, swimming, snorkeling, and more. Located in High Springs (Alachua County), Ginnie Springs has wilderness sites throughout its 200 acres, as well as electric and water sites and rental cottages. Honorable mentions: Peace River Campgrounds (Arcadia), Bahia Honda State Park (Big Pine Key)

Best Nature Center: The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West (Monroe County) is located near Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The venue offers interactive and dynamic exhibits, including an underwater ocean laboratory. Learn about the Keys’ various habitats above and below the water. Honorable mentions: Environmental Learning Center (Vero Beach), Crane Point Museum & Nature Center (Marathon)

Best Greenway/Trail: Pinellas Trail (Pinellas County) was created in 1990 conecting the five miles between Taylor Park in Largo and Seminole Park in Seminole. As the trail became more popular, additional length was added. Refreshment stops and bike racks are available through the now 34-mile-long trail. Honorable mentions: Seminole Wekiva Trail (Altamonte Springs to Sanford), Torraya State Park Trails (Bristol)

Best National Park: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Vero Beach (Indian River County)

Best State Park: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first undersea park in the United States. Located at Key Largo (Monroe County), it offers mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks above ground, and coral reefs and various marine life below sea level. Glass-bottom boat tours, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, nature trails, scuba diving and snorkeling are available to park visitors. Honorable mention: Bahia Honda State Park (Big Pine Key)

Best River/Lake For Canoeing: Indian River Lagoon. Honorable mentions: Peace River, Santa Fe River

Best Guided Tour: Kayaks. Etc., the Florida Outdoor Center, educates visitors about the state’s unique and beautiful wildlife and flora. Located in Sebastian (Indian River County), the company offers guided tours on both land and water. Honorable mentions: Billie Swamp Safari (Big Cypress Reservation), Conch Tour Train (Key West)

Best Fishing Spot: The Florida Keys, from the upper islands down to Key West, boast the best fishing areas, with a variety of locations to explore (from marshes to the deep sea) and fish to catch. The beautiful atmosphere adds to the experience. Honorable mentions: Cedar Key, Lake Okeechobee

Best Manatee Observation Spot: Blue Spring State Park in Orange City (Volusia County) is a haven for manatees, as well as scuba divers and nature lovers. During cool weather, manatees are lured to the warm spring waters, where they can be observed by guests. Honorable mentions: Crystal River Preserve State Park (Crystal River), Manatee River (Greenbridge)

Best Orange Grove: Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton (Manatee County) isn’t just a citrus grove, it’s a full-day of entertainment— historical trails, butterfly garden, packing house, photo stands, and the Orange Blossom Express. There is a plethora of fresh fruit and foods for hungry guests. Honorable mentions: Axel Peterson Family Farms (Vero Beach), Schacht Groves (Vero Beach)

Best Place to Find Shark Teeth: Venice Beach (Sarasota County) is one of the Gulf Coast’s natural beauties and dubbed the “shark’s tooth capital of the world.” April 8-10, 2011, marks the 19th Annual Venice Shark’s Tooth Festival. Honorable mentions: Peace River, Ponte Vedra Beach

Best Shelling: Sanibel Island (Lee County) is famous for its shelling opportunities—the doubled-over stance people undertake while combing the beaches for conchs, whelks, scallops and clam shells—frequently intact—is even known as "the Sanibel stoop." The island features a shelling center, and guided shelling tours are available. Every March, the island hosts its annual Sanibel Shell Fair & Show. Honorable mentions: Captiva Island, Venice Beach (Venice)

Best Sunset: Viewed specifically from Key West’s (Monroe County) Mallory Square, people flock to see the sun dip into the ocean. Fortunate spectators may even witness the rare & world-renowned “green flash” image. Honorable mentions: Anna Maria Island, Sundowners (Key Largo)

Best Place to Watch Alligators: Gatorland in Orlando (Orange County). Honorable mention: Stick Marsh, Florida Everglades

Best Place to Bird Watch: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Vero Beach (Indian River County) was designated the nation’s first National Wildlife Refuge to protect brown pelicans and other native birds by President Theodore Roosevelt. Honorable mentions: Gatorland (Orlando) and the Florida Everglades

Best Spring: Ginnie Springs. Honorable mentions: Rainbow Springs State Park (Dunnellon), Silver Springs Nature Park (Silver Springs), Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park (Wakulla Springs)

Best Place to Surf: Sebastian Inlet State Park in Melbourne Beach (Brevard County) offers three miles of Atlantic Beach coastline. Sebastian Inlet’s first peak and Monster Hole are two of the most popular places to surf. Honorable mentions: Cocoa Beach and New Smyrna Beach

Best Place to Hike: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park in Fellsmere (Indian River County) maintains 60 miles of trails split between Indian River and Brevard counties. The trails are suitable for extended hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Honorable mentions: Ocala National Forest, Emerson Point Park (Palmetto), Everglades National Park

Best Mall: The Mall at Millenia in Orlando (Orange County) is a destination drawing visitors from around the world to experience world-class shopping, including Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Chanel. Anchor department stores are Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingale’s. Dining experiences range from food court fare to Johnny Rockets, The Cheesecake Factory and California Pizza Kitchen. Honorable mentions: Sawgrass Mills (Sunrise), The Falls (Miami), Florida Mall (Orlando), International Plaza and Bay Street (Tampa)

Best Department Store: Fast Buck Freddie’s in Key West (Monroe County) was selected as Florida’s Best. The internationally acclaimed department store was established in 1976 and is proud of its fun, friendly and low-key atmosphere. Founders Bill Conckle and Tony Falcone picked the name as a quirky tribute to Key West’s nefarious past filled with con artists and pirates; and the store has vowed to always contradict its disreputable name with an upscale appearance and superb merchandise. Honorable mentions: Dillard’s, Macy’s

Best Toy Store: Toys R Us features more than 50 stores in Florida. It is the leading kids’ store for toys, games, dolls and more. Honorable mention: Key West Toy Factory

Best Home Store: The Home Depot provides the tools and appliances for every home improvement need. Located throughout the state, this chain store is known for its excellent decorating ideas, remodeling methods and inclusive paint shop. Honorable mentions: Lowe’s (statewide), HomeGoods (statewide)

Best Independent Book Store: Voltaire Books is considered the “last independent bookstore,” located in the Key West (Monroe County) historic district. Specializing in literary fiction (especially related to Key West), the shop supplies a notable collection of books, discounts and author signings. Honorable mentions: Books & Books (Coral Gables, Bal Harbour and Miami Beach), Vero Beach Book Center (Vero Beach), Cover to Cover Books (Key Largo)

Best Bike Shop: Eaton Bikes is Key West’s (Monroe County) full-service cycling shop. Started in 2006, the shop offers bike parts and accessories, rentals, repairs and maintenance, sales, and more. Honorable mentions: Island Bicycles (Key West), Tavernier Bicycle and Hobbies (Tavernier)

Best Local Dive Shop: Ocean Divers offers daily dive and snorkel trips to the various reefs and wrecks throughout Key Largo’s (Monroe County) waters. Each dive trainer is fully certified. The shop provides full equipment rental. Honorable mentions: Silent World Dive Center (Key Largo), Deep Six Watersports (Vero Beach)

Best Financial Institution: BB&T’s history dates back to 1872. Today, the bank, with more than 100 branches in Florida, offers a complete range of financial services, including banking, lending, insurance, trust and wealth management solutions. Honorable mentions: TIB Bank (Monroe, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, Sarasota), Bank of America (statewide)

Best Travel Agency: AAA is the leading motor club and leisure travel organization in the country. Offering auto insurance and vacation planning assistance, AAA provides members exclusive discounts and information. Honorable mention: Flying Pisces, Inc. (Winter Park)