Popular opinions

What does it take to be the best? In his book Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell says one needs at least 10,000 hours practicing a thing to be an expert at it. But that doesn’t necessarily equate to “the best.” The best, at least in this town, is more of a feeling: It’s a crisp glass of Virginia wine with a view of the Blue Ridge in the distance; it’s an annual family portrait by the photographer who was there (right there?) when you gave birth; it’s a foot race that takes you past the houses of your neighbors where they’re waiting with bottles of water and a few “whoo hoos!” Best can be quantified in myriad measurable ways, but we use our annual readers’ poll to celebrate the intangible things that make us love living in Charlottesville, from the practical (like your favorite grocery store) to the nice-to-know (like where everyone’s getting their eyebrows waxed). After all, with more than 10,000 hours living here, you’re definitely the experts.

 

(Of course, C-VILLE has its own opinions, too. Click here to see the editorial staff's ideas about what makes Charlottesville the best.)