By Jennifer and David Bailey

Watching in the background of this competition, we’ve patiently observed our readers choose people and places to become ‘Best of’ nominees and finalists.

While our editing team has abstained from voting, we’ve cast our own list of winners… best-kept secrets that we think are unique and special about this place, but don’t necessarily fit into a specific or official voting group. 

We’ve put this list together as a catalyst to show you – our amazing readers – what values propelled us to launch this competition and publish this guide. 

This “Lake Anna Feels” list includes things that stand out to us as full-time residents as compelling reasons to love where we live. And we do… love it here. 

The values we hold dear here at Lake Anna Media include Clarity, Community, Identity, and … of course… a bit of Fun.  

Best of: Clarity 

Clarity is a state of mind. It’s a feeling of overwhelming peace when you realize that the world is so much bigger than you. When you pause and let your mind live in the moment…  as simple as the air on your face on a slow pontoon ride or taking a cool swim on a hot day. Clarity is a state of mind and a pure value that allows us to create out of a place of truth, life, and gratitude for all of it. It’s… life on lake time. 

Best of Clarity awards go to:

• Calm lake days when the water looks like glass
• Lake Anna’s resident Eagles as they soar above us
• Feeding the ducks at the docks at the Lake Anna Yacht Club 
• Day tripping to the Blue Ridge Mountains during the spring or fall 

Best of: Community 

Community is home. It’s a safe Harbour. Having roots somewhere means that you belong, and therefore you care about the people and environment around you… good paying jobs, access to affordable housing, learning opportunities, healthy volunteerism, and active groups to get involved in. 

Best of Community awards go to:

• Seeing people you know at Food Lion
• Always making new friends at different hangout spots on the water; and
• Watching the kids make new friends no matter where we are
• Rebecca at Rocky Branch Campground… who always makes you feel right at home

Best of: Identity 

Identity is the past and the present. It is who we are, our collective personality… built upon by stories over time. It’s a favorite past time… and a favorite present mood. Identity is a set of feelings someone gets when they think about being here, living here, and vacationing here. It is us. 

Best of Identity awards go to:

• The Hideaway, a favorite past time that holds more stories than anyone will ever know
• The 90s rock playlist at the Taphouse 
• The purple ride-on dinosaur underneath Tim’s Restaurant 
• Dave Fauntleroy, a local Fish Tales legend who has finally retired 

Best of: Fun 

Fun is laughter, sometimes adventure, and always just good. Good times, good friends, and great memories. Don’t let fun fool you, though… first comes the hard work, dedication and sometimes just rollin’ your sleeves up and getting dirty… but then… then comes the fun. Work like a captain, and play like a pirate! 

Best of Fun awards go to:

• The shuffleboards that sit, mostly unused, inside Callie Opies and The Log Home
• Kayaking to the rope swings and spotting all the turtles along the way 
• “Wildside of Lake Anna” t-shirts by Justin wood at 208 apparel … which just so happens to take after Lake the Alligator (man that guy gets around!)
• Alice Bougie and Jack Chandler who are basically the funniest and most liked people we’ve ever known

Bridge Builder Award

We have one very special award to give… one that is very important to the Lake Anna community and our identity here: The Bridge Builder Award.

This individual exemplifies the spirit of unity and collaboration, fostering connections that strengthen our community. They tirelessly dedicate their efforts to bringing people together, regardless of their differences, creating a more inclusive and harmonious environment for everyone. The recipient of the Bridge Builder Award embodies the values of clarity, community, identity and fun, making a lasting impact on the people who live and visit here. 

This year’s Bridge Builder award goes to: Mark Strauss

Diamond Award

The diamond award goes to the entity with the most number of Gold wins. This year the diamond award goes to: Callie Opies Orchard.

Jen Bailey

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.

Read more about me here