Readers' Choice Awards

2025 Readers’ Choice Awards Results

July 1, 2025

Chronogram Readers’ Choice Awards—née the Chronogrammies—turns six this summer, officially old enough to blow out its own candles and demand a second slice of cake. What started in those hazy, hand-sanitizer-soaked months of 2020 as a morale boost for local businesses has matured into the definitive popularity contest for the Hudson Valley’s best and brightest. Tens of thousands of readers weighed in again this year, clicking, tapping, and occasionally arguing with spouses over 350,000 individual ballots spread across 278 categories.

A few names kept their crowns: Mohonk Preserve once more tops every trail, sunset, and picnic list we can invent, and Willa practically needs a bigger trophy case after scooping Martini, Fries, Craft Cocktails, and Wine List. But there’s fresh glory, too. Local celebrity honors go, naturally, to Molly the Museum Dog (sorry, Paul Rudd). And in the ever-competitive Advocacy section, Kevin O’Connor of RUPCO and Dorothy Varner of Middle Way School remind us that community heroes aren’t found only on ballot lines.

Mark your calendars: We’re throwing a victory lap at Hudson House Distillery in West Park on Thursday, August 14, 6-8:30 pm. Last year’s bash shook the rafters; this year we’ll raise the roof again—bourbon in hand as we rump-shake with DJ Dave Leonard. Winners, finalists, and fans, are all invited to toast the region’s very best. Congratulations to every honoree—and an even bigger salute to the readers who make this democratic circus spin. You cast the votes; now come claim the party. Buy your tickets here.