Barbara Lawlor, Nederland

It looked like summer.

Visitors sat under umbrellas outside of the Blue Owl Bookstore and Ice Cream Shop in Nederland on Saturday, May 18. Grilling bratwurst sizzled over a gas barbecue and beer from a keg foamed into cups. Music drifted across the highway, over the roar of motorcycles heading home after a day on the Peak to Peak.

The snow-free look of summer was not the reason for the party. It was the celebration of the 2014 Best Hydro Award in Boulder County, which was awarded to Grow in Peace by the Colorado Daily. The store is located above Blue Owl. To show his appreciation to all of his customers and those who voted for him, Kyle Busey, owner of the store, hosted the Thank You party, saying he was grateful for the support over the years.

Grow in Peace opened six years ago in Nederland and since then Busey has opened two more stores, one in Idaho Springs and one in Golden.

He said the introduction of the Igrow lights and making good relationships has brought on his success. "I try to keep what people need and ask for," says Busey.

The voting took place online. Busey said one voter wrote, "It doesn't matter the square footage, I come here because I actually get help here."

And Busey likes being centered at altitude, working in the mountains.

Grandma's Rug Band played a variety of styles as Barkley the Dog sprawled on the signature rug. There was free food and beer for all the customers who stuck with Busey over the years.