shopping and services landscaping installation, routine gardening services and waste and storm removal has a loyal customer base, they also contribute to the community through philanthropic work. Both their time and money go into organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs and the Monterey Jazz Festival. They help build playgrounds and clean up neighborhoods in high-risk areas to create safe spaces for children. They could even turn the Palace Flophouse into a true palace. Best Nursery Griggs Nursery 9220 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel (831) 626-0680, griggsnursery.com Mack and the boys were likely not far from the spot where Griggs Nursery now sits, when they drove Lee Chong’s old truck to Carmel Valley to catch frogs in the Carmel River to sell to Doc for 5 cents a piece. They had no thoughts about bringing back garden plants to the Palace Flophouse up the hill from Cannery Row, but when Weekly readers need flowers, shrubs, succulents, trees, and anything else for the garden, they head to Griggs. The nursery has acres of land with a huge selection of plants, including many natives. There’s also a large selection of seeds, pots and garden art. Need a flowering bush for a shady spot, or something the deer won’t nibble? The knowledgeable staff at Griggs will help identify just the right plant for your garden situation. Best Cleaning Service Two Girls from Carmel (831) 626-4426, twogirlsfromcarmel.com Life happens and then before anyone knows it, there are dust bunnies as old as Ed Ricketts and as big as the Red Pony’s Billy Buck nesting underneath the couch. The solution for locals has always been Two Girls from Carmel. The company offers flexible scheduling and takes on light weekly maintenance touch-ups, as well as the grungiest of spring (or maybe every third spring?) cleanings. But it’s the sparkle afterward that really explains why they’ve been in business for 34 years. Best Eco Friendly Business SPCA Benefit Shop 26364 Carmel Rancho Lane, Carmel (831) 624-4211, spcamc.org In much of his work, John Steinbeck speaks to the relationship of humans and the land. Buying second-hand products can help reduce one’s carbon footprint and the use of resources like energy and water. Get those perks while also helping rescued animals get the love they need? This is a win-winwin, delivering on those lofty goals and also serving as a place where you can reliably find unique goods. Shop for clothes, jewelry, home goods and furniture. And if you don’t see an item you love, come back next week—the inventory turns over to reveal new treasures. Best New Business Oscar's Playground 685 Cannery Row, Monterey (831) 241-6616, oscarsplayground.com Cannery Row needed a place for all ages to play. After all, groceries like Lee Chong’s don’t offer much amusement, La Ida Cafe is no place for kids and Bear Flag Restaurant—it would be completely irresponsible to let children run around there. But an arcade featuring all kinds of the newest video games, as well as some of the classics, with a lounge and a few escape rooms? Oscar’s is a chance for children and their parents to have some fun. 80 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2023 mcweekly.com/bestof ’23 Peter E. Franklin, M.D. I am delighted, again, to be selected BEST DOCTOR in “Best of Monterey County” We acknowledge that you place your trust in our office to provide the optimal care for you and your families. With Gratitude, we THANK YOU. Thanks, You’re SUPER!! Peter E. Franklin, M.D. BEST DOCTOR Serving the community of Monterey County since 1989 Family Medicine | Primary Care DAN Certi ed Physician Dive Doctor Monterey Bay Aquarium 550 Camino El Estero, Suite 204 - Monterey 831.375.5151 Montereybaydoctors.com “ I want to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to all my patients and sta for this recognition “ ’16
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