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The 2026 Hagerstown Hot List Winners

Photo and information obtained from https://www.hagerstownmag.com/

The only thing constant, or so “they” say, is change. And like everything else, our annual readers’ poll has evolved. New categories, new winners—for a small city like Hagerstown and a rural county like Washington, the favorite things about our area is in a constant state of flux.

This year’s “Hot List” includes new names, including the Brick House Tavern (winner for best new restaurant), Tara Cluck of Tara’s Table (winning both best caterer and best chef), F. Christian Wright of Wright-Gardner (best insurance agent), and the complete turnover of the financial planners category. 

Of course, the mainstays of Hagerstown remain our readers’ favorites—Schula’s Grill & Crab House, Bistro 11, Rik’s Cafe, and J’s Diner among the eateries; and businesses like Valley Mall, Slow Down Barbershop, and BodyWorks Massage Center. Keeping up with the times, we’ve even added new categories, including best dispensary (won by RISE Medical and Adult Use Marijuana Dispensary). 

The questions and disagreements will never end, which has been the case for as long as we’ve been putting together the Hot List. Whenever you ask a group of people to name their favorite restaurant, fitness center, or coffee shop, there is a decent chance a debate will flare up. It only makes sense, then, that a readers’ poll attracts a strong response.  

So, look on the following pages and see for yourself. What are your opinions about this year’s winners?

Click here to view the winners!

Runaway Juvenile

On 11/05/26 at 0725 hours, Spencer Newman ran away from his residence. Newman is 5’9, 125 pounds, white male, brown eyes, brown hair and was last seen wearing a brown

Fred Allen Blocher 1943-2026

Fred Allen Blocher, 83, of Gardners, PA passed away Saturday, October 24 2026 at his home. Born October 19, 1943 in Gettysburg, he was the son of the late Fred

Frank Charles Henry 1945-2026

Born January 4, 1945 in Washington, D.C., Frank was an avid Civil War enthusiast who loved to share his knowledge with others.

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The Franklin County Free Press, established by Vicky Taylor in 2019, emerged as a beacon of local journalism for the residents of Franklin County. Under Vicky's leadership, it quickly became an essential source of news, particularly at a time when major newspaper publications were increasingly overlooking local coverage.

On January 1, 2022, the torch was passed to Nathan Neil and his firm, Neil Publishing, LLC. Neil, a local entrepreneur with multiple thriving businesses in Chambersburg, shares Vicky's fervent commitment to both the community and the world of local journalism.

Rooted in the heart of Franklin County and powered by its residents, the Franklin County Free Press continues to bridge the gap, ensuring that the local stories, events, and issues that matter most to the community remain in the spotlight.