While our effort was to find shared experiences and favorites in the New River Valley, some of you just couldn’t resist rubbing it in and saying that nowhere “out there” could meet the comforts of home.

Home was a vote-getter in a number of categories, including Best Nightspot (35+), Best Place to Watch a Game, Best Place to Go If Broke, Best Place to Take the Kids, Best Place to Work Out, Best Place to Eat at 2 a.m., Best Place to Sled, Best Place to View the Leaves, Best Place to Camp, Best Place to Kite, Best Place to Walk the Dog, Best Place to Get Away and Best Place to Watch the Sunset.

Apparently, we all need to live where you live -- or you all need to get out more.

Best place for live music

The Cellar Restaurant in Blacksburg barely beat out The Lyric Theatre and Oddfellas Cantina in Floyd for this honor.

Best nightspot (for ages 18 to 34)

Sharkey’s in Blacksburg won a tight race, nudging out Attitudes, Big Al’s, the Rivermill, Champs Sports Bar and Cafe and BT’s Restaurant.

Best nightspot (for ages 35 and older)

PK’s Restaurant and Bar in Blacksburg barely beat out The Cellar Restaurant in a two-horse race.

Best local band

Kat Mills was a runaway hit, while Hung Jury and Southern Heart also received a number of votes.

Best place for karaoke

The Farmhouse in Christiansburg outlasted Macados, Attitudes and Champs Sports Bar and Cafe as the best place to be a rock star.

Best place to dance

Attitudes in Blacksburg — but some folks at the Hillbilly Opry in Pulaski County beg to differ.

Best cultural fix

The musical series Musica Viva! was named the best place to get your culture on. But if you just can’t wait, head over to The Lyric Theatre, which finished second.

Best place to watcha game

More people wanted to watch the game on TV than in person, so Buffalo Wild Wings in Blacksburg beat out Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium.