Hey there, CITY readers. The results for our annual scavenger hunt are in. We asked you to respond to our 2019 Best of Rochester readers' poll with your favorite people, places, and things as you've explored our fine region, and you delivered. More than 15,000 people filled out the final ballot, which covered 100 individual categories. Every week throughout the year, we at CITY point out vital news and important points of interest for you to check out, and the annual poll is your chance to weigh in on what matters to you.

The area is a wealth of cultural riches, from a diverse food scene and beautiful destinations to eclectic small businesses and knowledgeable connoisseurs. In short, Rochester is prime territory for discovering what was previously unknown to you. And if you need some recommendations, checking out, Best of Rochester is a smart place to start.

In addition to the final poll results, this issue includes left-of-center responses from readers, primary ballots, as well as our annual critics' picks. This year, Frank De Blase, Renée Heininger, Kathy Laluk, Katie Preston, Leah Stacy, and Chris Thompson share their choices for beloved and peculiar locales, influential citizens, and under-the-radar businesses you won't find listed in the reader's poll results.

If you want to voice your thoughts on the readers' poll, suggest a new category, or give us any feedback at all, write us at themail@rochester-citynews.com, or find us on Twitter and Instagram (@roccitynews) and Facebook (facebook.com/CityNewspaper).