The nomination period is now closed. Look for Readers' Choice polls on July 22!

How about a friendly game of competition with your friends and neighbors?

Here's the question: What's the best of Howard County?

The rules are simple.

Nominate and vote on your favorite businesses, services and individuals in the area in Patch's Summer 2012 Readers' Choice.

First, the nominations. Click on the links below to submit your nomination for Readers' Choice by July 9.

We'll turn your nominations into a poll in each category later this summer and let our readers tell us where you love to shop, eat and take your kids, and which services you can’t live without. You may or may not agree with your fellow residents. Let's see who's right!

The categories are below. Nominate your favorites on Ellicott City Patch by July 9!

Readers' Choice Categories

Best Beer selection

Best Burger

Best Vegetarian restaurant

Best Sushi

Best thrift/consignment store

Best ice cream

Best cocktails

Best takeout

Best wine selection

Most romantic restaurant

Best late night food

Best crabs

Best hiking trail

Best pizza

Best WiFi spot

Best sweet shop

Best bar, 30 and younger

Best, 30 and older

Best mechanic

Best bartender

Best pool 

Best place to see a live show

Best movie theater

Best grocery store

Best butcher

It’s easy:

1. Visit Ellicott City Patch

2. Go to Readers’ Choice

3. Nominate your favorite businesses in the comments!*

*Because this is a contest, you’ll need to create a Patch login. 

NOMINATIONS CLOSE JULY 9! 

Don’t forget to tell your friends on Facebook, Twitter and email! 

Sign up for the Ellicott City Patch newsletter to find out when voting starts so you can support your favorite businesses and people in the Readers' Choice contest.