simplepretty

Buoyed by the success of my April Charleston trip, Atlanta beckoned.* It’s been ages since my last visit, and I’ve long admired the creative spirit of the town, which at present revolves around bakeries and the design genius of Family Brothers (admittedly, those categories can intersect). Curious about how it went? Follow along:

Sunday The first stop, post hotel check-in, was Atlanta hot-spot Ponce City Market (PCM), a mixed-use space that was formerly home to a Sears retail shop and warehouse (read more about the property’s history here.) The site now bustles with activity from the food and retail operations, apartments and a rooftop amusement park (with city views and a serious weekend queue).

While the initial draw was Root Baking Co (weekends only, and as we arrived just before Sunday close I was just happy there were still cookies available), it was equally fun to check out Archer Paper Goods, a perfect little paper provisioner which at the moment boasts an enchanting pencil shop in the front window.

After the crowds of PCM, it was a nice change of pace to settle in at the hotel and meet an old blogging friend, for the first time in person, for low-key drinks and dinner.

Monday The morning started with a leisurely stroll though Piedmont Park, passing the Botanical Garden (closed Mondays), and eventually necessitated an Uber to The Buttery. Warning: The Buttery is outrageously adorable and well worth the time and effort. Inside, you’ll find a full pastry case (a late-breakfast doughnut and takeaway cookies for me) and assorted snacks and provisions and cocktail mixes** In cooler  months, The Buttery also offers hot dinners for pick up.

Late morning found us at Westside Provisions District where we spent the bulk of our time perusing Sid Mashburn and Ann Mashburn‘s flagship retail shops; Le Jardin Français, an amazing florist; and a peek at Perrine’s Wine Shop. The center hosts some great restaurants, too. If we had more time, I would have loved to return for dinner at Marcel or JCT Kitchen.

We then headed east to Inman Park in search of a good lunch spot. Serendipitously, we chose Victory Sandwich (a full bar and perfectly crafted petite sandwiches – I recommend the Tea Bird). After lunch, we followed the BeltLine pedestrian trail down to Krog Street Market for a food-hall wander before heading back to the hotel to escape the southern sun for a bit.

At dinner time, we ventured back to PCM to try H&F Burger. (The original plan was to eat at Holeman&Finch’s Public House, but it is currently closed as it relocates to Midtown.) Luckily, Mondays are much quieter and we were able to command prime seating with no wait. (The burger was delicious). To cap off the evening, we noticed signs in the market leading the way to the BeltLine. Taking the BeltLine again made for an enjoyable, easy walk back to the hotel. (The Uber rides had convinced me it was far away: it was not.) It made me happy as we got to see not only more of the city, but more of its people. The final leg of our route took us through Piedmont Park, which ended the day much as we started. It was a glorious spring evening, the park was full … and in the moment, it reminded me a bit of London.

Tuesday En route to the airport, we stopped for breakfast at The Little Tart Bakeshop. (surprise! another bakery!) The caffeine and pastry breakfast went down with time to spare, so we used our last moments in the city to walk from Little Tart’s Grant Park location to its newest spot in Summerhill (we passed the Atlanta Zoo on the way). Both locations are darling, but in my view, the advantage goes to Summerhill as there is a soft-serve shop, Big Softie, next door … mark that for my next visit, Atlanta.

*the South is getting priority at the moment because soon, I will have zero interest in paying to be hot. 

**delivery within a four-mile radius, and for the locationally-challenged, shipping is available for non-perishable goods. May I suggest the Margarita Mix.

photo credits: top row (l to r) ponce city market, archer paper goods, the buttery; middle row (l to r) ann mashburn and le jardin français; bottom  row  (l to r) victory sandwich, h&f burger, little tart

all photos and layout by jane potrykus