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For lots of our readers, Atlanta is either where you lay your head, or only a few hours drive away. I (Caroline) can remember coming here as a kid on a little weekend family vacation and thinking how amazing all the “skyscrapers” were and how I couldn’t believe there were so many lanes of traffic in one town! “It’s nice to visit, but I don’t think I would ever want to live there”, I would say.
Well, God has a good sense of humor. Fast forward *cough* TWENTY *cough* years or so and where do I live?? You guessed it! Atlanta!
I have to say, that this big town has grown on me since first moving here. It does have all of the appeal and excitement of a big city, but it is entirely possible to find a small town feel in some of the pockets of town and in “the burbs”. My husband and I have given ourselves over to the family way of life, and mostly eat in places where the signs are in primary colors, and typically I don’t shop during the week unless I have at least one friend to be embarrassed with me when my son decides to let me know he is NOT into fashion.
However. There is a wonderful little pocket of town that I feel you just have to know about. It’s an area call The Westside off of Howell Mill Road and I think it would be entirely possible to come to Atlanta for a family weekend- see the Aquarium (which really is fantastic), stay in a fun hotel downtown, and do a little eating and shopping in this area to reward yourself for being so brave as to travel with your children!!
I’m doing this from memory, so I’m absolutely 100% positive I am going to be leaving something out. But that will just be an extra surprise for you when you get here! (For a full list of restaurants and stores check out WSPD)
Let’s start with FOOD. The promise of yummy grub is totally what will get any husband or kiddo to agree to venture this way: (Web links on name)
Osteria del Figo: Yummy delish pasta dishes and the like. You basically create your own pasta dish (or choose from a selection they have already created). To quote:
We are the original Italian fresh pasta place, your neighborhood kitchen. Come with us, pick and choose and create hundreds of combinations of freshly prepared pastas, ravioli, salads, Panini, wine, beer, cocktails and much more.
I believe you will have no trouble taking a kiddo here. In fact, I think I remember doing it once and being so pleased that no one could hear my baby “coo-ing” (ahem) over the hum of the busy restaurant.
Star Provisions: I have met up with one of my dear girlfriends several times here. It is wonderful for lunches, on the go or otherwise, and they have a bakery to die for. It has a very “specialty” feel to it and gives you multiple options for indoor or outdoor seating.
Bacchanalia: I can’t lie to you, friends, I haven’t eaten here. Yet. This is definitely a special occasion kind of place… and to date we haven’t had any thing that special. However, I’ve heard rave reviews and if you were looking for a slam dunk of a date night, I would say it would be your best bet.
Yeah! Burger: This is a fun little place that recently opened in this area. I can swear by the Bison Burger- yum! Its a build your own burger style place and everything is fresh and if I remember correctly, pretty environmentally friendly. Super easy with kids. Even if you come here with your giant strollers in tow. And then have to find a place to “park” them. Not that I’ve ever done that or anything.
Taqueria del Sol: Think specialty tacos at reasonable prices. Also think good margaritas. This means this place can get a bit crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. OK, and most other nights of the week, too. But they keep it moving pretty quickly and for a very relaxed vibe it is well worth the wait.
Now on to SHOPPING:
We’ve mentioned these two on our site before, but we’ll do it again since we love them. Ladies check out:
and guys, this one is for you:
These places have beautiful clothes, wonderful staff, and classic tailoring so that you will feel like a million bucks when you leave.
Got a baby? A grand baby? A friend with a baby? YOU MUST VISIT http://www.bbraithwaite.com/shop/pc/home.asp. It is like a fairytale for Mamas and Mamas-to-be. They have the most adorable baby toys, clothing, lovies, and furniture for a dream-like nursery. They also carry several items from Serena & Lily. A personal favorite of both of ours!
Anthropologie– a new store location and a total favorite. Personally, I enjoy shopping the home items and book selections as much as the clothing!
Can’t get enough cute clothing for the cuties in your life? Check out The Seed Factory. Another children’s store full of unique finds and adorable clothing- even for bigger kids!
Hopefully this has given you some good ideas for a quickie summer getaway! This is a part of town well worth visiting, whether you are a current resident or a city tourist!
Stick around… we’re going “Where’s Waldo” on you for the next few weeks…
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