Try Awesome Alpharetta, Georgia
Published: July 31, 2019
By: Carol Muse Evans
Alpharetta, Georgia might not be the first destination near Atlanta on your radar, but it should be, as it offers so much to travelers, whether it’s a couple’s trip, girls’ getaway or a family weekend. For Alabamians, think “Fairhope-like,” and you have the idea of what Alpharetta offers to travelers.
While often thought of as a northern suburb of Atlanta, Alpharetta is a short drive from the beautiful Dahlonega, offering yet another possible destination while visiting Alpharetta.
Alpharetta is a shopper’s paradise, offering nearly 100 restaurants, along with dozens of attractions and events. It’s a short drive to Atlanta, as well as 30 minutes from the North Georgia Premium Outlets (www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/north-georgia).
Don’t miss the Saturday Alpharetta Farmers Market (www.alpharettafarmersmarket.com/) or The Alpharetta Art in the Park (www.awesomealpharetta.com/alpharetta-art-park), one Saturday each May-September, right in the middle of downtown with fresh fruit and veggies, specialty foods and some arts and crafts as well.
You can stay here to shop, too! There are more than 250 stores within a 5-mile radius of Alpharetta, and this very “walkable” shopping and food district has a number of exclusive shops that you must see. Shopping around Avalon offers 60 retail boutiques, luxury brands and even a Tesla retailer.
In addition, you aren’t far from North Point Mall (www.northpointmall.com), with more than 100 major retailers, and the only American Girl Boutique and Bistro in Georgia, as well as an impressive LEGO store.
There are plenty of opportunities for larger groups to visit here, and the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau will help you with FREE event planning services including individualized consultations on venues, hotels, event service provides and more. Alpharetta’s more than 25 hotels offer 3,300 rooms with numerous price points.
You won’t have to stray away from Alpharetta to eat. With more than 200 places to dine, you are going to find some delicious meals here, no matter what you prefer, and many eateries are exclusive to Alpharetta or the Georgia area. Check out “Where to Eat” below for some of our favorites.
What’s fun to DO in Alpharetta? Try pottery painting at All Fired Up (allfiredupart.com) downtown. It’s great for kids and adults of all ages – you are sure to find something fun to paint here, no matter what your skills are. Keep in mind any pottery must be fired and cannot be picked up for about a week, but they will mail it to you for a fee.
How about a fun cooking class at Sur La Table (www.northpointmall.com/en/directory/sur-la-table) at North Point Mall? Take a downtown Walking Tour of the Alpharetta Arts including the Alpharetta Arts Center, (www.alpharetta.ga.us/arts). There’s also live music downtown, weekends after dark throughout the summer and many of the eateries here feature live music and outdoor dining.
Moms and dads may enjoy a spa day at Natural Body Spa and Salon (naturalbody.com/), right in the downtown area. Other fun attractions to note are favorites like Topgolf, Main Event Entertainment, Dave & Buster’s, Urban Escape Games, Dossey Escape Games, MiniMe Factory, and much, much more.
Carol Muse Evans is publisher and editor of Birmingham Parent.
WHERE TO STAY:
Homewood Suites by Hilton
www.hilton.com/Homewood_Suites/Alpharetta
From $120 a night
If you’ve never stayed at a Homewood Suites by Hilton, you will be pleasantly surprised at the amenities and layout of one of their suites. We had a king-size bed in the bedroom, a well-appointed bathroom, and a separate living area with sleeper sofa (TVs in both rooms) and a kitchenette with full-size refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and two-eye stove top, along with coffee maker and basic coffee-making supplies and dishes. Save money by doing snacks and even a few meals in-room. Great with young children, too. They also serve breakfast daily and have a great evening meal Monday-Thursday. There’s a fitness center, outdoor pool, free wifi and a business center, if needed.
WHERE TO EAT:
The Nest Café
www.thenestcafe.net
This yummy coffee shop also features great breakfasts and quick lunches, and it is only open till 3 p.m. Also try a gelato! one of the best cups of coffee ever!
Smokejack Bbq
www.smokejackbbq.com
Who doesn’t love a good barbecue? Smokejack, right in downtown Alpharetta, doesn’t disappoint with great pork, brisket, ribs and a few interesting twists on the menu.
Holmes Restaurant
restaurantholmes.com/
This eatery, right in the heart of downtown Alpharetta, specializes in bringing fresh food to the table, and it also is popular for “small plates.” They encourage families and groups to sit down and eat together. Check out their changing menus online.
South City Kitchen Avalon
avalon.southcitykitchen.com
This upscale eatery is located right inside the Hotel at Avalon by Marriott in Alpharetta and offers a delicious Sunday brunch, along with other daily options. Check out their menu online for varying hours and types of service.
Pappadeaux
pappadeaux.com
The Pappadeaux in Alpharetta is in the same cul-de-sac with the Homewood Suites by Hilton, and though a chain, it offers some terrific seafood, great service and lots of options and specials.
SPIRITS:
Bite Bistro & Bar
The younger crowd will like Bite for spirits and music. Not a family spot, but great for couples or a girls’ night out, right in the heart of Alpharetta. An eclectic line up of interesting food, too!
UPCOMING EVENTS”
IronKids Triathlon
Sept. 15, 2019
Test your strength and go the distance, for ages 6-15, includes a swim, bike and run competition with emphasis on fitness and fun.
Check out more events at awesomealpharetta.com/calendar/