For the last year, we’ve all been dreaming about places we would go when the time is right to travel. We’ve mused of excursions to locales where we could relax, recharge and just have a good time. As we get ready to hit the road again, a near-cation in our own backyard is a great way to start. And one of the metro area’s most popular and esteemed cities is located just a quick jaunt up GA 400. In fact, ask its residents and they know exactly where they would go: Awesome Alpharetta.
“If Alpharetta is where you call home or is just a short drive away, I invite you to live like a tourist in our vibrant city,” says Janet Rodgers, president and CEO of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Alpharetta is filled with a host of awesome restaurants, shops and attractions, plus 29 modern hotels ready to pamper travelers for a special staycation. It’s the perfect opportunity to try that new restaurant, explore a different park and maybe find something new to love about Alpharetta.”
Big Creek Greenway
All-in-One Alpharetta
It’s not often that one city has it all, including outstanding shopping, world-class dining and a wide range of excellent entertainment. Yet, that’s exactly what Alpharetta encompasses within its city limits.
Shopping options abound with more than 250 shops located in such destinations as Downtown Alpharetta, the North Point area and Avalon. Boasting more than 500,000 square feet of retail space and upwards of 60 luxury retailers, including Apple, Lululemon, Pottery Barn and Tesla, Avalon is a resort-style walkable community where you can stroll the boulevard with your cocktail in hand from one of the restaurants while looking for a great fashion ensemble for tomorrow’s Alpharetta excursion. Quaint boutiques and renowned brands also are represented by the abundance of shopping options in Downtown Alpharetta, with more than 35 shops like Magnolia Moon, La Bella Maison, elleB Gifts, All Inspired Boutique, Mountain High Outfitters and Exquisite Living. And the North Point area, which is home to North Point Mall, currently boasts over 100 retailers inside the mall and surrounding it. From REI to Sugarboo & Co, Honey & Hazel to Dick’s Sporting Goods, the North Point area lets you shop ‘til your spending heart is content. In coming years, the mall area will undergo a major redevelopment initiative that will transform it into an open-air mixed-use development.
When the shopping day is done, it is definitely time to dine and unwind, and Alpharetta cannot be beaten with its exceptional epicurean scene. More than 200 restaurants—many of them chef-driven—can be found across the city, and every imaginable type of cuisine is available to be enjoyed. Restaurants like Butcher & Brew, Jekyll Brewing, Colletta, Restaurant Holmes, CRU Food & Wine Bar, Ray’s Killer Creek, Secreto, Vinny’s, Farm to Ladle and many more continue to delight everyone’s palate. A myriad of Alpharetta restaurants offer al fresco dining to accommodate social distancing and fresh air for their patrons’ comfort and enjoyment. Want to sharpen up your own skills in the kitchen? Alpharetta also has two cooking schools that provide culinary experiences and workshops for bona fide foodies; Publix Aprons Cooking School and Williams Sonoma Avalon offer an array of classes that allow participants to learn about and savor delectable dishes during a single session.
Of course, Alpharetta has some of the best entertainment venues in the metro area, such as Ameris Bank Amphitheater, Topgolf, Main Event Entertainment and Urban Escape Games. What’s more, the city’s events are can’t-miss community opportunities, from Avalon Nights Live and the Alpharetta Farmers Market to free yoga in Brooke Street Park, the rotating art exhibits at the Alpharetta Arts Center and live music throughout the week at restaurants and venues around the city. You also can’t overlook the countless outdoor adventures available throughout the area. Alpharetta features more than 800 acres of green space and parkland across an array of public parks, which feature playground and exercise equipment, walking trails, bicycle routes and even free workout classes (which are an excellent complement to the many spas, wellness centers and fitness facilities available throughout the city) to help you stay well during your staycation. There are art walks, history walks, music under the stars, outdoor comedy nights, four arboretums and so much more.
Avalon
The “Stay” in Staycation
There is nothing like opening the door to a fresh hotel room, with its crisp bedding and delightful décor welcoming you for a wonderful stay. In Alpharetta, there are 29 hotel options ready and waiting to help you set the magnificent tone for your close-to-home vacay. From well-known and established brands to up-and-coming names in the hospitality industry, there’s something for every taste and budget. Of course, every hotel in the area has adopted stringent health and cleanliness procedures to help guests feel at ease during their relaxing getaway. From increased cleaning routines to social distancing and face mask policies, these facilities strive to ensure that everyone feels comfortable during their experience.
Explore, Enjoy and Exhale
With all of us eager to get out and hit the road, it’s nice to know that there are destinations like Alpharetta right around the corner that can help us enjoy our surroundings and exhale for a moment. There’s no better time to explore everything that Alpharetta has to offer. The city is waiting. What are you waiting for?
To plan your staycation in Alpharetta, visit awesomealpharetta.com.
