Avalon, the Atlantic Station of Alpharetta is finally starting to come into its own. The mixed use property has pricey apartments, condos, a Whole Foods, specialty stores and a bevy of restaurants. For Alpharettans, it’s a win to have one stop shopping, especially the ladies who lunch set. Have a glass of wine with lunch at Colletta, pop by Fab’rik for a new outfit, stop by Dry Bar for a blow out and pick up dinner at Whole Foods.
While I’m no lady of leisure, I could see spending a fun afternoon with my stepdaughter or a girlfriend in Avalon and here’s how I’d do it.
Lunch at The El Felix
Chef Ford Fry seems to be everywhere: Krog Street Market, the Westside, Buckhead and even Avalon. His upscale Tex Mex eatery, The El Felix is the mirror of Superica at Krog. At lunch they have several taco specials for $10. If you like margartias, indulge in one as they are done just right at the El Felix.
Next head over to Kendra Scott and design your own jewelry. The large monitors allow you to select your choice of metal, stone and type of jewelry – necklace, bracelet, etc. I love my chalcedony green bracelet. It goes with so many outfits.
Just a couple doors down is Fab’rik boutique. The clothing is suitable for teens up to thirtysomethings. Although I find the offerings hit or miss, I do enjoy the selection of accessories. On that particular day, I found the perfect dress to wear to a fall wedding, and an exquisite necklace too!
Now it’s time to get dolled up at Dry Bar. For $40 you’ll get a wash and style. Curly or sleek and straight? It’s up to you. Though I did like the special treatment, it is just that for me. For many women there, I could tell it’s a weekly thing. I chose the Mai Tai (a combination of curly and beachy waves). Though it is was pretty, it hardly lasted and had fizzled out by dinner. I have plans to go again with my stepdaughter. But we’ll probably wait until later this fall when the humidity won’t take away our lovely ‘do.
Now that you’ve got a sexy look and have worked up an appetite shopping, it’s time for dinner. Head over to Colletta for wine, pizza and pastas. They have an exceptional wine list, but also fun light cocktails. I’d recommend sharing at least one appetizer (something seafood preferably) to start. Then get one pizza and pasta to share. Two of my favorites were the Pancetta with salsa verde and arugula and for the pasta the Agnolotti with short rib, but the Spaghetti with pork bolognese with basil was pretty spectacular too.
Disclosure: I was invited to tour Alpharetta for a couple days by the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau. My experiences were complimentary but the opinions expressed are my own.
Come back for part 2 of my trip, next week. Oh and did you miss our excursion to Top Golf? Read about our Top Golf outing here.
