This week’s gem is located in Alpharetta, Georgia. The Avalon has been my go-to spot for years now, and it’s usually the first place my family and I choose when celebrating a birthday or grabbing a bite to eat. There are so many things to do and see here regardless of age, interests, or time of year. According to its website, “...the Avalon is a new experience in the timeless art of living well.”[1] It covers nearly 86 acres of land and offers 500,000 square feet of outdoor shopping.[2] If you love to shop but want to avoid the malls, this is the perfect place to socially distance. The Avalon has everything from a Whole Foods, Crate & Barrel, Tesla, Sephora, Apple store, and movie theatre. It also has some incredible dining options in and around the perimeter.
There is no shortage of dining, shopping, or events to see at the Avalon. However, what I love most is the experience of being there; it’s almost like going on vacation in a resort town. The shopping is great, but I love the quaint atmosphere and the chance to walk around what feels like a community. Whether you want a diversion for an afternoon or a place to take your family on the weekend, the Avalon is a must see. Plus, there is even a hotel if you want to extend your stay and a residential community if you never want to leave! Below I’ve got my top picks when dining, shopping, and enjoying all that Avalon has to offer. The weekends can be pretty crowded as the weather warms up, so I would recommend choosing a weeknight to avoid the crowds. Dining
Bocado Burger: There are not enough words to describe how much I love this restaurant! If you want the best burger in town, you have to come here. Bocado Burger is not as talked about or well-known, and that’s probably because it is on the outskirts of the Avalon. However, it’s my favorite spot. You have to try the Southwestern Burger with poblano peppers and herb fries. This restaurant has the best fried Brussel sprouts I’ve ever had, so don’t pass those up! The milkshakes are pretty darn good, too. There is plenty of outdoor seating, and on warm days, they will open the garage wall so you feel like you’re sitting outside. There are few restaurants I love as much as this one, so definitely add this to your list. Here is a picture of my Southwestern Burger with herb fries and fried brussel sprouts. Amazing!
Rumi’s Kitchen: What can I say? This is seriously one of the best restaurants in Atlanta. My family and I loved the original Rumi’s in Sandy Springs, and we counted down the days until they opened one at the Avalon. Rumi’s is a Persian restaurant, and the food is incredible. This is more of a special occasion type restaurant because the prices are pretty expensive, but the food and atmosphere are definitely worth the splurge. If you are going to eat here, you have to get the Chilean Sea Bass with Shirin rice; it’s one of my family’s favorite meals and the reason we keep going back. It’s hard to say whether my brother or myself love this restaurant more, but I am sure you will too. Plus, Rumi’s has expanded its outdoor seating to accommodate all of your social distancing needs.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: After you’ve grabbed a bite to eat (and if you still have room for dessert), head over to Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. This is a popular ice cream spot, so be prepared to wait in a long line. However, the unique flavors like Brambleberry Crisp and Pineapple Upside Down Cake are worth the wait. Plus, there is some great outdoor seating to enjoy your scoop before it melts and a firepit to hangout at afterwards.
Events
There are so many events at the Avalon, so you will always have something to look forward to. Many cater to families with small children like the upcoming “Easter Bunny at Avalon” March 25th-28th or the “Hop-A-Long Scavenger Hunt” March 27th and April 23rd. However, there are also great options for adults too.[3] Starting this April in the Plaza, you can join outdoor yoga and other fitness classes every Wednesday and an “Avalon Nights Live” concert every Friday; both benefit local charities and run through October.[4] Plus, they are outside so you can safely enjoy yourself while social distancing.
Shopping
If you are looking for great shopping, Avalon is the place for you. For the techies out there, the Apple Store is a must see. There are also great furniture stores like West Elm and Crate & Barrel to bring all of your Pinterest board inspiration to life. If fashion or beauty is your thing, don’t miss out on Free People, American Threads, Chanel, Sephora, and Banana Republic. There are also retail stores for the outdoorsy type like High Country Outfitters in case you’re preparing for your next Georgia Gems hike.
So whether you are looking to shop, grab a bite to eat, or just explore, Avalon is a must see. Leave a comment below telling us what your favorite thing to do or see is at the Avalon! Follow us and tag us on Instagram with @mygeorgiagems when you do decide to visit the Avalon. We know you'll be glad you went! -Audrey P.S. Here is a video from my most recent trip so that you can experience the Avalon with me!
[1] About us & information | Avalon in Alpharetta, GA. (n.d.). Experience Avalon Shops, Restaurants & More in Alpharetta, GA. https://www.experienceavalon.com/about/ [2]ibid [3] Featured Avalon events | Avalon in Alpharetta, GA. (n.d.). Experience Avalon Shops, Restaurants & More in Alpharetta, GA. https://www.experienceavalon.com/events/featured-events/ [4] ibid
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