Whether your goal is outfitting a home, choosing a wardrobe or finding special gifts, there’s no place quite like Atlanta to experience winter shopping paradise.
For starters, the climate beats colder, wet cities of the Northeast but still feels like winter, unlike year-round sunny destinations on the West Coast. For family holiday cheer or a friends’ getaway for major sale scores after Christmas, Atlanta is an optimum choice, with new developments that raise the bar on both choices and experience.
The Cosmetic Market in Atlanta — Photo courtesy of Linda Roberts / The Cosmetic Market
Suite Dream Shopping
Power shopping’s hard work, so finding the right place to stay is key. With incredible specials/packages throughout the season, it’s a great time to splurge on a luxurious room (complete with butler services for those packages) at the St. Regis Atlanta.
This spot epitomizes everything that you want in a Southern hotel, full of charm and detailed architecture. Don’t expect a restored old building. The enchanting period detail is perfect, but of modern creation and design, including every technological amenity.
Holiday Spirit
At St. Regis you have the bonus of every modern bell and whistle while enjoying a true traditionally decorated holiday wonderland. The Astor Holiday Ice Rink is illuminated with twinkling lights and a wonderful place to capture photos to share.
Non-skaters can just soak up holiday spirit around the outdoor fireplace over hot cocoa, or slip indoors to enjoy the tradition of cordials in the court or the St Regis Afternoon Tea Ritual. The ambiance is magical, from morning until late night.
Cajun chicken at Le Bilboquet — Photo courtesy of Le Bilboquet
Sophisticated Store Design
The best part is the proximity to the new stores recently opened in Buckhead Atlanta. It’s one of the most extravagant retail developments ever conceived, attracting top-tier stores. Each one is more beautiful than the last.
Stroll through trendy eyeware displays at Warby Parker, the state’s first Etro and Helmut Lang outposts, and swoon over the detail and goods in the oversized Hermes.
Perhaps the most impressive store of all is the six-story, 65,000-plus-square-foot Restoration Hardware showplace. The slew of imagery from their polished catalogs literally comes to life inside. It’s the only one of its kind and the brand’s largest store anywhere.
Dozens of other design and home gift stores have located nearby to entice "RH" décor seekers, making all of Buckhead a destination for nesters of all ages and tastes.
Avalon Options
For less over-the-top luxury and more moderate options, you could join insane crowds at the district’s Lennox Square. In less than 25 minutes, you can drive into the new Avalon retail development in Alpharetta. It’s less crowded; brand-spanking new; filled with accessible, quality retail; and even peppered with eateries, theaters and entertainment. It's a far better choice.
Look Good, Eat Well
Head out early, belly up to the Avalon's onsite DryBar location. They've got the best blowouts anywhere, hands down, and great gifts to go.
Then head into The Cosmetic Market for a complete winter skin and makeup update. It’s one of the most unique stores of its kind, filled with every imaginable product to pamper, glamorize and soothe. The selection of stocking stuffers is endless, too. It’s also the concept of Therapy Systems’ founder Linda Roberts, recognized as a visionary independent in today’s cosmetic industry.
Browse other center offerings, but stop in time for a cozy dinner at Oak Steakhouse. It’s the first outpost for the famous Charleston, S.C., restaurant, and an unforgettable dining experience. The fried lobster just might be the best thing you’ll have all year.
Last Call
Head back to your room and prepare for another day, perhaps really maximizing savings at the enormous new Neiman Marcus Last Call outlet.
You’ll be ravenous afterwards, so grab a table and embrace the atmosphere of the captivating outpost of New York City’s Le Bilboquet. It’s the ultimate French Bistro, with elegant comfort food in a true Parisian hideaway in the center of Buckhead Atlanta.
