Travel Notes: Atlanta

I recently traveled to Atlanta for aTVFest with my client, who has a new exciting show coming to ABC called “The Catch.” We were all given a first look, and got to watch a panel with the creator and cast. The festival was created by the Savannah College of Art & Design, a college that I really wanted to attend, but was too afraid to apply to for fear that I would be rejected. Needless to say, I was very excited to visit their Atlanta campus. Walking the halls covered in student artwork, and seeing how incredibly talented these young designers are, made me wish I could go back to age 18 for a mere moment and have a do-over.

Though I only had a little over 24 hours in the city, I managed to find some of the best shopping in town AND ate my weight in Southern cuisine at what has to be one of the best restaurants in town. Read on for my guide if you have 24 hours in Atlanta, and make sure to set your DVRs for the new incredible addition to the Shonda Rhimes franchise, “The Catch” premiering March 24th on ABC.

HOTEL

Four Seasons Atlanta: I seriously love work travel. The hotels are very TYL approved and this was no exception. My favorite part was the gorgeous bar, which extends out into a lounge area that looks over the lobby. That and breakfast in bed on Saturday morning!

SHOP

I had an entire morning to myself, and I always joke that if you drop me down in any city blindfolded, I can surely navigate my way to the best shopping. I Ubered my way to the Westside, known as the design district and home to some of the most amazing independent boutiques and farm-to-table restaurants.

Perserving Place: This is seriously one of the coolest places ever, and my favorite find in Atlanta. It is an entire shop dedicated to food preserving and preserving the Southern “sense of place.” They sell tons of drool-worthy Southern cookbooks,  their own delicious pickles and condiments (which I gladly sampled) and they have a cooking school, with classes on topics like biscuits and jam (SIGN ME UP), cocktails and cast iron cookery. The best news of all is that you can order their products online, which is going to be my new go to for fabulous gifts.

Cover Books: This curated book shop is an absolute dream, and looks like something you would find in the village of NYC. They specialize in books on art, design, food and travel—basically everything I love. They also had an incredible selection of indie magazines from all over the world. I had my eye on a book about the acclaimed restaurant Faviken in Sweden, but it sadly wouldn’t fit in my carry-on.

BuzziBoutique:  This is a design and furniture shop that carries a collection of new and vintage furniture and home decor. I came home with a chic little match holder and the fanciest box of matches ever (above).

Simply Put:  My love for stationery and cards is only second to my love for boutique hotels, and this darling little shop did not disappoint. I came home with a stash of hilarious cards sure to come in handy for a variety of occasions.

EAT + DRINK

Brash Coffee: Located across the street from the fabulous shops at Westside Provisions District, this is Atlanta’s answer to LAMill.

Bar Margot: Located inside the Four Seasons, this bar was booming on Saturday night and also beautiful. I highly recommend the oysters with a cocktail of your choice.

JCT Kitchen & Bar: We did not have dinner reservations, so trying to get in anywhere last minute at 9:00p.m. on a Saturday night was a bit of a challenge. Thanks to JCT Kitchen for the warm welcome, and making our last night in Atlanta unforgettable. We feasted (literally feasted) on truffle Parmesan fries, mac and cheese, fried chicken, chicken & dumplings and collard greens. And they say actors don’t eat. This meal was incredible and made me proud to be Southern.