The votes are in and we’re ready to reveal Atlanta INtown’s third annual Best of the Holidays.
Hundreds voted during the first week of November after readers nominated their favorites and decided who should be on the final ballot. That means the shops, restaurants, concerts and events were truly selected by you, our readers.
If you didn’t see your favorite holiday shopping, dining or event destination, leave a comment and share your ideas with other readers.
BEST PLACE FOR LAST MINUTE GIFTS
Traders
485 Flat Shoals Ave. #B
(404) 522-3006, traders-atlanta.com
Accessories, furniture, candles, bar and bath items make this a hip place for last-minute gifts. If you can’t make up your mind, gift cards are available.
Runners-up: Oakland Cemetery Gift Shop, Heliotrope, Ten Thousand Villages
BEST SHOP FOR UNIQUE ORNAMENTS & DECOR
Decatur Gallery & Market
153 Ponce de Leon Place
(404) 377-0755, decaturgallery.com
This co-op gallery features artisans both emerging and established offering up everything from mixed media and mosaics to textiles and paintings.The market operates on Saturday evenings in front of the gallery with vendors offering jewelry, artwork and even baked goods.
Runners-up: Ten Thousand Villages and Mingei World Arts.
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY SHOPPING
Patagonia
34 E. Andrews Dr.
(404) 266-8182, patagonia.com
Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly sports clothing for men, women and children or the latest gear for skiing, hiking or yoga, this Buckhead store has it all.
Runners-up: Re-Inspiration and ecoEMPORIUM.
BEST CHILDREN’S GIFTS & TOYS
Richard’s Variety Store
2347 Peachtree Rd., (404) 237-1412
931 Monroe Dr., #113, (404) 879-9877
richardsvarietystore.com
Stepping inside Richard’s stores in Buckhead or Midtown is reminiscent of the old five-and-dime stores where you’ll find Hula-Hoops, board games, stuffed animals, Hot Wheels cars, Mr. Potato Head and other classic toys Runners-up: The Toy Store at Ansley Mall and BlaBla.
BEST PLACE TO SHOP FOR YOUR PET
Highland Pet Supply
1186 N. Highland Ave., #G
(404) 892-5900, highlandpet.com
Toys, beds and food for cats and dogs are available at this popular Virginia Highland shop.
Runners-up: Doguroo and Inman Park Pet Works
BEST PET BOARDING
Piedmont Bark
501 Amsterdam Ave.
(404) 873-5400, piedmontbark.com
Short, long-term and daycare services are available for dogs at this Midtown business, where there’s plenty of time for play, interaction with humans and walks three times a day.
Runners-up: Wag-a-Lot and Animal House.
BEST GIFTS FOR THE COOK
The Cooks’s Warehouse
Brookhaven, Decatur and Ansley Mall
cookswarehouse.com
For the chef in your life, Cook’s Warehouse has all the tools of the trade. High-end appliances, cookware, cutlery and classes on how to become a gourmet cook.
Runners-up: IKEA and the Viking Store.
BEST HOLIDAY FOOD SHOPPING
Alon’s Bakery & Market
1394 N. Highland Ave., (404) 872-6000
4505 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., (678) 397-1781
alons.com
Delicious sandwiches, prepared foods, gift baskets and sinfully good sweets have made Alon’s an Intown favorite for years.
Runners-up: Greene’s Fine Foods and Highland Bakery.
BEST WINES & CHAMPAGNE
Green’s
737 Ponce de Leon Ave., (404) 872-1109
2614 Buford Hwy., (404) 321-6232
greensbeverages.com
The two Atlanta locations are one-stop shops for beer, wine, liquor and even fine cognac and single malts.
Runners-up: Candler Park Market, Hall’s of Fine Wine and Tower.
BEST RESTAURANT FOR FAMILY OR VISITORS
Agave
242 Boulevard
(404) 588-0006, agaverestaurant.com
For a taste of the Southwest, head to this Cabbagetown favorite, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. We still recommend the Cayenne Fried Chicken and a margarita.
Runners-up: Unclue Julio’s, Osteria 832 and The Colannade.
BEST FOOD SHOPPING FOR THE HEALTH CONSCIOUS
DeKalb Farmers’ Market
3000 E. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur
(404) 377-6400, dekalbfamersmarket.com
A haven for organically grown food, the DeKalb Farmers’ Market supports small farms that are environmentally responsible and sustainable. Get your meats, seafood, dairy and fresh coffee here without compromising your principles.
Runners-up: Sevananda and Whole Foods.
BEST PLACE TO WORK OFF HOLIDAY DINNER
Urban Body Fitness
742 Ponce de Leon Place
(404) 885-1499, urbanbodyfitness.com
This local gym has a full complement of trainers, classes, chiropractic care and much more to keep you healthy. The gym is slated to move from Ponce de Leon Place to Amsterdam Walk soon, so keep an eye on their website.
Runners-up: Last Call Boot Camp and Operation Boot Camp.
BEST HOLIDAY CONCERT OR SHOW
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
1280 Peachtree St., Woodruff Arts Center
(404) 733-4900, atlantasymphony.org
The lauded symphony hosts a month of concert events, including the signature Christmas With the ASO, which has been an Atlanta tradition for more than 50 years.
Runners-up: A Christmas Carol at the Alliance and Madeline’s Christmas and The Santaland Diaries both at Horizon Theatre.
BEST HOLIDAY LIGHTS & DECORATIONS
Centennial Olympic Park
www.centennialpark.com
In November, the downtown park transforms into a winter wonderland with its annual Holiday in Lights. Thousands of lights twinkle across the 21 acres and the ice skating rink is also open for the holidays!
Runners-up: Grant Park and Atlantic Station.
BEST PLACE TO SEE SANTA
Phipps Plaza
3500 Peachtree Rd.
(404) 262-7802, santaatphipps.com
Once again, Santa’s visit to Phipps Plaza in Buckhead sold out in a matter of days. Check the Web site for cancellations if you want a visit and photo with St. Nick.
Runners-up: Lenox Square and Atlantic Station.
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