We asked Wendy Lowden, co-owner of Whimsy Press, to tell us what she loves about living in her neighborhood, which takes its name from the intersection of Ponce de Leon and North Highland avenues.
Why I Love Poncey-Highland
When I lived in Philly, I liked that I could walk everywhere. So when I moved to Atlanta I looked for a neighborhood with that same vibe, and Poncey-Highland was it. I can walk to get coffee, to the park, to the grocery store, to get a cocktail, to the gym and the movies….and the list goes on! It’s the perfect combination of residential and boutique-y little shops, urban living and neighborhood gathering spots.
Where to Eat
Café 640 (café640.com) is the perfect neighborhood restaurant, I love sitting outside on the patio with a grapefruit martini and an order of ropa vieja. El Burro Pollo Burritos (twitter.com/elburropollo) is our best neighborhood secret. It’s Chef Hector Santiago’s indoor burrito stand. It’s not your typical burrito – it’s a beautiful, large grilled tortilla filled with spicy shredded chicken and topped fresh cilantro, radishes and carrots all wrapped up in newsprint. It’s the best Saturday afternoon treat! La Fonda Latina (fellinisatlanta.com/lafonda) is our second home. Brunch: huevos La Fonda. Lunch: grilled pork and mango salad. Dinner: paella or pollo a la parrilla. And of course, no meal would be complete without their guacamole. The Chocolate Salted Caramel, Chocolate el Diablo, Red Velvet at The Atlanta Cupcake Factory (theatlantacupcakefactory.com)…what else needs to be said?!
Where to Shop
Young Blood Gallery (youngbloodgallery.com) has the coolest, hippest, eclectic collection of handmade items including cards, t-shirts, jewelry, pottery, and artwork from both local and national artists. Atlanta Pro Bicycle (atlantaprobicycle.com) is where I got my beautiful baby blue Independent Mountain bike. It’s also a great place for a repair, some friendly advice or a custom build. BTB Fitness (btbfitness.com) isn’t a shop, but it’s the best place to stay fit. BTB is a CrossFit gym which means workouts are centered around a “Workout of the Day” and that can be anything from weightlifting, sprinting, gymnastics, medicine balls, kettle bells, rowing, running, climbing ropes, and yes…pull-ups. All while having the best time ever!