Check in to Alpharetta’s Hotel at Avalon for an entertainment-packed escape
STORY: Giannina S. Bedford
Approximately 20 miles north of Buckhead, Alpharetta is far enough away but still close enough to be the ideal location for a quick getaway from the hustle of central city life. And since Alpharetta became mother to the 86-acre mixed-use development Avalon in 2014, the Atlanta suburb has transformed into a vibrant destination for food, shopping and entertainment. The best way to take in all that Avalon has to offer is by booking a stay at The Hotel at Avalon, part of the Autograph Collection of luxury hotels.
The property is situated on the east side of the sprawling development, just steps from multiple stores and eateries. Valet your wheels and spend the weekend exploring the outdoor mall’s offerings. At the end of the day, retreat to the 330-room hotel, where the elegant residential furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the streets below provide a classy sanctuary for your suburban sojourn. Whether you’re a 20-something planning a retreat with the girls, a couple celebrating an anniversary or a family with little ones, The Hotel at Avalon fits the bill.
For Family Fun
WHAT TO DO: After check-in, head to the second floor for a swim in the open-air pool. Complete with curtained cabanas, in-pool loungers and a turfed terrace with more than enough seating, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. For little ones 6 and under who need to get more energy out, Avalon boasts a 1,300-square-foot indoor/outdoor play area next to Regal Cinemas. The complex also hosts special family friendly events throughout the year, from ice skating and a Noon Year’s Eve party in the winter to an Easter egg hunt and trick or treating.
WHERE TO EAT: Corral the troops for a meal at Antico Pizza Napoletana or Bocado Burger, both spinoffs of the intown favorites. Top it off with a creative- flavored scoop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams or try the made-to-order, hand-rolled ice cream at Kremo.
For a Romantic Rendezvous
WHAT TO DO: The Hotel at Avalon bar is the ideal place to linger over a glass of wine with the one you love. And just a stone’s throw from the lobby, the Woodhouse Spa caters to couples with side-by-side Swedish massages. Top off your day with a date at Regal Cinemas Avalon 12, where you can order food and drinks from the full-service kitchen and bar and recline in the plush seats while taking in a flick.
WHERE TO EAT: Share a Sweetheart (sushi) Roll and sip a MF Manhattan at the chic MF Bar or grab an outdoor table at Rumi’s Kitchen to feast on Persian cuisine. After dining on lamb kabobs and basmati rice with lentils and raisins, savor the Persian doughnuts served with saffron rosewater syrup and Bavarian cream.
For a Girls Getaway
WHAT TO DO: Gather your gal pals for some retail therapy at Anthropologie, Boogaloos and athleisure destinations Athleta and Lululemon. You can even don your new workout gear and hit a class at Flywheel Sports or Club Pilates. If you prefer to take it easy, lounge in a private cabana at The Hotel at Avalon pool terrace and spend the day sipping cocktails and enjoying bites from the Magnolia Bar. As evening approaches, get a blowout at Drybar and a mani/pedi at Parisian Nail Salon before hitting happy hour at Crú Food & Wine Bar.
WHERE TO EAT: Take your pick from a variety of global food destinations, from upscale Italian fare at Colletta to classic Vietnamese at District III. Or stay close to home by sampling the Southern fare of South City Kitchen, an Atlanta favorite, not to mention a great spot for people watching, located in the bustling lobby of the hotel.
THE HOTEL AT AVALON
678.722.3600
thehotelatavalon.com
