Dine, unwind and pamper yourself at this Forsyth County complex.
The architects behind the Halcyon project in south Forsyth County named it accurately. The word that suggests a throw-back to a happy and peaceful time inspired this live-work-play complex about 45 minutes north of Buckhead and 6 miles from downtown Alpharetta.
An overnight visit recently gave me the chance to explore this re-imagined tiny town that replicates an idyllic era when getting to work, entertainment centers and dining spots didn’t require a commute. At Halcyon, all of that is within a short stroll of Embassy Suites by Hilton, where my getaway began by checking into a roomy suite, complete with a minifridge, microwave, work station, living area, king-sized bedroom and oversized bath. The property also features a well-equipped workout room, a yoga space and a heated indoor pool. In the early evening, the main draw is the free happy hour at the lobby bar where guests mingle over appetizers before heading out to dinner.
When it comes to food, Halcyon has more destinations than one stomach can handle in two days, despite my best efforts. The offerings include the Cherry Street Brewpub with 16 homemade drafts and a spacious patio for lingering outside, the casual tavern Butcher & Brew, the spicy flavors of CT Cantina & Taqueria, the CMX Stone Sports Bar, the seafood-themed Ocean & Acre and outposts of Eclipse di Luna tapas and Hobnob. And there’s a menu of munchies and drinks at X-Golf experience and the CMX CinéBistro on the edge of the complex.
A friend and I opted for dinner at Cattle Shed, a beef-heavy eatery led by Chef Olivia Hurst, a veteran of the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group and a recent winner on Food Network’s “Chopped.” Selections from the extensive wine wall and cocktail menu paired well with a two-bone pork chop and filet, but whole fish, chicken and salmon are on order for the meatless crowd. Brunch, lunch and wine-pairing dinners are also served.
The next day started early with more food at Embassy Suites, where an extensive breakfast buffet of hot and cold options is included, and a chef creates omelets, waffles and pancakes to order. I had more than enough to sustain me through a lesson in soap making at Buff City Soap where I picked scents (cherry) and colors (pink and purple), and whipped them into a natural blend of oils before setting them aside to cool for a few hours. That gave me time to grab a facial at Clean Your Dirty Face that specializes in facial treatments before popping into Lush nails for a mani-pedi complete with hot wax and a relaxing foot massage. And I managed to make room for a panini of prosciutto, pesto and burrata at Il Bottegone, a tiny market store stuffed with all the imported ingredients to create an Italian feast.
There was little time left for checking out the clothing boutiques, coffee bars, chocolate shop, cupcake store and Halcyon Market, where to-go eateries for poke bowls, tacos, pizza and pitas are under one roof. I did manage to grab a few quiet moments on the town green, where Adirondack chairs, firepits and a kiddie sandbox invite visitors to linger. But it was soon time to pick up my soap, neatly cut into individual bars and boxed, before making the drive home. For Halcyon apartment, condo and townhouse residents, I suspect the day ends by asking the question: What type of cuisine are we going to try tonight? And the answer is only a stroll away.
HALCYON
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