Once upon a time, there was a special little city in Northern Fulton County, Georgia. Alpharetta is such a delightful destination. Add Avalon to the trip and it’s one of our favorite spots on the map. Excited to head back, our Pathfinder followed the path down I-85 right past Atlanta.
A Modern Day Camelot
There’s absolutely nothing average about Alpharetta. Their name says it all – it’s Awesome! The word Camelot comes to mind. For younger readers, Camelot is the fictional land of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. (Google that. You’ll find several movies and musicals. Beautiful soundtrack). Wipikedia defines the word Camelot as “symbolizes an idyllic place and period of great happiness, chivalry. The term Camelot can also refer to a time or atmosphere of idealized perfection.” Alpharetta is definitely a place where we find great happiness.
Shiny glass towers (tall buildings) take the place of castles in Avalon (Alpharetta’s shopping/entertainment district). The streets come alive with shoppers, foodies, and families. Rather than round tables, you’ll find cozy patios where friends gather for cocktails and bites. With twinkling lights and a spirit of community weaving through its restaurants and shops, Avalon feels like a kingdom where everything is ideal. A mystical community that comes alive with laughter and lattes, proving that Camelot lives again!
Saturday
We began our day with lunch at Rumi’s Kitchen. What an experience! We enjoyed fabulous food in an amazing atmosphere.
I ordered Chicken Kabobs which were to die for, but the real star of the show was this little number right here. You’ll find it on the appetizer menu – TOMATOES AND YOGURT! That’s in all caps because I’m screaming! Tomatoes and yogurt is not something I would pair together. Ever. Our server, Nicole, promised us it was a good choice. Nicole is officially our new best friend. I’m sure there is a chef-science to the recipe. It’s not like I was going to head home and throw cherry tomatoes in my Chobani, but the thought did cross my mind.
Shops in Avalon range from Jo Molone London to Old Navy, and everything between. Every turn feels like stumbling into a new “chamber” of wonders. The magic isn’t potion and spells, but in finding that perfect piece you didn’t even know you were searching for.
After picking out delicious donuts at Five Daughters Bakery, we had just enough time to get ready for Collective Soul & LIVE at Ameris Bank Ampitheatre. The music instantly carried me back to 1995, straight to my high school parking lot, windows down and “Shine” screaming through the car speakers.
You can read our review of the amazing venue here.
Where We Stayed
There’s a New Kid on The Block! The Fairfield Inn & Suites is located right around the corner from Avalon. We were greeted at check-in by, friendly and accommodating, Mr. G. His welcome set the mood for a remarkable first impression, and quite honestly made our whole day!
The room was ginormous and had TWO televisions, a.k.a, flat little boxes to watch Gilmore Girls on. There was no partition, but two distinct sections – one for the large, comfortable bed and one for the sleeper sofa.
Fairfield Inn & Suites is the perfect spot to land after a full day of shopping and entertainment – close enough to the buzz of Avalon, but with all the quiet, cozy comforts of home.
Sunday Brunch at Hen Mother Cookhouse
Sunday brunch took us to Main Street Alpharetta. Mom was thrilled that she got to see the town square – huge green space for play, performances, eating, etc. As soon as we spotted Hen Mother Cookhouse, we knew we were in for a savory southern experience. The crowd standing outside was a dead give-away. Ample indoor and outdoor seating made for a pain-free wait.
Hen Mother Cookhouse opened its second location inside the historic Jones House on South Main Street in downtown Alpharetta. Originally built in 1914, the house once belonged to William and May Jones. They also owned Jones Grocery on the corner across the street. After the family moved out (and following the death of William and May), the property became a series of businesses over the years.
In the middle of 2010, Alpharetta City Center developers (thankfully) chose to restore and re-purpose the house rather than demolish it. Another reason I love this town – they care about family and they care about history.
The portions were HUGE, unlike the prices. I don’t remember seeing anything over $20. I ordered Breakfast Tacos and sampled their famous pancakes. The server warned us of the size. He did not exaggerate! Oh my gosh. I’ve never eaten a pancake like that. It was SUPER thick (which I typically don’t like) but tasted like fluffy, buttery air. Do not eat at Hen Mother Cookhouse without partaking in at least a portion of the pancake!
In its own way, Avalon is Atlanta’s modern-day Camelot – a kingdom of community and connection that invites you to return again and again. Whether you come to shop, dine, or wander the storybook streets, we promise you’ll find your Happily Ever After in Avalon!