I Love ATL {Friday}

 

For the past few days, I had Georgia on my mind, Atlanta that is!

As many of you know, I am a very scheduled individual who loves to be “on time”, so 6:00 AM flights are for me. J and I were at the airport early, departed on time, and arrived to the Atlanta airport on schedule. Then, we were off to our get our rental car for the weekend, a bright RED Jetta. This was the first time we rented a car at the airport. It seemed like the car rental spot was in south Georgia.

We darted straight off to my fave spots in Buckhead. Now remember, we started this journey really early.

I love Henri’s, and it was the perfect mid morning spot for my fave grilled pimento cheese sandwich. I cannot tell you how delicious this sandwich tastes.

Near Henri’s is my favorite Buckhead shoppe, Boxwoods Gardens and Gifts. I could not wait to enter the front door. I was also excited that all my favorite worker friends were all still there, and after five years remembered me. I am certain they were happy that my AmEx was back. We spent over an hour perusing the amazing inventory. Christmas was being put out, so I could not resist ribbons and ornaments. I’ll share my purchases with you later. They are all being shipped to NOLA as there was no way I could attempt to carry them on the plane. We also visited their newest store next door, Boxwoods Home. It is another amazing addition to the area. Of course, I made a couple purchases there too. Boxwoods was just as beautiful as I remember it.

Here is Michael checking out my things:

Then, we were off to B.D. Jeffries. Again, we were greeted by friendly faces that I remember from our years in Atlanta. Much of my Vagabond House serveware were purchased from this fab store. I could not resist getting a couple more pieces of antler handled barware. More later. I adore the gift wrapping there so much.

Check out Peridot West if you are ever on that side of town.

We headed to the Westside for lunch with two former coworkers of J, Marcia and Julie. The heavens opened when I saw Taqueria del Sol. This spot brings back such great memories with J and friends in Atlanta. I could not wait to have their delicious shrimp and corn chowder, fried chicken tacos, and their salsa trio. Yummo!

After lunch, J & I ventured to some of our favorite shoppes at the Westside Provision District. This development is outstanding with shops like Sid Mashburn, Billy Reid, J. Crew, Room & Board, and much more.

I am like a deer in headlights in Sid Mashburn. The style of the store is impeccable. It is perfect for a fine Southern gent. I picked up two belts and added several things to my growing Christmas wish list. J, are ya listening?

One thing I do not miss is the Atlanta traffic, and it has grown worse on the Westside in the past 5 years. Wow!

We headed to Camie and Greg’s, our hosts for the weekend. They live in the heart of Virginia-Highlands. They are close to all the cool shops and restaurants. Camie is a college friend of J’s (Go Hoosiers!), and they have stayed close through the years. Their home is so charming. J actually was their real estate agent back in 1996 and it was his first sale. After a recent outdoor reno, their outdoor porch is fab.

We caught up on the outdoor patio and prepared for our dinner plans. Camie called Uber, and we met our gang at another fave, Georgia Grille in Buckhead. I cannot tell you how happy I was to dine here once again. And yes, the staff remembered us. Beth, our fave waitress, made certain I had the special margarita which is no longer on the menu. Besides Greg and Camie, several friends joined us for dinner. My besties, Amanda of Dixie Delights, Melanie of One Little Bird (her last post was January 13, 2102), and their beaus dined with us. We always seem to pick up where we left off. I miss my Dixie Belles so much. Nicoletta, another friend, also met us. Love her!

We had the best time just catching up, laughing, and reminiscing about the “old” days.

After dinner, we headed back to Virginia-Highlands but not before a nightcap at Highland Tap. Cheers!

After a long day, I went straight to bed.

Atlanta, y’all!