Move over, Buckhead! The sister communities of Roswell, Alpharetta and Cumming along the Hospitality Highway of State Route 400 have grown to become a shopaholic’s paradise in the last twenty years. From luxury finds to local wares, you will find something for everyone on your “Nice List” in this stylish shopping mecca. Check out some of our favorite shops and centers for the holidays and well into the New Year.
This sustainably designed 86-acre community includes more than 570,000 square feet of retail, a 12-screen theater, and a full-service hotel, just in case you shop ‘til you literally drop! Boasting unique and high-end retailers like Chanel, Free People, Lululemon, Peter Millar, Orvis, Rolex, Tecovas, Williams Sonoma, Whole Foods and Urban Outfitters, just to name a few, you will definitely find a little something for everyone here. Plus, in the winter, Avalon has an ice-skating rink, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the season. Be sure to check out the Makers Market Holiday Market on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Santa will be at Avalon through Christmas Eve. Looking to make a holiday shopping weekend out of it? Santa Tuck-Ins are available at The Hotel at Avalon through Dec. 23. experienceavalon.com
- Historic Roswell Canton Street
Charm personified into a Southern promenade, Canton Street in Historic Roswell is rife with sidewalk cafes, restaurants, local boutiques, antiques and galleries. The popular festival Alive in Roswell, which takes place on the third Thursday of each month, is on hiatus in the winter, but the shopping is still as great as ever. Check out Linen & Flax Home and charming boutiques like Ivy Lala and Belle⏐Mode. Roswell is known to be very dog-friendly, so dog lovers will definitely need to treat themselves to a stop at The Downtown Pooch, a specialty pet boutique located in the heart of downtown Roswell. visitroswellga.com
- Halcyon Forsyth and The Collection
These trendy shopping districts in Cumming carry some fun shopping destinations in an outdoor market setting. Halcyon boasts especially unique retailers like women’s boutiques Willow Jane for women’s apparel, accessories, and gifts, as well as Nina + Leigh or Lizard Thicket for on-trend apparel shopping. Piggy Jo’s is the place to go for children’s toys and kids’ clothing, and don’t miss BBQ Guys, the largest e-commerce retailer of grills and outdoorkitchens. Halcyon also hosts the ever-popular Trader Joe’s with their discount wine and fun food finds. Be sure to check Halcyon’s events calendar this season for a variety of fun entertainment options, such as live music, festivals, and more. visithalcyon.com…