For those that may have missed my initial post, I am starting a new series on my blog called “Atlanta Travel Guide” and will be sharing with you some of my favorite places, restaurants, things to do, etc., in Atlanta, Georgia. To start off the series, I’m sharing one of my favorite locations in Atlanta… Ponce City Market.

 

Ponce City Market has been preserved as a historical site for almost 100 years. Back in the 1860’s, the land that the market sits on today was once a spring that a physician thought had curing abilities. Then in 1903, the land became an amusement park, and 4 years later, converted to a baseball field where the ‘Atlanta Crackers’ played (later known as the ‘Atlanta Braves’). Then in 1925, Sears & Roebuck Co. constructed the building that stands today. It was the Sears Building from 1925 to 1989. My Grandmother actually used to work in one of the retail stores back in the day! After Sears shut down in 1991, the city of Atlanta purchased the building & converted it to office space. Finally in 2011, the building was restored to its former glory as a retail warehouse and over the years has made a few additions, such as loft space for residents, a connector for the Atlanta Beltline, roof top activities, & the central food hall.

 

If you have ever visited the Chelsea Market in New York City, then you’ve already got the vibe for Ponce City Market, as both buildings are owned by the same developers! With a parking deck below, the integrity of the building has been preserved over the years and has been updated with an urban, industrial vibe. The Central Food Hall is on the first floor, along with 2 retail stores at each end. I recommend eating at the Hop’s Chicken, grabbing a coffee at the Dancing Goats Coffee Bar, getting a sweet treat at the Batter Cookie Dough Counter, & drinking an adult bev outside at the City Winery 🙂

 

You’ll find cute boutiques & well-known retail stores on the second floor & outside. I recommend stopping at the Williams-Sonoma, Anthropologie, Coco + Mischa, Onward Reserve, & West Elm. From the 3rd floor up is offices & residental lofts.

I’ve saved the best for last. On the top floor, aka, the rooftop, is Skyline Park. Last I checked, the price to go up is $15.00 or so for adults. A guide escorts you & your group to the rooftop & gives you a brief history lesson. Skyline Park not only has amazing views of the Atlanta’s skyline, but also has carnival food, a bar, amusement rides & games, & mini golf. Depending on the weekend or season, they also hold public & private events, live music, & an ice-skating rink.

 

On average, I think you would probably spend around 3 to 4 hours visiting the market, depending on what all you do while you are there. If you are visiting over the weekend, expect lots of people & lots of Atlanta traffic.

 

Ponce City Market is right in the middle of Atlanta, so you are only 10 to 15 minutes (driving) away from the other neighborhoods (Midtown, Grant Park, Virginia-Highlands, Auburn Ave). Be prepared to Uber, Lyft, hail a taxi, or take the Marta train, because Atlanta is not a city that can be walked easily.

 

That wraps up our first travel guide for Atlanta 🙂 If you have any suggestions or comments, please leave them down below!

 

Sincerely,

Lee.