Autumn's in the Bag

Pack your bag for Alpharetta, Georgia, where we’re celebrating the season with spas, shopping and savory cuisine

ALPHARETTA, GA—July 2008—Conveniently located between the hustle of Atlanta and the purity of North Georgia’s mountains, Alpharetta, Georgia has Autumn in the Bag. And, no, this isn’t a reference to the product of long hours spent raking leaves—rather, the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau has literally packaged the season into a clever vacation perfect to experience during a weekend get-away. So get ready for great shopping, spa’aing—and a chance to win groovy get-away luggage!

Stop by the downtown Alpharetta Welcome Center during the months of September and October, and pick up a complimentary tote full of special discounts and as the dog days of summer dissipate you’ll immediately experience a seasonal change in yourself. While at the Welcome Center, register to win a five-piece luggage set perfect for using on a return trip—then, take advantage of the coupons in your tote to experience Alpharetta’s sensational restaurants.

From a complex of imaginatively-decorated cottages resplendent with folk art to more than 30,000 square feet of antiques, you’ll find so much to do there’s barely a minute to spare. Shop ‘til you just can’t shop anymore, rejuvenate with a relaxing spa visit and indulge at a quaint tea room. Once revitalized, visit American Girl Boutique and Bistro, take in a concert at the brand-new Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, and shop at upscale boutiques! And when the day is done, rest easy at any of Alpharetta’s 23 upscale and modern hotels, many offering special seasonal rates.

Fill Your Bag

Home Décor and More! Want something special for your home—or perhaps you’re in need of the perfect gift? Twigs and Lace and Savvy Snoot are both located in charming downtown Alpharetta and offer an array of one-of-a-kind finds. Outfit your living space in style by taking your pick from upscale consignment or brand-new furniture offered at Savvy Snoot. Then, put the finishing touches on your personal quarters with specialty items like Crabtree and Evelyn bath and body products and ornaments by Christopher Radko, available at Twigs and Lace (http://www.savvysnoot.com/main.htm l) (http://www.treasuresof.com/View.aspx?treasureId=2794 )

Something Old and Something New! At Queen of Hearts, you’ll shop ‘til you drop when exploring the more than 30,000 square feet of antiques purveyed from over 150 dealers. For something new, head over to Crabapple Station where you can sip a glass of wine at Sip! Wine Bar before, or after shopping at unique boutiques like Curls and Boys, for kid-friendly apparel, and At Home for unique accessories and eclectic, one-of-a-kind finds for the home. Or, stop by Parson’s—another home furnishing and accessory boutique with a more than 80-year history—located in the North Point Mall shopping district! (http://www.northfultonshops.com/historiccrabapple/ ) (http://www.parsonsgifts.com/ )

Get Styled, Go Wild! Check out brand-new H&M at North Point Mall and discover style on a budget. Then, test out your surfing skills and go wild at Adrenalina, new to Alpharetta in Fall 2008—where the in-store Flowrider lets customers try out wake-boarding and surfing during half-hour sessions. (http://www.H&M.com ) (http://www.adrenalinastore.com/ )

Spaaaah! Shopping all day will leave you with tired tootsies—so embrace relaxation with a pedicure and massage at Mind and Body Day Spa on Windward Parkway or Spa. Here you can choose from services such as Vitamin Cocktail Hand Treatments or a Violet Clay Foot Masque. (http://www.mindandbodydayspa.com/ ) Or, check out Spa Sydell near North Point Mall for signature massages and facials (http://www.spasydell.com/Default.aspx ).

Treats to Eat! Harry’s Farmers Market is just the place to pick up wholesome, home-grown gourmet food, from fruits and vegetables to wine, cheese, fresh cuts of meat and seafood—perfect for planning an autumn picnic in one of Alpharetta’s award-winning parks. (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/alpharetta/index.html )

Folk Art! Step into the magical world of whimsical cottages that make up Matilda’s and experience Folk Art at its finest. (http://www.matildascottage.com/ )

A Girl’s World! American Girl Boutique and Bistro is the perfect place to bring out the little girl in every woman. Doll up a doll and then have your new friend’s hair coiffed at the doll hair salon while you dine at the Bistro. (http://www.americangirl.com/stores/location_atl.php ­)

Relax! If you’ve shopped ‘til you’re ready to drop, just recharge at any of Alpharetta’s 23 upscale and modern hotels, many offering special “Autumn’s in the Bag” rates. (http://www.AwesomeAlpharetta.com )

For a more inclusive list of shopping, spa-ing and dining destinations in Alpharetta, visit our website at www.AwesomeAlpharetta.com . Visit the downtown Alpharetta Welcome Center located on Main Street and pick up a complimentary tote bag, maps, brochures, a visitors guide, and calendar of events. The contest runs from September-October, with the winning entry drawn on November 1, 2008. For more information call the Alpharetta CVB toll-free (800) 294-0923, locally (678) 297-0102; or visit. www.AwesomeAlpharetta.com .

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