Exciting Avalon Thrives in Awesome Alpharetta, Georgia

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The past year has put a crimp in the prosperity of many retail establishments. But Avalon in awesome Alpharetta, Georgia, is still thriving, fun, and exciting. I had the chance to return to Avalon today and see firsthand how it was getting along. And it was doing just fine.

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For us, Avalon has primarily meant one of three things, sometimes in combination. It hosts the outstanding Antico Pizza, which I wrote about here. It is also home to The Hotel at Avalon, our go-to staycation destination. And finally, it is a fun meeting place for family to wander, eat, and shop. Especially during the socially distant 2020, it was a safe environment, mostly outside with wide avenues and sidewalks.

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I can remember when Alpharetta was only for antiquing or as a gas and lunch stop on the way to your actual destination. But over the past decade or so, the city of Alpharetta has made a great effort to become a destination unto itself. With plenty of shops and restaurants, Alpharetta is a lovely, friendly, walkable town with plenty to see and do. And as much as I like Alpharetta, it is usually Avalon that brings me into town.

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This 86-acre mixed-use community boasts over 500,000 square feet of shopping, a twelve-screen theater, office and residential space, a beautiful hotel, and plenty of restaurants. There is also a large park covered with fake turf in the summer, but it becomes an ice skating rink in the winter. Many activities are planned in this square year around.

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From the Oak Steakhouse at one end to The Hotel at Avalon at the other, the walk along Avalon Blvd is only about a half-mile. But you can spend all day getting from one end to the other. And you won't go hungry while you do so. Whether you are shopping for an ice cream cone or a new Tesla, you can find it at Avalon. Most of the high-end shops are well out of my price range, but they are fun for window shopping.

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But there are also plenty of stores that you would find in any mall, including Crate and Barrel, J. Crew, Anthropologie, and Tommy Bahama. There is even a Whole Foods for the hundreds of people who live in the apartments and condos in or surrounding Avalon.

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We usually begin our walkthrough Avalon at the northwest corner, as that is the closest parking to our favorite restaurant, Antico Pizza Napoletana. There is a gelato shop attached to Antico, but we save our calories after the walk to the other end, where Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams awaits.

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Between the park area, the outdoor patios, and the wide sidewalks, Avalon is a people watcher's paradise. The variety of people are endless, from the Rolls Royce and Ferrari valet parked shoppers to the little kids riding the train that circles through the complex. And you won't make a wrong choice about where to eat, but you might think you have because of the cooking smells from the next place. Pizza and burgers to steak and seafood, Avalon has it all.

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Are you looking for a place to live with an uptown vibe but still out in the country? Alpharetta, Georgia is a perfect choice, and Avalon is whatever the next step beyond perfect is. You can furnish your new apartment, buy a new wardrobe, a kitchen full of food, electronics, and appliances without ever leaving the complex. And if you need to go, just pick up a new Tesla.

From upscale living and fine dining to lowdown funk and food, Avalon has it all going on.

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