Travel Series
Atlanta, GA with Kate Stewart
Hi there! I'm Kate Stice Stewart, and I live in Sandy Springs, Georgia, right outside Atlanta, with my husband and our two kids, ages 9 and 7. I’m also the founder of Bauble Stockings, those ornament-sized needlepoint stockings I hope you’ve seen in stores or online. The tradition is what has made them so popular- Bauble Stockings are meant to contain, or hold a clue to, each person’s final gift of Christmas. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive, but the most thoughtful– that gift that makes you feel warm, fuzzy, and thought-of.
Five Quick Tips:
Go-to coffee spot
Chattahoochee Coffee Company in the Walton on the River Apartment Complex. It’s a hidden gem on the Chattahoochee River.
Best place for a cocktail
The Garden Room. We don’t go out a ton but we definitely buy local when it comes to drinks and anything by Sneaky Pete’s is on my list! I love their Jalapeno Yacht Water which is a premium tequila seltzer.
Kid-Friendly Activity
With little kids, Ready. Set. Fun. is so easy. My daughter also just went to Activate and had a blast. Zoo Atlanta will also get you outside and into the gorgeous neighborhood of Grant Park. That opens up a whole list of things to do on that side of town!
Favorite spot for a Scenic Stroll
Cochran Shoals Park on the river.
What makes Atlanta special to you?
Growing up here, this is the only real home I’ve ever known! I’ve lived in Vinings, north Sandy Springs towards Roswell, central Sandy Springs inside the Perimeter, Cobb County right across from Ray’s on the River, Collier Hills, and now back to central Sandy Springs again (but this time “OTP” for all who know!).
What are your go-to lunch spots in Westfield?
Taqueria Tsunami, Silla Del Toro, Stockyard Burgers, Forno Vero. They are all so good! They are all owned by one incredible family in our community and it makes me so happy to support the business they’ve built by eating delicious food!
Favorite dinner restaurants?
Anis, Le Colonial, The Chastain (fun fact: My parents had their first date in the original restaurant in this building, The Red Barn, and The Chastain is always so sweet to them on their anniversary!). We are always ordering in with our neighbors from Little Thai Cuisine which is so good!
What are your top hotel recommendations?
Favorite local boutiques, vintage stores, etc.?
Lucy’s Market is a Must. I love shopping at Peachtree Battle- Gramercy Home, Monkees, Richard’s Variety, Woo Cosmetics, Randolph’s, Sara Campbell, and many others. I like wandering around Westside Market and there are so many great shops near there as well. Back in Sandy Springs, Kudzu and Company is a go-to for gifting and home decor. During the holidays, I always shop the Marist and Northside Methodist Gift Markets- those cannot be missed and have the best local brands represented.
What are your can’t-miss recommendations for friends visiting from out of town?
This is so hard because dependent on the day- any place in Atlanta can be slammed! We love catching comedy shows at The Punchline. There are lots of built-up areas with the purpose of fun and food: Ponce City Market, The Battery, The Works, BeltLine Eastside Trail, and Krog Street Market.
A touristy attraction that you’d actually suggest?
Atlanta Botanical Gardens during the fall or winter.
Favorite activities for an ideal day in the sun?
I love meeting friends to walk in the historical neighborhoods like Brookwood Hills or Garden Hills. My husband always has us hiking and Cochran Shoals has a 3.1 mile loop, but if you want a hike, it has miles and miles of trails off the main one.
Any other Atlanta hidden gems you’d be willing to share?
Southern Baked Pie! I have friends we’ve gifted these to who now ship pies all over the country for themselves and as gifts- they are that good.
How would you style Sunshine Tienda for a day in Atlanta?
I love a maxi dress to beat the heat and I am ALWAYS in a pair of statement earrings- two things that Sunshine Tienda provides the perfect combo for!
And finally, tell us what makes you “Vacation Happy"?
I love traveling with my kids at these ages- so as soon as we’re packed and on the road, my excitement starts! I love a water-based vacation- which means no makeup, and cute hats, dresses and sarongs and you still look chic!
Kate's Picks
Metallic Wreath Earrings
$52.00
Candy Cane Cabanas
$48.00
Red Dulce Cabana Earrings
$52.00
Gold Crusted Drops
$48.00
Hemingway Stripe Rio Dress
$158.00
Flor Coconut Palm Hat
$189.00
Rose Mercado Maiz Dress
$178.00
Gold Petal Earrings
$48.00
Navy Flutter Top
$118.00
Blue Olla Dress
$178.00
Desi Link Necklace
$98.00
Metallic Gold Mix Bangle Set
$89.00