Local Insights: The St. Regis Atlanta’s knowledgeable concierge Louis Wood shares his tips for where to experience the best the city and the season have to offer.
By Gwyn Herbein
Louis Wood’s 15 years of experience as a concierge means that he has the inside track on the best places to relax and unwind in Atlanta. Here are his recommendations for where to shop, dine and indulge this spring.
Revitalize Your Wardrobe
With the warmer weather, you can finally put away the bulky sweaters and long coats. Atlanta has singular shopping destinations to refresh and revitalize your spring wardrobe.
Wood recommends SID MASHBURN (for men) and ANN MASHBURN (for women) in West Midtown as a great place to pick up some fun wardrobe staples for spring. “The shops are run by a husband and wife,” he explains. “They used to be two separate storefronts, but now they’ve merged. They are unique to Atlanta, not a chain, and they are in a great, upscale neighborhood.” The stores recently appeared on Atlanta magazine’s list of best places to shop. (Sid Mashburn: 404-350-7135; sidmashburn.com) (Ann Mashburn: 404-350-7132; annmashburn.com)
Truly bespoke service can be found just steps away from the St. Regis, at HERMÈS. Stock up on classic and luxurious pieces, from scarves to shoes and bags to belts. “Our guests appreciate the classic style and iconic legacy of Hermès,” Wood says. “The luxury boutique is located in close proximity to our address and offers a personalized experience rather than a crowded mall.” (404-233-1011; hermes.com)
Drinking Alfresco
Many restaurants and bars in Atlanta have outdoor patios that are popular in the springtime. These are perfect locations to unwind with friends and take in the sights and sounds of the city.
“JCT. KITCHEN & BAR in West Midtown offers a beautiful skyline view from their upper bar,” Wood says. He notes that the patio is open year round but is most enjoyable in the spring. JCT. Kitchen & Bar also boasts live music Thursdays through Saturdays and an expertly cultivated list of cocktails and wines. (404-355-2252; jctkitchen.com)
Of course, one of the best bars in town is located at The St. Regis Atlanta. “The outdoor patio at our ST. REGIS BAR is a popular choice for locals and hotel guests,” Wood adds. Enjoy a signature West Paces Mary and watch the world go by. (404-563-7799; stregisatlanta.com)
Seasonal Fare
The changing of the seasons also means that many local restaurants change their menus to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables for lighter spring fare.
Atlanta has evolved into quite a foodie city, so there are plenty of places to choose from to experience a variety of gastronomic delights. Wood recommends dinner at Midtown’s BARAONDA, especially for those attending a show at the Fox Theatre. “It is owned by two partners who have just a handful of restaurants in Atlanta,” he says. The cozy Italian restaurant serves delicious pizza and pasta and boasts an extensive wine list. (404-879-9962; baraondaatlanta.com)
For guests looking to enjoy a stroll through the neighborhood and dine closer to the resort, Wood recommends CHOPS LOBSTER BAR. “It is great for guests to go some place extremely convenient, and this is a popular neighborhood restaurant,” he says. It also serves up some of the best steaks in town. (404-233-3123; chopslobsterbar.com)
Springtime Activities
All year round, Atlanta has a plethora of activities for locals and visitors to enjoy, from museums and concerts to festivals and exhibitions.
The St. Regis Atlanta has a packed calendar for the coming months. Wood especially recommends the EASTER BRUNCH, which takes place this year on March 31. “It is an amazing feast, and it’s great for local families or for people who are visiting the resort and cannot be with their family,” he says. (404-563-7900; stregisatlanta.com)
For those looking to expand their cultural horizons, the current exhibition at the HIGH MUSEUM OF ART, “Frida & Diego: Passion, Politics and Painting,” will likely prove to be an unparalleled experience. “I think it will prove to be hugely popular,” Wood says. (404-733-4400; high.org)
If the great outdoors are calling to you, enjoy a stroll through the ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN. One of the garden’s most impressive features is the Fuqua Orchid Center. “It is the largest orchid conservatory in North America,” Wood says. “In the spring, ‘Orchid Daze’ is an amazing show of orchids.” (404-876-5859; atlantabotanicalgarden.org)
