One of the most unique shopping experience I've ever had in Atlanta was recently at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. Actually, the experience had a New Orleans feel to it...thanks in great part to Miss D.
Instead of starting from the beginning, let me tell you first about Miss D. Her shop is "Miss D's New Orleans Pralines and Popcorn" and you're going to love the pralines!
|
Miss D, Sweet Auburn Curb Market |
I've been to approximately a bazillion farmer's markets—and that's pretty much what this is, with a number of extras—but this experience was unique, to say the least.
One of the reasons I'd been wanting to go to this Market is my love affair with High Road Ice Cream, but more about that in a moment.
When we came across Miss D's shop, her bright red candy apples immediately caught my attention and made for an obvious conversation starter. Of course I told her that the apples looked delicious.
She immediately treated us to a sample of her pralines to which we immediately responded with a purchase. I asked her if I could make a photo to which she cheerfully responded, "Of course," and without even thinking about it pulled out a red parasol—certainly a New Orleans touch and a perfect accompaniment to the candy apples.
It didn't take her long to realize that this was our first visit to the Market, and as soon as she did she told us there was only one way to welcome newbies. She proceeded out from behind her counter and gave us both great big hugs! Wow! What a welcome that was...Miss D is a delight!
Alright, back to when we first came in...the draw that brought us to the Market—High Road Craft Ice Cream & Sorbet.
We parked on the street, not realizing that the Market has its own parking lot. So we entered on what we thought was the front (and I think it was the original front). When we go in, the first shop we saw was High Road. Jackpot!
|
High Road Craft Ice Cream,
Sweet Auburn Curb Market |
Kate was working the booth and she was great...cheerful, welcoming, and enthusiastic about High Road. I was very happy about that given my previous fantastic experiences with owner Chef Keith, the other High Road staff I've met, and High Road ice cream itself. It's AMAZING!
I forget what flavor I had, but it doesn't matter...every flavor I've ever had has been brilliant. We walked around the market with our ice cream exploring quite contentedly.
|
Sweet Auburn Curb Market |
There are so many kinds of shops here. There's gorgeous produce (fresh and much of it local), butchers, bakeries, restaurants, and even a book store. And all the shopkeepers were kind and welcoming...it was just a very nice experience.
|
Georgia Peanuts,
Sweet Auburn Curb Market |
While exploring, we passed a smaller version of the Piedmont Road Grind House Killer Burgers. Their burgers are fantastic and I love that the Piedmont Road location is decorated with period robots...fun!
|
Grind House Killer Burgers,
Sweet Auburn Curb Market |
The Market location is not decorated with robots, but with artwork created by a buddy of mine, Chris Hamer (and it's for sale), owner and creator of Urbanpop. And they're playing vintage videos. Check out Chris' art...it's totally awesome!
|
Sweet Auburn Curb Market |
We kept exploring and ended up going back to one of the butchers we'd passed earlier. This one was selling freshly made sausage...and how often do you get that? Not very. The gentleman behind the counter—enthusiastically, not pushy—told us how incredible the sausage was. He guaranteed that if we tried it we would definitely come back for more.
We will definitely be back for more...it was indeed fantastic!
|
Sweet Auburn Curb Market |
I don't remember now why it took so long to make it to the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. The friend I went with had been there years before and told me that, based on this visit, it's been through quite the transformation.
I found it fun, eclectic in its offerings, and doctors were eating there, so that was telling in and of itself. And they too indulged in some High Road ice cream after their meal.
We're definitely going back!
|
Sweet Auburn Curb Market |