Travelogue: That Sweet, Sweet Southern Style

First off, all I can say is "wow."  I checked my e-mail yesterday morning, after neglecting it this weekend, and was completely floored by all of the encouraging words and support you guys have given me over the last few days.  I realize that generally when I'm writing there is that tinge of sarcasm seeping through my words, but consider this pure sincerity.  I am amazed, honored, blessed, and grateful you took the time to stumble on this little blog, and promise I'll probably tell you over and over again what beautiful people you are on your respective blogs.  Until then, let's talk about southern things... before I evidently pass out or resign myself to more emails from work (huzzah).

Top-Left:  Terrapin Brewery; Bottom-Left:  Coach Watch and Swell Caroline Friendship Bracelet; Top-Right:  Atlanta Cupcake Factory; Bottom-Right:  Grasshopper and Lemon Cupcakes from the Atlanta Cupcake Factory

The last couple of weeks have been tough, with balancing between a new project at work and flying between Boston and Atlanta every week.  Fortunately, I got to spend my weekends at home this month, which meant the potential of rekindling some friendships that had been severely neglected but documented over Instagram.  Alas, the life of a technological nomad.  I attest to my Northern friends and colleagues that the South really isn't as po'dunk and hick as the media portrays it to be.  Yes, we have fun here. While that fun may be a bit southern tinged, it makes it all the more exciting.

For the sake of time (to read all your lovely blogs!) and the fact that I in fact do have a lot of emails to send out tonight, allow me to break down the last month in Georgia in three simple steps.  I call it, "Eat, Drink, Shop"  -- all the cultural fun, with less yoga-driven religious epiphanies and more alcohol.  Click to read what these pictures actually talk about.  I promise that the words might be as delicious as the pictures show.



EAT:  ATLANTA CUPCAKE FACTORY, 624 North Highland Rd., Atlanta, GA
An local establishment, Atlanta Cupcake Factory is more known for its more eccentric flavors like caramelized bacon and the spicy El Diablo.  While I concede that it is not the best cupcake I've ever had (Cami Cakes in Atlanta and Robicelli's in Brooklyn both hold that honor), it's one of those must-go places in Atlanta for its neighborhood and its decor.  My good friend/sorority sister Charlotte and I decided to do a drinks and sweets Sunday a couple days ago and tried out the Grasshopper and Lemon cupcakes, respectively.  I think my favorite part had to be the icing on the Grasshopper cupcake, which looked and felt like icecream.  Mixed with a Bellini and Bloody Mary, we had quite the girly Sunday afternoon.
Other Shops of Note:  Cami Cakes, Highland Bakery

DRINK:  TERRAPIN BREWERY
If you're from the state of Georgia, you should also know that we're a land of dichotomies, most of which stem from football.  Athens vs. Atlanta, the University of Georgia vs. Georgia Tech, Waffle House vs. Zaxby's, and of course, Terrapin vs. Sweetwater.  Avid lovers of beers from the Atlanta area, a group of my good friends and I trekked 2 hours outside of the city to the land of the Bulldawgs in Athens to check out the Terrapin Brewery two weeks ago.  While it wasn't my favorite compared to my local Sweetwater and Red Brick, it definitely exuded the environment that I love in the South, consisting of lazy weekend beer drinking, live music, the outdoors and good people.  If you are to try any Terrapin, I recommend the Golden Ale, which tastes like honey and hops.
Other Breweries of Note:  Sweetwater Brewery, Red Brick Brewery

SHOP:  SWELL CAROLINE JEWELRY
Swell Caroline is both my latest Internet jewelry discovery and newest obsession.  Had I discovered it last week, it probably would've earned itself a place on my list from last weekend.  Started by a fellow alumnus from Georgia Tech, Swell Caroline has a variety of costume and fashion jewelry like statement necklaces and friendship bracelets at prices from $5 to $60.  My friend Kathryn and I discovered them at last weekend's semiannual Boutique Bargains sale, which hosted 12 clothing and jewelry boutiques in Atlanta.  She bought a bunch of statement pieces for future dates, and I got this pretty sweet friendship bracelet for $10.  Look out in a couple months when they finally open their first brick-and-mortar shop!
Other Boutiques of Note:  K-La, Meringue Clothing

So what do you think lovebirds?  What do you think of keeping it local?  What's your favorite local restaurant, bar or boutique?  Holler at your girl down below!