The Ultimate Gift Guide for the Holidays on the Highway

01 Nov The Ultimate Gift Guide for the Holidays on the Highway

Thanks to the seven cities on Hospitality Highway, gift shopping this holiday season just got easier. From antiques, to boutiques, unique activities and artsy finds, gifts can be found for even the pickiest of them. Whether shopping for affordable holiday gifts or looking to splurge, take it from the insiders – venturing onto Hospitality Highway is a guaranteed way to enjoy the best holiday shopping and have a fun time. Don’t get caught empty handed Christmas morning – that can be awkward. Get out and on to Georgia’s 400 and discover your favorite holiday shopping destination.

The Original Shea Butter House – Photo Credit: The Original Shea Butter House

Sandy Springs 

Filled with numerous activities to enjoy, stand out boutiques to peruse and places to eat sip and make merry, Sandy Springs holds the perfect holiday gifts. Check off your gift list for those who fancy handmade goodies and all things craft beer and wine. Wannabe sommeliers and cheese heads will love a gift certificate, available in any denomination, from CalyRoad Creamery, where artisan cheese and wine tastings are offered on a regular basis.

For the skin care enthusiast, visit The Original Shea Butter House where affordable, natural and unrefined skin care products can be found. Other gifts include everything from soaps, and oils, to creams and candles, also all handmade. The coffee lover won’t believe how amazing the natural shea coffee candle smells, sold here for only $15. Have a beer connoisseur you need to shop for? We all do. Venture over to Beer & Wine Craft and snag a spot for a friend or family member in one of the shops beer or wine making classes with a gift card starting at $25. For those who can’t make it, purchase one of the shops unique limited-edition wine kits, now available for pre-order.

Holiday’s at Shops Buckhead Atlanta – Photo Credit: Buckhead Coalition

Buckhead 

Looking to stuff the stockings of a music lover? In this vibrant city, a gift from Buckhead classic, Buckhead Theater grants the receiver a night of dancing to the songs of their favorite artist. Tickets range from $35-$135 and can be purchased straight from the site and from the comfort of your couch. Check out the latest line up here .

Finding a gift for a foodie is simple in this delectable city. Visit long standing gourmet popcorn shop, Garrett Popcorn and design a custom tin and then choose from a multitude of mouth-watering flavors. Got a fashionista to shop for this holiday season? Don’t sweat it! Strut straight to the shops of Buckhead and raid the racks of men’s, women’s and children’s boutiques such as Planet Blue, Theory, Attom, Cos. For the fitness guru, class passes are available for purchase at local favorite yoga studio, Highland Yoga or if your friend or cycle-workout, Flywheel offers the gift of flight in the form of gift cards in any denomination.

Historic Downtown Square – Photo Credit: Dahlonega Convention and Visitors Bureau 

Dahlonega 

For those 21 and up, this beautiful, historic and boozy city is heaven on earth for its alluring vineyards. Toss in a bottle of wine from any of the six winery’s located in this city reminiscent of wine country’s Napa Valley. Choose from: Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery, Frogtown Cellars, Kaya Vineayrd & Winery, Montaluce Winery & Estates, Three Sisters Vineyards or Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery. Need a gift to go with the bottle? It won’t be long before you find it in over 60 retail shops in Dahlonega.

Swing by Mug Me, located in downtown Dahlonega. For personalized gifts, at this crafty and fun painting studio you can personalize your own pottery, wood, canvas or all three with an endearing message that will last ages. Few can say no to chocolate, gift a sweet cheat day by building your own box of handmade sweet treats at Paul Thomas Chocolates and Gifts. While you’re there, watch as chocolates are made from scratch right in front of your eyes – you may end up leaving with an early gift for yourself.

Shopping at Avalon – Photo Credit: Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau

Alpharetta 

Welcome in the new year with a date night cooking class at Alpharetta’s Sur La Table. Prepare for a hands-on culinary experience in an aroma-filled classroom where attendees learn how to make the tastiest of entrees. Purchase tickets for this top-chef showdown directly from Sur La Table’s website.

Get the creative gift ideas flowing inside the unique lifestyle store, Isabella Bleu. The shop is filled with beautiful and chic home décor, resplendent clothing, jewelry and more. Wrap up an artistically designed necklace made by local artists and be confident that your gift will bring a smile on Christmas morning.

Located in Alpharetta’s Avalon, Boogaloos is another trendy spot to find a jaw dropping present or the perfect dress for the season’s holiday festivities. Stand out this holiday season by browsing through the shop’s chic and fabulous ever changing collection of popular garments, or grab a Boogaloos gift card for the ideal stocking stuffer.

Christmas on Canton Street – Photo Credit: Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau

Roswell

Treat friends and family to a relaxing spa treatment and day of pampering at Plum Tree Salon and Spa, located inside a beautifully restored historic home. Gift cards can be used towards many spa offerings including a European facial, hot stone massage or a complete makeover.

Shop like a local and skip the holiday fuss with a trip to one of many boutiques sprinkled around this eclectic city. Indulge your senses at Roswell Provisions, a slice of old school America with a European flair brought to you in a community market. Find your one-of-a-kind gift at Raiford Gallery, housed in a 9,100-square-foot timber framed building, reminiscent of an Amish barn, featuring works of over 400 artists representing glass art, ceramics, original paintings, jewelry and turned wood. A stop at Serendipity Gifts is a must for presents that are a little bit funky, a little bit trendy and full of charm.

Feed the foodie in your life with a gift certificate from one of Roswell’s many beloved restaurants including: Brookwood Grill, Table & Main, Little Alley Steak, Greenwood’s or The Mill Kitchen and Bar, just to name a few. With so many extraordinary restaurants, it is hard to choose but, rest assured, any restaurant you select is certain to be a hit.

North Georgia Premium Outlets – Photo Credit: Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge 

Dawsonville 

Voted best of Dawson county, Dawsonville Antiques is just the spot to get acquainted with this holiday season while searching for gifts. The highly favored antique shop has a huge selection of pottery, primitives, jewelry, furniture, yard art and even fresh water pearls – with so many choices you’ll be in and out in no time.

Explore more of what Dawsonville has to offer for holiday gifts with a visit to the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery. Inside the gift shop you can take your time browsing budget friendly, cool, cute and quirky souvenirs. Items include, moonshine pickles, hats, shirts, cookbooks, mugs and more.

Take holiday shopping in Dawsonville to the next level by snagging a deal at the North Georgia Premium Outlets. Here, you can take advantage of savings up to 65% on any given day. Featuring Armani Outlet, Burberry, The North Face, Kate Spade New york and other favorites to choose a great gift from. Pick up a FREE Savings Passport voucher at Guest Services located in the Food Pavilion or join the VIP Club and download the digital Savings Passport at www.premiumoutlets.com/vip.

Balloons Over Georgia – Photo Credit: Balloons Over Georgia

Cumming/Forsyth

Holiday shopping for the family explorer or adventure seeker can be a tough task, the good news is that Cumming/Forsyth is the ideal place for a gift fitting for he or she on your daunting list. Splurge on a group of family and friends with a $250 group rate gift certificate from Balloons Over Georgia, good for one unforgettable hot air balloon ride experience, this gift won’t soon be forgotten.

Outdoor themed gifts are available year-round at Belhaven’s Outfitters. Pick out a backpack like the popular Kavu and get it monogrammed for your friend or family member, or choose from multiple t-shirts, hats and headbands on display at the store to wrap and add under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning.

For more information on where to shop on Hospitality Highway this holiday season, visit: www.hospitalityhighway.com