As Atlanta, Georgia continues its development boom throughout the city, one of the most popular attractions that have been built in recent years is Ponce City Market. This mixed-use historic building boasts a number of interesting and unique businesses, including artisan workshops, boutiques featuring hand-made products, and gourmet eateries. In addition, it has a rooftop restaurant with sweeping views, a walkable trail nearby, luxury apartments, and other attractions.
In 2014, Ponce City Market re-opened to the public as the newly-renovated Sears, Roebuck & Company building, reviving its status as a historic landmark in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward. As PCM states, the building is “linked directly to the Atlanta BeltLine, and situated across from Historic Fourth Ward Park, the iconic stretch of Ponce de Leon Avenue is a major part of the redevelopment movement at the crossroads of Atlanta’s most established neighborhoods.”
As you enter the multi-level brick building, your eye is drawn toward colorful murals and captivating artwork, a rustic-meets-contemporary decor style, and hundreds of visitors moving about the space. Located on different levels within the building, Ponce City Market is home to dozens of unique boutiques and shops, restaurants, and cafes.
In addition to boasting Atlanta-made products, on the 2nd-floor level, a couple stores provide visitors with the opportunity to meet and observe the artisans working in their studios. As an example, Citizen Supply is a curated artisan marketplace that offers “high-quality products by small batch, local and sustainable brands”.
Here you can find everything from handmade leather goods and furniture to apparel, jewelry, and paper goods.
The mission behind Citizen Supply is to “bridge the gap between the maker and the customer” by supporting three different business types:
- Handmade and Small-Batch Goods
- Local Brands
- Sustainable Businesses
The company prides itself on providing the artisans with a “favorable profit-sharing model and offer valuable business analytics to each of (the) makers so they can continue to focus on their work.” Citizen Supply believes that by offering artisans a space to create and sell goods to consumers, that they’re helping each artisan share their personal story and inspiration behind their work.
Another shop that customizes goods in-store is the Cobbler Union. This high-end men’s shoe boutique offers traditional housemade footwear and bespoke styles made in small batches. With a mission to bring quality footwear and leather goods to consumers at a more affordable price point, Cobbler Union went “from bespoke to bespoke-inspired (by) using a direct-to-consumer business model to offer a collection of luxury products at a price point well below that of heritage luxury brands and high-end retailers.”
During our visit to Ponce City Market, we caught up with Sara Kuykendall (featured above) at the Cobbler Union, as she was working on a leather belt. We learned that the mission of the company is based on three values: craftsmanship, authenticity, and quality. Since their products are sold exclusively through their website and at their Atlanta store, it enables customers to purchase high-end goods that come from small batch productions.
What also sets them apart is that their shoes are hand painted. As the company says, “Every shoe, even individual shoes within a single pair, will be slightly different as each artisan hand applies every patina.”
Another store that offers goods made in Atlanta is Elk Head Clothing ATL, located on the 2nd level of Ponce City Market. The store carries a variety of menswear apparel and accessories and provides “quality small batch goods made of unique fabrics and designed for a modern lifestyle.”
Inspired by a hunting trip that the founder went on, the mission of Elk Head Clothing is to be “the new rugged, refined” brand in men’s lives. The brand uses “high-quality fabrics, appealing textures, and laid-back tones and patterns.” With a relaxed, comfortable feel and easy, everyday wearability, their line offers effortless style for guys.
As you make your way down to the first level, it’s easy to see why this marketplace has quickly become the go-to spot for Atlanta residents and visitors. With everything from Sushi joints and Burger places to farm-to-table fresh restaurants and pastry shops, Ponce City Market offers a plethora of gourmet eateries.
As you wander from one place to the next, deciding what to eat (or shop for), you can find virtually anything you’re craving. Whether you’re in the mood for macarons and sweet treats or want to have a healthy, hearty lunch, Ponce City Market offers something for everyone.
One of the best places to pick-up healthy food to-go is Farm-To-Ladle. This busy café sells soups, salads, and sandwiches, incorporating locally sourced produce and ingredients. If you’re trying to stay healthy, opt for the Detox Salad with Salmon. It’s a tasty lunch that boasts a flavorful mix of good-for-you ingredients.
If you’d prefer to pick-up ingredients that you can use at-home, roam around the other culinary shops to discover fresh pasta, paninis, and bread. Plus, you can find other items that are ideal for giftings, such as Olive Oils and Jams.
And that’s not all! Ponce City Market also has a rooftop terrace and restaurant that offers a beautiful brunch and picturesque views. Plus, the rooftop offers a variety of fun-filled activities while you’re there, including an 18-hole mini golf course, boardwalk-style games, craft cocktails and more.
The next time you head out to Atlanta, be sure to swing by Ponce City Market. For more inspiring tips, visit the Travel section on Inspirations & Celebrations.
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