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Tootsie’s Bottom Line:
A must see if you are visiting or live in the Atlanta area!! This is such a refreshing change from suburban life without the insane crowds that we so often assume will accompany a trip “downtown”. Make time to spend at least a few hours enjoying this great spot that offers so much.
A new landmark in an old landmark; Ponce City Market, is a shopping, dining and entertainment destination. The building was formerly home to the southeast headquarters of Sears, Roebuck & Co. and more recently City Hall East. In typical Atlanta form, history hovers in the background as 21st century living settles in.
History
Like many of my favorite places, Ponce City Market has lived many lives. In the early 1860’s Ponce de Leon Springs, as it was called, became an attraction because of the natural springs that were thought to cure aging. In the early 1900’s, the area continued to draw crowds when it became the Ponce de Leon amusement park affectionately known as “the Coney Island of Atlanta”. On the North side of Ponce sat a four acre lake that was filled in to build a baseball park that was home to the minor league baseball team, the Atlanta Crackers. The team played here until their move to Atlanta Stadium in 1965. In 1925, Sears Roebuck bought the space occupied by the Ponce de Leon Springs and built an 8 story building that served as a retail shop and distribution center until it closed in 1989. Imagine going shopping and watching a baseball game from inside the store! All possible for several decades right here at what is now Ponce City Market.
Getting There/Parking
Ponce City Market is a multiuse development, home to a “dining hall”, boutiques and residential space. Located at 675 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, in the Old Fourth Ward near Midtown and Poncey-Highland neighborhoods. It sits at the intersection of the Beltline and Ponce de Leon Avenue. Parking at Ponce City Market includes a large deck with direct access to the Central Hall.
Eating
The “Central Dining Hall” has something for everyone including a charming name for a food court with some eat-in restaurants. There is everything from drinks, entrees and desserts. We chose to grab lunch at H&F Burgers and eat at a table in the hall. I enjoyed the veggie burger, while my son and husband had the “Original H&F” . My youngest daughter had the Junior Cheeseburger. Of course, we had to sample the onion rings and fries. We all enjoyed our meals but didn’t feel like our burgers lived up to the reputation-good, not great. Regardless, the Central Hall was a fun place to enjoy a meal and choosing where you want to eat is not easy! You can find what PCM has to offer here.
Shopping
We made our way outside the Central Hall and enjoyed many of my favorite shops and some new ones as well. One of my favorite things about Atlanta is the weather. PCM takes full advantage of being able to enjoy shopping while getting some fresh air. Ponce is filled with stores and kiosks where you’re sure to find something you’ll love!
The ROOF
You need a ticket for this ride, but it’s worth it! Access to the roof is granted with a day or annual pass or a dining reservation. Enjoy cocktails while taking in some of the best views Atlanta has to offer. Restaurant dining is also available on the roof at 9 Mile Station. 12 Cocktail Bar claims to be “Atlanta’s most influential cocktail bar”. Don’t know about that, but it’s pretty cool and offers cocktail classes where you can create handmade cocktails while enjoying a view like none other in Atlanta. The pièce de résistance is Skyline Park which hosts amusement style games and rides. Your trip back in time will include games like skee ball, ring toss and derby races. There is something for everyone here but plan ahead, it gets crowded!
Sounds dorky but Ponce City Market hit all of the right notes. It was a unique outing with good food, great entertainment and a new discovery in our hometown! Certainly a must see if you’re visiting Atlanta and a perfect way to spend a day if you live here.