VIRGINIA HIGHLAND HIGHLIGHTS – STROLLING THROUGH THIS DELIGHTFUL ATLANTA NEIGHBORHOOD

As mentioned in my previous post about this visit, there is nothing like a neighborhood stroll – on foot, s’il-vous-plait – to get me out of my suburban rut. Virginia Highland does not disappoint. Of particular arresting interest on this visit, was the Bella Cucina Artful Food boutique.

This gourmet store was as delicious on the eyes as it was on the palate. The gorgeous rustic farmhouse setting entices all the senses. There are treasures to behold in every corner.

And then, there is the tasting bar where the pestos are on display, ready to be experienced. A visit to their website tells the Bella Cucina philosophy, which will explain why I immediately connected with the store:

“Bella Cucina celebrates the passion for living soulfully… Its artful food celebrates the artisan tradition of bringing foods from the earth to the table… Eat simply and deliciously… It seems appropriate now more than ever to surround ourselves with the warmth of family and friends and the comfort of good food… Bella Cucina honors the philosophy that food is daily sustenance for the spirit as well as the appetite…”

This credo was palpable throughout the store. I arrested my choice on the house favorite Artichoke Lemon Pesto and the gorgeous Farmhouse Lemons. These were for my own personal use, but what great gifts – and corporate gifts too – these would make…

A little further on North Highland Avenue was the colorful and happy and so aptly named Urban Cottage boutique which features contemporary casual furnishings and gift items. With very little room left in my luggage, I simply picked up these note cards from the fantastic “She is…” stationery collection. I will be giving these cards to a few targeted good friends. My favorites read: “She decided to start living the life she’d imagine” and “She designed a life she loved”. Who of your girlfriends does not need that inspiration! Frame-worthy, I tell ya!

I concluded my visit with a quiet and delicious, well presented with great service, late lunch at Murphy’s. That just made the whole Virginia Highland tour even more satisfying….