Westside Provisions District -- Design, dining & one of Atlanta's coolest little districts…read more
Calling Westside Provisions District a "shopping center" doesn't quite do it justice. This little gem off Howell Mill Road feels more like a mini design district mixed with great restaurants, specialty shops and upscale retail.
If you love interiors and design, you could easily wander around here for an afternoon. The directory includes Herman Miller, Design Within Reach, Room & Board, The Shade Store, Serena & Lily, Brick + Mortar, East Fork Pottery and Anthropologie, along with fashion and specialty retailers such as Warby Parker, Free People and lululemon.
Then there's the food. Little Sparrow is here, along with Marcel, Forza Storico, Taqueria del Sol, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams and several other spots. I came for dinner at Little Sparrow, but ended up enjoying the entire district.
The aesthetics are fantastic. Old industrial architecture, brick, covered walkways, string lights and thoughtfully designed storefronts give the whole place character. At dusk, it becomes especially beautiful. It feels polished and affluent without turning into a sterile luxury shopping center.
My one complaint: the parking. There is plenty of it, but portions of the lot are noticeably sloped. If you park farther down the incline, unloading your car or simply navigating the grade can be awkward. Watch your footing, especially after rain.
Otherwise, what a fantastic little Atlanta discovery. Come for dinner, give yourself time to wander through the design stores, do a little shopping and enjoy the atmosphere.
Life is too short not to travel well, so get out there and find your next destination on your journey.