This charming nearby town is the ideal escape
AL BRANNON says it’s worthwhile to open the doors of his business on Sunday mornings, now that the word is out about LaGrange. The charismatic owner of Marketplace on Lafayette Square – where patrons can peruse everything from furniture to decor to antiques – was pleased to see me on both Saturday afternoon and Sunday, first to try on jewelry, then to browse vinyl records. “Since they’ve built the Courtyard Marriott across the street, people can check out on Sundays and come here,” he explained.
Brannon isn’t the only one who’s noticed an uptick in traffic – a slew of other businesses in town, just a mere hour and 15 minutes south of Atlanta, are thriving. But LaGrange’s proximity to the city is simply icing on the cake: it’s other reasons that keep visitors coming, including places to imbibe local wine and beer, restaurants with delicious food and cocktails, historic gardens and buildings and artistic spaces.
I started my own weekend by checking into my room at Courtyard overlooking Lafayette Square, then heading for Nutwood Winery’s new downtown location, a quick stroll from the hotel door. I was thrilled to meet owners Trisha and Neil, who regaled me with local lore and offered me a taste of their reserve red, a Cabernet with a smooth, buttery finish which paired well with my filet, Brussels and potatoes.
“We love to sit at the bar,” Trish remarked, as I savored my meal and glanced around the sprawling bartop filled with patrons. “That’s why it’s so big.”
The next morning, I had the best biscuit ever at iconic breakfast spot Gus’s Grille. Here’s what I love about small towns, by the way: I complimented another woman on her purse, and we talked steadily for 10 minutes about everything from fashion to our careers – while her husband spoke to someone else that he knew.
After breakfast, I set out for the first highlight of the day: a visit to Hills & Dales Estate. No words can express how lovely this place is; you simply have to see for yourself. The estate holds the history of three women who tended it throughout the decades – Sarah Ferrell, Ida Callaway and Alice Callaway – and the lush gardens are a serene place to admire natural beauty and reflect.
Inside the home, I was enchanted by the blend of regal Southern flair from the 20th century with enough modern practicality that one could live there now (but no one does; it’s kept as a museum by the family’s A Long Weekend in LaGrange This charming nearby town is the ideal escape by Denise K. James 24 DECATUR LIVING Spring 2024 Spring 2024 DECATUR LIVING 25 foundation). Still, I could picture myself as a resident, throwing lavish dinner parties with recipes from Alice Callaway’s handwritten collection.
Next on my list was Bellevue, an antebellum home once owned by town attorney Benjamin Hill and his wife Caroline. The stately, wellkept mansion is on the National Register for Historic Places and now serves as a gathering spot for LaGrange Women’s Club.
Following an afternoon nap, I ventured to historic Hillside, an up-and-coming neighborhood where I had the pleasure of dining at Tutto Pepe, the Italian establishment above Beacon Brewing. Surveying the two-story restaurant with its upscale dining room and downstairs bar, the bar’s cool vibe and chic decor attracted me immediately. Head mixologist Alex Caldwell made me a delectable gin cocktail while I raved over my first course, the Fluke Crudo. Afterward, I opted for the gnocchi with roasted mushrooms and browned butter, which made me pause between bites with appreciation.
Dinner was followed by live music at Pure Life, a space owned by arts enthusiast Maggie McDonald. I not only enjoyed original tunes from Tyson Leamon and Walker Wilson, I was invited by McDonald and her friends to hear music students perform the next day at the Beacon, which I happily accepted.
Sunday mornings are pleasantly quiet in LaGrange. I savored a stroll along The Thread, had another visit with Al at the Marketplace, then combed the shelves of Pretty Good Books before brunch at the Beacon. My midday meal of “Fire” chicken pot stickers and tacos was more casual than the night before but just as delicious. Afterward, Chef Spencer Ellen gave me a tour of where brews are made on-site, then I went outdoors to hear songs from music students fill the sunny afternoon.
On Monday, I wistfully concluded my long weekend in LaGrange. My car was packed with the gifts and souvenirs of the trip: a book about rock ‘n’ roll history; treats from Crave Cookie Company; watermelonscented pencils and erasers for my niece purchased at nostalgic pharmacy the Medicine Cabinet; plus business cards from all my new friends. While reflecting on the pleasantly short drive back to Atlanta, I could not recall a time I’d felt so welcomed by a place. As I write this, I can’t wait to go back.
