A day at Ponce City Market

Explore great flavors, shopping and experiences

One of the most popular and iconic places to visit in Atlanta is Ponce City Market, situated in the historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, with direct access to the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail.

PCM, as the locals call it,  is a must-visit for all things shopping, dining and fun. The Roof, which includes games and rides for kids at Skyline Park and 9 Mile Station, with unbeatable cocktails, offers endless entertainment for the whole family. PCM offers events weekly, like yoga with Lululemon on the yard and Saturday Makers Market in the fall. Paid parking is available, along with valet options. Or, you can bike along the Beltline and pop in from the PCM third floor. 

I have been deemed a professional Ponce goer by my friends and family, as I constantly find myself going when I want aesthetic photos and a yummy meal. You truly can find everything, from top-notch shopping to that one Instagrammable meal you have been searching for.

I love to snag an iced tea and breakfast sandwich from Dancing Goats Coffee Bar early in the day and then walk around to explore all of the stores. I then usually grab a quick burger and fries at H&F Burger before heading up to The Roof for the most picturesque spot in the city. You can’t beat a day at Ponce, whether you’re solo or with your gal pals.

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Ruthanna Pridgen is a journalism college student. Born and raised in Atlanta, she is well-versed in the city’s fashion and pop culture scene. She’s passionate about travel, style and storytelling. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her nose in a good book or walking her goldendoodle through Chastain Park.

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Bellina Alimentari

Take a trip straight to Italy with Bellina Alimentari’s authentic cuisine and cozy atmosphere. Sit down at the elegant wine bar or shop in the Market Café to get a taste of Italy. This award-winning restaurant also offers cooking classes monthly, where you can make your own pasta. My go-to order is the pesto pasta, accompanied by a yummie side of garlic bread, and I finish my meal with a rich chocolate cannoli. 

Hop’s Chicken

With the family? Head to Hop’s Chicken, located in the Central Food Hall, to satisfy your craving for fried chicken and sides with true Southern flavor. The James Beard Award-winning chef cooks classic and fresh sides, such as a warm, buttered biscuit. This is the perfect place to take your kids or stop by on a hot summer day to cool off with a refreshing Arnold Palmer.

Miso Ko

Bite-sized but packed with flavor– Miso Ko offers handcrafted rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. All of the ingredients used are fresh and high-quality, creating dishes you can’t beat. My personal favorites are the shrimp tempura roll and the California roll.

Modern Mystic Shop

Get ready to immerse yourself in a spiritual journey when you set foot into Modern Mystic. The contemporary feel of the store sets the perfect mood for customers. On weekends, they offer walk-in tarot, psychic, and palm readings, while also one on one guidance sessions. The store is filled with different tools and pieces to help you create the ideal zen space, from crystals to candles.

Olfactory

Time to shop for your very own signature scent. Olfactory offers a customizable experience with professional “scentologists” who guide you through the fun and fresh process of creating your personal perfume. Olfactory offers core scents, then you can play around with additions that make your scent truly unique. Appointments are recommended and can be booked through the website. You will leave with a fragrance that defines you.

Glad & Young Design Studio

Glad & Young Design Studio includes handmade leather products that the co-owners have been creating in Atlanta since 2015. Each item is handcrafted with care and uniqueness, from leather totes to luggage tags. There is a gift for everyone, whether you are shopping for a family member or a furry friend. Find it on the second floor.

Glossier

Glossier, the beauty line that focuses on skincare and makeup, has a store in Ponce City Market that offers a unique shopping experience with personalized services, aesthetically pleasing displays, and signature pink packaging. Glossier supports healthy skin and fresh ingredients, elevating your everyday look.

Reformation

The famous sustainability-focused store has its only Atlanta store located in the heart of Ponce City Market. Reformation creates trendy, but timeless clothing, shoes, and accessories out of materials like recycled cotton and leftover fabric from other designers. Each product is designed to be fashionable and eco-friendly.

Five Daughters Bakery

You can’t (or, at least, you shouldn’t) go to Ponce City Market without stopping at Five Daughters Bakery. This sweet treat spot offers the Hundred Layer Doughnut, a crossover between a croissant and a doughnut that takes up to three days to make. It is filled with cream and rolled in sugar. They also serve cookies and the bakery’s version of a cinnamon roll that’s called a Quinnamon, topped with maple glaze and cinnamon. Five Daughters offers dairy-free, gluten-free and sugar-free doughnuts and uses all local and non-GMO ingredients. 

Honeysuckle Gelato

The perfect way to end a hot day is to treat yourself to delicious gelato at Honeysuckle Gelato. Not only are there 10 flavors of gelato, but there are also baked goods and milkshakes. Honeysuckle Gelato donates 5% of its profits to Feeding America Network food banks.. Try the vegan Chocolate Brownie Chunk gelato or raspberry sorbet.

Take a Tour

Ponce City Market is in the middle of it all. Step outside and take a tour to another nearby fun historic landmark that offers more food, shopping and fun. Here is your guide to Tour Atlanta Beltline from Krog Street Market to Ponce City Market, and vice versa.

Come prepare and check out 6 Things You Didn’t Know About Ponce City Market.