With beautiful historic buildings and a charming, walkable downtown, it’s the perfect destination for you and your besties. Whether you want to enjoy a concert at Sweetland Amphitheatre or attend an event at Wild Leap, or just relax with friends – downtown LaGrange is calling. Here are some ideas to help you plan.
Stay In the Center of Historic Downtown LaGrange
Let the newly built Courtyard by Marriott be the upscale basecamp to start your fun weekend. The convenient, central location puts you within a five-minute walk of art museums and countless shops and restaurants. After you check in, unwind with a nightcap in the lounge. Then snuggle into your spotlessly clean and comfy room that features a mini-fridge and even Netflix. In the morning, they made it super easy to grab a cup of coffee downstairs as you put the finishing touches on your day’s itinerary. Since you’re right on the square, just leave your car here in the free, covered parking garage and see the sights on foot.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
If antiques are your thing, LaGrange sports a vast selection. Marketplace at Lafayette Square is a two-story dream featuring everything from dining room tables and French sideboards to fine china. Make sure to make your way downstairs and flip through the stacks of vintage rugs in all shapes and sizes. Afterwards, head over to Main Street and explore Ye Olde Red Door and Bradley’s Antiques as well. On your way out of town, don’t miss B.A. Evans Home House. It’s 10,000 square feet of architectural antiques, old columns, mantles and more great finds.
Just a short walk down Broad Street, Splash Fine Gifts & Interiors features not only a gallery of swoon-worthy kitchen and bath designs but also a selection of unique gifts and home décor, including fine drinkware, hand-painted tea towels, candles and more. So stop for some design ideas and grab a hostess gift too. Gift wrapping is complimentary.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Make sure you set aside time to get out and really see the sights, because there are some can’t miss treats in town. For architecture, gardening and history buffs, a tour of Hills & Dales Estate is a triple threat. Leisurely stroll the paths of the luscious gardens that surround this 1916 estate and immerse yourself in the enticing story of the generations that called this beautiful place home.
For those more interested in fitness, The Thread is the perfect path to stretch your legs while winding through LaGrange. Enjoy an early morning walk to catch the sunrise before your day, or go for a run past the beautiful LaGrange College campus and past historic downtown homes. The 12-foot wide sidewalk provides ample space to walk with girlfriends in a group.
Delicious Dining
For a casual brunch to get your day started right, try Beacon Brewing Co. In addition to craft beer, its got a killer menu. Enjoy a mimosa or two and nosh on eggs benedict (topped with pork belly for a twist!). Located in the historic Hillside neighborhood, the industrial building pays homage to the textile mills that once thrived here.
All that shopping downtown is sure to work up an appetite. Good thing it’s only a short walk over to Mare Sol for a fresh, local lunch. The Mediterranean-American menu offers an array of tasty fare to please everyone, from the Southern fave, shrimp and grits, to healthy grilled salmon. Or order a selection of small plate tapas to share with the table before moving on to their fresh pastas, salads and flatbreads.
After a full day, treat yourself to an elegant dinner at Venucci. Traditional Italian food and a great atmosphere are the perfect combination for a memorable meal – and catching up on girl talk. (The good wine may just sway you to start planning a return trip to LaGrange soon.) Oh, and make sure to save room for dessert; the cheesecake is divine.
