6 Reasons to fall in love with Southern Season

Last week, Southern Season announced its expansion into Georgia, specifically in Regency Centers’ Powers Ferry Square – found in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. Southern Season is known as a premier destination for specialty foods and products varying from regional favorites to international innovations, as well as their renowned cooking schools for anyone looking to expand their culinary repertoire.

Set to open in Q2 2016, the store will be the fifth in the Southeast and 25,000 SF of space, modeled after its award-winning flagship location in Chapel Hill, NC. So, let’s take a closer look into what makes Southern Season such a unique retailer.

1. Extensive and easy to navigate wine and beer selection

Have you been in a store where you felt overwhelmed and lost walking up-and-down the aisles of the wine and beer section? Well, not at Southern Season. Similar to Barnes & Noble’s book section labeling, Southern Season provides customers with a guide on the region and varietal/blend. With over 5,000 wines and over 1,000 beers from local, national and international vineyards and breweries, they also frequently offer tastings and always have a staff ready to assist, to ensure your satisfaction.

Employee helping a female customer select wine.

2. Cooking classes

Great for a date or learning how to cook a beautiful meal for your next party. Southern Season cooking classes teach you how to prepare a gourmet meal straight from the culinary experts in a state-of-the-art kitchen. You can enjoy both a formal or informal wine tasting (again, refer to #1) and meet and greet with renowned chefs and attend book signings. (updates can be found on Southern Season’s Facebook page here)

Cooking Class setup inside of store.

3. Décor, cooking utensils and gifts galore

This really is a one-stop shop. After you learn to cook, head over to the store to pick up everything you need to prepare your food and entertain your guests, tablescapes and all!

Cutlery, plates and cups on a table with store shelves in the background.

4. Gourmet Grocery Store

Southern Season has received multiple awards on its selection of specialty gourmet items. They stock over 250 hot sauces, more than 500 jams and jellies and 200 varieties of nuts and snacks. From international delights to regional and local varieties, you are sure to find all your must-have items at Southern Season.

Aisles of specialty items sold in the store.

5. Candy, candy, and did we mention candy?

Think, if Willy Wonka met with a party planner, the result would be the candy section at Southern Season. Stylish, yet whimsical, a portion of the chocolate and candy is displayed in apothecary glass jars each labeled and priced. And then the wall of jelly beans, oh my! It is a beautiful rainbow of colors and unique flavor options. They also carry a wide assortment of packaged candy, truffles, fudge and seasonal varieties.

Collage of various candies sold, including chocolate and jelly beans.

6. Coffee and Tea

If you are like me, there is nothing better than waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. As you walk through a Southern Season store, you can’t help but have your senses stimulated by their large and distinct collection of coffee and loose teas. Sample from the hypnotic selection of local and exotic blends, with handpicked, locally roasted and organic options to find your perfect brew.

Southern Season Coffee barista serving fancy coffee.