By Lee Bowden
This may sound boring, but I absolutely love low commitment plans in single locations. I don’t have the energy (or the gas money) to hop from venue to venue, spending hours battling traffic, worrying over carpools and risking eerie Uber drivers, so when I found a wonderfully contained microcosm of local places to eat, shop and spend the afternoon, I nearly wept. Come experience this bliss for yourself at The Porch on Main in Flowery Branch!
The concept already existed—malls, plazas, shopping centers—you get the gist. The Porch on Main is similar, with all its shops and eateries housed in a single spot, but it is also more than just a commercial outlet. The Porch has a curated list of sellers all working together in a cooperative marketplace focused on quality and hospitality. It’s quaint and unique with three distinct sitting porches to socialize on and locally made products available inside. It has all the sweet Southern charm of grandma’s porch with all the finery and finesse of a community that really cares.
Here, you can shop for everyday staples at Discover Lake Lanier Gifts & Groceries. Grab all your favorite Georgia Grown and Georgia Made products, secure a few souvenirs, maybe browse some clothes and, of course, check out all the expertly-crafted handmade items and home decor. My word of advice: NEVER leave without a little local honey—we’ve got to support our bees!
Housed inside The Porch is another more intimate gathering space, perfect for long-time wine lovers and budding sommeliers alike. The Branch Social Wine & Market is an elevated and welcoming wine tasting room and event space, offering curated selections, artisanal small plate pairings and the opportunity to engage with other wine-loving members of the community. Whether you’re seeking out one of their weekly activities like Live Music Fridays, looking to become a member of their exclusive Wine Club or simply wanting to sip on some local grapes, make The Branch Social Wine & Market your rendezvous point.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Baby Bell Candy Apples, a confectionery famous for their caramel apples and seemingly endless list of unique toppings. I simply had to try their signature candy apples, all of them perfectly red and glossy, with the sweetest, crispest crunch, as well as one of their indulgent cheesecake stuffed apples: worth every calorie.
When it comes to dessert, you don’t have to stop when you’re full; ice cream will fill in the cracks! Slide a few steps over and try fresh traditional Mexican flavors at La Casita Ice Cream, where you can enjoy a creamy treat or refreshing fruity paleta out on their furnished patio.
Make sure you get your daily dose of caffeine before you leave The Porch on Main and secure a large coffee and homemade sourdough sandwich from Arpeggio Coffee & Bakery!