Explore the Best of Atlanta with Local Artisan Nut Roaster and Empty Nester
Lisa Kirkpatrick is the cashew lover and chief roaster behind Atlanta-based High Cotton Company. When she’s not making delicious, small-batch cashew snacks in her kitchen, she is out and about in Atlanta, living that empty-nester good life. After her children went off to college, Kirkpatrick turned her passion for her favorite nut into High Cotton Company, Now we are bringing her gourmet nuts to you. She knows the best places to eat, drink, and explore in Atlanta and the surrounding area.
Read on to learn more about Lisa Kirkpatrick’s favorite spots in Atlanta, and then add this lively Southern city to your Must Visit list!
The new Atlanta on My Mind Gift Batch features High Cotton Co. Sugar & Spice Cashews alongside other small-batch, locally made, artisan goods from the Atlanta Area including Xocolatl Smile with the Rising Sun Trail Mix, Revelator Coffee Petunia's House Blend Whole Bean Coffee, and the Atlanta Wildsam Field Guide.
Where do you take out of towners?
When the Braves games are in session, they are a great way to introduce visitors to the city and the friendly people of Atlanta. The games are lively and fun, and Truist Park is a state-of-the-art stadium. One to see!
What’s one place to eat that no one outside of your city knows about, but everyone inside your city loves?
Ponce City Market. This renovated outdoor shopping center and food emporium is truly unique. Originally used as the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant, the space was taken over by Sears, Roebuck & Co. in 1926. The developers did an outstanding job maintaining the integrity of the historic building. It’s a great place to meet, mingle, and eat!
What food or drink would be worth waiting in line for?
Holeman and Finch’s H&F Double Cheeseburger is a griddled double cheeseburger on a perfectly toasted, buttered bun topped with pickles, onions, and homemade ketchup. Is it any wonder it is an award winner? It makes my mouth water just writing about it!
Where is the best place to get a cocktail in Atlanta?
Kimball House. Do you like oysters? Try this beautiful restaurant (which was an old train depot) for happy hour and then stay for dinner.
[Read more about our makers’ inside scoop on their hometowns.]
Where do you go to celebrate a special occasion?
Atlas at the St. Regis Hotel is a great place to go when you want to treat yourself to a memorable night out. Be prepared—you will not only be pampered by the chef's delicious appetizers, entrees, and desserts, but also by the amazing wait staff.
What is your favorite hidden gem to recommend to your out-of-town guests?
Swan House, a beautiful “old Atlanta home” built in 1928, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The home and most of its original furnishings, is opened to the public. The grounds and house were featured in the movie Mockingjay Part 2 as President’s Snow’s headquarters.
Where is your favorite place to exercise?
The Atlanta BeltLine is a very casual, fun place to walk, bike, or scooter. There are a lot of restaurants, bars, and breweries to explore while taking a leisurely stroll or jog.
What is your favorite place to take kids in Atlanta?
Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium is a great place to explore with kids for an afternoon. The aquarium not only offers presentations (featuring dolphins and sea lions), but also houses hundreds of species of fish and unique animals. Little known fact is the aquarium is home to the country’s only whale sharks.
Best place to karaoke?
Moondogs has a little bit of something for everyone. 4 bars in one: Pub Bar, Karaoke Bar, Dance Bar, and Sports Bar. How can you not have fun here?
What is the best art event in town?
High Museum of Art’s annual Wine Auction is an annual fundraiser benefiting Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. It is a week of meeting, drinking, and partying with winemakers from across the country and world.
Where is the best place to go to get a good view of Atlanta?
Jackson Street Bridge. Venture out at dusk when the lights of the city can be seen.
What is your favorite park in town or within an hour’s drive?
Stone Mountain is a huge piece of granite with great hiking trails. It is also a wonderful place for picnics, swimming, and enjoying an afternoon.
What is missing from Atlanta?
More hiking trails
And one more question about being a small business owner…
What’s it been like to keep on making gourmet, small-batch nuts during a global pandemic?
The pandemic has allowed us to take care of some much needed things we would not have had the time to do otherwise, like creating a strategic marketing plan! High Cotton has big things in store for the fourth quarter—unique new flavors and delicious new products we can’t wait to launch!
[Read more about our makers in the Meet the Maker series.]
Are you ready to take a virtual trip to Atlanta? Check out Lisa Kirkpatrick’s High Cotton Company cashews in the new Atlanta on My Mind Gift Batch and browse our site to see all the new Atlanta goods we have recently added to the Batch lineup. If you need high volume Atlanta area gifts for your business or event, give us a call!