Becoming a new parent has taught me that each day with a baby can feel surprisingly similar and completely unpredictable at the same time. Some days feel like Groundhog Day, while others bring unexpected smiles or sudden fussiness. One ritual that helps preserve sanity—if nothing else—is getting out of the house. A change of scenery lifts my mood, keeps me from feeling trapped, and reminds me there’s a world beyond baby duties.
I teamed up with Stokke to share a few of my favorite Atlanta spots to visit when I need a short escape with Hayes in tow. When we head out, the stroller makes those outings possible and actually enjoyable.
Before Hayes arrived, one of my favorite holiday pastimes was people-watching. I used to love wandering through crowded shops in the weeks before the holidays—chaos and all. Now that I’m avoiding big crowds with a newborn, I still crave that feeling on a smaller, calmer scale. When I need a few hours to clear my head, find inspiration, or pick up a last-minute gift, I choose places that feel busy and inspiring but not overwhelming.
Having the Stokke Xplory 6 makes getting out so much easier. It’s our go-to stroller: Hayes often falls asleep during walks because he likes the motion, and I appreciate the smooth push and thoughtful design. Jeff and I actually chose the Xplory long before this partnership. We test-drove many strollers while I was pregnant and agreed this one felt the best for our needs. It’s larger than an umbrella or compact stroller because it doesn’t fold as compactly as some models, but that was a small trade-off for the comfort and quality it offers.
The Xplory 6’s Scandinavian design initially caught my eye, but its functionality is what keeps me loyal. The stroller glides effortlessly and offers both parent-facing and forward-facing configurations, adjustable at multiple heights. With Hayes still very young, I prefer the parent-facing setup with the seat raised so he can be close to me. The Xplory 6 is also compatible with many car seats—just check whether an adapter is required.
Design matters to us. We try to choose well-made, beautiful pieces for the home and for Hayes, so Stokke’s aesthetic and durability fit right into our lifestyle. In a market full of visually clunky baby products, the Xplory stands out as a piece that looks and performs well.
I like keeping outings simple, though there are plenty of accessories available if you want extras. When we have more kids, I’d love to try the skateboard attachment so an older child could ride along—but for now, we stick to the basics while strolling, shopping, and running errands.
Below are some of my favorite Atlanta places to visit when I want a break from home:
Ponce City Market is a staple. If I’m dropping Jeff at his office in PCM, Hayes and I often pop into nearby shops or grab coffee in the quieter morning hours. My go-to coffee and tea spots there are Spiller Park and Dancing Goats—Dancing Goats makes an excellent chai latte and Spiller serves a great avocado toast. Citizen Supply offers a lovely selection of plants and goods from local makers, and Archer Paper Goods is perfect for stationery lovers—cards, notebooks, wrapping paper, and small gifts. Coco and Mischa is another favorite for clothing and accessories.
In nearby Poncey–Highlands, Youngblood and Gardenia are conveniently close to one another. Youngblood carries jewelry, small home items, and beauty products—I usually end up finding something I like. Gardenia specializes in beautiful floral arrangements and curated gift items like local coffee, books, and unique planters or vases.
Westside Provisions is another great destination with a range of shops. New openings like East Fork bring expanded ceramics and home goods, while Brick and Mortar has vintage housewares and furniture. Little Barn Apothecary is my pick for thoughtful beauty products, and Seed Factory offers a sweet selection of baby items.
Within a comfortable walk from home, I love heading to Krog Street Market for a casual bite. Nearby spots like Muchacho and Revolution Donuts are perfect for a walk-and-eat outing when I want a bit of exercise paired with tasty food.
East Pole is where I go when I want a solid coffee shop with a bright, productive atmosphere—ideal for getting some laptop time in. Chrome Yellow is another local favorite, nearer to my neighborhood; it doubles as a cozy coffee shop with a small shop area stocked with notebooks, mugs, and small gifts—handy for last-minute stocking stuffers.
Photography Amelia Lawrence
Those are my favorite spots when I want to get out for a few hours. If you live in Atlanta, I’d love to hear your recommendations—share your favorites in the comments.
One more note about Stokke: if you’re considering the Xplory 6, it’s an investment we’ve been very happy with. For a limited time, purchases of the Stokke Xplory 6 include a complimentary Jetkids by Stokke Bedbox while supplies last. The Bedbox is a ride-on that converts into a travel bed for planes—very handy for family travel. Offer availability may vary by color and stock.
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This post is in partnership with Stokke. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Paper and Stitch running.