Schakolad Chocolate Factory is an internationally acclaimed brand for fresh, handmade European style chocolates. Their signature chocolates are made fresh on-site at their location, prepared with the finest ingredients and presented in the time honored traditions of quality, artistry and innovation. With over 70 handmade chocolates including truffles, nut clusters, pretzels, and thousands of specialty chocolate molds, they also specialize in custom gift baskets, and fresh-dipped strawberries.

Experience some of the city's best baked goods, hearty breakfasts and gourmet sandwiches at this popular daytime dining spot. Situated alongside Freedom Park's extensive pathways, it's the perfect place to grab a quick coffee and muffin after a morning jog. Better yet, sit down, relax and enjoy a full- service breakfast or lunch while you savor the café's high-quality, fresh roasted coffee and free WiFi. The menu features breakfast and brunch items all day. Standouts include the sweet potato pancakes, shrimp and grits, and curried chicken salad sandwich. Most of Highland Bakery's menu items incorporate their fine house-made breads. Don't leave without picking up some of their fabulous pastries, cookies and cupcakes to enjoy later. - Rachel Quartarone

The various furniture retail dealers within the Georgia Antique and Design Center will keep you busy for hours. The center is also home to the Netherworld Haunted House during the Fall.

Locally owned and firmly grounded in the East Atlanta community, Traders Neighborhood Store is the perfect place to find that special gift for someone back home. Specializing in home décor and whimsical gifts, you'll find a vast array of modern furnishings, home accessories, fine art pieces, bath products and children's items to choose from. Handcrafted artisan candles, incense and fragrant soaps create a delightful aroma throughout the store. Greeting cards, stationary, wrapping paper and humorous novelty items help to make Traders a one-stop-shopping destination for all your gift-giving needs. Chances are you'll find a little something for yourself too! - Rachel Quartarone

A vintage clothing boutique, Lucky Exchange has long racks stuffed with vintage and used (but modern) apparel. The store may not be large, but it's practically overflowing with vintage finds. Guys looking for 1950s cowboy shirts and gals in search of the ultimate 80s prom dress will find a haven at Lucky. Reasonable prices and a boutique atmosphere make Lucky a standout among local vintage shops. A wide selection of ladies handbags, shoes and jewelry allow retro shoppers to complete their look. There is also a wide array of outerwear, including leather fashions. Lucky Exchange also has a home at 212 Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta's Midtown neighborhood. - Beth Dolgner

A staple of Little 5 Points shopping, Junkman's Daughter is where shoppers go for the things that can't be found anywhere else. Junkman's Daughter considers itself "Atlanta's Alternative Super Store"-and it's easy to see why. Unique knick-knacks, rock band tees, extravagant costumes and club wear, wigs, hair dyes of every color and even "cat-butt air fresheners" are just some of the gems. Browse a long rack of vintage clothes or walk up a 20-foot tall high heel to the upstairs shoe department. Junkman's Daughter has been a haven for the alternative crowd since 1982, when it was opened by, as the name implies, the daughter of a junkman.

Step into this eatery, and you may forget for a moment that you are in Atlanta, Georgia. New Orleans in style and atmosphere, Parish boasts a full-service restaurant, market, coffee bar and bakery. Housed in a beautifully restored 1890 building, original exposed brick walls, tin ceilings and crown molding create an old-fashioned, relaxing atmosphere. Dine upstairs on Southern classics like cornmeal-crusted Georgia trout or Cracklin' Pork Shank. Duck under brick archways in the downstairs market where you can grab a po' boy, or sit and enjoy a glass of wine on the lovely outdoor patio. Be sure to take home a few of Parish's fresh-baked croissants which many consider the city's best. Note that the restaurant opens at later hours than the market.

Tucked away in brick warehouse building in Inman Park, it would be easy to call this quaint chocolate shop a hidden gem. However, serious Atlanta "foodies" know just where to find it. Owner and chocolatier, Kristin Hard, is on the radar screen both locally and nationally for her commitment to single-source, artisanal chocolate-making. Cacao features a variety of chocolate treasures from chocolate truffles, chocolate-dipped fruit and dainty cupcakes-all of which are made on-site. Hard is particular interested in the health benefits of chocolate. Many of Cacao's hand-made truffles feature medicinal ingredients like chamomile, ginger, cardamom and honey. The European-style shop offers indoor and outdoor tables for enjoying their signature Aztec hot chocolate, dreamy chocolate ice cream or other treats.

A long-time local favorite, Richard's Variety is the place for unique gifts, quirky novelty items, old-fashioned toys, games, party supplies, housewares-and pretty much anything else you need. The store offers two locations: the original store in Buckhead and this newest, larger store in Midtown. Richard's prides itself on its extensive greeting card selection with many humorous and retro-inspired cards to select from. From furniture, rugs, kitschy kitchen magnets or hilarious temporary tattoos, surprises lurk around every corner. Children love Richard's Variety for the extensive toy selection and the antique coin-operated horses near the front windows. - Rachel Quartarone

You're sure to find something special for your "little someone" at this unique children's clothing boutique. Located in family-friendly Decatur, Wiggle's colorful polka-dotted exterior is the first sign that you're in for a treat. Inside, you'll find a variety of boys and girls clothing from newborn to size 8 by such brands as Tea Collection, Baby Lulu, Monday's Child, Appaman and Charlie Rocket. From play clothes to special-occasion wear, there is plenty of cuteness to go around. You'll also find one-of-a-kind art and children's items created by local artists and craftspeople. For that extra special touch, Wiggle offers on-site monogramming. Much of the merchandise, such as baby blankets and diaper bags, are ideal for personalization. - Rachel Quartarone