Delightful Shopping on the Square in Gainesville

We provided directions recently to shopping centers around Lake Lanier.  It’s been years since I have patronized any of them, and I hope to continue that winning streak.  I do my shopping on the Square in Gainesville because it’s easy, interesting and delightful.

It’s more than the giant chicken atop Main Street Market guarding the Good Citizens of Gainesville as we browse, dine and enjoy life.  Shopping on the Square in Gainesville is simply pleasant.

You don’t have to walk a mile from your car to find somewhere to eat.  Scott’s Downtown — right on the square — has parking out front.  Yes, on a busy night, you might have to do a lap or two around the Square before you find a spot.

Even that’s fun.  You can see who is where and which places you want to visit before or after a sensational dinner at Scott’s, a fine restaurant indeed.

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As you might know, I am old and grumpy.  I don’t think I have ever been in a Starbucks or anywhere else that sells $7 cups of coffee and has menus that give me no clue what I am buying.  The only reason I would ever go to Starbucks is because it is named after a character in one of my favorite movies.  I certainly wouldn’t pay to drink “Iced Green Tea Lattes.”  I don’t want a “seared steak, cage-free scrambled egg and fresh tomatillo salsa” thingy.  If you do, that’s fine.

For years, when I meet clients for a cup of business coffee and a sandwich, I go to Inman Perk Coffee on the Square.  The sofas aren’t too shabby and looking cool is free.  There are the usual suspects who are wi-fi squatters who might be Pulitzer prize winners or dreamers.  I like being there — with others who like being there.  The coffee — all kinds — and food are excellent.

Rahab’s Rope is a shop that I love to visit on the Square in Gainesville.  Purchasing jewelry, art or other handmade items helps other people — not just those who will be thrilled with your gift.

The mission of Rahab’s Rope is to give hope and opportunity to women and girls that have been forced into the commercial sex trade of India. We provide a safe and loving environment that will enable them to grow and develop both physically and spiritually.

Click Here for Rahab’s Rope Info

For a gift that will brighten a friend’s heart and, perhaps, change the life of someone who once had no hope, please shop at Rahab’s Rope.

There are all kinds of merchants, artists, beauty salons and spots around the Square to help you look as snazzy as a movie star.  Need saddle soap or a new bridle?  Try Horse & Hound Tack Shop.

After staying at the old Opryland Hotel for a week-long business trip in Nashville, “we” wanted to buy a super-cozy mattress exactly like the one we had in our room.  Guess where we found one?  Martin Furniture and Design on Bradford Street, just off the Square.  Worth every penny.

There are too many places to name individually, but I want to acknowledge Downtown Drafts on the Square in Gainesville.

Two delightful friends, Aimee and Nick Hoecker, brought craft beer, delicious root beer and a giant Jenga game to town in 2014.

They have enough brands of snooty craft beer to impress anyone who knows an IPA from an IGA.

Along with the best root beer in town, friendly people, and good music, they have creative events — such as their annual Adult Prom.  They know how to have a good time on our underappreciated Square.

You’ll always enjoy shopping, dining, playing and a night on the town on the Square in Gainesville.