I started to fill out my Creative Loafing Best of Atlanta ballot but had to stop because I am SO OVERWHELMED by all these categories on which I have no opinion. I immediately forgot all the things I do feel strongly about that I wanted to be sure got recognized. So I am just going to write little posts over the next weeks about each thing I intend to be sure I vote for, in case you might be inclined to patronize these establishments, real or virtual, due to Pecanne Log’s powerful influence over your decision making.
Providence Antiques
First of all, let me say that this place is a real class act before I talk about the things I’ve actually bought there. The owner has a French bulldog and there are always real interior designers stopping by. It smells so great and everything is so perfectly curated and arranged. The window display is just a work of art. I really hate to use the A-word on such a thoughtfully designed store, so I won’t name that chain store that everyone compares anything that’s the least bit charming these days. And don’t you dare either, because Providence is so much better! Keep in mind the “Antiques” in the name isn’t fully accurate in case you’re one of those people who gets overwhelmed by the traditional concept of an antiques store – there’s a complementary mix of new and old.
With all those sublime tokens and international antiques, there are still always some little items that are a bit rebellious and/or creepy, like this x-ray of a monkey I got a friend for her birthday gift.

I also got a great detail of an etching of Botticelli’s The Youth of Moses – the part of his childhood where he’s staring off next to the tiny chihuahua. It hangs prominently in my bathroom.

Both of these were in a stack of constantly-revolving sale items. I think most boutiques will, of course, have those very exclusive and expensive items for people with a dedicated decorating budget to spend (or no budget at all), but a truly great boutique will also have smaller treasures that are just as special but easy to drop pocket money on. You can buy cheap mass-produced crap anywhere that anyone else can find in any other city, but a mindful shop owner will find items in a wide range of prices so that most patrons can find something beautiful to take home, or at least something freaky.
The other great thing about Providence is that it stays open later than a lot of comparable boutiques. There’s a good chance she’ll still have the door open while you’re running into Movies Worth Seeing.
1409 N. Highland Avenue (Morningside)
“VMC vs. the Radio Star”
Even though Downhome Traces is a blog operation run by a real documentary film professional, he still needs your approval for the things he does. (Perhaps you remember his “Better Know a Neighborhood” series.) You should vote the short documentary “Video Music Channel vs. the Radio Star” for best YouTube video. It’s about Atlanta’s scrappy little music video channel. I know, I know – it’s really more Vimeo material as it’s shot in shockingly high quality and doesn’t involve humiliation, but whatever. Best YouTube – do it. Here are both parts. Continue reading →
Tags: best of atlanta, creative loafing, downhome traces, providence antiques
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