Snapshot: Buckhead, Atlanta

Here, in Buckhead, Atlanta, you’ll find Southern hospitality with a touch of glam. Located just a few minutes north of downtown, Buckhead blends with the cluster of skyscrapers in the city’s skyline. Look past that corporate veneer, though, and you’ll find that the things to do in Buckhead include fine dining, posh coffee shops, art galleries, and world-class shopping.

The main artery, Peachtree Road, is lined with glass office buildings and box hotels, but beyond that is a neighborhood with architectural eye candy in the form of graceful estates (including the Georgia governor’s mansion) and historic properties like the Swan House (which was made famous in The Hunger Games), as well as ample green space.

Buckhead Bites

You’re in Buckhead, so you might as well treat yourself. One of the best things to do in Buckhead is eat their delicious cuisine. Umi is the go-to for sushi lovers (or those who want to people watch). The vibe in the minimalist space is decidedly sexy and the atmosphere is lively, but the sushi is expertly prepared—don’t skip the spicy tuna crispy rice.

If you want something more intimate, head to Atlas, located on the ground floor of the St. Regis Atlanta, where you can dine on an exquisite tasting menu amongst paintings from the renowned Lewis Art Collection.

On the more casual end of the scale is the Chastain, named for the nearby park. Once a historic general store, the space was transformed into a modern farmhouse-style restaurant lined with windows, expansive outdoor dining, and an on-site garden. Dinner is driven by the seasons and fabulous. The sweet spot, however, is breakfast. The restaurant becomes more like a coffee shop serving up stuffed croissants and biscuit sandwiches crafted by pastry chef Christian Castillo.

Get Your Buzz

Mid-day slumps are cured at the Brash Coffee outpost located within the Atlanta History Center’s lobby. You don’t need admission to the museum. Just park up front (or in the deck) and pop into the sunny cafe for whatever form of java strikes your fancy.

If you want a bite with your coffee, Le Bon Nosh has cafe fare—lobster potato salad, anyone?—and channels European opulence with soaring ceilings, golden drapes, and crystal chandeliers.

Seeking a different kind of buzz? Willow Bar at the Kimpton Sylvan is a tranquil respite where you can sip a gin and tonic in a courtyard setting. On their punchy rooftop bar, St. Julep, however, visitors find city views and soft serve ice cream in flavors like tequila mango.

Explore the Things to Do in Buckhead

It’s worth a trip to the beautifully designed Atlanta History Center. This center contains artifacts and exhibits that cover a wide range of topics like Black history in Atlanta, the 1996 Olympics, and the railroads. Admission includes access to their historic properties and gardens.

Art buffs can get a fix at the art galleries of Miami Circle or stop by the showrooms at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center. Indulge in the finer things at Buckhead Village, a mixed-use shopping district, with luxury boutiques like Abbey Glass and Nars. Stretch your legs at the 268-acre Chastain Park, which has walking trails. You could also hit the partially completed PATH400 Greenway that runs along the Georgia400 freeway.

The Thompson Buckhead opened its doors in December 2021 in a residential area within walking distance to Buckhead Village. The 201-room hotel (complete with a rooftop pool) is sophisticated with dark green tones, mid-century modern flair and plenty of skyline views. The hotel restaurant, Dirty Rascal, serves up comforting Italian food and a killer tiramisu.

What’s the Code?

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