Photograph courtesy of Mandy Kellogg Rye
Disclaimer: Businesses featured may be affected by temporary closures due to COVID-19.
When I first moved to Atlanta from Chicago in 2011, I was lucky enough to land in a little city called Brookhaven. At the time, Brookhaven was nowhere near as robust as it is now—I’ve only recently come to find out that when I moved here it had just been officially approved by Georgia to become the City of Brookhaven. So when I say I was there in the beginning, I suppose I actually was. And I was immediately charmed.
Located in northeast Atlanta, butting up against Buckhead, Brookhaven stretches out for 12 miles across diverse neighborhoods, parks, restaurants, shops, galleries, and so much more.
While residing in Brookhaven, I was lucky enough to live right across from one of my favorite parks in all of Atlanta, Blackburn Park. Filled with tennis courts, baseball fields, a local garden, and loads of great walking trails, Blackburn Park is 50 acres of pure natural perfection. If you’re lucky enough to be around the area in March, don’t miss the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. There are also food truck Wednesdays during the summer.
One of my favorite areas in Brookhaven is the stretch on Dresden Drive. Full of restaurants, shops, and one of my favorite day spas, there is something for everyone on Dresden. I suggest grabbing lunch at Verde Taqueria or, if the weather is nice, sitting on the patio at Kaleidoscope where pups are welcome. Pop into Marguerites on Dresden for a little shopping and, if you need a relaxing retreat, head to Natural Body Spa Brookhaven. For dinner, grab a pre- or post-dinner cocktail at Pour. Kitchen + Bar and make a reservation at Haven, Valenza, or around the corner at Arnette’s Chop Shop. And if it’s Thursday, definitely opt for the patio at Haven where there’s always live music.
Another scene Brookhaven is the international corridor of Buford Highway. While you’re there, stop into Havana Sandwich Shop or Taqueria La Carretta for some truly authentic dishes.
Even though I no longer live in Brookhaven, I make a habit of spending at least a day or two there each month visiting my old favorites and discovering what’s new. Whether you’re an Atlanta local looking for a day trip adventure or visiting Atlanta for the first time, make sure Brookhaven is on your list of places to explore.
A firsthand look inside Mandy’s Brookhaven:
Photograph courtesy of Mandy Kellogg Rye
Photograph courtesy of Mandy Kellogg Rye
Photograph courtesy of Mandy Kellogg Rye
Photograph courtesy of Mandy Kellogg Rye
Photograph courtesy of Mandy Kellogg Rye
Photograph courtesy of Mandy Kellogg Rye
Photograph courtesy of Mandy Kellogg Rye
