Done Shopping? Give These Fun Buckhead Activities a Try (3/4)  

Best known for its magnificent homes, upscale shopping and world-class restaurants, Buckhead is a trendy, urban oasis just minutes from downtown Atlanta. Home to celebrities, CEOs, entrepreneurs and some of Atlanta’s oldest families, it offers an unparalleled level of luxury and opulence that cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the city. But what many do not know is that Buckhead has much more to offer than just decorator showhouses, designer fashion and splurge-worth dining. It has a rich historical background, a vibrant arts scene, a variety of neighborhood events and plenty of lush green space just waiting to be explored.   

From the Atlanta History Center’s 33± acres of historic houses, gardens and award-winning exhibitions to independent art galleries to the Peachtree Road Farmers Market to Chastain Park’s 268± acres of golf, tennis courts and trails, Buckhead has a wide variety of attractions on its list of hot spots. And while high-end retail experiences, like those found at Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza and the Buckhead Village District may still reign supreme here, for those looking for a respite from the frenzied fashionistas that flock to these premier shopping destinations, you don’t have to go far, just give one of these fun-filled activities a try.

• Atlanta History Center – Founded in 1926, the Atlanta History Center is an all-inclusive 33+/- acre destination of exhibitions, historical houses and enchanting gardens, with ten onsite and online exhibitions that explore Atlanta and the nearby areas. One of the Southeast’s largest history museums, you will see preserved woodland, diverse collections, paintings, memorabilia, interactive screens, detailed exhibits and various displays, including one of the country’s largest collections of Civil War relics. It even has one of only two cycloramas in the United States! Grab a coffee at BRASH or enjoy lunch at Souper Jenny and spend the day learning about the history of Atlanta and its intriguing and storied past.

• Blue Heron Nature Preserve – Tucked into North Buckhead, the Blue Heron Nature Preserve consists of 30± acres of natural habitat and is home to the 3-mile Blueway Trail. Come explore its wetlands, meadows, woodlands and riparian areas, as well as its conservation havens for amphibians, bees, turtles and the urban waterways of Atlanta. You will love this well-maintained nature and education area with a diverse mix of different wildlife areas for learning more about the natural world. If you’re looking for a break from urban life and need a spot of tranquility out in nature, head to this natural oasis.

• Path400 Greenway Trail – This multi-use paved trail is part of an initiative to create more green space and parks throughout Buckhead. Once fully complete, PATH400 will provide a greenway that runs 5.2 miles into the heart of Buckhead for pedestrians and cyclists. Although parts of the trail are still under construction, there is already an accessible and relaxing tree-lined pathway that loops around residential areas, running parallel to the GA 400 freeway. Take a stroll along the path to see public artworks in various forms and mediums, including wall murals, painted picnic tables, shadow panels, birdhouses, giant colorful walls and a lot more.

• Peachtree Road Farmers Market – Mark your calendar to visit this popular outdoor market to find crisp vegetables, grass-fed meats, pure milk and cheeses, tasty jams and jellies, hand-crafted baked goods, naturally grown fruits, heirloom produce, farm-fresh flavorings and other fresh goodies. Held every Saturday morning between March and December, it is among the largest producer-only farmer’s markets in the state. In addition to delicious food items, you can also find artists displaying their handmade goods, including fine leather handbags, charcuterie boards, decorative pottery, culinary items, fragrant soaps, bohemian jewelry and much more. 

• Chastain Park – Spend the day enjoying the great outdoors at one of Atlanta’s largest parks. Chastain Park is Buckhead’s premier park, boasting over 268± acres of green space, walking trails, a golf course, ball fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, a swimming pool and much more. Grab a coffee at The Chastain and take a stroll around the 18-hole golf course or grab some sandwiches and cold drinks and have a picnic under the shaded oak trees. If something more active is what you are looking for, bring your golf clubs and hit the links, take a dip in the pool or spend some time at the equestrian center. There is something for everyone at Chastain Park.

• Cadence Bank Amphitheatre – When the evening rolls around and the sun begins to set at Chastain Park, the gates open at the Cadence Bank Amphitheatre. Tucked into the park’s hillside, the amphitheater is Atlanta’s oldest outdoor music venue, hosting musical guests every summer since 1944. Known for its laid-back shows with one-of-a-kind table setups, an event here is a unique experience. You and your guests can purchase seats for six at tables in the pit and lower orchestra sections and enjoy food and beverages, whether you bring your own or purchase from within the venue. Many even bring tablecloths and candles to add a bit of elegance to their setup. And for those that do not have table seats, you can bring folding tray tables for your spread or opt to purchase lawn seats. One thing is for certain, no matter where your seats are, an evening at Chastain is always a magical experience.

• The Buckhead Theatre – Originally opened in 1931, the Buckhead Theater is Atlanta’s premier intimate theatrical venue. Designed in the Spanish Baroque style, it was meticulously restored and reopened in 2010 and is the perfect spot to catch a variety of performances, including lectures, comedy, Broadway plays, concerts and private and public events. Known for embracing the deep musical heritage of Georgia and the Southeast, the Buckhead Theater has been the site of sold-out shows of every musical genre, including rock, country, hip-hop, alternative and more. Conveniently located in the heart of Buckhead Village, be sure to check out its list of upcoming events and get your tickets early, as most popular shows sell out quickly.

• Museum of Contemporary Art – Interested in something a bit more cerebral? Stop by the Museum of Contemporary Art at 75 Bennett Street. Affectionately referred to as MOCA GA, the museum’s mission is to collect and archive significant, contemporary works by Georgia artists. Since its opening, it has expanded from 250 works by 110 artists to above 1,300 works of art, with a permanent collection still growing by 50-100 art pieces each year. Exhibitions include Georgia artists, as well as artists from around the world, and programs are aimed at promoting the visual arts by creating a forum for active interchange between artists and the community.  

A Few Buckhead Listings