Brookhaven, Ga., Offers Small Town Charm And Big City Access

  • Friday, September 15, 2023
  • Sara Lane

Located 19 miles northeast of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and just 10 miles from downtown Atlanta, Brookhaven’s small-town charm and community-focused vibe enchants visitors and locals alike.

Composed of distinct neighborhoods, Brookhaven is reminiscent of a laid-back smaller town with all the perks and benefits of a big city. The area’s authentic charm is interwoven throughout the community’s walkable neighborhoods, well-preserved greenspace, outstanding locally owned restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops and lodging with big city access. Here’s a sampling of Brookhaven’s most charming spots.

Explore the outdoors

Get out and enjoy the gorgeous spring weather by exploring Brookhaven’s plentiful green space. Home to some of the metro area’s largest parks, Brookhaven offers endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Hit the trails and take in the natural beauty of the area. Spanning 50 acres, Blackburn Park features several walking trails, playgrounds, tennis courts and various wide-open spaces ideal for exercise. Traveling with your four-legged friends? Brookhaven Park offers a large fenced area for puppies and dogs to roam safely as well as a playground area for the kiddos. Both parks are open daily, dawn to dusk. Blackburn Park, 3501 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; Brookhaven Park, 4158 Peachtree Road NE, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319

Insider tip: When visiting during the summer months, there’s no better way to cool down than spending the afternoon at one of Brookhaven’s three public swimming pools located within area parks. For even more fun, pack up the little ones and head to the Splash Pad at Ashford Park. Giggles are sure to fill the air at this popular summer spot. Ashford Park, 2980 Redding Road NE, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319

Indulge in culinary delights

Brookhaven is known for a variety of authentic, not to miss dining experiences. Hailed as a hallmark of the Brookhaven culinary scene, Haven Restaurant and Bar has been serving locals and visitors delectable dishes since 2003. Offering modern American cuisine influenced by French, continental and hints of Southern culture, this upscale neighborhood eatery is a longstanding area favorite that has been named a "Top 10 Area Restaurant" for six years straight. Diners will enjoy seasonal menus featuring creative comfort food with a wide selection of small plates, appetizers, salads, entrees and more. Its lush patio, wrought iron accents and outstanding brunch menu makes it the perfect spot to catch up with friends and plot your next Brookhaven adventure. Open Tuesday through Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturdays for brunch and dinner and Sunday for brunch only. Closed Mondays. Haven Restaurant and Bar, 1441 Dresden Dr Ste 1, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 404-969-0700

When the weather starts to warm, Brookhaven patios are the place to be and Petite Violette offers patio dining at its best! Treat yourself to lunch or dinner at this enchanting, tucked away Brookhaven jewel. Known as Atlanta’s original French restaurant, Petite Violette serves up delicious French Provençal cuisine, fine wines and an atmosphere exuding warmth and charm. Every seat in the house is outstanding but perhaps the very best seat can be found on the tree-covered patio, perfect for those looking to enjoy the area’s lovely spring weather. Petite Violette, 2948 Clairmont Road, Brookhaven, Georgia 30329; 404-634-6268

Craving some of the very best pizza around? Look no further than Avellino’s Pizzeria. Using only fresh and local ingredients, the secret to the perfection of Avellino’s dishes is their simplicity, quality and tradition. The pizzeria’s family-friendly, intimate charm welcomes guests as soon as they step through the door. Sit back and enjoy a glass of hand-picked wine or a locally brewed beer on the pet-friendly patio. Nosh on Avellino’s fresh-made pizza, calzones, salads, pasta and more. Don’t miss this delicious experience and discover the lost art of pizza making. Avellino’s Pizzeria, 1328 Windsor Parkway, Brookhaven, Georgia 30329; 404-500-3841

New to the Brookhaven food scene is the highly acclaimed, Memphis-based restaurant, The Wing Guru. Famous for their 21 flavors of wings, there’s no way to go wrong. Don’t miss award-winning wings featuring flavors such as Honey Suicide, Garlic Sriracha, Lemon Pepper Hot and the Triple J. With so many options, there’s something sure to delight your taste buds. But that’s not all. Non-sauced wings, fried catfish and gourmet burgers are also featured on the menu. Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m. The Wing Guru, 205 Town Boulevard, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 404-228-1649

Don’t miss the Brookhaven Farmers Market. This popular market serves as a go-to spot for anyone seeking fresh finds from local farmers. Many Brookhaven restaurants also turn to the Brookhaven Farmers Market to stock their kitchens with fresh, locally produced food and items for an ultimate farm-to-table experience. Operating Saturdays in April through November, Brookhaven Farmers Market features over 50 vendors offering everything from fresh produce, dairy and packaged foods to bath and body products, pet food and treats as well as items from artists and crafters. Brookhaven Farmers Market, 1375 Fernwood Circle NE, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319

Shop local finds

Looking to find that unique treasure or special gift? Brookhaven is full of interesting, locally owned shops where you’re sure to find treasure. Stroll down Dresden Drive and experience some of Brookhaven’s best shops. Whether searching for a unique find or just window shopping, visitors will enjoy browsing carefully curated items at local shops, boutiques and galleries. Pop in Brookhaven Wines to pick up that hard-to-find bottle or a favorite local wine. Featuring over 450 wines from around the world, there is truly something for everyone. Brookhaven Wines, 1418 Dresden Drive, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 404-869-5650

Stop in and peruse all the one-of-a-kind finds at Marguerite’s on Dresden. This local favorite is owned by a mother/daughter team sharing a passion for all things home and interior design. Shoppers will delight in interesting home décor items as well as local art and design services. For more shops and boutiques, click here. Marguerite’s on Dresden, 1430 Dresden Drive, #100, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 404-841-9171

Serving the Atlanta area for over 30 years, Atlanta Vintage Books is an independent neighborhood bookstore oozing with irresistible charm and showcasing over 75,000 books. Get lost as you wind your way through rooms full of rare and vintage books or cozy up in a chair and enjoy a new read. Patrons are sure to find something interesting at every turn. Atlanta Vintage Books, 3660 Clairmont Road, Brookhaven, Georgia 30341; 770-457-2919

Lodging with big city access

From traditional hotels and extended stay properties to family/pet-friendly and luxury accommodations, Brookhaven has a variety of options to suit your needs, all of which offer easy access to Atlanta and the metro area. DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody is a favorite among families and those traveling with pets. Offering a complimentary shuttle within a five-mile radius, an onsite restaurant and a heated outdoor pool, this property is sure to become a favorite, too. DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody, 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Brookhaven, Georgia 30341; 770-457-6363

Exuding Brookhaven’s charm, Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina is a lavish urban hotel offering a luxurious experience. Nestled into Perimeter Summit, this property offers spacious, suite-inspired guest rooms, a rooftop pool and gym. Convenient to Brookhaven’s neighborhoods, shopping and dining, this pet-friendly property is also close to big city area attractions. Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina, 4000 Summit Boulevard, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 678-539-1234

For more of Brookhaven’s lodging options, click here.

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