Brookhaven, Georgia: A Socially Inclusive Destination, Inside the Atlanta Perimeter

BROOKHAVEN, GEORGIA APRIL 2024–What’s the most diverse and visitor-friendly area inside the Atlanta Perimeter? That would be Brookhaven, Georgia, whose tagline is “Belong Here,” a true gem nestled in the middle of a large metro area. Brookhaven’s small-town charm, community-focused vibe and urban amenities enchant visitors and locals alike. From Saturday morning strolls at the farmers market to a multicultural dining corridor, and from art and park experiences to international events, this haven within the metro is a welcoming delight.

Ideal location

Brookhaven is conveniently situated in Atlanta’s backyard, starting at the top of I-285 (“The Perimeter”) and running south to Buford Highway and I-85. It’s just 10 miles north of downtown Atlanta, and 19 miles northeast of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Its proximity makes it a convenient destination by car, Uber, Lyft and MARTA trains. Visitors will find the area’s authentic character interwoven throughout walkable neighborhoods, many with historical significance dating back to the 1800s. Here you’ll find well-preserved parks, outstanding locally owned restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops and lodging with big city access.

Here are just a few don’t-miss reasons to visit.

Enjoy the great outdoors

Get out and enjoy exploring Brookhaven’s plentiful green space. Historic Lynwood Park, established in the 1930’s as the first predominantly Black subdivision in DeKalb County, offers tennis and basketball courts, a splash pad, zero-entry pool and more, thanks to The City of Brookhaven, Explore Brookhaven and many others. In 1968, students of the community school, known as the Lynwood Trailblazers, were the first to enter the previously segregated DeKalb County School System. In 2023, the City of Brookhaven worked in conjunction with Lynwood community members and the Trailblazers to determine areas of the park that could be improved without disturbing its historical significance. These improvement and preservation efforts won the City of Brookhaven and Explore Brookhaven the 2024 Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus’ Paul Nelson Award for Outdoor Recreation and Preservation. 3360 Osborne Road Brookhaven, Georgia 30319.

Blackburn Park is ideal for exercising, featuring walking trails, playgrounds, tennis courts and other spaces across its 50 acres. Blackburn Park, 3501 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319. Traveling with your four-legged friends? Skyland Park offers a large fenced-in area for puppies and dogs to roam safely as well as a playground area for the kiddos. 2600 Skyland Drive, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319. The Peachtree Creek Greenway is a multi-use recreation path and park along North Fork Peachtree Creek. It’s for pedestrians, cyclists, runners, and anyone looking for ways to enjoy nature.

Enjoy a Saturday stroll at the Brookhaven Farmer’s Market, a go-to spot for anyone seeking fresh finds from local farmers. Operating Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., April through November, the market features 50-plus 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. 1375 Fernwood Circle NE, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319.

Buford Highway – a corridor of international inclusion

Known beyond Atlanta as one of the most diverse cultural and culinary destinations, Buford Highway runs through Brookhaven, where it is home to many authentic international shops and cuisines. From tacos and Thai to pastries and pho, your appetite for adventure awaits. The family-owned Havana Sandwich Shop has been serving authentic Cuban fare to the Atlanta area for more than 40 years, including its wildly-popular Cuban sandwiches and more. 2905 Buford Hwy NE, Brookhaven, Georgia 30329; 404-636-4094. Taqueria La Carreta, a favorite in the recent Taste Brookhaven food and cocktails event, brings authentic Mexican flavors and out of the ordinary dishes to lunch, dinner and late-night devotees. The Birria Tacos are a must. 3375 Buford Hwy NE, Ste 1120, Brookhaven, GA, United States, Georgia. For more international restaurants on Buford Highway, click here.

Black-owned Dining

Brookhaven is home to a thriving array of Black-owned small businesses, from boutique athletic stores to world-class eateries. Get your fill of soul food at Southern Fire Kitchen located in Northeast Plaza. Fried chicken, fried okra and peach cobbler are a few of the Southern classics served up–you won’t leave hungry. Driven by passion, this family-owned restaurant believes that only the freshest quality ingredients will do for their dishes. 3375 Buford Highway, Suite 1050, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 404-963-7594. Roc South Cuisine and Cocktails is a chef-driven, fresh-ingredients restaurant serving elevated Southern staples like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and fried catfish with sides of yams, collards and mac and cheese in a stylish atmosphere. Don’t sleep on the cocktail menu featuring The Good Ol’ Times, a banana nut bread Old Fashioned. 3009 Buford Hwy NE, Brookhaven, GA 30329; 404-481-5915. ‏‎

Explore the tastes of east Africa at Kategna, known for its authentic Ethiopian dishes. Offering a variety of menu items to accommodate all dietary preferences, unique flavors reign supreme here. 2857 Buford Highway, NE, Brookhaven, Georgia 30329; 470-355-9979.‏‎

Something more

For glitz, glam and entertainment, make a reservation at Lips Atlanta, the ultimate spot for drag shows and divine dining. Featuring performances such as “Twisted Broadway!,” “The Divas!,” and a “Dragalicious Brunch,” there’s no doubt audience members will be enchanted. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday with dinner and show menus available. 3011 Buford Highway Northeast, Brookhaven, Georgia 30329; 404-315-7711.

That’s just a taste of the cuisines found in Brookhaven. For all Brookhaven dining and snacking, click here.

Festivities

Brookhaven hosts many events, including the spring Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival, highlighted by the bloom of musical beats at Blackburn Park. The pet- and family-friendly, two-day weekend event includes nationally-known bands, an artist market, Kidz Zone, classic car Show, pet world and a food court with trucks. The most amazing part of the festival is that it’s free. A 5K Race held the weekend prior benefits Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Sample boutique wines, craft cocktails, local beer and light bites from Brookhaven restaurants at Sip Brookhaven in April on Oglethorpe University’s beautiful campus. Taste Brookhaven (September/October) is a fundraiser for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and celebration of the Brookhaven culinary scene. Top restaurants set up in the gardens of Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter for a fabulous evening of delicious bites, cocktails, art, live music, dancing and a silent auction.

October brings the Brookhaven International Festival. This two-day event on the Peachtree Creek Greenway celebrates the international community along Buford Highway Cultural Corridor. You’ll find live cultural performances and music, “food of the world,” an art walk, interactive art creation, a Kidz Zone, health and wellness fair and a global food marketplace. A 5K walk/run benefiting We Love Buford Highway also takes place, which is a qualifier for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race. View the USATF-certified course here. More 2024 events are noted below.

Art and Architecture

As you drive through the Town Brookhaven neighborhood, a towering stone bell tower and a vine-draped curved stadium comes into view. Oglethorpe University’s Gothic revival-style architecture is arguably one of the most impressive sights in the city of Brookhaven. The campus houses the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art (OUMA), the only small liberal arts university museum in the Southeast that regularly shows nationally and internationally recognized exhibitions. Along with art from all over the world, the unique and diverse voices and identities of Oglethorpe University students are celebrated in The Core Self, a multimedia experience of their creative works. OUMA also embraces inclusion by focusing on accessibility, providing an equitable and accessible experience for all its patrons. Read more about the museum’s accessibility services here. Admission is free. Oglethorpe campus, Lowery Hall, 4484 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30319.

Other notable cultural events in Brookhaven

-MLK Day Dinner, TBD, Lynwood Park and Recreation Center
-Lynwood Park Community Day, May 4, 2024, Lynwood Park and Recreation Center
-Juneteenth Celebration, June 18, 2024, Lynwood Park
-Art Pop-up & Shop, September 12-29, 2024, Town Brookhaven, (Presented by Explore Brookhaven and srmART Connect)
-Light Up Brookhaven, December TBD (Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting, Blackburn Park)

Stay a while

Choose from a variety of options: traditional hotels and extended stay properties, family/pet-friendly and luxury accommodations, all offering easy access to Atlanta and the metro area. Here are two with big amenities. DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody is a favorite among families and those traveling with pets. With an onsite restaurant and a heated outdoor pool, this property makes it easy to go car-free. 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Brookhaven, Georgia 30341; 770-457-6363.

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 guestrooms, 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. 4000 Summit Boulevard, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 678-539-1234.