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, while maintaining all of the perks and benefits of a big city. Visitors will find the area’s authentic character interwoven throughout walkable neighborhoods, well-preserved parks, outstanding locally owned restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops and lodging with big city access. Here are twelve reasons why Brookhaven, Georgia, should be on your radar.
1. Brookhaven Farmer’s Market
Enjoy a Saturday stroll at the Brookhaven Farmer’s 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 Farmer’s 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
2. Splish splash
When visiting during the summer months, don’t miss taking the kids to the Splash Pad at Ashford Park. Giggles are sure to fill the air at this popular summer spot. It’s a great spot to document those fun summer memories. Looking for more water based fun? Cool down by spending the afternoon at one of Brookhaven’s three public swimming pools located within area parks. Ashford Park, 2980 Redding Road NE, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319
3. Enjoy the great outdoors
Get out and enjoy exploring Brookhaven’s plentiful green space. Home to some of the metro area’s largest parks, Brookhaven offers endless opportunities to experience 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? Skyland Park offers a large fenced-in 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; Skyland Park, 2600 Skyland Drive, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319
4. Create your own food tour along Buford Highway
Known for its very diverse culture, this area of Brookhaven is home to many authentic international cuisines. From tacos and Thai to pastries and pho, your appetite for adventure awaits. Havana Sandwich Shop will transport diners straight to Cuba with delicious Cuban sandwiches that are sure to have you coming back for more. This family-owned operation has been serving authentic Cuban fare to the Atlanta area for more than 40 years. Havana Sandwich Shop, 2905 Buford Hwy NE, Brookhaven, Georgia 30329; 404-636-4094
Get your fill of soul food at Southern Fire Kitchen located in Northeast Plaza. Serving up Southern classics such as fried chicken, fried okra, peach cobbler and more, you won’t leave hungry. Driven by passion, this family-owned restaurant believes that only the freshest quality ingredients will do for their dishes. Southern Fire Kitchen, 3375 Buford Highway, Suite 1050, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 404-963-7594
Explore the tastes of east Africa at Kategna. This relatively new restaurant opened in 2020 and is known for its authentic Ethiopian dishes. Offering a variety of menu items to accommodate all dietary preferences, unique flavors reign supreme at Kategna. Kategna, 2857 Buford Highway, NE, Brookhaven, Georgia 30329; 470-355-9979
There is no shortage of stellar dining options, no matter what cuisine you are craving. For more international restaurants along Buford Highway, click here.
5. Catch a Brookhaven Bucks game
Batter up! Check out Brookhaven’s hometown baseball team, the Brookhaven Bucks, for some wholesome family fun during the summer months. Games are played on the campus of historic Oglethorpe University and offer even the youngest spectators fun activities such as on-field contests, visiting with players and more.
6. See a movie under the stars
Nothing says summer like a movie under the stars! Catch an al fresco movie night happening in Brookhaven parks in June and July. Head to the park for an early picnic dinner and stay for the movie. Movie selections are family-friendly and admission is free. For featured movies and times, stay tuned to the City of Brookhaven Facebook page!
7. Taste Brookhaven
Back again for 2024, Taste Brookhaven is the perfect way to welcome fall and explore the area’s culinary scene in a fun way. This fall event, presented by Explore Brookhaven, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter, features local bites, craft cocktails, beer and wine tastings from more than 15 local restaurants and live music. This event showcases the heart of the Brookhaven community and supports a local charity. Save space on your calendar! You don’t want to miss this favorite event.
8. Treat yourself to new flavors
The folks at Southern Custard are always experimenting with new flavor combinations meaning each visit is an opportunity to taste a new flavor. While the standards are always available (think chocolate and vanilla), something new always awaits you at Southern Custard. Southern Custard, 3575 Durden Drive, NE, Suite 302, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 404-402-1570
9. Murder, Mystery and Mayhem
Looking for a fancy and mysterious night out? Experience a murder mystery dinner theater with “Murder, Mystery and Mayhem” showing at Petite Violette Friday and Saturday nights. This showstopping performance features the all-star production, cast and crew from the renowned “Agatha’s: A Taste of Mystery” in downtown Atlanta. The performance showcases unique, original, hilarious murder mysteries with live actors and audience participation, paired with a four-course dinner of fine French food and a glass of wine. The production changes quarterly to offer fresh stories and mysteries, and special holiday show performances are available for groups. This all-new “Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem” at Petite Violette is an interactive murder mystery dinner unlike any other. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Petite Violette, 2948 Clairmont Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30329; 404-634-6268
10. Take in a show at Lips Atlanta
For glitz, glam and a simply outrageous time, book a show at Lips Atlanta. Ideal for birthdays, bachelorettes or a fun night out, Lips Atlanta is the ultimate spot for drag dining. Featuring shows such as “Twisted Broadway!,” “The Divas!,” “Glitz and Glam” and a “Dragalicious Brunch,” there’s no doubt audience members will be entertained. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday with dinner and show menus available. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Lips Atlanta, 3011 Buford Highway Northeast, Atlanta, Georgia 30329; 404-315-7711
11. Party on the patio
Sip and savor at Haven Restaurant and Bar. This upscale neighborhood eatery opened over 15 years ago and is often referred to as a centerpiece of the community. Its lush patio, wrought iron accents and twinkling fairy lights take al fresco dining in the city to a whole new level. Known for their themed Patio Parties happening throughout the year, diners will appreciate the fresh American cuisine with seasonal menus that inspire patrons to return time and again. Haven Restaurant and Bar, 1441 Dresden Drive Suite 1, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 404-969-0700
12. Light Up Brookhaven
Visiting during the holidays? Light Up Brookhaven is a must do! Kickstart the holiday season with a fun filled event packed with festive cheer. Light Up Brookhaven is the best way to kick off the season with the whole family. This beloved annual event is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Featuring holiday themed food, music, entertainment and the arrival of Santa, all is sure to be merry and bright.
If you go
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 complementary shuttle within a five-mile radius, an onsite restaurant and a heated outdoor pool, this property is sure to become your 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 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. 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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