10 Reasons to Explore Brookhaven, Georgia

As you pass under the soaring stone bell tower on this 100-acre campus, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped onto the set of “Dead Poets Society.” Pop into the Oglethorpe University Museum of Arts, the region’s only small liberal arts museum to host nationally and internationally recognized exhibitions. If you’re a history buff, stop by the Crypt of Civilization, the first and most complete time capsule ever created, according to the “Guinness Book of World Records.”

As buds begin to bloom on branches, Brookhaven kicks off its Cherry Blossom Festival. Held the last weekend in March, more than 100 artists showcase their creations alongside a classic car show and a Kidz Zone with face painting and crafts. Snack on crepes, crab cakes and corndogs as you wait for iconic acts like Joan Jett and the Blackhearts to take the stage each evening.

A trip to Brookhaven wouldn’t be complete without dinner or brunch at the ultimate experience in drag dining (one of only three drag-style restaurants in the U.S.). Snag a seat right by the stage, under glittering disco balls and over-the-top chandeliers to be fully immersed as a drag queen serenades you.

With 135 acres, this green space is the largest in the metro area. Spot Canada geese, ducks, beavers and tons of fish at the lake or take the little ones to one of the uber-cool jungle gyms (think slides built into rockfaces and a wooden castle meant for conquering).

The Buford Highway International Corridor is an edible playground that will satisfy your appetite for adventure. Indulge in mouth-tingling Thai, succulent pho, flaky pastries and stuffed tacos as you make your way from shop to shop in a moveable feast. Or get a reservation at Petite Violette, a classic French bistro with an olive oil bar and jazz ensemble. Delectable brunch spots shouldn’t be missed either: Try out Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub, HAVEN Restaurant and Bar and HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern.

The town is incredibly dog friendly, with off-leash play areas at Skyland Park and Brookhaven Park. Over at City Dog Market, you can get your furry besties delicious treats and squeaky toys. When it’s time for a cold drink (all that adventuring can be exhausting!), grab a seat on the patio at Lucky’s Burger & Brew.

Each Saturday, March through November, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m., the Brookhaven Farmers Market hawks fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, seafood, honey and flowers. Pick up just-out-of-the-oven baked goods and locally produced pet products before they sell out. A bonus: There are new vendors each week!

Watch the kiddos squeal with delight at Plaza Fiesta — a massive shopping mall modeled after a Mexican street market and home to Georgia’s largest indoor playground. Meanwhile parents can dine on garapiñados, arepas, paletas and other types of Hispanic fare. Head to Ashford Park, where brightly colored scooters, wagons and trucks are clustered around built-in play structures, slides and swings. End the day at Southern Custard — everyone in town loves the ever-changing menu of creamy flavors like red velvet cake and strawberry margarita.

Hop on a bike or lace up your sneakers to spend quality time soaking in nature along this 1.3-mile route. The paved path is accessible for all. Following the flowing North Fork Peachtree Creek, the multi-use path winds its way under towering deciduous trees. It will connect with Path400 (a trail near the Georgia 400 freeway) and the Atlanta BeltLine (a former railway corridor turned footpath) to make the ultimate greenbelt bridging the metro area.

Devour culinary concoctions from 15 Brookhaven restaurants at this annual event, which benefits Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Yes, you can chow down on the likes of juicy shellfish, crispy pork belly and baked pimento cheese while supporting an important cause! Sip craft cocktails, wine and beer as you listen to live music and participate in the silent auction.

Discover even more reasons to explore Brookhaven.