Whether traveling with family, pets, a significant other or hitting the road solo, Brookhaven offers exciting experiences that have visitors returning for more
BROOKHAVEN, GEORGIA—MARCH 2022—Located 19 miles northeast of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and just ten miles from downtown Atlanta, Brookhaven’s community-focused vibe enchants visitors and locals alike. Comprised of distinct neighborhoods, Brookhaven is reminiscent of a laid-back smaller town with all the perks and benefits of a big city. Locally owned boutiques, shops and restaurants coupled with walkable neighborhoods, well preserved parks and beloved annual festivals, mean there’s no shortage of indulgences and delightful experiences in Brookhaven.
Family style
Boasting a long list of beautiful parks just waiting to be explored and plenty of kid-friendly dining establishments, it’s no surprise families flock to Brookhaven. The area’s safe, walkable neighborhoods make it easy to shop, explore and wander with kiddos in tow. Home to the metro area’s largest park, Brookhaven is the perfect location for enjoying the outdoors as a family and taking in the area’s natural beauty. Spanning 50 acres, Blackburn Park features several walking trails, playgrounds, tennis courts and various wide-open spaces ideal for family picnics, exercise and more. The kids will also love Ashford Park, often referred to as the island of misfit toys! This park has traditional playground equipment as well as a wide assortment of other children’s play toys. Traveling with four-legged family members? Check out Brookhaven Park. This park features a large fenced in area for puppies and dogs to roam safely as well as a playground area for the kids. Parks are open daily, dawn to dusk. Blackburn Park, 3501 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; Ashford Park, 2980 Redding Road, NE, Brookhaven, Georgia, 30319; Brookhaven Park, 4158 Peachtree Road NE, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319
Ready to grab a bite? Stop in Flying Biscuit Café for brunch with the fam. Featuring breakfast all day, brunch and lunch, Flying Biscuit Café has been a local favorite for more than a decade. Patio and dining room seating available. Insider tip—do not miss the biscuits! They’ll have you coming back for more. Flying Biscuit Café, 705 Town Boulevard, Suite R-480, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 404-963-7744
Man’s best friend will be right at home at Brookhaven’s newest restaurant, Grindhouse Killer Burgers, one of the best places to grab a burger in the city. Killer menu options, including choices for vegetarians and indulgent handspun milkshakes, pair well with the ambiance which ranges from inside and outside patio seating to a rooftop 21+ bar and a pet-friendly patio. 2565 Apple Valley Rd NE, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 470-355-2745
Treat the kids (and yourself) to something sweet at SmallCakes Cupcakery. With rotating flavors throughout the week, patrons are sure to find a sweet treat to delight taste buds any day of the week. Using creative flavors and quality ingredients, SmallCakes is a favorite among grownups, too. From flavors such as Wedding Cake and Chocoholic to monthly specials like Thin Mint and Lucky Charms, the toughest decision will be whether to have two or three. Open daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m. SmallCakes Cupcakery, 2566 Briarcliff Road, Ste 103, Brookhaven, Georgia, 30319; 404-621-9634
Next up, challenge the mind and embrace adventurism at Time to Escape. This escape room experience is an excellent outing for families, groups or couples. Private escape rooms feature four escape experiences including Al Capone’s Speakeasy, complete with an in-room actor. Offering fun for all ages, other escape room experiences include Escape from Alcatraz Prison, High Noon in the Old West and King Tut’s Tomb. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Time to Escape, 1441 Dresden Drive, #230, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 678-705-4320
Wine, dine and be entertained
Whether looking to get away with friends, treat a significant other or explore independently, Brookhaven offers a plethora of enticing dining options, entertainment and activities suitable for a group getaway, couples retreat or solo travel.
Try a couples massage at Natural Body Spa Brookhaven. Indulge in self-care with signature spa packages, facials, skin treatments, manicures, pedicures and more right in the heart of Brookhaven. Those looking to just shop can stop in the Natural Body Spa shop to peruse natural skin care products, salon brands, CBD products and more. The refreshing spa environment will leave guests feeling more relaxed than before! Natural Body Spa and Shop, 1432 Dresden Drive #300, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 404-816-8801
Known for its variety in cuisine offerings, Brookhaven treats visitors to tasty temptations from nearly every corner of the globe with 75+ locally owned restaurants, all of which offer something a little different than the last. Those looking for a lively yet casual spot can pull up a seat at Pure Taqueria. Praised for its fresh and creative Mexican fare, Pure Taqueria also specializes in delicious margaritas, tequilas, mezcals and more. Unwind at the rooftop bar or kick back for an al fresco experience on the patio. Serving house made tortillas daily, guests here cannot go wrong with any item on the menu. Pure Taqueria, 3589 Durden Drive, Brookhaven, Georgia, 30319; 770-452-7873
For another lively atmosphere featuring friendly competition, guests can try Mellow Mushroom on Wednesdays for team trivia and the best stone-baked pizza. Choose from 32 draft beers or a tasty, handcrafted cocktail to round out the meal. Mellow Mushroom, 4058 Peachtree Road, Suite B, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 404-266-1661
For a fancy and mysterious night out, visitors can experience a murder mystery dinner theater with “Murder, Mystery and Mayhem” showing at Petite Violette Friday and Saturday nights. This show-stopping 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
For glitz, glam and a simply outrageous time, groups can 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
Brookhaven signature events
Traveling to Brookhaven in March? Don’t miss the ever popular Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival. This landmark festival offers live entertainment, a whimsical artist market featuring over 100 local and regional artisans, a Kidz Zone, Dog Lure Chasing, a classic car show, and outstanding food and beverages from local hotspots. The 2024 festival will take place March 23-24 in Brookhaven’s Blackburn Park and will feature headline performances by +LIVE+ and Barenaked Ladies, as well as performances throughout the weekend by several other noteworthy bands. In addition to the Cherry Blossom Festival, Brookhaven plays host to many other festivals throughout the year that will quickly have visitors planning a return visit.