Growth and rebirth: Your neighborhood guide to Grove Park
Driving through this lush Northwest Atlanta residential neighborhood, you may think its name is owed to the greenery surrounding you. However, Grove Park and its roads have a more personal naming convention. Widely known for his real estate developments in and around Asheville, North Carolina, Edwin Wiley Grove left his mark on Atlanta in the community first known as Fortified Hills. As you drive through the area, you’ll see roads such as Gertrude Place, Evelyn Place, and Edwin Place which are named for Edwin Grove’s children.
The other major road in the area is Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, which was the central area for booming business in the 1960s and ‘70s. Grove Park — which was predominantly white in its early years— was immune to the greater white flight for a time but succumbed soon enough. After a few decades in decline, the neighborhood is finally on an upswing in recent years.
Today, the jewel of the neighborhood is the new Westside Park, a sprawling greenspace opened in 2021. New residential units are opening up and home sales boomed when Microsoft announced they bought land nearby for development. While that campus did not pan out, there are still promises of major community investment, and the neighborhood’s proximity to MARTA and future BeltLine trails means it will be in demand in the years to come.
What can I do for fun around Grove Park?
Enjoy the natural and architectural wonders at Westside Park. You may have seen the Bellwood Quarry in movies such as “The Hunger Games,” but these days the massive rock feature is Atlanta’s newest reservoir and a focal point for this massive new park on the Westside. Enjoy stunning skyline views of Midtown and Downtown at this 280-acre greenspace’s Grand Overlook. Marvel at the funky architectural gateway that arcs over the main entry point as you arrive at the park. Or enjoy the summer sun along with miles of walking paths, playgrounds, bike lanes, and a future connection to the Beltline.
Where are the best places to eat and drink around Grove Park?
Mr. Pig’s Smokehouse
If you’ve got a craving for barbecue after your hike through the park, check out Mr Pig’s. This homely diner on Hollowell Parkway serves all the classics: plates of ribs, smokey pork platters and Brunswick stew. But they also have a wide selection of burgers, chili dogs, and other meats to enjoy. If you still have room, grab a rich Oreo chocolate cake or classic banana pudding for dessert.
Location: 1992 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway; Hours: Thursday through Monday, noon to 1 a.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, noon to 11 p.m.; Website: mrpigsmokehouse.com
A-Town Wings
If wings are more your thing, head down to the Grove Park outpost of this well-known local chain. There you’ll find wings in a bevy of saucy flavors, including hometown classic lemon pepper, teriyaki, barbecue and “nuclear.” A-Town also serves sandwiches, tenders, fish, and a variety of fried sides to round out your meal. Dine in with a combo for yourself or feed your summertime pool party with delivery orders of up to 100 wings. (Just don’t leave the bones on the sidewalk afterward).
Location: 1660 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway; Website: atownwings.com
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