Rock and rolling hills: Your neighborhood guide to Chastain Park

Anchored by its namesake park north of Buckhead, Chastain Park’s leafy, winding roads are more than a place to pass through on the way to its historic amphitheater. Located west of Northside Drive, east of GA-400, and south of Sandy Springs, this picturesque neighborhood is home to plenty of recreational activities, great food and lovely homes nestled amid trees.

Originally owned by Dekalb County after the Civil War, Fulton County took ownership of 1,000 acres in then-North Fulton back in 1900. Development was slow, but by World War II, residential neighborhoods filled out the region’s many creeks and forests. At that time, North Fulton Commissioner Troy Chastain worked to develop 268 acres of the area into a massive park, golf course and recreational facility. Toward the end of development, a large outdoor amphitheater was added by Chastain as a place for musical performances.

A few years after completion of the park and venue, Chastain passed away in 1946, and the city named the entire area in his honor. The Chastain Amphitheater has gone through a couple renovations and name changes over the decades, but the surrounding neighborhood is still full of classic homes, natural beauty, and lots of development on the Peachtree side.

What can I do for fun in Chastain Park?

Rock out with the sun out at Synovus Bank Amphitheatre. Frequented by Atlanta music fans for decades, the Synovus Amphitheatre gives guests a colosseum feel in the middle of the forest. This open-air arena hosts a range of performances, from major bands to smaller local acts from spring through fall. Check out the upcoming calendar online.

Step up to the challenge at Activate. Press play and jump away at this futuristic physical game room. Activate has a series of neon-soaked challenges for you and a group of friends to compete in. Reserve your time slot with two to six friends and tackle as many of their eight challenges as possible. Press all the buttons in time, jump over lasers, shoot hoops, “climb” the right walls, and more! Activate also accepts group reservations for an office outing or party.

Where are the best places to eat and drink in Chastain Park?

PERC Coffee

Chastain is one of many locations for this beloved colorful coffeehouse. They have your usual espressos and chai, but you really ought to try a signature beverage. A “Good Times” latte adds the sweet taste of vanilla and lavender with a kick of habanero sugar, while the “Root Scootin Boogie” is a coffee-infused take on the root beer float. Flavors may change seasonally, but all are made in-house. Be sure to grab a bagel or a green bowl to complete your balanced breakfast.

Location: 4630 Wieuca Road NE; Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Website: perccoffee.com

Buttermilk Kitchen

This classic brunch spot on Roswell Road has some of the best Southern dishes you’ll find this side of grandma’s kitchen. Start off by sharing their sublime cinnamon rolls or fried green tomatoes, then dig into a pimento omelet or their signature chicken and waffles — drizzled with whiskey syrup — for brunch. Cocktails are available for dine in only.

Location: 4225 Roswell Road NE; Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Website: buttermilkkitchen.com

DBA BBQ

A longtime Virginia-Highland mainstay, this barbecue joint recently moved to the Chastain area and shifted to a grab-and-go model with limited seating. But fear not, the meats are still as juicy and flavorful as ever. Pair a dozen wings or a smoky pulled pork sandwich with savory sides such as mac and cheese, collard greens, and Brunswick stew. Better yet, combine them! DBA also has hot dogs like the calorie-busting Mac Daddy Dog, covered in mac and cheese and pulled pork.

Location: 4441 Roswell Road; Hours: Sunday and Monday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Website: dbabbq-chastain.com

Superica

Ford Fry’s Tex Mex restaurant has an outpost right off Roswell Road that’s perfect for cozy fajita nights with friends or Taco Tuesday all week long. Start with endless fresh tortilla chips, a bevy of salsas and guacamole, and a seasonal margarita. Then dig into enchiladas, tacos, and sizzling steak fajitas al carbon with all the fixings. Weekend brunches are egg-cellent with spicy eggs dishes like huevos rancheros and a mimosa or two.

Location: 3850 Roswell Road; Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Website: superica.com/buckhead