Shopping, wellness and art: Your city guide to Buckhead Village

This portion of Buckhead, one of Atlanta’s toniest neighborhoods, lies along Atlanta’s legendary Peachtree Road. The name of the area hearkens back to when its founder, Henry Irby, denoted the grocery store and tavern he established in mid-1800s by hanging the head of a buck from a post. Passersby began referring to Irby’s traveler’s rest area as “the buck’s head.”

Some of Atlanta’s wealthiest families began building getaway homes in the area, and a larger community developed over the decades. Today, Buckhead Village, the more retail-focused portion of the neighborhood, is an ode to culinary creatives, artisans, wellness experiences and fabulous shopping. Its European-inspired look features cobblestone-paved streets and prominent green spaces, with gracious homes and landscaping surrounding it. You can catch performances as you stroll the streets between shopping and eating in one of the Southeast’s most luxurious areas.

What can I do for fun in Buckhead Village?

Shopping: If you love shopping, you simply must take advantage of the world-class retail experience available here. Peruse stores like Lucchese, Theory, Rag & Bone, Warby Parker and more as you search for the perfect find to add to your wardrobe. Diptyque, Italian Luxury Interiors and others offer unforgettable items for the home.

Wellness: Wellness, both inside and out, takes center stage in Buckhead Village. Stretch yourself at The Daily pilates studio, sweat it out in the Zen atmosphere of Highland Yoga or treat yourself at Faced The Facial Studio. You’ll find gym, salon and dental care options in the area, too.

Fine Art viewing: Whether you’re just browsing or looking for an investment piece, there’s a plethora of art to be seen in this neighborhood. You’ll find contemporary offerings at Carousel Fine Art and Buckhead Art & Company and fine art and jewelry at Don Purcell.

Where are the best places to eat and drink in Buckhead Village?

Carmel

This is your gateway to a beach-inspired dinner in Buckhead! Start things off with the grand seafood tower featuring lobster tail, shrimp and oysters. Follow it with the truffle lasagna, whole lobster or New York strip, accompanied by sides like broccolini, braised greens or blackened okra. A cocktail and dessert menu round things out, and you’ll also find lunch and weekend brunch menus.

Location: Carmel; Hours: Monday-Thursday - 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday - 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: carmelatl.com

The Southern Gentleman Gastropub

The name is apt, and you’ll see why: The elegant atmosphere beckons you straight into a scene from a Southern novel with crystal, leather-padded booths and ambient lighting. Start things off with a choice from the extensive cocktail menu — a Southern Azalea (gin, pineapple and lemon juice and bitters) or the Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (tequila, St. Germaine, lemon, lime, cucumber and fire bitters). Before-supper offerings include deviled eggs and whipped pimento cheese, and the main course brings forth delicacies like the roasted half chicken with seasonal root vegetables or Creole spiced red fish. Follow up with Mississippi mud pie for dessert. Find full lunch and brunch menus, too.

Location: The Southern Gentleman Gastropub; Hours: Monday-Thursday - 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4-9 p.m., Friday - 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4-11 p.m., Saturday - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-11 p.m., Sunday - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Website: thesoutherngentlemanatl.com

Yeppa

The name represents an enthusiastic Italian greeting, and you’ll feel that spirit when you walk into the restaurant. The same hospitality that flows in Rimini, Italy, exists here in Buckhead Village. Find salad and antipasti offerings from radicchio to fried calamari. Pasta dishes (with gluten-free pasta substitution available) include ravioli with pine nut filling and linguine with shell-less clams. Accompany these with a Aperdiva Spritz cocktail or select from the extensive red and white wine menu.

Location: Yeppa; Hours: Sunday-Thursday - 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday - 11:30 a.m.-12 a.m.; Website: yeppacobuckhead.com

Le Bilboquet

The feel of this spot is in keeping with the European theme of Buckhead Village. It’s a transportation to Paris with its blue velvet banquettes and pewter bar counter. Outside, the bistro feel continues with woven rattan furniture. This is a great place for brunch with a dedicated menu featuring dishes like seared tuna, chicken curry on salad and salmon caviar with sautéed spinach and asparagus. You’ll also find extensive dinner and dessert menus. Stake out your streetside spot, and wile away the morning or afternoon!

Location: Le Bilboquet; Hours: Monday-Wednesday and Sunday - 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday-Saturday - 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Website: lebilboquetatlanta.com

St. Germain Bakery

When you’ve shopped til you’re just about to drop, there’s nothing like a little pick-me-up in the form of delicious caffeine. Enjoy an espresso or frothy cappuccino, and accompany it with one of the bakery’s unique offerings: a creamy éclair, fruit-filled tart or many flavored macaroon.

Location: St. Germain Bakery; Hours: Monday-Thursday - 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday - 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: stgermainatl.com