Explore Atlanta’s emerging mecca, the Upper Westside
Along the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta’s northwest corner is a thriving section of the city known as the Upper Westside. Between Buckhead and downtown, it’s full of hip boutiques, breweries and green space. But it hasn’t always been this appealing.
For much of the past century, it was a collection of old warehouses that served as an industrial hub. In the mid-1900s, the buildings were abandoned, and it went downhill. Fast forward to today, and it’s the perfect mix of entertainment, bike trails and up-and-coming neighborhoods such as Riverside, which is dotted with Craftsman-style bungalows, a historic park and cozy cafés.
“Heavens, has it taken off,” says Elizabeth Perry, a local real estate agent who grew up on the Upper Westside. “You can find every walk of life in the UW, which is what makes it such a fun melting pot to explore.”
For Perry, seeing this area blossom has been fascinating. Same goes for Melissa Medori, a metro Atlanta native who has called Riverside home for more than 15 years.“We’re surrounded by great restaurants and breweries, hiking along the river right out our front door, and proximity to both the city and major area highways,” she says.
The Works district
In 2020, The Works entertainment district opened, helping further reshape this historic area. Here, it’s common to stumble upon live music, outdoor yoga sessions with Haven Yoga and even pop-up events featuring llamas. At The Camp, an outdoor grassy area complete with hammocks and family-friendly spaces for kiddos to romp, you’ll find comedy acts, parties and petting zoos.
Tying all the spaces together are vibrant murals such as "Chromatic Portal," which features a 7-ton concrete bench painted to match the mural. “The mural is a playful entranceway into The Works courtyard,” says Jessie Unterhalter, one of the artists who created the mural. “It’s meant to bring joy and vibrancy to the space.”
A short walk over to Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming brings you to a dog-themed mural and a butterfly wall outside of Chattahoochee Food Works. The food hall features more than two dozen vendors curated by celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern and partner Robert Montwaid and features acai bowls at Selvasana, sushi at Flying Fish and Thai comfort food at Tyde Tate Kitchen.
When it’s time for R&R, schedule a DiamondGlow facial treatment to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin at Aya Medical Spa. Don’t forget a VIP manicure and pedicure complete with sugar scrub, mask, hot towel, paraffin and hot stones at The Les Mains Nail Bar. Top it all off with an assisted-stretching class at Stretch Zone to increase your range of motion and flexibility.
Get outdoors
Rent a bike from Clutch Bike Shop on the Lower Westside and explore the Atlanta Beltline, a revitalized railway corridor with sections that run through the Upper Westside. At 22 miles long, it’s one of the largest urban-redevelopment programs in the nation that connects 45 neighborhoods and features art installations, eateries, public parks and multiuse trails.
Rest and relax
Hotel Colee in Buckhead makes the perfect home base. Full of bold colors and prints, it’s quite the looker. Gaze at local artwork in the lobby, spend time at the rooftop pool and bar and have a meal at the on-site restaurant, Sister.
Hotel Clermont, a boutique hotel built in 1924 on historic Ponce de Leon Avenue, is equally stylish. You’ll know you’re there when you see the neon sign and original radio tower (which was reinstalled in 2018). Carefully designed rooms incorporate lots of bright colors, and the rooftop is the place to be for live music and taco-truck eats. For something more upscale, be sure to dine at its Michelin-recommended French-American brasserie Tiny Lou’s.