04 Mar NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: Virginia-Highland

Virginia-Highland is a family-friendly, tree-lined neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia. VaHi gets its name from the intersection of Virginia Avenue and North Highland Avenue, the heart of a bustling commercial district at the center of the neighborhood. It’s bounded by Ponce de Leon Avenue and the Poncey-Highland neighborhood on the south, the BeltLine and Piedmont Park/Midtown on the west, Amsterdam Avenue and Morningside/Lenox Park neighborhood on the north, and on the east, by Druid Hills; by Briarcliff Rd. and Druid Hills; and by the Atkins Park neighborhood.

Virginia-Highland is perhaps best known for its oldest residences, such as the Craftsman bungalows that line the streets closest to which or on which the Nine Mile trolley ran: Virginia Avenue, North Highland Avenue, St. Charles Avenue, among others. Other architectural styles include English Vernacular Revival and Colonial Revival, and other house types include English Cottage and American Foursquare.

Virginia-Highland offers a vibrant walking tour of its trees, as well as several parks, including John Howell Memorial Park, Orme Park, New Highland Park and the BeltLine, a new 22-mile trail around the central neighborhoods of Atlanta, borders on the edge of VaHi.

Every year, thousands flock to Virginia-Highland in June for its arts and music festival, Summerfest, organized by the Virginia-Highland Civic Association. One of the largest art festivals in the Southeastern United States and one of Atlanta’s most popular neighborhood festivals, the three-day outdoor event offers a juried artist market featuring original artwork of more than 220 artists from all over the southeast.. VHCA also organizes the annual Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes. In May, Taste of the Highlands in John Howell Park features samplings from favorite neighborhood restaurants and live music.

SCHOOLS IN VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND
Springdale Park Elementary
Morningside Elementary
Inman Middle School
Henry W. Grady High School

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
An artisan bakery and marketplace in the Morningside area of VaHi, Alon’s sells housemade, organic fare. From freshly roasted meats and vegetables, ready-to-cook meats, wine and cheeses, to delicate pastries and decadent chocolate, you’ll find all you need to feed a small family to entertaining a crowd. 1394 N Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

The Belly General Store recalls the feeling of an old-fashioned general store with its aged wooden flooring and antique décor. The store features freshly baked pastries as well as healthy alternatives to deli foods. 772 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Atkins Park Tavern Restaurant is an Atlanta legend. It opened in 1922 as a delicatessen and now serves the VaHi community as a smart-casual restaurant that offers upscale comfort cuisine. Weekend brunch is delicious, and the bar is a welcoming place to hang out with friends and neighbors. 794 North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306