Where the sun rises first in Atlanta!
Nestled just 4.5 miles east of downtown Atlanta lies one of the city's most historically significant and rapidly evolving neighborhoods. As locals proudly proclaim, "The sun rises first in Atlanta in East Lake," and this easternmost community certainly shines bright with its perfect blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.
Join me as we explore the must-visit spots, hidden trails, and fascinating history that make East Lake a true Atlanta treasure!
This cozy neighborhood coffee shop isn't just serving excellent coffee—it's brewing community connections! The baristas here are known as "some of the kindest in the city," making your morning cup all the more delightful. Their expertly crafted espresso drinks and welcoming atmosphere have made this spot at the intersection of Hosea L. Williams Drive and Second Avenue a neighborhood staple.
If you're looking for a place to unwind with fantastic food and drinks, Poor Hendrix should top your list. This casual eatery is a "neighborhood favorite for its eclectic menu and welcoming vibe," known particularly for "delicious small plates and craft cocktails." The rotating entrees and signature sandwiches pair perfectly with the bartender's eclectic playlists, creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and homey.
Latin American restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, offering a mix of Spanish, Mexican, and Cuban dishes. It's known for its affordable prices and diverse menu, including items like paella, tacos, burritos, and Cuban sandwiches.
This Black-owned breakfast spot serves up classic Southern comfort with unmistakable charm. Here you'll find "a classic Southern breakfast that feels like it came from Grandma's kitchen." Their signature basil lemonade adds a refreshing twist to any meal, and on Saturday mornings, they even host "Storytime" events where staff members read popular children's books aloud to young visitors—making it a true family-friendly gem.
When burger cravings strike, East Lake residents know exactly where to go. This local favorite serves up creative burger combinations using high-quality ingredients. Whether you prefer beef, lamb, or their famous black bean veggie option, you'll find something to satisfy your appetite at this casual spot that perfectly captures the neighborhood's unpretentious vibe.
Nestled between the East Lake Golf Club and Memorial Drive, this 10-acre park offers "winding trails" through "lush gardens" that create "a tranquil atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll." The recreational space features a playground, tennis courts, and plenty of green space to enjoy a peaceful afternoon in nature.
Located "just minutes from downtown Atlanta, Midtown, and Decatur," the Charlie Yates Golf Course features walking paths that wind around the "wonderfully conditioned 9-Hole Golf Course designed by famed architect Rees Jones." The paths offer beautiful views of the course and surrounding neighborhood, making it a favorite spot for morning walkers.
Down on Glenwood Avenue, the East Lake Family YMCA grounds include "walking trails, outdoor space and lakeside beaches" that are "open to the public." Leashed dogs are welcome to explore these "natural green space and walking trails on the YMCA's property." It's an excellent option for those seeking a connection with water and nature.
In the 1890s, East Lake wasn't just a residential area—it was a full-fledged amusement park! The area offered "a pavilion and beach" that "served as an amusement park during the years up to 1900," complete with a "penny arcade, a swimming beach, and steamboat rides." Today's East Lake Golf Club stands where Atlantans once came to escape the city heat and enjoy lakeside entertainment.
In 1899, Asa Candler, the man who built Coca-Cola into a national icon, "started using agents to secretly buy up the land around the lake and surrounding area." This clandestine acquisition eventually led to the development of the prestigious East Lake Golf Club, which opened in 1908 and became the home course where legendary golfer Bobby Jones learned to play.
Hidden within East Lake is perhaps the last remaining piece of its amusement park past. The property at 246 Daniel Avenue contains "the last of the remaining 'Lake Cottages' that date back to the amusement park." This cottage served as a guest house for the Swanson family, "whose guests included notable Atlantans and Georgia Tech personalities such as football coaches Bill Alexander and Bobby Dodd, and renowned golfer Bobby Jones," who would "drive onto the 9th fairway from Daniel Street to avoid the crowds."
East Lake has a surprising musical legacy that few people realize! The neighborhood was once home to The Tams, a vocal group that met and practiced in East Lake during the 1960s. The group went on to record the hit song "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy" in 1968. Even more surprising, before becoming a global superstar with Destiny's Child, Kelly Rowland spent her early childhood years in East Lake before relocating to Houston.
While many know that East Lake's public housing project was once nicknamed "Little Vietnam" due to high crime rates, few know the actual origin of this moniker. The nickname was first coined in a 1971 newspaper article that made a startling comparison, noting that "during any given month in the fall of 1971 there were as many Americans killed in Atlanta as were killed in Vietnam." This powerful but unfortunate comparison stuck, and would influence perceptions of the area for decades until its remarkable transformation in the 1990s.
East Lake is home to one of Atlanta's most significant historical treasures that few residents know about. Meadow Nook, an antebellum home built in 1856, still stands across from the East Lake Golf Course and is the second-oldest home in the entire city of Atlanta. What makes this home even more fascinating is its original owner, Lt. Col. Robert Augustus Alston, who has a dramatic place in Georgia history. Alston, a journalist and legislator, was actually murdered in the Georgia State Capitol building in 1879 after he exposed the abuses of the state's convict labor leasing system. His historic home miraculously survived General Sherman's destructive march through Atlanta during the Civil War, making it one of only three antebellum homes still standing in their original locations within the city limits.
East Lake exemplifies Atlanta's ability to honor its past while embracing its future. From its beginnings as a trolley suburb to its current status as a model mixed-income community, the neighborhood has witnessed tremendous change while maintaining its distinctive character.
As Rick Baldwin, president of the East Lake Neighborhood Community Association, aptly puts it, the area has "prospered since the '90s to become what it is now, a shining star in the city of Atlanta as what you can do with public and private money to revitalize areas for the good of everybody."
Whether you're a history buff, foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates authentic community vibes, East Lake offers a delightful blend of past and present that makes it one of Atlanta's most compelling neighborhoods to explore.
So next time you're looking to discover a different side of Atlanta, head east—where the sun rises first and the welcome is always warm!
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A thorough grasp of residential real estate marketing tactics, a keen knowledge of the Atlanta market, superior listening skills and attention to detail, make him the model Realtor® advisor. Contact Shawn today!
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