Exploring Virginia-Highland: Things to Do & Hidden Gems

You might find yourself in Virginia-Highland after visiting Piedmont Park or Ponce City Market, recognizing the tree-lined streets, Tudor-style homes, and outdoor patios of the neighborhood.

There are many charming spots to visit while you’re in ViHi, like browsing the quaint shops on North Highland Avenue, grabbing drinks at an old-school bar, or walking a scenic and lush trail at a neighborhood pocket park.

If you are looking to live in or around this charming area of Atlanta, Treeline Ansley is only two miles north of VaHi and is easily accessible from the BeltLine.

Read this guide to Virginia-Highland and explore the VaHi spots our residents love.

Dine at an Outdoor Patio or Cafe

Dining at an outdoor patio is very characteristic of VaHi. Patios line the sidewalks of these city streets, feeling slightly European, where dining solo and people watching isn’t uncommon. It’s no wonder Virginia-Highland calls itself the “Front Porch” of Atlanta.

East Pole Coffee Co is housed in a white brick building with an industrial laptop-friendly interior and a quaint outdoor patio. Serving craft coffees, pastries, and empanadas, East Pole is perfect for a remote workday or a first stop before heading to Piedmont. Or, head to Ash Coffee. This adorable café on the corner of Virginia Ave and Rosedale Drive is surrounded by trees and is gorgeous to sit outside in the fall.

Have a cocktail and veal meatball appetizer on the patio of La Tavola, or a pint at George’s. Hungry for brunch? Fortunately, Murphy’s Restaurant is just the spot.

Must-Visit Neighborhood Taverns & Bistros

Almost every bar in VaHi has a patio. If you’re just getting done with a bike ride on the BeltLine or a walk at Piedmont, a drink at a cozy Virginia-Highland tavern patio is the perfect après-ride.

Moe's & Joe's Tavern is a standout favorite, and so are its pitchers of PBR. Like many in VaHi, this isn’t a dive that skimps on friendly, down-to-earth service either, which is why bars in this neighborhood are so popular.

Check the calendar for an evening blues show at Blind Willie’s, grub on Southern Fried Chicken and a drink at Atkins Park, and for dessert, sip an espresso martini with French Toast Sticks in an intimate ‘90s man cave at Dad’s.

Shop the Boutiques & Grab Ice Cream

If you’re coming from the buzzing vibrancy of Ponce City Market, you’ll be delighted by niche appeal of the boutiques in Virginia-Highland.

Along North Highland, find a book or journal at Virginia Highland Books before heading to a quaint café up the block. Find “Tuscany At Your Table” by attending one of the cafe’s cooking classes or wine tastings. Buy custom furniture or decorative kitchenware at Urban Cottage Inc.

As wine and dive are the vibe of VaHi, you can also do a wine tasting at the small and intimate Murphy’s Wine Shop.

Boutique shopping and a sweet treat go hand-in-hand. Fortunately, Morelli’s and Paolo’s Gelato are steps away, and if you’re coming from a jog on the BeltLine or Piedmont Park – even better!

Where to go for a Stroll or Picnic

Aside from walking store-to-bar or along the BeltLine, Virginia-Highland is rich with tree-lined walking paths.

Wind the paved paths through John C Howell Park, finding peace in the artistic sculptures and kid-friendly sand pockets along the way. This is the perfect park for a picnic after grabbing a bakery sandwich or charcuterie on North Highland, just a block east.

Nestled beside homes along Clear Creek, Orme Park’s scenic walking trails wind through lush greenery alongside the running creek.

For a more residential vibe, or if you’re into architecture, stroll the sidewalks along the neighborhood’s most beautiful homes. If you continue north on Highland Avenue, you’ll start to see bungalows with deep front porches, Tudor-style homes with decorative timbering and tall roofs, and formal Colonial Revival homes with huge front yards and superb landscaping.

Check Out Events Happening in VaHi

You may stumble upon a community event while in VaHi such as the VAHI Farmers Market, Porch Fest, where live music is hosted on the neighborhood’s emblematic home front porches, or Summerfest a huge celebration of music, art, and food in June.

You won’t want to miss winter events in Virginia-Highland, where these picturesque homes dress in traditional holiday attire, streets become a gift market, and residents wear their ugly sweaters in a 5K.

Live Near Virginia-Highland at Treeline Ansley

Enjoy the charm of Virginia-Highland close to home at Treeline Ansley. Located on the north end of the BeltLine past Piedmont Park, our apartments give residents the peace and quiet they desire in their neighborhood near the popular pleasures of Virginia-Highland.

Next time you are at Piedmont Park, it’s worth exploring the bars, restaurants, boutiques, and enchantment that VaHi has to offer. To make VaHi a weekly affair, live in a modern apartment home at Treeline Ansley.

Our spacious one, two, and three-bedroom apartments provide luxury amenities in a connected Atlanta location, where nothing is far from home.