Stay Intown With a Day in Inman Park
Here are three steps for each of three age groups to enjoy the former escape for Atlanta's wealthy.
Just south of Piedmont Park and Ponce de Leon Avenue, intown Atlanta’s east-west artery, lies Inman Park. Known for treelined streets and colorful Victorian homes, Inman Park is a popular place to jump on the Freedom Park Trail or Eastside BeltLine to explore the city by bike or foot.
Here you won’t find a homeowners association; Inman Park, just 2 square miles, enforces strict historical preservation laws.
Tucked between tattoo shops in Little Five Points and Martin Luther King’s former home in the Sweet Auburn District, Inman Park hosts neighborly gatherings including book clubs, porch parties and neighborhood cleanups. Next April, don’t miss the Inman Park Festival — four days of home tours, live music, art, parades and parties.
If you only have a day in Inman Park, here’s a guide to keep you entertained, engaged, and educated in Atlanta’s first planned residential suburb — a place Atlanta’s wealthy once used for their own summer staycations.
Adults and Kids Under 10
Stop 1: Peruse
Springvale Park is at Elizabeth Street and Waverly Way with free on-street parking, no permit required. While little ones count the sunbathing turtles and gaggle of geese at the pond, parents can read up on Springvale Park’s historical marker.
From this site during the Civil War Battle of Atlanta, Confederate troops launched an attack against the entrenched federal line to the east July 22, 1864. In the 1890s, Congress refused to add Atlanta to the list of national military parks. The next national wave of Civil War battlefield preservation peaked in the 1920s and 1930s, but by then it was too late to properly save Atlanta’s battlefields.
Later, the Georgia Historical Commission installed a marker for Springvale Park, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans erected a commemorative monument nearby.
Stop 2: Pop
Walk, bike or scooter down Elizabeth Street about five blocks to the neighborhood’s restaurant row at North Highland Avenue. At the end of Elizabeth you’ll find a walk-up window for King of Pops, a local popsicle vendor started by brothers Steven and Nick Carse with a couple of bucks and a used ice cream cart. Try Pineapple Habanero, Lemon Basil, or a seasonal pop like Blueberry Cobbler or Cucumber Lime.
Stop 3: Play
Just across from King of Pops at the corner of Elizabeth and Bernina, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition invites visitors to rent adult bikes from a self-serve relay station and head down the Eastside BeltLine Trail. In just two miles see Ponce City Market, gardens, art displays, public pianos, and — voila! — you’re at Piedmont Park.
Adults and Kids 10+
Stop 1: Fuel Up
Breakfast crepes at Julianna’s on Lake Avenue and Waddell Street are a neighborhood tradition. Look for a red sign, an old house (circa 1901) and on-street parking. The eatery specializes in Hungarian crepes called palacsinta; the ingredients are handpicked, farm-to-table fresh fruits and veggies.
Try the Pecan Pleasure with Georgia-grown nuts or The Almighty with strawberries and Nutella. Savory options are just as delicious, and there are plenty of vegetarian options.
Stop 2: Learn and Burn
Did you know that much of the Battle of Atlanta depicted in the Cyclorama took place in Inman Park?
Retired finance guy Steve Saenz, founder of Urban Explorers, is fascinated by Atlanta history. “We play, eat and sleep on the top of this major battlefield that few people know about,” he said.
(Saenz is offering a two-for-one deal on walking tours for AJT readers. Just have one person register normally, then email him at support@uxatl.com for the free second registration.)
Join Urban Explorers on the Battle of Atlanta Tour. This pivotal battle, which took place July 22, 1864, covered a combat zone that includes the modern neighborhoods of East Atlanta, Kirkwood, Edgewood, Reynoldstown, Little Five Points, Inman Park and Poncey-Highland.
As you walk with Saenz for three hours around Inman Park, get an overview of the neighborhood and homes; the history and significance of the Battle of Atlanta; and important things that happened in Inman. The group typically pops into a restaurant, like Victory or Ladybird.
Because the start is at the Inman Park MARTA station, it’s a great day to get out of traffic and take an adventure.
Saenz is open to private tours for families, including kids and dogs. He said that once guests start talking and making connections, friendships frequently form on tours. Y’all come back now, ya hear?
Stop 3: Sweat It Out
If you haven’t eaten lunch, head back toward your car on Lake Avenue and pop into Krog Street Market on the corner of Krog (rhymes with frog) and Lake. Chef Todd Ginsberg has two stalls inside the food hall: Fred’s Meat & Bread and Yalla. Whether you’re craving a burger and fries or shawarma and sabich, KSM has you covered.
When you exit the main doors, you’re across the street from the Eastside BeltLine. Kids love to hunt for Tiny Doors and people-watch at Old Fourth Ward Skatepark.
Adults and Teens
Stop 1: Help
Inman Park is home to Trees Atlanta, a nonprofit citizens group that protects and improves Atlanta’s urban forest by planting, conserving and educating. Trees Atlanta TreeHouse is the education branch next to Rathbun’s in the Stove Works lofts. Drop-ins are welcome during the day; weekend projects are volunteer-driven.
Sign-ups are encouraged at www.treesatlanta.org.
Stop 2: Drive
ATL Cruzers offers two ways to see Inman Park. While less mobile guests prefer the golf cart tour, teens find East Atlanta Segway Tours interactive and fun (something many teens are not).
For two hours, rain or shine, the family hops on Segways, and off you go. Visit historical sites including Inman Park, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Historic Old Fourth Ward, Oakland Cemetery in Grant Park and art murals in Cabbagetown.
This tour allows for picturesque views of the city and involves more free time to glide on the Segway. Don’t forget a camera.
Stop 3: Split
Pose for a selfie in front of a Living Wall mural and walk through Atlanta’s ever-changing display of graffiti in Krog Street Tunnel. Split off from here to your destination, whether that’s the Atlanta Pop Up Chalk Festival, Atlanta Streets Alive or WonderRoot Artist Market.
Inman Park is central to intown Atlanta; the sky’s the limit.
comments