Buckhead Shopping
BUCKHEAD: “The Beverly Hills of the East”
When most folks talk about shopping in Atlanta, they are referring to Buckhead, Atlanta’s upscale residential, business, restaurant, and shopping community.
Many Buckhead hotels even offer a “Legendary Shopping” package, available through www.atlanta.net.
LENOX SQUARE AND PHIPPS PLAZA
Most shoppers head straight for Buckhead’s two fabulous malls, Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. Now, even though I’m not a big fan of mall shopping on my big city getaways (I’d rather seek out the independent shops) I must admit that both Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza are worth a visit!
DO I HAVE TO GO TO A MALL? What about the neighborhood boutiques?
Oh my yes, you can find some delightful (non-mall) boutique shopping in Buckhead! However, the area is not pedestrian-friendly, and it an be challenging to find those shops. Not to worry – I figured it out for you, and included all the details on a separate page.
Click here to read about shopping at Buckhead’s West Village independent boutiques.
LENOX SQUARE MALL Shopping Mecca of the Southeast
This huge mall anchored by Bloomingdales, Macy’s, and Neiman Marcus features about 250 shops, restaurants, kiosks, etc, located on four levels. Everything from apparel, jewelry, beauty, and accessories to electronics, home furnishings, leather and luggage, and more. Yes, you’ll see the usual cookie-cutter mall offerings, but I was also pleasantly surprised to find a number of more unusual and/or luxury shops, such as Betsey Johnson, Karen Millen (a personal favorite), Kenneth Cole, St. John, Burberry, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Mark Shale, Cartier, Stuart Weitzman, Kiehl’s, MAC, and many more.
For a complete directory of Lenox Square retailers, click here.
PHIPPS PLAZA This is luxury!
Anchored by Nordstrom, Saks, and Parisian (a southern-based department store with a fantastic shoe department!), this gorgeous mall features about 75 high-end shops. We’re talking Gianni Versace, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Jeffrey Atlanta (smaller version of the NYC fashionista heaven), Tiffany & Co., Jimmy Choo, Barney’s New York CO-OP, Anne Fontaine (a personal favorite for The Perfect White Shirt, I usually stop in one of the NYC shops), Intermix, the NYC-based boutique retailer featuring a range of fashion-forward designers, and many more.
For a complete directory of Phipps Plaza retailers, click here.
GETTING THERE: Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
- Hotel Transportation: Recommended if you are staying in Buckhead.
Both malls will be included in the complimentary transportation offered by virtually every hotel in the Buckhead area. - The Buc: Free local shuttle around and between Buckhead malls and office buildings. It seems to be mostly used by office workers, not so much by visitors. I have not tried it, but I hear it’s the way to get from one mall to the other.
- MARTA (subway): From the airport or downtown, take the NE line (headed toward Doraville) and get off at Lenox Station (NE7). Lenox Square is a block away from the station. To get to Phipps Plaza (across the street and kitty-corner from Lenox) you’ll need to walk or take the Buc.
- TAXI: It will probably cost at least $10, and probably more like $20 if you are coming from downtown or midtown. But you know, sometimes the convenience is just worth it. And after all, if you’re going to Buckhead for serious shopping, you’re in for some serious spending anyway!
Want to avoid the malls? Love to check out little boutiques?
Click here to read about shopping at Buckhead’s West Village independent boutiques.
