Buckhead Boutiques: West Village
Enjoy a leisurely day, or even just a few hours, browsing the wonderful independent shops and galleries in Buckhead’s West Village.
Since most of Buckhead is not pedestrian-friendly, this area can be challenging to get to, especially for an unfamiliar visitor without a car.
But it’s definitely worthwhile for those of us interested in non-mall shopping. That’s why I went back and got a few blisters checking it out for you! (Yes, I ignored my own advice about comfortable shoes … but I did remember to tuck a few bandaids in my wallet!)
Btw, some folks — like my hotel concierge on both recent trips! — might not know about this area, but don’t be dissuaded. It’s there! Also, it seems like the term “West Village of Buckhead” is some marketing term which hasn’t quite caught on. Just say “that area around East Andrews Drive and Roswell.”)
Here are the details you need to know
- LOCATION AND ORIENTATION
The “West Village of Buckhead” is bounded by Roswell Road, Peachtree Road, East Andrews Dr, and West Paces Ferry. It’s west of the malls and the main business district; just east of the Atlanta History Center; near the Whole Foods Market. Pick up a Buckhead map from one of the area hotels. (Hopefully I will soon figure out how to post a little map here for you too!) - TIMING
Ideally, allow several hours to explore the few blocks I describe here, and to enjoy the perfect ladies shopping lunch at Souper Jenny’s (56 East Andrews Dr. NW).
If you have transportation and plenty of energy, you could combine a morning at the nearby Atlanta History Center with an afternoon shopping Buckhead’s West Village — but it would be a really full day! - GETTING THERE
If you are staying at a Buckhead hotel, use the complimentary limo service.
Otherwise, take a cab from the Buckhead or Lenox MARTA station, or from wherever you are (but that could be expensive).
Have the driver drop you off at the strip of shops located at the intersection of Roswell Road and East Andrews Drive. If you are driving, get yourself to that intersection and park.
Ok, you’re there! Where to shop?
Below I’ve listed which streets to concentrate on, and noted a few of my favorite shops (hmmm, my faves all seem to be clothing boutiques … but you’ll also find home decor, art galleries, antiques, and much more!)
- EAST ANDREWS DRIVE
Wander along the strip of shops on East Andrews from Roswell toward Paces Ferry Place. You’ see White Dove (exclusive gorgeous clothing line by owner/designer Earlene Smith); several antique, garden, and home decor shops; Poppys (stylish, mostly casual women’s clothing); Susan Lee (an Atlanta favorite for mostly special-occasion clothing and accessories for women sizes 2 to 24), and more.
- MUST-STOP! At the corner of EAST ANDREWS DRIVE and PACES FERRY PLACE
Boxwoods Gardens and Gifts. A beautiful ivy-covered cottage filled with an extensive, quality assortment of garden stuff, topiary, girly gifts, stationary, home accents, bird feeders, stationary … my friend Beth and I were there at least two hours! Boxwoods is much beloved by Atlanta residents and a destination for many in-the-know visitors.
- PACES FERRY PLACE
Stroll down this street (I passed by Lagerquist, an original fine art gallery) and into the small collection of clothing and design shops and galleries at 3209 Paces Ferry Place.Two favorite clothing boutiques here are Havens (beautiful, feminine, upscale); and Njoy Boutique for its’ collection of unique, modern, ultra-fashionable European clothing and accessories. Say hello to Njoy’s friendly and ever-fashionable owner, Anna; tell her Carol of Lipstick Getaways in Ohio sent you, and that I’ve received so many compliments on that fabulous black dress from France she picked out for me!
- CAINS HILL PLACE
I did not have time to explore here, but there are several antiques, home decor, floral, bed and bath, and gifty-type shops here, as well as the much-beloved Souper Jenny’s for lunch.
- IRBY STREET
A small street with several lovely little shops, including Sabot (chic shoes, handbags, and jewelry), Razzle-Dazzle (fun, young n’ trendy pieces), and Beth Ann (”Image and Accessory Boutique”)
- THE STRIP MALL WHERE WHOLE FOODS IS LOCATED ON WEST PACES FERRY
Sage, a trendy L.A.-style casual clothing boutique with nothing over $100 (!); there’s another location in Midtown. This is where I ran out of steam! Do as I did, and stop in Whole Foods Market, pick up some healthy treats and a bottle of wine to take back to your room, call your hotel driver, and ask him to pick you up at the Whole Foods Market!
FOR MORE INFO
Buckhead.net This link takes you straight to the West Village shopping info. The Buckhead.net site also has tons of general info on Buckhead.
