Kirkwood residents who drive or take MARTA rave about the quick trips, as well as the neighborhood's diversity of homes and people. There are also plenty of things to do and see, including annual events, restaurants and shops.
This story originally appeared in the November 2015 issue of Living Intown magazine.
Parks
Bessie Branham Park
In 2015, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation funded a new basketball court at this 7-acre park as part of its pledge to renovate five youth basketball courts. The recreation center is one of Atlanta's 10 Centers of Hope, a program that invests in recreation centers. The park also has tennis courts, basketball courts, a softball field and picnic facility.
2051 Delano Drive. 404-546-6788
Kirkwood Urban Forest Community Garden
A great place to visit is the Kirkwood Urban Forest Community Garden, a 7-acre public conservation park and community garden managed by local residents on Dixie Street. It features a frog pond, a spring fed creek and walking trails.
1807 Dixie Street. https://sites.google.com/site/kufgarden/home
Annual Events
Kirkwood Spring Fling and Tour of Homes
Kirkwood's signature annual event brings artists, craftsmen, musicians and food vendors to Bessie Branham Park and includes a 5K race. The home tour spotlights the diversity of homes, from restored Victorian mansions to 1920s bungalows and new townhomes. It is usually scheduled for the third weekend of May, with the 2016 date TBD.
Kirkwood Wine Stroll
This popular fall event celebrated its ninth year on Sept. 25, 2015. Sponsored by the Kirkwood Business Association, the stroll invites guests to sample wines, visit galleries and hear live music.
facebook.com/KirkwoodWineStroll
Kirkwood's Home for the Holidays
This event, typically held the first weekend in December, features an arts and crafts holiday market, tree lighting, live music, visits from Santa, and a pet scavenger hunt and photo contest.
Shopping and Dining
Le Petit Marche
Dine indoors and on the patio at this café, which Marchet Sparks opened in 2008. Big windows overlook the main business district, and the menu includes sandwiches and paninis; salads; soups; specialties such as croquettes; and sweets, including a dessert cup with bananas and a sweet cream. Crowds frequently order breakfast any time of day, digging into such sweet and savory dishes as a French toast sandwich stuffed with scrambled eggs and bacon or sausage.
1963 Hosea L. Williams Drive. 404-371-9888. lepetitmarche.net
Taproom Coffee & Beer
An industrial chic space that opened in 2014, this café serves Counter Culture Coffee and craft beers, or both in the same cup in the case of its signature "Nitro Beerspresso."
1963 Hosea L. Williams Drive. 404-464-5435. taproomcoffee.com
Kirkwood Feed & Seed
The neighborhood pet supply shop is designed like an old-fashioned general store but sells premium pet foods, gourmet treats and gifts. It also serves as a doggie daycare, boarder and groomer.
1998 Hosea L. Williams Drive. 404-378-2829. kirkwoodfeedandseed.com
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