Visiting Atlanta’s Summerhill Neighborhood

Despite living in the Atlanta suburbs for decades, I’ve tried my best to explore my own backyard, long before a quarantine required it. Last summer, I stayed at an Airbnb in the Summerhill neighborhood to be convenient to the Decatur Book Festival, where I was speaking. I’d passed through for many years but this was my first time exploring it in earnest. I’ve since returned and thought this was the perfect time to cover it here.

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The History of Summerhill

The area that became Summerhill was established in 1865 after the devastation of the Civil War. It became home to freed slaves and the majority of Atlanta‘s Jewish population, including Leo Frank, a Jewish pencil factory owner that was lynched in Marietta after being suspected of killing a young child worker.

Before World War II, Georgia Avenue was a thriving business district with stores and a movie theater. It became an enclave for the African-American community, despite segregation. But in the 1960s, “urban renewal” left neighborhoods bulldozed and the highway widened, pushing the area into disrepair.

The Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium was built during this time, clearing even more houses. It was also the only place the Beatles ever played in Atlanta. Hank Aaron also hit his 715th career home run here.

For the 1996 Summer Olympics, another stadium was constructed for the track and field events as well as the opening and closing ceremonies alongside the existing A-FC stadium. After the games, it became Turner Field, the home of the Atlanta Braves baseball team and the previous stadium was demolished.

One of the conditions of the site was that the area would be redeveloped but it never happened. In 2016, the team moved to a new custom-built stadium in the suburbs (the same area I live in), abandoning Summerhill. Georgia State University bought the stadium and surrounding lots.

Development has slowly returned to Summerhill, starting with shops and restaurants on Georgia Avenue. Apartments and townhouses, including some for GSU students, have cropped up as well. The business owners have tried to preserve the old while breathing new life into the thoroughfare.

Street Art in Summerhill

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Starting in 2013, the Living Walls conference brought street artists and muralists from all over the world to create artwork on the sides of buildings. At that time, most of the storefronts were closed and the colorful paintings were a welcome spot of brightness.

Since then, other walls have been added, including the whimsical one above by local Yoyo Ferro. The Summerhill mural, at the top, was created by Louis Lambert “3TTMAN”  and is inspired by local history.

Where to Eat and Drink in Summerhill

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Formerly vacant storefronts are now thriving businesses. I recently went on an impromptu Summerhill food crawl, grabbing bites along the way. The list of restaurants is constantly growing, so stay tuned for more news from the neighborhood.

The Little Tart Bakeshop– The popular bakery has locations in Krog Street Market and Grant Park, but this is their first standalone location. They make incredible croissants, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches as well as coffee drinks.

Big Softie– Next door is their affiliated ice cream shop, which sells soft-serve using local ingredients with your choice of toppings. They even have vegan options for those that don’t eat dairy.

Halfway Crooks– The German-style brewery has a hip tasting room with pop-up restaurants, a rooftop patio, and sippable brews like lagers and Helles.

Hero Doughnuts & Buns– The import from Birmingham has delicious doughnuts, sandwiches, and coffee. Try the chocolate iced doughnut or the crispy chicken sandwich.

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Hot Dog Pete’s– The cozy restaurant has traditional hot dogs, with mustard and slaw, as well as funky varieties like a chicken and apple dog or topped with avocado and beans.

Little Bear– From the chef behind the popular Eat Me Speak Me pop up comes this neighborhood restaurant. The diverse menu has influences from around the globe.

Wood’s Chapel BBQ– Named for a neighborhood church, the team behind The General Muir created the barbecue restaurant with wood-smoked meats and Southern sides.

Junior’s Pizza– Opened in 2017, the New York-style pizzeria has thick crust and plentiful toppings. They also have vegan options and salads.

Talat Market– The praised Thai restaurant has earned a James Beard nomination. The menu changes often, but includes dishes like curries, salads, and sticky rice.

Where to Stay in Summerhill

Last summer, I stayed in this fantastic Skyline Loft, located a few blocks away from the restaurants on Georgia Avenue. There was plenty of parking on the street, as well as private keypad entry. The space came with a smart TV, a mini-fridge, and WiFi. Best of all, the large windows showcase the Atlanta skyline. If it’s not available, check out this tiny house on an urban farm or the Country Inn & Suites.

Further Reading

• GSU researcher takes deep dive into Summerhill’s fascinating, turbulent history, Curbed
• In Summerhill: Residents, Developers Try To Come Together. Will It Work? WABE
• Living Walls: Street artists battle blight, CNN
• Streetscape Palimpsest: A History of Georgia Avenue by Marni Davis

Have you been to Atlanta’s historic Summerhill neighborhood?