Exploring Buckhead Village (Formerly The Shops Buckhead Atlanta): What to Know Before You Go
If you’ve heard people talk about “The Shops Buckhead Atlanta” and can’t quite find it on the map anymore, you’re not alone. The upscale outdoor shopping district that once carried that name has been rebranded and is now known as Buckhead Village.
Today, it’s still one of Atlanta’s most walkable, high-end retail and dining areas, right in the heart of Buckhead.
Below is a practical guide to understanding what it is now, how to get there, where to park, what to expect, and how locals tend to use the area.
Where Is “The Shops Buckhead Atlanta” Now?
Current name:Buckhead Village
General location: Central Buckhead, just off Peachtree Road
Approximate address: Around 300–320 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
The district spans several blocks between Peachtree Road, East Paces Ferry Road, and nearby side streets. It’s surrounded by Buckhead’s luxury condos, offices, and other well-known spots like:
- Buckhead Theatre
- Lenox Square
- Phipps Plaza
- Buckhead MARTA Station (a short drive or longer walk away)
If you search for “Buckhead Village Atlanta” on your maps app, you’ll find the same area that locals used to call “The Shops Buckhead Atlanta.”
What Kind of Place Is Buckhead Village?
Buckhead Village is best thought of as an open-air lifestyle district with:
- Luxury retail and designer brands
- Upscale and mid-range restaurants
- Cafés, dessert spots, and bars
- Occasional markets and community events
It has a pedestrian-friendly street grid with wide sidewalks, trees, and outdoor seating. Compared with a traditional mall like Lenox Square, Buckhead Village feels more like a small European-style retail village integrated into a neighborhood.
Who Typically Goes There?
You’ll often see:
- Local Buckhead residents running errands or meeting for lunch
- Shoppers looking for designer clothing, accessories, and beauty services
- Visitors and tourists who want a walkable, upscale part of Atlanta
- Evening crowds headed to dinner, drinks, or dessert
Dress codes are generally casual to “smart casual,” but many people do dress up more on weekend nights.
Getting There: Driving, MARTA, and Rideshare
By Car
Buckhead Village is easy to reach from most parts of Atlanta via Peachtree Road or Georgia 400.
- From Midtown/Downtown: Take Peachtree St NE north into Buckhead.
- From I-85 or GA-400: Use exits toward Lenox Rd or Peachtree Rd and follow signs into central Buckhead.
Traffic in Buckhead can be busy during rush hours and weekend evenings, so plan some extra time if you have dinner reservations.
By MARTA
There is no MARTA station inside Buckhead Village, but you have options:
- Buckhead Station (Red Line)
- Lenox Station (Gold Line)
- Lindbergh Center Station (Red/Gold) – farther away but with connecting buses and rideshare
From these stations, many people take a short rideshare or a bus connection rather than walk, especially in hot weather.
By Rideshare or Taxi
Rideshare is common in Buckhead. Drivers typically pick up and drop off along:
- East Paces Ferry Rd NE
- Side streets bordering the shopping area
When you request a ride, using “Buckhead Village” as the destination usually directs you to the center of the district. If you’re at a specific restaurant or store, it helps to select that exact address in your app.
Parking at Buckhead Village
Parking is a big practical question for anyone visiting from elsewhere in Atlanta.
What to expect:
- Structured parking garages attached to/under the development
- Street parking in some nearby areas (varies and may have time limits or meters)
- Valet services available at certain times or locations
Many shoppers use the main garages accessible from East Paces Ferry Rd NE and adjacent streets. Rates can vary by time of day and event. Signs near entrances usually list current pricing, and some restaurants or shops may validate parking.
If you’re planning a long shopping or dinner outing, it’s wise to check parking hours and rates upon arrival so you don’t rush later.
Shopping at Buckhead Village
Even though the branding has changed from The Shops Buckhead Atlanta to Buckhead Village, the core identity remains: high-end, fashion-forward retail.
You can typically expect:
- Luxury and designer fashion boutiques
- Specialty clothing and footwear
- Jewelry and accessories
- Beauty, skincare, and wellness services
- Home décor and gift shops
Stores may change over time—some new brands arrive, others rotate out—so it’s common for locals to check the current store directory before a shopping trip if they’re looking for something specific.
Tips for Shoppers
- 👜 Plan your route: The area is spread across multiple blocks; if you have a target store in mind, note which street it’s on.
- 💳 Budget expectation: Many retailers are in the premium to luxury price range; know this going in so you’re not surprised.
- 👟 Wear comfortable shoes: Even though it’s compact, you’ll be walking outside between stores.
Dining and Nightlife Around Buckhead Village
For many Atlanta residents, food and drinks are the main reasons to visit.
Types of Places You’ll Find
- Sit-down restaurants – American, Italian, Asian, Latin, and more
- Cafés and coffee shops
- Dessert spots – including bakeries and ice cream/gelato
- Bars and lounges – some upscale, others more casual
Weekends often feel lively, with patio seating, people walking dogs, and groups moving between dinner and drinks. If you’re meeting friends from other parts of metro Atlanta, Buckhead Village is a common “middle-ground” destination.
Local Tips
- Reservations are recommended for popular spots on Fridays, Saturdays, and peak brunch times.
- Ride-share is helpful at night to avoid parking stress.
- Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, which can be especially nice in spring and fall.
Events, Pop-Ups, and Seasonal Activities
The Buckhead Village area occasionally hosts:
- Holiday decorations and lights during winter
- Markets or pop-up shops
- Community-focused gatherings such as fitness events or small festivals
These events can increase both foot traffic and parking demand, so if you see a big event advertised, it’s smart to arrive early or consider rideshare.
Because events change frequently, most Atlanta residents look up the current event calendar for Buckhead Village or scan local news/Atlanta event listings before heading out.
How Buckhead Village Compares to Other Atlanta Shopping Areas
People researching “The Shops Buckhead Atlanta” often want to know how it fits among Atlanta’s other retail hubs.
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Area | Main Feel | Indoors/Outdoors | Typical Visitor Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buckhead Village (formerly The Shops Buckhead Atlanta) | Luxury, walkable streets, boutique feel | Mostly outdoors | Upscale shopping, dining, social outings |
| Lenox Square | Large enclosed mall, wide range of brands | Indoors | Mall shopping, quick food, errands |
| Phipps Plaza | Luxury mall with entertainment | Indoors | High-end retail, movies, dining |
| Atlantic Station | Mixed-use, more casual and family-friendly | Mostly outdoors | Shopping, dining, events, movies |
If you’re choosing where to go:
- Pick Buckhead Village when you want an outdoor, boutique-style, higher-end experience with strong dining options.
- Choose Lenox or Phipps when you prefer an indoor mall or need a wider range of price points.
Safety and Practical Considerations
As with any busy urban area in Atlanta, it helps to stay aware and plan ahead.
- Stay in well-lit, active areas, especially at night.
- Use secured garages or clearly marked parking structures when possible.
- Keep valuables out of sight in your vehicle and lock doors.
- If you’re unfamiliar with the area, many people feel more comfortable using rideshare for late-night departures.
Atlanta residents are accustomed to normal big-city precautions, and Buckhead Village is no different.
Who Will Get the Most Out of Visiting Buckhead Village?
You’ll likely enjoy this area if you:
- Appreciate designer and luxury retail
- Want a date-night or special-occasion atmosphere
- Prefer walkable streets over an indoor mall
- Enjoy exploring new restaurants, cocktail bars, and dessert spots
If you’re on a tighter budget, it can still be worth a visit just to walk around, people watch, and grab a coffee or dessert, treating it more as a city experience than a major shopping trip.
Quick Planning Checklist for Atlanta Visitors and Locals
Before you head to what used to be called The Shops Buckhead Atlanta:
- ✅ Search for “Buckhead Village” in your maps app
- ✅ Decide whether to drive or use MARTA + rideshare
- ✅ Note a parking garage entrance on East Paces Ferry or nearby street
- ✅ Check current store or restaurant listings if you have a specific place in mind
- ✅ Consider reservations for weekend dinners or brunch
- ✅ Dress for walking outdoors between shops and restaurants
Understanding that “The Shops Buckhead Atlanta” is now Buckhead Village will help you find exactly what you’re looking for—an upscale, walkable pocket of Atlanta with shopping, dining, and plenty of reasons to linger.