Discover the appeal of Sandy Springs, Georgia.
Straddling I-285 on the north side of Atlanta’s perimeter, the second-largest city in the metropolitan Atlanta area takes its name from the bubbling springs (now part of a city park called Heritage Green) that first drew Native Americans, and later settlers, to this area.
Today, folks come to experience the city’s many attractions. When Sandy Springs incorporated in 2005, it lacked a traditional town square, so town leaders razed a strip mall and constructed a four-acre greensward. The centrally located and walkable City Springs area now centers on lovely City Green, the site of events such as summer concerts on its covered outdoor stage, the Sandy Springs Farmers Market, and a year-round slate of festivals.
The park borders the sparkling complex that now holds City Hall and the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Opened in 2018, “the jewel of the complex,” according to Debra Bell, the center’s director of marketing, houses two theaters, the black box Studio Theatre and the 1,070-seat Byers Theatre for larger musical productions.
Outside the city’s core of high-rise condominium, apartment, and office buildings—which includes the US headquarters of Mercedes-Benz—Sandy Springs embraces 950 acres of parks and natural areas. In the northeast corner of the city, you’ll find Island Ford, the location of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area headquarters and visitor center. Here, anglers can cast in the river for trout, and hikers may spot blue herons, river otters, and other wildlife as they traverse the site’s 5.5-mile trail.
For indoor pastimes, Potpourri Boutique stands out for its high-end designer brands, while the “thrill of a great buy,” as their tagline promises, awaits at Fox’s stylish selection of women’s clothing. Home furnishings shop Kudzu & Co. also carries craveable home accessories and gifts. Having earned a place on Oprah’s Favorite Things List, seasonal quick breads from Breadwinner Cafe & Bakery make ideal edible souvenirs.
You can even try your hand at making wine—or just do a tasting of some of the award-winning bottles they have on-hand—at Beer & Wine Craft. It’s all part of a weekend’s worth of entertainment in Sandy Springs.
Stay and Eat at Sandy Springs
STAY
Westin Perimeter North – Overlooking the iconic King and Queen office towers, the centrally located Westin owes its chic contemporary style to a recent multimillion-dollar renovation. 7 Concourse Pkwy. N.E., Sandy Springs, GA
EAT
Cafe Vendome – Start the day with organic coffee and tea at this little French cafe—and don’t pass up the flaky croissants and other viennoiserie. 6400 Blue Stone Rd., Ste. 110, Sandy Springs, GA
NoriFish – Omakase is the way to go at this sensational sushi spot. Trust the chef to send out course after course of pristine sushi, made with fish flown in twice a week from the Toyosu Fish Market in Japan. Modern seasonings enhance each bite, as in Blue Fin tuna belly with nikiri (house-made sweet soy sauce), truffle salt, and caviar. 115 Springwood Connector, #2000, Sandy Springs, GA
The Select – Taking its name from glitterati gathering place Le Select brasserie in Paris, The Select pulls in locals for delectable dishes like grilled branzino, lobster arancini, and steak frites. 6405 Blue Stone Rd., Ste. 200, Sandy Springs, GA
Zafron – For tasty Persian fare, you can’t beat this Middle Eastern restaurant near the Performing Arts Center. 236 Johnson Ferry Rd., N.E., Sandy Springs, GA
