Traders Neighborhood Store combines traditional and contemporary furnishings in a home decor shop that includes stationery, gifts, and bath products.

At Iris Restaurant & Bar, which occupies a former gas station in East Atlanta, you can still fill up--with wonderful dinners.

Eclectic, funky, trendy--East Atlanta has taken on a sassy attitude for shopping, dining, and entertainment. With an influx of hip residents, swank stores are springing up, introducing the neighborhood to new chic.

Strolling the Sidewalks
The best place here is Traders Neighborhood Store, which features modern and traditional furnishings at affordable prices. While you may pay $15 for a handsome photo frame, you’ll also find leather ottomans for $500. For a preview visit www.tradersatlanta.com.

East Atlanta Arts & Antiques Bazaar (www.eaaab.com) fills a former grocery store with a few antiques, lots of items that match the neighborhood style, and the works of local artisans.

Ladies should check the racks at the area’s boutiques, including Sugar Britches, Pieces of Adrene, 477, and Thread Zeppelin. Meanwhile, music lovers can cut a groove to Earthshaking Music, a spot that specializes in turntables and musical instruments.

Taste of the Area
For lunch, go to The EARL (East Atlanta Restaurant and Lounge, www.badearl.com), better known as a bar that serves award-winning food. Here you can expect memorable burgers and fries--some of the best in town.

Before leaving the village, grab a cup of java at Joe's Coffee, a slice of pizza at Grant Central Pizza, or satisfy your sweet tooth at the Australian Bakery Cafe. All are one of a kind. Just like East Atlanta.

East Atlanta: Take Exit 60/Moreland off I-20, and turn south. Take the first left onto Flat Shoals Avenue.

This article is from the August 2005 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.