Springtime Strolls

Incredible Inman Park
Victoriana rules the architecture of Atlanta's first planned trolley suburb. Inman Park began in 1889, just 2 miles from downtown. The neighborhood fell into neglect after World War I; then rigorous restoration began in the 1970s. Today, it's a delightful area with lovingly maintained historic homes alongside some modern interpretations of traditional styles. Amid the dogwood blossoms, wisteria, and huge mounds of azaleas reside homes with elegant porches, intricate gingerbread, and towering turrets.

Inman Park is very accessible, and one of the best ways to explore it is on an Atlanta Preservation Center tour ($10 per person, March 1 through November 30). Meet at 2 p.m. on a Thursday or Sunday at the highly decorated Queen Anne-style 1890 King-Keith House bed-and-breakfast at 889 Edgewood Avenue. A chatty volunteer describes how this area, once devastated during the Civil War's Battle of Atlanta, became prime real estate in the waning decade of the 19th century. You'll stroll past the Tudor Revival Woodruff house with its 30 rooms as well as Asa Candler's 15,000-square-foot Beaux Arts-style Callan Castle. You'll also see homes designed by Atlanta's first female architect, Leila Ross Wilburn.

Each April (25 through 27 this year), Inman Park holds a delightful Spring Festival and Tour of Homes. In addition to offering a street market with antiques and crafts, the event includes a juried arts-and-crafts show, a zany parade, and live entertainment.

Another wonderful area on the northern edge of Inman Park is the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. Each year flowers grace the entrance, while a 35-acre park entices visitors. There, walkways, blooming annuals, a wildflower meadow, and a rose garden surround two serene lakes and a waterfall. Runners, cyclists, and skaters travel along the PATH, a trail that stretches from near downtown to the eastern neighborhoods.

• Suggested Inman Park route (about one hour): Park on Edgewood Avenue, near Inman Park Elementary School. Walk east past the Trolley Barn, and either turn left onto Elizabeth Street or Hurt Street. Turn left onto Waverly Way, and then right onto Euclid Avenue, which leads you back to Edgewood Avenue and your car. You can start on Hurt Street if you arrive via MARTA's Inman Park station.

Walking for Art's Sake
Once a month, 15 downtown art galleries are open from 5 to 8 p.m. for viewings, hors d'oeuvres, and chats with the artists. Turner's First Thursdays has transformed the business district into a fun and crowded spot. The venues include well-established ones such as the High Museum of Folk Art and Photography Galleries, APEX Museum, the Georgia State University Gallery, and the SunTrust Plaza Gallery, along with artists' workspaces and performance art spaces.

Restaurants join in the activity by offering specials to gallerygoers such as two-for-one entrées or free desserts. Restaurant partners include City Grill, Mumbo Jumbo, and Hard Rock Café. Check the Turner's First Thursdays Web site in advance for the month's participants.

It's impossible to see all of the 15 art spaces on any given evening, so pick out 3 or 4 and arrange your tour around them. SunTrust Plaza provides free parking (with validated ticket) for gallery patrons.