Piedmont Heights

Piedmont Heights adopted the motto “Small Town in the Big City” last year to cement the work the community has been doing since 2007 to position itself for future growth and opportunities. The Piedmont Heights Civic Association organized the Greater Piedmont Heights neighborhood coalition, which includes five adjoining communities, for better planning purposes, and the Greater Piedmont Heights master plan won an Urban Design Commission Award. More than 100 businesses provide shopping, dining, goods and services to Piedmont Heights. It’s a far cry from when the area was settled in 1822 and was called Council Bluff. For more information, visit PiedmontHeights.org.

1 Smith’s Olde Bar

The iconic bar and music venue on Piedmont was threatened with closure when its longtime building was sold, but an agreement was reached and the music will keep on playing.

2 Two Minit Car Wash

The locals call it the Gorilla Car Wash, thanks to the big, mechanical gorilla that swivels and rotates along Piedmont Road. Folks stop just to have their photo made with him, but be sure to get your car washed, too.

3 The BeltLine

Although this portion of the BeltLine remains unpaved, it’s still a popular hiking trail as it passes behind Ansley Mall and alongside Clear Creek. Eventually, the trail will link up with the Northside Trail as the 22-mile loop is completed.

4 Ansley Mall

Many Atlantans – event natives – think Ansley Mall is part of Ansley Park, but it’s actually in Piedmont Heights. Home to dozens of small businesses and local restaurants like Bantam & Biddy and more well-know chains like LA Fitness, Pier 1 and Starbucks, the mall at the corner of Piedmont and Monroe is always busy.

5 Rock Springs Presbyterian Church

Founded in 1870, the current sanctuary was built in 1923 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. The church still has a thriving congregation.

6 Ansley Forest Apartments

Built in the 1970s, the big complex became home to artists of all kinds – from strippers to writers – but a complete renovation in 2014 has given the complex a quirky new charm.