Five Reasons Why You Should Visit Atlanta's Little Five Points

Atlanta is filled with all sorts of colorful characters. In many ways, the ever growing city has been compared to other large metropolitan cities like New York. Similar to New York City, Atlanta also has a fascinating section of the city which caters to a more free-spirited lifestyle. In the Big Apple, that part of town is known as Greenwich Village. In Atlanta, that area is affectionately known as Little Five Points (or L5P.)

Little Five Points is situated in a block lined by Moreland Avenue, North Highland Avenue, and Euclid Avenue. The area actually dates all the way back to the late 19th century. By the mid 1930's L5P was known as a blossoming merchant community. Over the years, the neighborhood went through several changes, but ultimately evolved into the trendy bohemian area that it is today. Gradually, this section of the "Peachy" city has catered to a demographic of people known for their eclectic tendencies. Though the area has undergone many transformations throughout its existence, the vicinity still provides an enticing draw for many visitors to Atlanta. If you're wondering why, look no further…

#1- IT'S SMALL - Unlike New York's massive Greenwich Village, the heart of Little Five Points can be completely combed in one day. It is a very short drive from North Avenue to Moreland, and then down towards the heart of the district. Parking around the area may seem sparse. But because the vicinity is so "compact", paying the few dollars to park in one of the parking lots for the day is completely worth it. A stroll from the Sevananda Whole Foods Co-Op market to the middle of Euclid Avenue takes only a few minutes. Put on your good walking shoes, and get ready for a rather comfortable mini-tour.

#2- IT CAN BE A "CIRCUS" - There is no need to be frightened of the people you might see in L5P. However, newcomers from extremely small rural towns might not be able to restrain a small gasp or two. It is not unusual to see a person strolling down the sidewalk with his/her pet python coiled demurely around the neck. The neighborhood is also known for its proliferation of "gothic" characters. There is definitely no shortage of leather and vinyl clad inhabitants strolling around the tiny streets. Don't be surprise if you also happen to see what most might call motorcycle gangs, gathering near the Vortex restaurant located on Moreland Ave. However, don't expect to see an entire crowd filled with weirdoes and freaks. There is actually a very healthy balance of all types of visitors. Little Five Points is truly the place where everyone fits in. Taking in all the colorful characters can be quite entertaining in and of itself.

#3 - TERRIFIC SHOPPING - Any tourist to Atlanta who does not venture into L5P for a shopping excursion is missing out on some creative bargains. Certainly, it should be noted that quite a few of the stores carry many of the same fashions found in shopping malls and department stores in the suburban sections of Atlanta. Vintage clothing stores are in full effect in this intriguing part of the city. As a matter of fact, some of the most captivating specialty stores are situated right in the heart of this little bohemian Mecca. For instance, those seeking outlandish costumes and fetish attire might want to visit Junkman's Daughter, a mega-store which sits on Moreland Avenue. This store is known for supplying bizarre novelty items and gag gifts. Though not an "adult" store in any way, some of the items are not appropriate for children. In addition to novelty items, the store also sells a variety of costumes, and also leather and vinyl fetish wear. Travel up the staircase (which is shaped like a high heeled shoe), and you'll be dumped into the store's shoe section, where you can fulfill all your fetish shoe needs. Stroll further down the street and hook a right onto Euclid to find even more hidden treasures. Here you'll discover holistic book stores, trendy boutiques carrying urban clothing, and even a bazaar of sorts. One store in particular, Soul Kiss, is a wonderful place to find exotic items. The store is known for featuring furniture made in foreign locales like Africa and India. Step to the rear of the store to discover huge wooden canopy beds, and other handmade items. The front of the store is filled with delectable looking crystals, incense holders, and all sorts of unusual fabrics. With New Age and world music piped in constantly through the P.A. system, you'll truly think that you've traveled to distant lands for your shopping experience. Nonetheless, whether you're searching for a gift, or a hot outfit-you're sure to find whatever it is you're looking for in Little Five Points.

#4 THE ARTS - Little Five Points is notorious for its espousal of the arts. Banked along one side of Euclid Avenue sit three popular artistic venues: The Five Spot, Seven Stages, and the Variety Playhouse. All three venues are known for hosting events featuring local musicians, singers, and actors. Events are held weekly, with fliers posted all over practically every light post in the area. Ever so often, you might even catch a celebrity show at any one of the venues. In addition to housing the theatres, Little Five Points has also been known for accommodating many of its local artists on the actual streets. In the past, it was not uncommon to see an acoustic guitarist or other type of musician quietly playing along the sidewalks. Today, with panhandling laws becoming more prevalent in Atlanta legislation, some of the musicians have been forced to locate other public places to relax and play their live music. Nonetheless, L5P is truly the place to go to find out what kind of underground entertainment is happening in the city.

#5- THE EATS - If you happen to get the munchies during your L5P visit, have no fear. Whatever your fancy, be it a cup of coffee at the local Starbucks (because they're everywhere these days) or a full course Indian meal - -you're in luck if you happen to be meandering through this section of the city. After hunting for unusual bargains at Junkman's Daughter, you might get the hankering for a slice of New York style pizza. Hang a quick right out of the store, and you'll find Savage Pizza, a trendy yet colorful hangout where the wine is good and the pizza is plentiful. There is also the famous Vortex, branded by its signature gaping mouth as an entrance. In the heart of the section are other ethnic restaurants and cafés. A short trek further down the block, and you'll find a couple of vegetarian cafés, and other eateries. None of the restaurants are terribly expensive. Choosing one of them is the perfect way to cap off a great day of shopping and sightseeing.

No matter whether you are an Atlanta native, or a casual tourist, Little Five Points is one of the areas where you never know who or what you're going to see. Touted as being a haven for the bohemian lifestyle, it is rapidly growing into heavy commercialized area. Nonetheless, L5P has retained much of its original charm, and there is certainly something in this historic area for everyone to enjoy.