Inman Park was Atlanta's first planned suburb, laid out in the late 19th century and anchored by leafy Springvale Park. Numerous elaborate Victorian painted ladies and handsome cottages and bungalows were built here during the neighborhood's heyday, which lasted until the 1940s. Like many urban areas, it fell into an increasingly gloomy state following World War II and the advent of urban exodus, but the neighborhood has experienced a steady rebirth and gentrification since the 1970s. It's now a bustling, trendy district with quite a few gay-friendly shops and restaurants, plus three top-notch theaters.
Inman Park is largely a residential district in eastern Atlanta, rife with fine historic homes that have been beautifully preserved. These include a handful of B&Bs, including the extremely gay-friendly King-Keith House. It's a wonderful neighborhood for a walking tour or a jog, and there are also a slew of interesting shops and cafes along the more commercial streets.
Right in the heart of the neighborhood, Edgewood Avenue has a handful of galleries and eateries. You'll find additional businesses worth checking out along North Highland Avenue, and also along Euclid Avenue as you head east toward Little Five Points. Here you'll find a bounty of funky places to eat and shop at the five-way intersection of Euclid, McLendon, and Moreland avenues. Check the website of the Inman Park Neighborhood Association for more information.
