Buckhead is a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, with lots of high-rise hotels, shops, and restaurants. While the majority of it feels a bit overdeveloped and devoid of charm, there are still a few cool places to check out. At the intersection of Peachtree, Roswell, and Paces Ferry, you will find Charlie Loudermilk Park. Good old Charlie stands guard there thanks to a life-sized bronze sculpture by Don and Tina Haugen. It was originally unveiled in 2011 to commemorate Charlie’s 84th birthday and put in storage until the park area was renovated. Who is Charlie Loudermilk? Edited from his August 4, 2022 obituary:
Atlanta businessman and philanthropist Charles Loudermilk died at age 95 following complications from a stroke, according to his family. Loudermilk is perhaps best known as the founder of furniture and appliance rental store Aaron’s, which he opened in 1955. According to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Aaron’s was started with $500 and grew into a company that produces $2 billion in revenue each year. As his business grew, so did Loudermilk’s contributions to charity. He donated more than $35 million to various organizations and institutions, including the Atlanta Food Bank, Covenant House, and the University of North Carolina. He would later serve as chairman of the MARTA board of directors.
The 55' high clock/bell tower was designed by Harrison Design Architects and was part of a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 31, 2015 when the new Park was opened to the public.
The Buckhead Theatre originally opened June 2, 1930 with “Gold Diggers of Broadway,” the second two-color Technicolor/all-talking feature.
The theatre was designed by local architecture firm Daniell & Beutell in the Spanish Baroque style.
As I was walking to the Atlanta History Center, this Tommy Bronx mural for Pepper Boxing caught my eye.
I can only imagine how difficult it was to paint over the brick surface. It really is an incredible piece.
Near my hotel you can find historic Peachtree Park, a residential neighborhood with approximately 550 homes that dates back to 1915. It is a quiet oasis nestled amongst the malls, hotels, and offices.
Recess was a delicious choice for dinner one night; it serves food that “…makes you feel good and won’t slow you down.” The Buckhead location is one of two in Atlanta.
As you all know, dinner is just an excuse for dessert, and Jeni’s Ice Creams was recommended to me by the Atlanta History Center.
The waffle cone was delicious, with just the right amount of salty to offset the creamy goodness of the mint choccolate chip ice cream!
Lunch between sessions one day was at North Italia, which was selected despite being a chain (I do attempt to avoid chain restaurants when traveling.)
The bolognese was tasty though, and the ambiance of the restaurant once inside is like that of a neighborhood trattoria. I did get some flack for taking the shot of the exterior signage, though. Just as I was about to leave the parking lot (on foot), an imposing mall cop (with backup on a bicycle no less) stopped me and barked out that photography was not allowed. She proceeded to tell me that I would need to leave the premises. I informed her that was exactly what I was already in the process of doing before she stopped me to relay that information. I guess she earned her pay that day for that one. Carry on, Ma’am.
The one major disappointment of Buckhead was that the Buckhead Diner where I had dined on two previous trips was no longer open.
Next up: The Atlanta History Center!
See more Buckhead photos at my main website.
That statue of Charles Loudermilk is pure genius. It's such an Everyman. Just somebody's middle-aged Dad giving a thumbs up and telling you everything's going to be okay. More statues should look like that. Interesting how the art in that area isn't anything you would expect and yet there is Art in one form or another. The signage and wall murals aren't what you would expect but are still pleasing. Kind of a funny story about the mall cop though. When there's nothing to do, make sure you do nothing well. Who even says no Photography in this day and age? Everyone has a camera.
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