3 Days in Dunwoody: Local Establishments

Just minutes from Atlanta, Dunwoody is among Atlanta’s most desirable suburbs for shopping, dining and other activities. At the heart of the city sits Perimeter Mall, one of the Southeast’s most popular shopping destinations, filled with recognizable stores like Von Maur, Macy’s and Nordstrom. But Dunwoody is also home to a number of independent stores and places to eat, run by people who love calling Dunwoody home. Here’s your three-day guide to the best local shops, restaurants and things to do in Dunwoody, Georgia.

Day 1: Local Shopping

Spend your first day in Dunwoody checking items off your wish list at one of the area’s locally owned shops. One of your first destinations should be Under the Pecan Tree, a darling home and gift boutique where you can stock up on boutique jewelry, baby shower gifts and a little something for the party hostess. The store also often donates sales proceeds from certain items to charities or fundraising activities. Another fun stop for gifts and home decor is Enchanted Forest. Each year, the store stocks up on trendy and seasonal items for the holidays including Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Halloween and more. Some items are kitschy, others are cute, but all are original with a little Southern flair thrown in. Dunwoody is also home to local, upscale second-hand shops. Consigning Women and Southern Comforts Consignment sit adjacent to one another, and both shops offer used designer brand clothing and accessories in near-perfect condition. Finally, head back to the Perimeter Center area and visit Dunwoody Diamonds to treat yourself or your spouse to gorgeous jewelry and gemstones. The shop features fine watches like Rolex and specializes in custom-made jewelry and repair.

In between shops, you’ll want to check out some of Dunwoody’s local dining spots. A few options include Village Burger which is located in Dunwoody Village and is known for delicious burgers, French fries and frozen custard; Cafe Sababa Mediterranean Grill for authentic falafels, hummus, kebab, gyro wraps and lamb burgers; and Novo Cucina for authentic Italian food including handmade pasta, pizza, gelatos and wine.

Day 2: Local Dining

Start your morning off by heading over to Paris Baguette on Ashford Lane and stock up on sweet and savory baked goods. Sample their seasonal special sandwiches and salads. Check out Ali’s Cookies, a must-stop if you want to stock up on sweet treats for your trip home. We recommend filling a picnic basket with delicious lunch items and desserts from the two restaurants, and head to the Dunwoody Nature Center for a picnic in the park. There, you can spend the afternoon in a quiet oasis in the middle of Dunwoody under towering trees. The nature center regularly hosts special events unique to Dunwoody including the annual Butterfly Festival, family-friendly classes and camps and summer concerts.

Another stop on the Dunwoody local foodie tour should be Carbonara Trattoria on Chamblee-Dunwoody Road. This is the spot for Italian salads, satisfying pasta, and high-quality meats and seafood. Or, you could head over to E. 48th Street Market on Jett Ferry Road for authentic Italian subs and freshly brewed coffee. The restaurant doubles as a grocery store with imported Italian goods, so guests may want to stock up on pasta sauce, cheese, braciole and more. An additional upscale dining choice in Dunwoody is the Zagat-rated McKendrick’s Steakhouse. The restaurant’s ambiance is that of a 1940s steakhouse, serving classics like New York strip, oysters, lamb loin and Scottish salmon. After finishing up your roasted apple cobbler and New York cheesecake, end your evening at Vino Venue—a cozy, upscale destination for wine lovers to enjoy their favorite drinks. Vino Venue is known for its Enomatic machines where wine lovers can self pour into their glass with the drink of their choice (with about 50 wines to choose from).

Day 3: Local Things to Do

The Spruill Center for the Arts is one of Dunwoody’s most treasured destinations—home to artists who regularly teach classes and workshops for visitors. With early registration online, guests can learn the art of pottery making, drawing, photography and sculpting. Courses are targeted toward certain age groups to suit everybody’s needs. To support the studio and its local artists, you should also head over to Spruill Gallery on Ashford Dunwoody to purchase original artworks and wares from local artisans in the Gallery gift shop. 

If you want to spend an afternoon treating yourself, a few of Dunwoody’s local spas and salons are happy to help. Angela Michael Skincare and Spa is one of the area’s most popular destinations for a full-on relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Guests can choose from getting pampered with anti-aging facials, manicures, pedicures and massages. Another spot for a full spa treatment is Face Haven, where you can enjoy group packages for treatments like laser hair removal, dermaplaning treatment, jet clear, acne facials and more if you’re traveling with girlfriends. Finally, take the time to really treat yourself with sweets at Cafe Intermezzo. The cafe is designed to make guests feel like they’re lounging in a vintage European coffee house and serves hundreds of pastry choices like cheesecakes, pies, tarts, and ice cream, along with various of drinks like coffee, tea and wine