Neighborhoods - Candler Park

Named for Coca-Cola magnate Asa Candler, who donated the parkland to Atlanta in 1922, this neighborhood is centered on a 55-acre park and nine-hole golf course. Long a hippie enclave, Candler Park is also a family-oriented community due to Mary Lin Elementary School’s outstanding reputation. Also nestled in this neighborhood is the Lake Claire Community Land Trust, a green sanctuary that is open to the public complete with trails, gardens, and weekly drum circles. With its small strip of boutiques and casual eateries, Candler Park remains one of Atlanta’s more laid-back and quirky neighborhoods.

Things to do in Candler Park

Picnic in the park

Stop by Candler Park Market’s deli counter for a turkey Reuben (add tomato), then reach for a Mexican coke or one of the market’s many beers or wine bottles and have a picnic in the park.

Show Lou some love

Pay a visit to Big Lou, the emu who has made the Lake Claire Community Land Trust his home for nearly 10 years. Bring some grapes to feed him, they’re his favorite snack.

Learn to shake those hips

Get your belly button pierced at Piercing Experience (in Candler Park since 1995), then show it off during a belly-dancing lesson at Nazeem Allayl Belly Dance Studio right down the street.

Hit some balls

Grab your golf clubs and knock a few balls around at the Candler Park Golf Course. It’s not the legendary East Lake Golf Club a few miles away, but at less than $10 for a round on weekdays, this course is one of the better deals in town.

Vinyl y paella

Shop around the shelves and shelves of records at Full Moon Records. Once you’ve had your fill of yinyl, walk next door to enjoy paella and wash it down with horchata at La Fonda Latina.

Namaste ATL

Roll out your yoga mat and bend it with CL’s Reader Pick for Best Yoga Instructor, Jaya Devi Bhagavati, at Kashi Atlanta.