People Walking in a Shopping Plaza

How to maximize your experience at 3 Atlanta entertainment districts

Some consider these developments hallmarks of the city. Here’s what to know if you plan to visit.

Ask any ATL native how much the city has changed over the years, and you’re probably in for a half-hour rant. Fellow residents have likely noticed the emergence of large-scale developments offering trendy restaurants, retail storefronts, office space, and concert venues in up-and-coming areas of Atlanta. Now, some believe these mixed-use spaces are hallmarks of the city.

With all the new offerings, it can be intimidating to determine how to navigate each of them. This guide takes you through everything you need to know — from the restaurants worth visiting to the parking situations you’ll find — to maximize your experience at three entertainment districts. 


Shopper browsing items in a small antique shop

These are the far-reaching effects when you shop locally

We're exploring how local communities thrive when shoppers support area entrepreneurs.

Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday became a “thing” several years ago, benefiting both shops and shoppers. But “buy local” is more than a nice slogan — and is important for the local economy throughout the year whenever you support local businesses. 

This is especially true in DFW, which leads the nation for both small business employment growth and wage earnings growth among U.S. metro areas, according to the Small Business Employment Watch report from Paychex and HIS Markit.

If you have gifts to buy or simply want to treat yourself, read on to learn how shopping at small businesses in Dallas can make a big difference for all.  


Man Standing in a Pottery Store Browsing Goods

See how small businesses are a big win for Atlanta — and for shoppers

Small businesses are an economic powerhouse for communities, but they’re also the best way to shop.

The ripple effects of shopping locally can be tremendous for area small business owners, which are a growing and vital part of the Georgia economy. When it comes to entrepreneurship, the state continues to smash records. In 2022, there were approximately 274,000 new business formations, according to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. Among these enterprises, many are small business owners, which employ 1.7 employees in the state. In fact, 99.6% of the businesses in Georgia are small, according to the University of Georgia

While thinking through your every day shopping needs, read on to learn how shopping small can make a big difference for entire communities in Atlanta.