Hidden gems in Sandy Springs, from cuisine to culture

Located 16.5 miles north of downtown Atlanta, Sandy Springs is a Fulton County suburb that borders North Buckhead, Dunwoody, Roswell and Cobb County and spans 38 square miles. It has a diverse community of residents from all over the world and has a lot to offer, including culture, outdoors, cuisine and more. We’ve gathered up some of Sandy Springs’ most treasured gems for all to enjoy.

Culture

Sandy Springs’ newly developed City Springs complex has a world-class Performing Arts Center with two theatres (the Byers Theatre and the Studio Theatre). In addition, the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum and Park serves as the home of the original springs from where the city gets its name, as well as the historic Williams-Payne House that features rotating exhibits. Additionally, Sandy Springs has one of North Atlanta’s best movie theatres: The Springs Cinema and Taphouse (formerly Lefont Theatre) was recently renovated and has plush, reclining chairs and lots of gourmet food options.

Sports and Outdoors

Escape to nature at the John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve, which is tucked away right off Roswell Road. Additionally, you’ll find the popular, Instagram-worthy Chattahoochee Bamboo Forest off the banks of the Chattahoochee River on the East Palisades Trail. Morgan Falls Overlook Park also provides a scenic reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. For those looking for indoor sports, Center Ice Arena offers lots of opportunities to get on the ice rink, from public skating hours to skating and hockey classes.

Cuisine

Sandy Springs has some of the most ethnic cuisine options around, primarily centered off of Roswell Road. Some of metro Atlanta’s best Persian food can be found in Sandy Springs, such as Rumi’s Kitchen, Persepolis Persian Cuisine, Zafron Restaurant, Farsi Kitchen Persian Restaurant and newcomer Yalda Persian and Middle Eastern Restaurant. Additionally, you’ll find Mexican (Casi Cielo), Korean (Iron Age Korean Steakhouse), Japanese (Bishoku), Portuguese (Emidio’s), and establishments such as Il Forno and El Taco Veloz.

Bars and Breweries

In recent years, breweries have set food in Sandy Springs. Check out Mutation Brewing Company and Pontoon Brewing Company, both located off Roswell Road. Additionally, The Ship and Anchor Pub is an established local tavern with English fare that is popular with local residents. And if you’re looking to experience the magic of Dragon Con all year round, head on over to Battle and Brew for delicious food and drinks, neverending games (tabletop, PC, and board games, amongst others), trivia and more.

Shops

Sandy Springs has multiple eclectic shops, especially on Roswell Road. It is home to Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore, one of metro Atlanta’s best “metaphysical bookstores,” offering items for the mind, body and soul. Check out their diverse array of books, clothing and jewelry, and consider a psychic reading or meditation class. You’ll also find multiple international markets on Roswell Road, including Bakkal International Foods and Shahrzad.