Vinings is the perfect mix of new and old, of classic favorites and new additions, especially when it comes to restaurants and things to do. Diners can choose from historic Vinings or the modern developments around Paces Ferry Road. No matter what you decide, you are sure to have a delicious meal at any one of these beloved local eateries.
A version of this story originally appeared in the March/April 2014 issue of Living Intown magazine.
Canoe
One of Atlanta's most acclaimed restaurants, Canoe serves New American cuisine in a spectacular setting on the banks of the Chattahoochee. Flooding in September 2009 caused $1 million worth of damage and forced the restaurant to close its doors for nearly two months, but Canoe has remained a consistent presence in the ever-changing Atlanta restaurant scene. Executive chef Matthew Basford took the helm in 2013 and has maintained the restaurant's commitment to farm-to-table cooking. Be sure to try the Chef's Organic Vegetable Garden, which offers family-style, fixed-price seasonal menus for larger parties.
4199 Paces Ferry Road S.E. 770-432-2663. canoeatl.com
Old Vinings Inn
Built circa 1890 as a general store and post office, the structure on Paces Mill Road has also been an apartment building, filling station and private residence. Now a restaurant and jazz club, Old Vinings Inn offers solid classics like fried chicken and French toast, but the real party happens upstairs in the Attic Bar, where live music is performed Wednesdays through Saturdays. Enjoy drinks on the covered porch, which evokes the spirit of the old South.
3011 Paces Mill Road. 770-438-2282. oldviningsinn.net
Paces & Vine
Murphy's has been a cornerstone of Virginia-Highland for more than 30 years, so Vinings residents can have high expectations that Paces & Vine, Tom Murphy's newest venture, will offer the same quality food and drinks. Opened last fall in the Vinings Jubilee shopping center, Paces & Vine taps the talents of Murphy's executive chef Ian Winslade, evident in its wide selection of shared plates and emphasis on fresh seafood.
4300 Paces Ferry Road, Suite 250. 404-205-8255. pacesandvine.com
Looking for activities after your meal? Vinings has no shortage of things to do, especially if you're looking to stay active.
Chattahoochee National Recreation Area
While only a small part of the 'Hooch and the National Recreation Area lies within Vinings' borders, that section includes a well-maintained and easy-to-use trail. The West Palisades Trail follows the river upstream, under I-75, before it switches to follow the tributary Rottenwood Creek. Walk, run or bike the trail's 3.6 paved miles, then use the Akers Mill trail connection to continue on to Cochran Shoals. The moderately steep climbs lead to a waterfall where the trail crosses underneath I-285, and such wildlife as deer, herons and geese call the area home.
Public access at Paces Mill, 3444 Cobb Parkway. nps.gov/chat
Atlanta Polo Club
A regulation-sized polo field, measuring 300-by-160 yards wide, provides an impressive expanse of manicured greenery near an urban setting. The organization offers instruction in "the king's sport" for both youth and adult players — even those with little to no experience riding horses.
4647 Polo Lane. www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-Polo-Club
>> Insider tip: Registration is open for this year's Vinings Down Hill 5K, an annual fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Vinings held in August. Visit viningsdownhill5k.com for more information.
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