Little Five Points

Little Five Points – where people watching is a sport

Little Five Points is Atlanta’s hippie ‘hood. Everything about the area is Bohemian chic, and vintage stores line the streets alongside a natural foods market and indie radio station. Pull up a chair and take in the music of street performers and commence people watching.

There are many treasures to be found in Little Five Points. This eclectic neighborhood, nestled just north of East Atlanta and easily accessible by I-20, is one of the most satisfying places to people-watch in Atlanta.

Another thing Little Five does particularly well is street art, which adorns several buildings around the area and ranges from musical to historical to patriotic to urban.

Sure, there are actual amenities like vintage apparel shops, eateries, smoke shops, clothing bazaars, tattoo parlors, a natural food co-op, an indie radio station, independent bookstores, more than a few pubs – and even a giant, 30-foot-tall skull, but this hodge-podge of edgy artfulness simply pales in comparison to the people who live and work in this area. Though the main strip of Little Five (as the locals call it) is relatively compact, running mainly along Euclid Avenue and part of Moreland, it is packed with visitors, vendors and performers, all vying for a good experience with this neighborhood.Have a seat on one of the outdoor patios or benches and make up stories about the people passing you by; the variety of clothing/costumes, hairstyles, instruments, signs all scream “I’m expressing myself!” and that, friends, is a melting pot of sub-cultures that bubbles with fascinating layers. There’s a reason Little Five Points is known as a hippie hood.

Indeed, the air hums with creative energy. Come to Little Five and get a healthy dose of theater at 7 Stages, your music cravings satisfied with performances at Variety Playhouse, and even on-the-spot poetry created just for you as you walk on the sidewalks. Little Five is the place to expect anything. Yes, there’s even regular juggling practice.

Another thing Little Five does particularly well is street art, which adorns several buildings around the area and ranges from musical to historical to patriotic to urban. Take it all in.The best part about Little Five is the amount of help you receive. Whether it’s obscure music, records, vintage dress or a piece of jewelry you seek, there’s an expert in Little Five Points. Looking to buy records on wax? Start at Little Five.

Want to go?

• Location: Approximately three miles east of Peachtree Street down Freedom Parkway
• Getting there: Take the MARTA Blue Line or Edgewood/Candler Park Green Line to the Inman Park/Reynoldstown exit. From there, it’s a one mile cab ride to the heart of Little Five Points.

Did you know…

• The Little Five Points Halloween Parade is epic. The exact date is subject to change, but know that it’s at least happening every October. And that it’s awesome.
• The Hollywood film “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” filmed several outdoor scenes in Little Five along Euclid Avenue, particularly in front of Rag-o-Rama used clothing store.
• There actually was a five-point intersection at Little Five, which met at the corner of Euclid and Moreland. Those streets went off in four directions (like a cross) and included a spurious fifth street called Seminole Avenue, which in recent decades was turned into an extended sidewalk area, right next to that pizza shop.