Buckhead

Elegant homes, upscale shopping, and a range of nightlife options
Word to the wise: Make sure to visit during the middle of the day or in the evening, avoiding rush hours.

Talk of the town: Buckhead is named after an 1838 tavern called Buck's Head.
Buckhead is famous for being one of the country's most affluent residential communities, and driving around the tree-lined streets for a glimpse of its lush estates, including the Governor's Mansion, is an activity in itself. But it's not just stately homes: The commercial district of Buckhead is one of the city's most popular areas for upscale shopping, all ranges of dining, and bars both quiet and wild.

It's where you'll find the shopping malls, Lenox and Phipps, with shops like Louis Vuitton and Neiman Marcus, and some of the city's best restaurants and cafes, although not the edgiest. Bars range from the glitzy terrace at the St. Regis to divey drinking holes where college kids crush beers.

There will definitely be good reasons for you to visit Buckhead, but other in-town neighborhoods can make it feel a bit dated and a little conservative.