Self-Care Saturday
Looking for relaxing things to do in Intown Atlanta on the weekend? Set aside the to-do list and spend a day focusing on your wellness in Virginia Highland District.
Whether your idea of self-care is savoring a slow morning at a local coffee shop, taking a yoga or Pilates class, refreshing your hair or nails, or simply wandering tree-lined streets at your own pace, Virginia Highland District makes it easy to build a day that feels restorative rather than rushed.
At a Glance
- A great cup of coffee – Ash Coffee, PERC Coffee, Press & Grind, San Francisco Coffee Roasting Co., Three Peaches Coffee & Gelato
- Movement & wellness – Highland Yoga, Contour Pilates, Pure Barre Virginia Highland, StretchLab, OnePoint Physical Therapy, Bring it Om, Tutu School
- A little pampering – Freedom Barber Co, Vivid Hair Salon, Highland Nails, Sweet Peach Waxing, Urban Evolution Salon
- A leisurely lunch – Murphy's, Ela, Doc Chey's, Alon's Bakery & Market, Kinship Butcher & Sundry
- Something sweet – Morelli's Ice Cream, Paolo's Gelato, Alon's Bakery & Market, Three Peaches Coffee & Gelato
A Walkable Self-Care Saturday Itinerary
Start Slowly with Coffee
Start near the Virginia-Highland intersection or Virginia Row and give yourself time to settle in before the first appointment.
- Ash Coffee pairs creative coffee and tea drinks with pastries, comfortable seating, art, antiques and a retail collection that rewards a slow look around. We recommend the Vietnamese Egg Coffee!
- PERC works well for an early start, with signature drinks, pastries and more substantial breakfast options near the center of the District. We recommend the Good Times Latte!
- San Francisco Coffee and are dependable and delicious stops when the priority is a comfortable neighborhood cafe and a bagel before a pilates class. A popular order at San Francisco Coffee is the Shaken Honey Suckle latte.
- Three Peaches Coffee & Gelato offers another relaxed place to pause, with coffee and a sweet option that can work at the beginning or end of the day. This is your sign to indulge with the popular Blue Lagoon latte!
Local tip: Choose your coffee stop based on the location of your first appointment. All of these coffee spots are within walking distance of our Virginia Highland wellness studios.
Explore Virginia Highland District coffee shops.
Move in a Way That Feels Good
- Highland Yoga and Bring it Om offer a movement-focused start to the day with classes designed to build heat, strength and focus.
- Contour Pilates offers private, semi-private and group sessions centered on strength, balance and control.
- Pure Barre Virginia Highland blends elements of Pilates, yoga and ballet into a low-impact, full-body workout in Morningside Village.
Local tip: Class schedules vary by week and popular Saturday sessions can fill up, so reserve your spot before building the rest of the day around it.
Recover Before You Rush to the Next Thing
After yoga, Pilates or barre, give the day a little breathing room. StretchLab provides one-on-one assisted stretching for guests who want a more targeted recovery appointment.
OnePoint Physical Therapy is another resource for people seeking individualized guidance for pain, mobility or a specific physical concern, though it is better treated as a planned clinical appointment than a spontaneous wellness stop.
Make Lunch Part of the Saturday Reset
- For a leisurely brunch: Murphy's or Whiskey Bird
- For Mediterranean flavors and a table built for sharing: Ela
- For sandwiches, salads, pastries and an easy picnic option: Alon's Bakery & Market
- For a butcher-shop sandwich, prepared foods or something special to cook at home: Kinship Butcher & Sundry
- For pan-Asian comfort food and a casual neighborhood lunch: Doc Chey's
Local Tip: Virginia Highland District has over 30 spots for a great bite to eat. Explore our complete Restaurant Directory.
Choose a Beauty Treatment
Highland Nails offers manicures and pedicures in the Amsterdam Village, making it easy to pair an appointment with coffee, lunch or a neighborhood walk.
Sweet Peach Waxing offers waxing and sugaring at the southern end of the corridor and can fit naturally before lunch, shopping or an early dinner.
Freedom Barber Co. offers custom cuts, beard shaping and traditional shaves in Atkins Park, while Vivid Hair Salon provides another bold, inclusive option in Morningside Village for cuts, color and styling. Wander down North Highland Ave to Urban Evolution Salon for a chic new style.
Local tip: Walking between stops is part of the walkable experience in the neighborhood. Park once, and give yourself some time to discover our independently-owned retail shops.
Before You Visit Virginia Highland District
Park Once
Virginia Highland is made for walking. Start in one spot and explore the neighborhood on foot. Check out our parking guide.
See What's Happening
From the Farmers Market and Porchfest to Mardi Gras and Winterfest, there's almost always something happening. Check out our upcoming events before you visit.
Keep Exploring
Looking for more inspiration? Browse our Happy Hour, Date Night, and Dog-Friendly guides.
Editor's Note: Business hours, class schedules, menus and appointment availability may change. Check individual business listings and the VHDA calendar before visiting.
