Things to Do in Dunwoody

The Hawks migrated to Atlanta from St. Louis for the 1968–69 season and have since become a venerated local institution. Though the Atlanta club has never claimed an NBA title, they've appeared in the playoffs 27 times since 1969, stamping their punchcard frequently enough to receive free hot dogs for the whole team during their next postseason appearance. Since 1999, the Hawks have perched in the rafters of Philips Arena, where more than 18,000 fans cheer them to victory in the Eastern Conference's Southeast Division.

Ten minutes from the bustle of Atlanta, hummingbirds and dragonflies buzz around gardens, and horses crunch leaves under their hooves as they amble down dirt-covered trails leading to a private pond. Fruition Farm beckons visitors to relax at this idyllic refuge, whether by swaying on the porch swing with a book in hand or trapping sleepy friends in a hammock draped between two trees.

Communing with nature is reflected in the farm's approach to horseback riding—natural horsemanship, which fosters a special rapport between equestrians and steeds based on respect and trust, motivating horses to obey commands without riders threatening to expose their secret pasts as cows. This philosophy encompasses all activities at Fruition, from lessons and camps to weekend retreats and creative excursions such as moonlight rides and Tea on Tuesdays, which pairs laid-back rides with a catered lunch at the farmhouse.

Originally opened as a movie palace in the Jazz Age, the Buckhead Theatre has since become a cultural touchstone in the Atlanta arts scene. From showing a widely banned Mae West film in 1933 to hosting everyone from Indigo Girls to Mumford and Sons, the venue’s Spanish-baroque architecture and burgundy velour curtains have been privy to legendary entertainment, colorful history, and preshow bullfights in the aisles.

A household name on the Atlanta yoga circuit and a skilled teacher of the ancient art, Bethany Vaughn brings credibility to Red Hot Yoga. She houses the studio in a space formerly used by an antique flooring company, welcoming students to spread their mats over beautiful 100-year-old wide-plank pine flooring in the two expansive practice spaces. Bethany centers her fifth and favorite studio on a power-yoga style that's performed in a 105-degree setting. Three levels of power classes cater to practitioners of all abilities, helping those new to the practice to link the flowing poses with conscious breathing techniques while challenging more experienced stretchers with advanced postures. Red Hot Yoga's 4,200 square feet of space includes changing and shower facilities, eliminating the need to bring along a tent equipped with shelves.

Cinematic drama, action, and romance soar across 131 all-digital screens at Movie Tavern's 16 locations in seven states. With the latest first-run releases and triweekly showings of Retro Cinema classics, its theaters entertain with the chases and hijinks churned out by Hollywood’s dream factories. Viewers can pair their flicks with frothy brews, a choice of wines, or items from a menu stocked not just with staples like popcorn and candies, but also with grill-seared burgers, homemade pizzas, and chef-inspired appetizers. All sweet and savory selections can be delivered to a tabled seat inside the theater after placing an order at the concession stand.

Movie Tavern shakes up the traditional theater experience with more than its food, varied beverage selection, and table service. Its Breakfast & a Flick treats early weekend risers to films and food inspired by classics with dishes such as the French Connection Toast. Its group outings help businesses captivate employees at holiday parties without having to project a slideshow of their personal emails. The Movie Tavern membership awards a free birthday movie tickets and popcorn to members when they sign up, and sends out invites to special events and screenings.

In Tennis founder Chris Peck conducts private, group, and team coaching geared toward the sport he played for four years during college at his four-court facility. Peck's credentials include USPTA certification as a tennis professional and the position of tennis director for the city of Smyrna. He initiates young people into the world of racquet sports by helming afterschool programs for children as young as 4. Once they have mastered backhands, forehands, and strategy through years of practice, high-school and college competitors can sign up for the In Tennis tournament academy, where students compete to earn state, regional, and national rankings.