"The Village," as it's called, is a hipster haven devoid of yuppie-types populating other Atlanta posh spots. Gentrification projects the past 10 years have transformed the up-and-coming neighborhood from sketchy to trendy. Plenty is there for those willing to travel a little further down the road.

Oakland Cemetery, 248 Oakland Ave., 404.688.2107

A great place to start. The third-largest green space in Atlanta holds some of the city's most well-known deceased: famed writer Margaret Mitchell, department store moguls Morris and Emanuel Rich, golf great Bobby Jones and 24 former Atlanta mayors.

In addition, the cemetery contains some of the most intricately designed mausoleums and oldest magnolia trees in the city.

Martini Girl Art Gallery and Fashion Boutique, 1269-A Glenwood Ave., 404.622.8207
www.martini-girl.com/store.htm

What you might call a clothing gallery that infuses artwork and fashion. The boutique is designed around Martini Girl, a fictional character conceived by owner Eva Maria.

Even if clothes aren't your thing, it's worth peeking inside just for the paintings.

Earthshaking Music, 543 Stokeswood Ave., 404.577.0707
www.earthshakingmusic.com

Earthshaking music is symbolic of East Atlanta's increased recognition as a music center, though the store has actually been around for several years.

It has all kinds of music-related gadgets but is one of the few places to offer such a wide variety of ethnic instruments. Spend some time browsing the guitar and bass or audio recording rooms.

If you're feeling especially adventurous, take one of the 30 minute in- store banjo or mandolin lessons and walk away feeling like a rock star.

The Echo Lounge, 551 Flat Shoals Ave., 404.681.3600
www.echostatic.com/echolounge/

Named best music venue in Atlanta in 2003 by Creative Loafing, the five-year old music spot books big and small names.

From Jet to Badly Drawn Boy to Guided By Voices, variety is the operative word here.

It is a necessary stop for any visit to Atlanta, East or otherwise.

Le Café Hinds, 543 Stokeswood Ave., 404.389.0954

Sure, it seems odd - a French restaurant where fast-food restaurants once reigned king, but like everything else on this trip, you can attribute it simply to "it's East Atlanta." Though not a lot for vegetarians, the Café Hinds menu offers extensive seafood choices.

The fare is high quality and straight forward. Though Café Hinds is "tres chic," prices are reasonable.

Mary's, 1287 Glenwood Ave., 404.624.4411

With what has been described as "dime store discotheque décor," the local gay bar is the epitome of personality.

The crowd is varied, the atmosphere laid back, and the drinks plentiful.

Mary's offers a wide range of "Mary-tinis" like "the Virgin Mary" or "There's Something About Mary," a bar favorite.

And, should you come on a Tuesday or Saturday, you might just find yourself singing to the tune of a karaoke night.