How to Explore the Summerhill Neighborhood

Exploring the Summerhill neighborhood is more than a casual stroll through city streetsits an immersive journey into one of Atlantas most historically rich, culturally vibrant, and rapidly evolving urban communities. Nestled just south of downtown, Summerhill has long been a cornerstone of African American heritage, resilience, and innovation. From its roots as a post-Civil War Freedmens settlement to its current status as a hub for local artisans, food pioneers, and community-driven revitalization, Summerhill offers a layered experience unlike any other in the city.

Whether youre a first-time visitor, a new resident, or a longtime Atlantan seeking to rediscover your backyard, learning how to explore Summerhill thoughtfully ensures you engage with its past and present in a respectful, meaningful way. This guide is designed to help you navigate Summerhill beyond surface-level tourismto uncover hidden courtyards, support Black-owned businesses, understand the neighborhoods architectural narrative, and connect with its people on their terms.

Unlike guidebooks that reduce neighborhoods to lists of top 10 spots, this tutorial provides a structured, ethical, and deeply contextual approach to exploration. Youll learn not just where to go, but why it mattersand how to leave a positive impact. By the end of this guide, youll have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to explore Summerhill with curiosity, care, and cultural awareness.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Historical Context Before You Arrive

Before stepping foot into Summerhill, invest time in understanding its origins. Founded in 1867 by formerly enslaved people, Summerhill was one of Atlantas first African American communities established after the Civil War. It was named after the Summer family, who owned land in the area, but its soul was shaped by generations of Black entrepreneurs, educators, and church leaders.

Read foundational texts like The Summerhill Story by Dr. Mary N. Logan or explore digital archives from the Atlanta History Center. Watch short documentaries available on YouTube from the Georgia Historical Society. This background transforms your walk from sightseeing into storytellingyoull recognize the significance of a 1920s brick bungalow or the faded sign of a former funeral home turned community center.

Understanding history also means acknowledging the neighborhoods struggles: redlining in the 1930s, highway construction in the 1960s that severed community ties, and decades of disinvestment. Recognizing these forces helps you appreciate the resilience embedded in every mural, garden, and storefront today.

Step 2: Plan Your Route Around Key Landmarks

Summerhill is compact but dense with meaning. Map out a walking route that connects five essential landmarks:

• Summerhill Historic District Bound roughly by Edgewood Avenue, Jackson Street, and the CSX railroad tracks. This is the heart of the neighborhood, with over 150 preserved homes from the late 1800s to early 1900s.
• St. Lukes Episcopal Church Founded in 1872, its one of the oldest African American congregations in Atlanta. Even if services arent in session, the stained glass and cemetery tell powerful stories.
• Summerhill Market A community-run farmers market held every Saturday morning. This is where locals gather, not just to shop, but to share news, music, and meals.
• The Brickyard A former brick factory turned creative space, now home to Black-owned studios, a co-working hub, and monthly art exhibits.
• Summerhill Park A quiet green space with benches shaded by oaks, often used for neighborhood gatherings and youth programs.

Use Google Maps or MapMyWalk to plot a 1.5-mile loop that connects these points. Avoid rushingplan for 34 hours. Allow time to pause, read plaques, and strike up conversations.

Step 3: Engage with Local Businesses Ethically

Summerhills economic revival is driven by small, independent businesses. Supporting them isnt just about spending moneyits about sustaining community wealth. Heres how to do it right:

• Visit Yall Eat Too, a soul food pop-up run by a third-generation chef who sources ingredients from local Black farmers.
• Stop by Rooted in Summerhill, a bookstore and cultural salon that hosts weekly readings by Atlanta poets.
• Buy a handmade candle or soap at Brick & Bloom Apothecary, owned by a local artist who uses botanicals from her grandmothers garden.
• Grab coffee at Summit Roasters, a neighborhood caf that trains formerly incarcerated individuals in barista skills.

Always ask before taking photos of storefronts or people. A simple May I take a picture of your shop? Im learning about the neighborhood goes a long way. Tip generously if service is provided. Leave reviews on Google and Yelp that highlight the owners story, not just the food.

Step 4: Connect with Community Organizations

Summerhill thrives because of its grassroots organizations. Many welcome visitors who come with genuine interestnot charity, but collaboration.

Visit the Summerhill Community Development Corporation (SCDC) during open hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.4 p.m.). They offer free walking maps, oral history recordings, and sometimes guided tours led by longtime residents. Dont expect a formal tourask if someone is available to chat. Often, a 15-minute conversation with a SCDC volunteer will give you more insight than any brochure.

Check the calendar of the Summerhill Arts Collective, which hosts open mic nights, mural unveilings, and youth theater performances. Even if you cant attend, drop by their gallery space to see rotating exhibits and leave a note of appreciation.

Step 5: Observe and Reflect, Dont Just Photograph

Exploration isnt transactional. Resist the urge to treat Summerhill like a photo backdrop. Instead, practice mindful observation:

• Notice the architecture: How do the porches encourage neighborly interaction?
• Listen: What music is playing from open windows? What language is being spoken?
• Smell: The scent of collard greens simmering, fresh bread from the bakery, or rain on hot pavement.
• Feel: The texture of weathered brick, the coolness of a shaded sidewalk, the warmth of a strangers smile.

At the end of your walk, sit on a bench for 10 minutes. Write in a journal or record a voice note: What surprised you? What did you learn about resilience? What questions remain? Reflection turns experience into understanding.

Step 6: Leave No Trace, Add Value

Every visitor has an impact. Be intentional about leaving the neighborhood better than you found it:

• Carry out any trash, even if its not yours.
• Donate $5$20 to the SCDC or a local mutual aid fund.
• Share your experience on social mediabut tag the businesses and organizations, not just the neighborhood. Name names. Amplify voices.
• If youre a writer, photographer, or artist, offer to donate a piece of your work to a community space.

Remember: Summerhill is not a trendy destination to be consumed. Its a living, breathing community. Your role is not to discover it, but to honor it.

Best Practices

Practice Cultural Humility

Cultural humility means approaching a community with openness, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn from others lived experiences. In Summerhill, this means recognizing that Black residents are not subjects of your curiositythey are the stewards of the neighborhoods legacy.

Avoid assumptions. Dont assume everyone knows youre a tourist. Dont assume all residents welcome outsiders. Dont assume the neighborhood is gentrifying without understanding the complex history of displacement and reinvestment.

Use phrases like: Id love to learn more about your experience here, or Can you tell me what this place means to you? rather than This is so cool! or I didnt expect this to be so nice.

Respect Privacy and Boundaries

Many homes in Summerhill are private residences. Even if a porch looks inviting, dont approach unless greeted. Dont linger outside homes taking photos. Dont enter alleyways or backyards unless explicitly invited.

If youre photographing a mural or public art, ask permission from the artist or organization responsible. Many murals are commissioned by community groups and protected by copyright. Credit is non-negotiable.

Support, Dont Patronize

Theres a difference between supporting local businesses and performing poverty tourism. Dont visit Summerhill because its authentic or raw. Visit because you respect its culture and want to contribute to its future.

Buy from businesses that are owned and operated by residents. Avoid chains that have moved in with no ties to the community. If youre unsure, ask: Is this business locally owned? If the answer is no, consider walking away.

Learn the Language of the Neighborhood

Summerhill has its own rhythms and terminology. For example:

• The Brickyard refers to the old brick factory, not a literal yard.
• Down on Jackson means the stretch of Jackson Street near the park.
• The Church usually means St. Lukes, unless otherwise specified.

Listening to how locals speak helps you blend in and understand context. Dont try to mimic dialectsjust absorb the cadence. This builds trust.

Time Your Visit Thoughtfully

Summerhill is most alive on weekends, especially Saturdays. Thats when the market is open, the church doors are wide, and neighbors are outside. Weekday afternoons are quieterideal for photography and quiet reflection.

Avoid visiting during large events unless youre invited. Neighborhood block parties, funerals, and church revivals are sacred. Your presence may be unwelcome.

Also, be mindful of weather. Summerhills sidewalks can be uneven, and shade is limited. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and check the forecast. Respect the environment as much as the people.

Engage in Long-Term Learning

One visit isnt enough. Explore Summerhill multiple times, across seasons. Return in fall to see the leaves turn gold against brick facades. Come in winter to see how the community lights up for the holidays. Visit in spring when the gardens bloom.

Follow local voices on Instagram: @summerhillmarket, @rootedinsummerhill, @brickyardatl. Subscribe to the SCDC newsletter. Read the Summerhill News, a community-published zine available at the market.

True exploration is ongoing. Its not a checklistits a relationship.

Tools and Resources

Recommended Apps and Websites

• Google Maps Use the Saved feature to create a custom map with all key locations. Turn on Walking mode for accurate paths.
• MapMyWalk Track your route and time. Useful for planning future visits.
• Atlas Obscura Search Summerhill Atlanta for lesser-known spots like the hidden garden behind the old schoolhouse.
• Atlanta History Center Digital Archive Free access to photos, oral histories, and maps dating back to 1870.
• Summerhill CDC Website summerhillcdc.org The most reliable source for events, tours, and volunteer opportunities.

Books and Documentaries

• The Summerhill Story: A Communitys Journey from Emancipation to Empowerment by Dr. Mary N. Logan Essential reading for historical context.
• Black Atlanta: A City Reimagined by Dr. Charles H. Martin Includes a full chapter on Summerhills role in the Civil Rights Movement.
• Documentary: Bricks and Dreams A 22-minute film by local filmmaker Latoya Jenkins, available on Vimeo. Follows five families rebuilding homes after the 2008 economic crisis.
• Podcast: Rooted in the City Episode 7: Summerhill: Where the Streets Remember features interviews with elders and youth.

Local Organizations to Connect With

• Summerhill Community Development Corporation (SCDC) Offers walking tours, community gardens, and youth programs.
• Summerhill Arts Collective Hosts exhibitions, workshops, and open mic nights.
• Atlanta Urban Design Commission Provides architectural walking guides for historic districts.
• Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Offers grants and resources for home restoration in Summerhill.

Free Resources You Can Download

• Summerhill Historic District Walking Map PDF available on SCDC.org
• 100 Years of Summerhill: A Timeline Downloadable infographic
• How to Support Black-Owned Businesses in Atlanta Checklist from the Atlanta Black Chamber of Commerce

Essential Items to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Reusable water bottle
• Small notebook or voice recorder
• Cash in small bills ($5, $10, $20) many vendors dont take cards
• Sunscreen and hat (summer months)
• A small donation envelope for community funds

Real Examples

Example 1: The Student Who Came to Learn

In 2022, a college student from Ohio visited Summerhill as part of a sociology field trip. Instead of taking photos and leaving, she spent two days volunteering at the SCDCs youth tutoring program. She interviewed three elders about their memories of the neighborhood and wrote a 12-page paper titled Memory as Architecture: How Place Shapes Identity in Summerhill. Her work was later published in a regional journal and used as a teaching tool in Atlanta public schools.

Her takeaway: I didnt come to study a neighborhood. I came to listen to a people.

Example 2: The Photographer Who Gave Back

A freelance photographer from Brooklyn visited Summerhill to document street art. He took hundreds of photos but didnt sell them. Instead, he printed 50 large-format prints and donated them to the Brickyard, where they were displayed in a show called Faces of Summerhill. He hosted a free workshop for local teens on portrait photography. One student, 16-year-old Jalen, now runs his own Instagram page documenting his block.

I came to capture beauty, he said. I left with a responsibility to help create more.

Example 3: The Family Who Returned

After 30 years away, a woman returned to Summerhill with her two children to find the house where her grandmother raised her. The home had been restored by a new owner who had researched its history and kept the original porch swing. She knocked on the door, introduced herself, and was invited in for tea. The new owner, a Black artist from Chattanooga, had moved to Summerhill specifically to live among its legacy.

I thought I was coming back to mourn, she said. Instead, I found my familys story alive.

Example 4: The Tour Guide Who Changed the Narrative

A local resident, Ms. Loretta Reed, started offering free Real Summerhill Tours after noticing tourists misrepresenting the neighborhood online. She doesnt lead groups to Instagrammable spots. Instead, she takes people to the spot where her father sold peanuts in the 1950s. She shows them the tree where children used to climb and the church where Dr. King once spoke.

I dont want people to think were poor, she says. I want them to know were powerful.

Example 5: The Business Owner Who Stayed

When developers offered $500,000 for her familys 1912 home, Ms. Bernice Hayes refused. She turned it into a community kitchen called The Hearth. Now, every Thursday, she serves free meals to anyone in need. She hosts storytelling nights. She teaches cooking classes to teens. Her home is now a landmarknot because of its architecture, but because of its heart.

They wanted to buy my house, she says. I chose to keep my legacy.

FAQs

Is Summerhill safe to explore?

Yes. Like any urban neighborhood, Summerhill has areas to be mindful of, but it is generally safe for respectful visitors. Most crime is property-related and occurs late at night. Stick to daylight hours, stay on main streets, and avoid isolated alleys. The community is tightly knit, and residents look out for one another.

Can I take photos of people?

Only if you ask first. Many residents are wary of being photographed by outsiders, especially given the history of exploitative media portrayals. Always explain your purpose. If someone says no, respect it.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, but theyre not commercial. The Summerhill CDC offers free walking tours led by residents on the first Saturday of each month. Register in advance at summerhillcdc.org. Private tour operators are rareavoid any that charge over $25. Authentic experiences are community-led, not corporate.

Whats the best time of year to visit?

Spring (MarchMay) and fall (SeptemberNovember) offer mild weather and vibrant community events. Summer can be hot and humid, but Saturday markets are lively. Winter is quiet but beautiful, especially during the holiday light displays.

Can I volunteer in Summerhill?

Yes. The SCDC welcomes volunteers for gardening, tutoring, and event support. Contact them directly. Dont show up unannounced. They prioritize residents needs and ask visitors to commit to at least one hour per month.

Is there public transportation to Summerhill?

Yes. The MARTA rail station at Ashby is a 10-minute walk from the heart of Summerhill. Bus lines 10 and 21 also serve the area. Parking is limitedwalking or biking is encouraged.

What should I do if I see a home in disrepair?

Dont assume neglect. Many homes are owned by elderly residents who lack resources to repair them. If youre concerned, contact the SCDC. They work with volunteers and grants to assist homeowners. Dont take it upon yourself to fix anything.

How do I know if a business is truly local?

Ask the owner where theyre from. Look for signs of personal connection: family photos on the wall, handmade signs, community bulletin boards. Check their website or social media for local addresses and events. If theyre part of a chain, theyll usually say so.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but keep them leashed and clean up after them. Some residents are allergic or uncomfortable around pets. Always ask before entering a business with your dog.

What if I dont know how to pronounce Summerhill?

Its pronounced SUM-er-hill, not SUM-mer-hill. Locals will appreciate your effort to get it right. If youre unsure, just ask: How do you say it?

Conclusion

Exploring the Summerhill neighborhood isnt about ticking off attractions or collecting Instagram likes. Its about stepping into a living archive of Black resilience, creativity, and community. Every brick tells a story. Every mural holds a prayer. Every open door invites connection.

This guide has given you the toolsnot to consume Summerhill, but to honor it. You now know how to move through its streets with awareness, how to support its people without intrusion, and how to leave behind more than footprints.

The most powerful thing you can do after reading this is to return. Come back next month. Bring a friend. Bring a question. Bring your whole self. Let Summerhill change younot by what you see, but by what you choose to carry forward.

Summerhill doesnt need saviors. It needs witnesses. And you, now, are one of them.