Discover Dunwoody’s Mark Galvin joined me for our monthly roundup in Podcast 318, and this time I asked him a big question: what actually brings people to Dunwoody? From a pizza oven shipped from Italy to laser tag and game shows, here is what is new and worth showing up for.
Discover Dunwoody is the city’s destination marketing organization. Mark Galvin names Perimeter Mall and Game Show Battle Room as top draws, alongside new High Street spots Rosetta Bakery and Varuni Napoli, Campus 244, Big Play ATL, and live music at Le Méridien.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or watch the full episode above.
Rosetta Bakery and Varuni Napoli at High Street
High Street is about to get tastier. Rosetta Bakery and Varuni Napoli are both finally opening their doors. Rosetta’s known for buttery pastries and a chic European vibe. Varuni Napoli is going full authentic by importing a custom-built oven straight from Italy. As Matt joked, that beats the conveyor belt at his pizza shop.
These spots are part of why High Street is fast becoming a top destination for people moving to Dunwoody or looking for a better date night.
Campus 244: A New First Impression
Just down the road, Campus 244 is drawing eyes from 285, and that’s not a small thing. For many people, especially those unfamiliar with the area, their entire impression of Dunwoody comes from how it looks while passing by on the highway. Thanks to the work GDOT has done with the entrances and exits around Ashford Dunwoody, paired with the sleek, modern backdrop of Campus 244, Dunwoody now makes a stunning first impression.
Between its clean design and growing list of restaurants, Campus 244 is changing the face of Dunwoody, literally. Stäge Kitchen & Bar will soon join the already-popular CT Cantina & Taqueria, bringing more upscale dining options to the area. If you haven’t swung by lately, it’s worth a visit, especially if you’ve only seen it from your car window.
Big Play ATL Delivers
At the corner of Mt Vernon and North Peachtree, Big Play ATL is winning over families and local skeptics alike. With laser tag, arcade games, a solid bar menu, and surprisingly fair pricing, it’s become one of the go-to things to do in Dunwoody. Matt shared how he first visited as a guest of the owners, then came back as a paying customer. It’s a hit with birthday parties, weekend warriors, and neighborhood kids from spots like Dunwoody North, Village Mill, and the nearby Kingsley neighborhood.
Live Music at Le Méridien
Looking for live music without leaving town? Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter is now hosting shows every Monday and Tuesday night, featuring lounge crooner Michael Magno. Pair it with a solid burger and you’ve got a relaxed grown-up night out, no babysitter or drive into the city required. Mark highlighted this as one of those little gems that helps Dunwoody hotels stand out to visitors and locals alike.
Game Show Battle Room
Just above Politan Row at Ashford Lane, Game Show Battle Room has become one of the most unexpected crowd-pleasers in town. Think Family Feud meets trivia meets team-building chaos. Even Village Orthodontics brought its whole staff for a team day.
When I asked what brings the most people to the area, Mark’s first answer after Perimeter Mall was Game Show Battle Room. That surprised me, but it says a lot about how unique the experience is.
Perimeter Mall Still Leads
Amid all the new openings, Perimeter Mall remains Dunwoody’s number one visitor magnet. Mark noted that people come for a reason, they usually find what they’re looking for. The mall continues to be a major draw, whether it’s for shopping, food, or a casual weekend visit. It may not be flashy, but it’s still the commercial core of the area.
Dunwoody Dialogues and DHA Events
Mark also hosts Dunwoody Dialogues, Discover Dunwoody’s livestream series with local leaders. A recent guest was DHA President Tim Brown, who covered the Fourth of July Parade, Light Up Dunwoody, Food Truck Thursdays, and the Farmers Market. The theme: these things work because the community shows up.
What’s Next for Discover Dunwoody?
Discover Dunwoody has a lot of momentum. Mark credits the team: Zoe Demetry, Ashley Rossolillo, Madison Holtz, and Executive Director Ray Ezelle, who he praised for putting the right people in the right roles.
What has worked best? Highlighting the places that make Dunwoody feel different, with hyperlocal events, business spotlights, and content like Dunwoody Dialogues, instead of generic tourism material.
My Calendar Idea
I pitched an idea I have been holding onto: a free, subscribable Dunwoody community calendar. One click on your iPhone calendar and every local event shows up automatically. Mark was intrigued, and I think it would give residents and newcomers a real-time pulse on the city.
Why Discover Dunwoody Matters to Homebuyers
As a Dunwoody REALTOR®, I see the work Discover Dunwoody does show up in how buyers see the city. When people hear about High Street, Campus 244, and things to do on a Tuesday night, Dunwoody stops being a place they drive past on 285 and becomes a place they want to live.
My Take: Try one new spot from this list this month. My vote is Game Show Battle Room with a group of friends. Follow Discover Dunwoody for what is next.
Frequently Asked Questions About Discover Dunwoody
What is Discover Dunwoody?
Discover Dunwoody is the city’s destination marketing organization, funded by hotel taxes, that promotes local businesses, events, and hotels.
What brings the most visitors to Dunwoody?
According to Mark Galvin, Perimeter Mall is the top draw, followed by experiences like Game Show Battle Room at Ashford Lane.
What is new at High Street Dunwoody?
Rosetta Bakery and Varuni Napoli, which imported a custom pizza oven from Italy, opened at High Street.
Where is Game Show Battle Room?
Game Show Battle Room is above Politan Row at Ashford Lane in Dunwoody.
What is Dunwoody Dialogues?
Dunwoody Dialogues is Discover Dunwoody’s livestream series featuring local leaders, hosted by Mark Galvin.