Lake Claire

Highlight: Sister brought me here on our exploration of the neighborhoods of East Atlanta and for those who want a hippie, whimsical, slightly grungy 1970's play hide and seek among rainbow mushrooms, peace signs, overgrown hedges, and commune like energy, you definitely want to come here. You came here to see Big Lou the Emu, see overgrown vegetable gardens, see lots of communal homes, giant bubble sticks, and feel flashbacks of going to the 80's. It feels like you stepped into some liberal city like Seattle- look forward to blue hairs, hipsters, indie spirits, elephant pants, dread locks, beards, vintage bikes, etc. Location- This place is located randomly at the end of a cul de sac in Lake Clare Community a among streets named after states like NY and Arizona. It is next to a community house and then the entrance is literally wooden signs calling this place a Land trust. I've never heard of a land trust but the theory is that a group of individuals (probs hippies from he 1970's) left a piece of land for the community to play, have meetings, to grow in, garden- but it's not some community garden either with tame gardens, etc. It is essentially a giant piece of land with playground hints, peace signs, a random sauna??, pond with peace loving turtles, a random emu, and still growing in its offers. Definitely feels very different from other parts of Atlanta (Ansley Park, Chastain, Avondale, Old Fourth Ward, Cabbage Town, etc). Things to look for 1. Big Lou the Emu- that's right- there is this giant bird that is dinosaur like who is about 20 years old roaming around this place- behind a chain linked fence of course but you definitely should see this guy with his large blue ear holes, gray blue black plumage, fierce beak, and even more fearsome claws that you can't help wonder if you'd an outrun this beast. Guarded by 2 Mallard males and a pit bull like dog 2. The Peace Pond- that's right- imagine a pond slightly untame and over grown with turtles that actually swim towards you rather than away from you (unlike other turtles I've seen)- peaceful turtles I gues 3. The overlook facing Atlanta- you get to see a hint of the skyline of Atlanta from the highest point of this place- there are these super high chairs wooden weathered but comfortable to sit there and drink a coffee and read a book. 4. The amphitheater- Apparently there's a drum night that happens a few times a week- has a very pow wow kind of feel 5. The Olympic shed- apparently this place housed Olympic athletes from the olympics in the 90's - not sure where they stayed.. maybe this was for those who were in for the hippie kinds! 6. The gnomes, bright mushrooms, playground tools, peace signs

This was such a great place to have a small adventure. Located at the end of a quaint neighborhood, this community park is filled with community gardens, chickens, trails, lots of viewing spots, and even an emu! We didn't get a chance to see the my but the trails that lead to ponds and a lookout spot were awesome. The chickens and gardeners there were also friendly. There weren't too many people there so it'd be an ideal place to have a private picnic by the pond or wander through trails throughout the afternoon. It's a lot bigger than I remember when I went years ago. What a great find!

I was here for hours taking in the plants, inspects, pond and the emu. I can not say enough great things about how this garden was the highlight of my trip to Atlanta. There were families with toddlers which added to the charm of the experience.

The very first time I got invited to the Land Trust I had no idea what to expect, other than the whispers I was told. It was a Saturday night and we were visiting with friends who had been there before. They told us to arrive and stand by the gate and wait until they got there. But before they got there we were greeted so lovingly by Robert, one of the residents and facilitator of the sweat lodge, drum circles, and he has the most amazing garden ever. This was my first time experiencing a sweat lodge so I was a bit excited and nervous at the same time. The weather was warm and inviting, like most summer nights in Atlanta. I couldn't believe I'd live there all those years and that night was my first time experiencing it. The sweat lodge was perfect. It was exactly what my mind, body, and soul were crying out for. The way my body sweat, under the heat, in that small hut, I would never forget. My skin felt amazingly soft when we were done. We sang, chanted, made animal sounds to honor the earth, each other, and the total healing experience. I was glowing from the inside out. I love how well lit the outside area of the actual lodge is with candles. It's just enough for us to see but dark enough to feel surrounded by the night, in the woods, listening to the small insects, and gazing up at the trees and stars. It's a perfect area to lay your towel down on the mats and relax as you go in and out of the hut, cooling down, and reflecting on the moment. It'll help if you bring water, and a small snack like fruit to keep you hydrated as your body temperature rises. I also loved the nights we went to join in on the drum circle. My husband would bring his drum and join in on the music being played while me and our children would dance around the fire, singing, laughing, and enjoying the company of other families. It's definitely one of the best communities in Atlanta for gatherings like these.

My boss often goes to dinner at Lake Claire Co-Housing, and her frequent mentions of this weekly activity aroused my curiosity enough to check it out. I once drove down Dekalb Avenue in search of the Lake Claire Community Land Trust, dead-ending at some soccer fields, wondering how to get to this mystical city haven. I eventually discovered that Arizona Avenue, the street on which the land trust is located, breaks at Dekalb Avenue, and in order to access it, you have to turn onto Arizona off McLendon. I sauntered over there last night, sore from a morning car accident, not feeling like going for a jarring jog. My boyfriend and I first marveled at the community vegetable garden, lush and green in the early summer heat, then turning to scour the large bulletin board across from it. Apparently, a lot of events regarding music and enlightenment go on at the land trust. Continuing down the quaint path, we passed a restroom hut and reached the small amphitheater where bands perform. Traipsing up the hill beside the amphitheater, we came to a tiny playground, where a dog wallowed endlessly in the dirt, seemingly unaware of his audience. I gazed upward at a second hill, where a sort of wooden porch looks over Dekalb Avenue. Two women gabbed over a meal at a picnic table, while two men sat in front of them at the apex of the porch in two large chairs. They looked like land trust kings. Winding through the paths, ducking beneath larger-than-life leaves, we sloped downward into what looked like an area for private residences. "Oh look, an ostrich," my boyfriend pointed. A feathered animal poked around behind a wire fence. After reading the info sheet, we found out his name is Big Lou the Emu. He's been living at the land trust for more than a decade and loves to eat grass, fruits and vegetables. Big Lou is so cute! A water garden caught our attention on the walk back, as well as a hammock set up between the Co-Housing building and the land trust. Lying in the hammock, staring into the treetops, I almost forgot I was in Atlanta.

This place is truly magical. It's a real community-driven effort to bring a little bit of nature back to the life of the city. It's not a park; it's a place for gardens, picnics, and drum circles. In fact, the drum circle is probably one of the most amazing things I've seen in the city in quite some time. It's an impressive display of people dancing around the fire, just letting the sound of the drums control the beat. The drummers are simply people who show up with something to bang a beat on, and occasionally a person sings a made-up melody or a pan flute chimes in. The gatherings at these events are large and the crowd is high-energy in only a positive way. On occasion, there is fire-twirling as well, which is a real treat if you've never seen it before! I highly recommend a visit to this hidden spot. It's tucked neatly away beneath the skyline, but offers a real breath of fresh air and sense of community that you won't find most elsewhere. NOTE: Photos are highly recommended... just be sure to turn off your flash. My friends and I were a little sneaky and snapped a couple of me on a drum, but a man quickly came over and told us to shut it off or go home. In his defense, there is a sign that says no flash... just a note. :)

This place is, indeed, magical! We'd heard about it from some friends who, knowing we live near Candler Park, asked if we've been to the "commune." My NorCal ears immediately perked up as I yelled "What commune??? Near us???? HOW DO I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS???" Especially when they mentioned that there were high chairs you could sit in a get a great view of the city, I was on a mission. Well, one day while walking the dog I decided to wander aimlessly a bit rather than follow a usual loop and I walked down Arizona and then I start to see handpainted signs and peace flags (beyond what you usually see in Candler Park and Lake Claire), and I noticed two people coming out from somewhere at the end of the cul-de-sac. Jackpot! I turn to the right and there it is. I see that there are signs welcoming people to walk through and I happily enter this magical hippie wonderland. There's an area with a firepit, lots of fun little pathways and nooks, garden plots, an EMU!, and, of course, the aforementioned high chairs with the, indeed, lovely view. I haven't been to a drum circle or any event here, but I really would like to. But even just as a little peaceful hippie oasis, it's sublime.

When you visit Lake Claire Community Land Trust, you're reminded how awesome and special Atlanta is. Its mystique is part of its charm, as is its community-driven spirit. This space is basically a community garden / gathering space right on Dekalb Ave in Lake Claire / Candler Park. They have events and gatherings here, but it's also a free and open space to explore and de-stress. I think every ATLien should experience a picnic in the perched Adirondack chairs overlooking Cabbagetown :-) (Visit-- you'll see what I mean)

Most excellent. Lots of hidden nooks with interesting things to happen upon. Bring bug spray, we were covered in itchy welts within 5 minutes. =(

I promise you, there are actually faeries here! I am somewhat hesitant to write this yelp review, because I want this to be my secret Atlanta garden. There's something magical to look at from every turn, be it buddhas, chairs for viewing, the emu, or the arts and crafts room. I've been twice and haven't seen another soul either time, so where are the people doing the drum circles? Has everyone turned into faeries? To the contributors to the LCCLT- bravo! There is so much to discover at this place and it is so well maintained.

This place is an urban delight. I recently brought my 4-yr old niece here for a visit with big Lou the emu and he did not disappoint. She loved wandering around the trust and seeing all the hidden treasures this place has to offer from the extra high Adirondack chairs to the drum circle amphitheater.

I went to the sweat circle. It was fabulous! I had several issues that I needed to work out and I felt like I was able to sweat it out. The place is clean and welcoming and I felt comfortable in that environment. I definitely got a healing in that place. I will return :-)

When you stumble upon this place you feel like you've entered a magical peaceful secret. People are farming, climbing trees, playing drums, picnicking, or visiting Lou the Emu. The peace signs and happy hippy children playing on the community stage lend themselves to a good vibe too. Whenever my spirits are low, this place always rejuvenates me.

One of my favorite places to go to back in high school. One of the best places to just go to hang out and chill. I should start going back.

This place is truly a hidden gem. The Lake Claire Community Land Trust is one of my all time favorite places in Atlanta. It makes me feel like I'm not in the city. I would definitely go to a drum circle which is every third Saturday night of the month. If you come during the day say hi to Big Lou the emu!

The Land Trust is a treasure in our community. Unselfishly protected, they host small, frequent community gatherings for folk of all stages, races, ages. A lot of love goes into their events. If you respect nature, appreciate art, or just need to surround yourself with peaceful people, then this is an enchanted garden awaiting your return.