Enchanted Forest Says Goodbye to Old Town

Known for its one-of-a-kind party favors, baby shower gifts and college memorabilia, had become a necessary stop for visitors to Old Town Lilburn.

Now, after five years in business it is closing its doors.

“When the closed, 40 percent of our profits decreased, because we weren’t getting the traffic we needed,” said owner Kay Underwood.

Underwood is referring to the closing of the Blue Rooster restaurant just after Christmas. The popular restaurant had become a hub of activity for the area, where members of the community would host everything from simple luncheons to baby showers at the location.

The foreclosed Blue Rooster property sits vacant, but there has been interest in it, according to city leaders.

Since the closing of the Blue Rooster and with The Enchanted Forest also closing its doors, there has been speculation that Old Town is slowly dying.

Rowann Wilkerson, owner of , holds different sentiments.

“People keep saying that Old Town Lilburn is turning into a ghost town but it’s simply not true. Sure we’ve had businesses leave but we also have plenty opening. By the end of this summer we will have a new karate studio, upscale consignment shop and a music studio.”

Wilkerson and her husband have had their business in Old Town for 18 years.

“When we first opened the area only had four shops,” said Wilkerson. “Now there are so many more, and we’re only continuing to grow.”

Like Wilkerson, Barbara Barth, owner of the , is also looking to the future growth of Old Town.

Barth has leased three properties in the area, which include an event space, an antique store and a writing center. She is also hoping to open a tea room and arts center by the end of the summer. Barth and other shop owners, including Wilkerson, have formed the , a group committed to revitalizing the area.

The group of local business owners have met weekly over the past month, discussing with city leaders how to bring more attention to Old Town, such as with signage and other promotions, as well as the impact the planned Main Street realignment will have on the area. Doug Stacks, director of the city's planning and economic development, told the group this week, "We want y'all to thrive."

“My plan is to bring in the arts to Old Town Lilburn," said Barth, who is the Old Town Merchants Association president. "I’m trying to have my buildings there to transition other people in to help me with cost. I believe that by the end of the year the area will have a whole new life,” said Barth.

Barth believes that increased events will draw families and a greater diversity of customers.

“While it is sad that The Enchanted Forest is leaving, it’s an opportunity for more people, specifically artists, to come into the area,” said Barth.

While residents and shop owners are optimistic about the future of Old Town Lilburn, Underwood is looking toward a future in Dunwoody.

“We’re terribly upset about leaving,” said Underwood. “We don’t want to leave but it’s the smartest decision right now. We’ve had Mother’s Day, Easter, graduation and the end of the school year events and we still haven’t been able to make profits. This is the fiscally responsible decision.”

The Enchanted Forest will officially close its doors this Saturday, June 18, and will operate from it Dunwoody location at 5580 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30338.

Local editor Scott Bernarde contributed to this report.