Big City Style Small Town Charm

We found the helpers

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” – Fred Rogers

OUR STAFF HAS been planning a new year for Decatur Living bringing to light local unsung heroes and little-known treasures. Some of the smallest acts can create the biggest differences. I’ll never forget calling a friend when I had received some bad news. As we talked, I heard a knock at the door. There she stood, the phone still in her hand. She had immedi- ately jumped in the car when she heard. She couldn’t take my challenge away, but she had my back, and it made all the difference. You’ll see examples like this from our Contributors (page 6) as well as a new section we call Helping Hands and Heroes. Each issue will feature people from the community rising to help or make a difference. Check out Kate Kennedy, who had an idea that grew to become a school for unhoused children (page 28). Who do you see when you “look for the helpers?” Share your everyday helpers and heroes with us by Facebook, Instagram or email at sales@decaturliving.com. They might be our next source of inspiration. Speaking of inspiration, this year we’ll be highlighting Decatur’s four business districts that are energizing the community. This issue, we dig deeper into the Old Depot District, where businesses, art galleries and restaurants are invigorating the historic warehouses and train buildings on the east side. It’s so good to see them revitalized (page 8). Fall is the perfect time to raise a glass to all the won- derful things happening in Decatur. I’m looking forward to toasting with neighbors and visitors at the Decatur Wine Festival as well as other events (page 30). What better reason to tap into the tips and favorites from our local wine merchants and restaurants? (page 13). Cheers to good people and good times.

Natalie Gregory

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Mark Your Calendar

Blue Sky Concerts

Wednesdays, September 4, 11, 18, 25

Midweek blues getting the best of you? Blue Sky Concerts will be sure to clear them.  Bring a sandwich or stop by your favorite lunch spot on the way to the downtown square in Decatur.  Concerts begin at noon and are sure to brighten up your week.

Oakhurst Jazz Nights

Thursdays, September 5, 12, 19, 26

Oakhurst Neighborhood Association presents the 16th season of Oakhurst Jazz nights. Jazz lovers are welcome to picnic at sunset while enjoying some of the best jazz artists in the southeast. Concerts are free, open to the public, and happen rain or shine. Find more details at oakhurstjazznights.com.

Front lawn of the Solarium, 321 W. Hill St.

 

Concerts on the Square

Saturdays, September 7, 14, 21, 28

Evening concerts on the Decatur square are always a treat. Stop by one of the city’s beloved restaurants ahead of time, and bring a blanket and a friend to enjoy a musical escape. Concert begins at 7pm.

Atlanta Greek Festival

Friday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29

Weekend relief from cooking is here. Experience a taste of Greece in an afternoon, evening or both at this traditional event in its fourth decade. Enjoy authentic Greek food, crafts, dancing and culture at this highly attended, annual event. Rumor has it you’ll be dreaming of this food, bountiful dishes made from old family recipes, until the next festival. Find the schedule of entertainment and more details at atlantagreekfestival.org.

Oakland Cemetery’s Fall Plant Sale

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

If you need to spruce up your yard, head to historic Oakland Cemetery for a wide selection of plants and trees, many of which are native. Entry to this special event is free. It’s a wonderful opportunity to stroll the Victorian gardens after satiating your green thumb. Don’t miss the equally fun Green Elephant Sale, where quality vintage and gently used garden items will be available for treasure hunting. Find anything from outdoor furnishings to containers to books and magazines. And if you have something to donate, the deadline is Sept. 23. Details can be found at oaklandcemetery.com/event/fallplantsale.

West Ponce Music Stroll

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Patios and parking lots give way to live music performances as West Ponce businesses open for the second annual West Ponce Music Stroll.  The first band will play at Dancing Goats while the final bands wrap up at The Marlay. The event is free and family friendly. See more at visitdecaturgeorgia.com/visit/page/west-ponce-music-stroll-0.

Oakhurst Porchfest

Saturday, October 12

Get ready to celebrate the Halloween of music. The Oakhurst Porchfest is a grassroots community music spectacle where front porches become stages, yards become venues and radical generosity and goodwill rule the day. Oakhurst Porchfest is family friendly, free and open to all. See the schedule at oakhurstporchfest.org.

Decatur Craft Beer Festival

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19

Enjoy a perfect fall day of beer tasting and live music in downtown Decatur. With more than 80 breweries offering unlimited sips, you’re sure to find the best brew just in time for the holiday season. General admission tickets buy you a tasting glass and an afternoon of good times. Find details at decaturbeerfestival.com.

Avondale Wine Walk

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26

Avondale’s historic shops and restaurants become wine-tasting destinations. Sip, stroll and shop throughout the afternoon. Your $40 admission ticket includes a commemorative wine glass, sample tastings, entertainment and transportation throughout the event. Best of all, when you fall in love with a wine, you’ll be able to buy it by the bottle by ordering through The Purple Corkscrew. Tickets available at bigtickets.com/events/avondale-dda/avondale-estates-wine-walk.

Atlanta Botanical Garden Imaginary Worlds: Alice’s Wonderland

Through Oct. 27

Cooler temperatures mean now is the time for a fall visit to the Atlanta Botanical Gar- den before this exhibit ends. Check out the wildly creative plant sculptures located throughout the Botanical Garden. You’ll feel like you’ve fallen through the looking glass among the giant topiaries of the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat and Alice. Don’t miss the dragon, measuring 20 feet tall by 25 feet wide and made of 24,561 individual plants. Details available at atlantabg.org.

Avondale Estates Garden Club Annual Holiday Bazaar

Saturday, November 9

The Avondale Estates Garden Club presents its annual Holiday Bazaar, Saturday, November 9th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be held at the Avondale Community Club at Lake Avondale, 59 Lakeshore Drive. Holiday decorations, themed gift baskets, unique gift items, one-of-a-kind birdhouses, collectibles, holiday apparel, specialty bath products, plants, garden décor, jewelry, books, homemade baked goods, and our popular cheese straws are some of the items for sale. Proceeds from the Holiday Bazaar benefit the club’s beautification, charitable, and educational projects in our community.

Decatur Wine Festival

Saturday, November 9

Taste wines from around the globe and enjoy music at metro Atlanta’s largest outdoor wine festival! The festival features nearly 500 wines at 70 tables for you to taste. Top local restaurants will sell foodie-worthy dishes inside the festival to help keep the good times rolling. Tickets available at decaturwinefestival.org.

Through a Glass, Darkly Allegory and Faith in Netherlandish Prints from Lucas van Leyden to Rembrandt

Through Dec. 1

Calling all art lovers to this unique exhibit of prints from the 16th and 17th centuries at the Michael C. Carlos Museum. As the first major exhibit of its kind, it examines “form, function and meaning of allegorical prints” from northwest Europe. Find details at carlos.Emory.edu.

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