17th South Magazine

Top Menu

  • Home
  • About US
    • Our Mission
    • Meet The Team
  • All Articles
  • Contact Us
  • Past Issues
  • Pick Up A Copy
  • Read The Current Issue Online

Main Menu

  • Home
  • Latest
  • Culture
  • Indulge
  • Happening
  • Living
  • Cover Story
  • Home
  • About US
    • Our Mission
    • Meet The Team
  • All Articles
  • Contact Us
  • Past Issues
  • Pick Up A Copy
  • Read The Current Issue Online

logo

Header Banner

17th South Magazine

  • Home
  • Latest
    • Artistic Acquisition

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • WESTSIDE WARES

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • PCM Premieres

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • Burning Up

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • Edge of Tomorrow

      January 10, 2019
      0
    • The High Gets Higher

      January 10, 2019
      0
    • COMEBACK KID

      January 10, 2019
      0
    • DYNAMIC DESIGN

      November 1, 2018
      0
    • European Experience

      November 1, 2018
      0
  • Culture
    • The Voice of Atlanta Radio

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • Put a Sock on It

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • Happy to Be Here

      January 10, 2019
      0
    • Coming Up Roses

      January 10, 2019
      0
    • Going Green

      November 1, 2018
      0
    • Stompin’ on the Westside

      November 1, 2018
      0
    • PAINTING THE TOWN

      September 27, 2018
      0
    • EAT WITH YOUR EARS FIRST

      September 27, 2018
      0
    • Atlanta-based designer Megan Huntz

      Fashion, Forward

      August 23, 2018
      0
  • Indulge
    • A Modern Classic Menu

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • Drinks on Demand

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • Family Affairs

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • Food News - March / April 2019

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • A SEASONAL BITE

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • Happening Hood Hangout

      January 10, 2019
      0
    • How Sweet It Is!

      January 10, 2019
      0
    • Cozy Up, Drink Up

      January 10, 2019
      0
    • Food News - JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2019

      January 10, 2019
      0
  • Happening
    • ATLANTA ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • THE GREAT RACE

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • FASHION FORWARD

      January 10, 2019
      0
    • LE JARDIN FRANÇAIS WINTER FLORAL DESIGN CLASS

      January 10, 2019
      0
    • 2019 ATLANTA BIENNIAL

      January 10, 2019
      0
    • VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND TOUR OF HOMES

      November 1, 2018
      0
    • YOUR BEST LIFE

      November 1, 2018
      0
    • MOSCOW BALLET’S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER - DOVE OF PEACE TOUR!

      November 1, 2018
      0
    • BOO AT THE ZOO

      September 27, 2018
      0
  • Living
    • Minnesota's Shopping Mecca

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • Treasured Acquisition

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • Preserving the Past

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • Cajun Country Culinary

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • Spring Forward

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • West Highlands Retreat

      January 10, 2019
      0
    • Highly Addictive Beauty

      January 10, 2019
      0
    • A Dose of the Ocean

      January 10, 2019
      0
    • A Gangbuster Alabama Getaway

      January 10, 2019
      0
  • Cover Story
    • BOOZY BLASTOFFS

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • BRUNCH BUCKET LIST

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • CREAM OF THE CROP

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • GET CRACKING

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • GLOBAL BEGINNINGS

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • LAST THINGS FIRST

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • RISE & SHINE …

      February 21, 2019
      0
    • Matt Gryder and Matthew Fishman

      January 10, 2019
      0
    • Antonio Brown

      January 10, 2019
      0
  • BOOZY BLASTOFFS

  • BRUNCH BUCKET LIST

  • CREAM OF THE CROP

  • GET CRACKING

  • GLOBAL BEGINNINGS

  • LAST THINGS FIRST

  • RISE & SHINE …

Uncategorized
Home›Uncategorized›Small Town, Big Times

Small Town, Big Times

By 17thSouth
November 1, 2018
2986
0
Share:

Atlantans need look no farther than nearby Decatur for a day of fun

STORY: Jill Becker

Whenever people ask me what part of Atlanta I live in, and I tell them Decatur, they always say, “Oh, I love Decatur.” And then they proceed to ask me for my recommendations for favorite restaurants, activities and attractions. I’m happy to oblige because the ITP suburb an Atlanta Journal- Constitution writer once deemed “where Mayberry meets Berkeley” is ripe for a day, or better yet, a weekend of exploration.

One of the main draws of Decatur it its walkable downtown. There’s so much to see and do, you don’t even have to leave its cozy confines. Smack in the middle is the DeKalb History Center, the 19th-century former courthouse turned museum that offers visitors a crash course on the city’s rich history, including that it was founded almost a quarter of a century before Atlanta itself. Head a block or two in almost any direction, and you’ll be presented with bountiful options for dining, drinking, shopping and more.

Eddie’s Attic is an institution for live music.

Some of my favorite eateries include Taqueria del Sol, where the line out the door indicates just how much diners enjoy the brisket tacos, jalapeño coleslaw and other Southwestern slash Mexican specialties; Big Tex, where the plates are heaped with down-home staples such as chicken fried steak, catfish and meatloaf; and Café Alsace, a hidden gem serving Alsatian fare that’s as delicious as the room is intimate (there can’t be more than 12 tables). Two of Atlanta’s best-known chefs have restaurants in Decatur that you’ll want to put on your must-try list. No. 246 is an Italian trattoria from Ford Fry noted for its pastas, pizzas and spirited ping pong matches on the table out back when the weather’s fair. At Revival, former Top Chef contestant and Gunshow guru Kevin Gillespie presents a menu of Southern-inspired, family style meals, as well as horseshoes and cornhole in the convivial beer garden back behind the main dining room.

When your outing calls for cocktails, grab a stool at the bar at The Pinewood for innovative drinks and liquor flights. For a sweet treat, head to Butter & Cream for scoops of small-batch ice cream in flavors such as butterscotch brownie and bourbon coffee chip.

At HomeGrown, take your pick among ceramics, jewelry and gift-worthy goods.

Between bites and sips, stroll the numerous downtown shops. I’m partial to HomeGrown for its selection of handcrafted jewelry, pottery, artworks and gifts with a regional slant—not to mention the kitschy shrine to Mr. T in the back corner. The Little Shop of Stories is an independent children’s bookstore that appeals to kids small and tall. Decatur CD is one of the few stores in Atlanta that still stocks vinyl records.

Speaking of music, venerable venue Eddie’s Attic is a great place to take in a show. Founded in 1992, it’s been the launching pad for acts such as John Mayer, Indigo Girls and Justin Bieber. The Java Monkey coffeehouse has a small outdoor stage and features either live tunes or an open mic almost every evening.

History buffs should make time for a visit to the Decatur Cemetery. One of the oldest in Georgia, it predates Oakland Cemetery by almost three decades and has more than 20,000 graves, including a section dedicated to Civil War veterans.

Southern inspired fare is the star at Kevin Gillespie’s Revival.

If you decide to overnight downtown— and you should if you’re there during one of the dozens of festivals held each year, be it the popular AJC Decatur Book Festival or the Decatur Arts Festival—a good hotel option is the Courtyard Atlanta Decatur Downtown/ Emory that boasts an indoor pool, fitness center and an excellent ramen restaurant called Taiyo.

There’s more to Decatur than the bustling downtown area, including the little-known Waffle House Museum located on the site of the first Waffle House diner, but downtown is certainly where you’ll get the most bang for your buck, whether you’re a family taking in one of the free concerts on the square, youngsters out for a night on the town or foodies looking for your new favorite restaurant.

Decatur, Georgia
visitdecaturgeorgia.com

TagsAJC Decatur Book FestivalCourtyard Atlanta Decatur Downtown/ EmoryDecaturDecatur Arts FestivalDecatur CemeteryEddie’s Atticfavorite restaurants DecaturHomeGrownI love DecaturIndigo GirlsItalian trattoria from Ford FryJava Monkey coffeehouseJohn MayerJustin BieberNo. 246Oakland CemeteryRevivalSTORY: Jill BeckerTaqueria del Solthings to do in DecaturTop Chef contestant and Gunshow guru Kevin GillespieWaffle House Museumwhat to do in Decatur
Previous Article

Condo Crush

Next Article

A Cause For Celebration

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Related articles More from author

  • Uncategorized

    Eddie Hernandez

    September 28, 2017
    By 17thSouth
  • CultureHeadliners

    HAVING A BALL

    February 23, 2017
    By 17thSouth
  • Cause To CelebrateCover StoryNOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2018

    Jonathan and Justin Fox

    November 1, 2018
    By 17thSouth
  • Captured

    Cat Nap

    August 25, 2016
    By 17thSouth
  • A League Of Their OwnCover Story

    PR Powerhouses

    September 29, 2016
    By 17thSouth
  • Oakland gates by Pamela Henman
    HappeningJANUARY 2018What's Going On Around Town

    LOVE STORIES OF OAKLAND

    December 28, 2017
    By 17thSouth

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You may also be interested in...

  • HappeningWhat's Going On Around Town

    Reliving Labyrinth

  • LivingMARCH / APRIL 2018People

    Curtain Up For Act 3

  • Enjoying Key West’s famous sunset from aboard a sailboat
    LivingOut Of TownSEPTEMBER 2018

    #KeyWestStrong

Visit Our Sister Publication

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Sign up to receive email updates and to hear what's going on with our magazine!

Follow us

Instagram @17thSouth

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No feed found.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

Find us on Facebook

logo

17th South:
In the heart of Atlanta,17th South magazine reaches active, exploration-minded residents ages 24-65 who want to experience the best the area has to offer, through stories and features on individuals and businesses they can relate to in their direct communities. We feature of-the-moment and hidden gem restaurants, beautiful private homes, philanthropy, arts and cultural offerings, and the trendsetters and tastemakers who are making it happen!
Valuestream Media Group
simply-buckhead-magazine
17th-south-magazine

Contact Us

  • P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355
  • 404.538.9895
  • advertising@17thsouth.com

Find us on Facebook

Follow us

17th South Instagram

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No feed found.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Pick Up A Copy
© Copyright 17th South. All rights reserved.