WatchFest ‘26 will bring global energy, local f lavor and a whole lot of soccer to the heart of the city
Chic Escapes on the Fly Breezy coastlines. Cultural hotspots. All just a flight away.
Fiscal Fitness Your 12-step guide to economic strength and stability
Pouring it on Why Decatur’s craft beer scene is one of Georgia’s best
DECATUR LIVING, LLC
P.O. BOX 2589
DECATUR, GA 30031
PUBLISHER
Natalie Gregory
EDITOR
Michael J. Pallerino
MARKETING AND ADVERTISING MANAGER
Kelly O’Brien
CREATIVE DI RECTOR
Brent Cashman
PHOTOGRAPHY
Aveedibya Dey
Mick Haupt
Chris Murray
Auberge Resorts
Muzammil Soorma
John Stephens
Rae Stern
WRITERS
Erin Camin
Nash Dunn
Christine Mahin (with Mike Killeen)
Tim Martin
Decatur Living
Telephone: 404-550-5113 hello@decaturliving.com
Decatur Living is published quarterly by Natalie Gregory. Distribution is a minimum of 14,000 with up to 11,000 being mailed to households in Decatur, Druid Hills, Avondale Estates, Candler Park, Lake Claire and Oak Grove. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for content of all advertisements. The publisher does not necessarily share the editorial opinions expressed in Decatur Living Magazine. Personal decisions regarding health, finance, and other matters should be made after consultation with the reader’s professional advisors.
Decatur Living is now on Facebook and Instagram.
ONE NIGHT in Decatur
By Christine Mahin (with Mike Killeen)
THIS PAST MARCH, I was passing through downtown Decatur Square on an unseasonably warm evening. It was hard not to be enchanted by the typical downtown scene: wonderful smells, laughter, and music rising from the various restaurants and pubs. As I walked a little slower to enjoy it, I caught sight of a bright full moon. I paused and leaned against one of the light posts to take it all in.
“That’s Mercury,” a voice from behind me said.
I turned, surprised to find a man and woman sitting at a table outside the Brick Store Pub table finishing a meal and a couple of cocktails. I didn’t recognize them, which I’ve learned to be surprised by since moving to Decatur.
After 10 years of living in New York where anonymity rules, I’ve come to cherish walking through the Square—sharing a hug with Diane Capriola at Little Shop of Stories; waving to Dave Blanchard, who is always watering his flowers early in the morning outside the Brick Store; fist-bumping Gareth O’Sullivan as he hurries to a Decatur FC meeting; or exchanging smiles with the ever-stylish Lisa Bobb of Squash Blossom. It’s my absolute favorite thing about the town.
“Oh!” I thought I had been looking at the moon. The gentleman, who looked to be in his 70s, pointed to the sky—down and to the right of the largest heavenly body, only a little above the treeline.
“You can see it this time of year,” he said with a smile. “Are you local?”
“Yes,” I feigned confidence. Even after living here almost a decade, I have trouble shaking the idea that I’m an uncouth Yankee interloper.
“Have you always lived here?” his wife asked gently.
“Actually, no. I moved here about nine years ago from New York.” Is it really nine years? I found myself crouching down to be closer to them. “How about you?”
“Oh, no,” the wife smiled, a little shyly. “We’re exploring it. We’re thinking of moving here.” She whispered conspiratorially, like she was sharing a juicy secret.
“Really,” I said. “Do you have family here?”
“No, no,” the husband assured. “Just like the looks of it.”
I was suddenly gripped with the overwhelming urge—no, the need—to convince this darling couple to move here and live out their years in the happy, warm, musical little paradise.
“Well, you must!” Now I’m Decatur’s number one sales person. “It couldn’t be lovelier. The food is the best in Atlanta— really. There’s live music everywhere, all the time. Have you heard of Eddie’s Attic? And the people. I’m sure they’re the nicest in the world.”
The couple sat back, impressed (or perhaps unnerved) by my fervor. They nodded their approval, we said our departing pleasantries and I strolled home, envying their adventure.
by Rae Stern
Early the next morning, as I was driving down Ponce, I saw the couple sitting at a little table outside Dancing Goats. They were sipping coffee and looking at something together. I imagined it was a real estate magazine and that they were plotting their move.
Maybe I’ll run into them on my next walk through the Square. I hope so.
Mahin is the Vice President of Lenz, a marketing agency located in Decatur. She also serves as Co-Board Chair and Festival Director of Amplify Decatur, which she’s overseen since 2017. Previously, she worked in New York in the film and television industry as a field producer and post-production supervisor.
Photography
Christine Mahin (pictured here) believes Decatur’s greatest charm lives in its people—where small conversations reflect the city’s spirit of connection.
Christine
Game On, Decatur
WatchFest ’26 will bring global energy, local flavor and a whole lot of soccer to the heart of the city
By Michael J. Pallerino
IT’S A WARM SUMMER EVENING in Decatur and a group of kids are passing a soccer ball around in a patch of green near the Square while their parents chat nearby. It’s the kind of everyday scene that quietly defines a community—simple, familiar and full of connection. About a year ago, that same sense of connection sparked a bigger idea. A cross-departmental team of Decatur city staff—joined by commissioners and consultants with experience in major sporting events—began envisioning a moment on a larger scale. With Atlanta set to host matches for FIFA World Cup 26™, they asked, “Why not make Decatur part of the celebration? Why not create a city-wide moment that feels just as spirited, just as rooted in community—only on a global stage?”
Artist rendering of the outside screening area.
The end result is WatchFest ’26—a 34-day festival of soccer, music, community and culture that will unfold across Decatur’s pubs, patios and the newly renovated Square. Running June 11 through July 19, the free, city-hosted festival will become the ultimate viewing experience for locals and visitors alike during World Cup 26™, providing a global experience with a distinctly local flavor.
“We looked back to 1996, when Decatur hosted the Irish delegation during the Olympics, and how that moment helped put us on the map,” says Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett. “We thought, ‘Why not build on that experience and go even bigger for the World Cup?’ It’s an incredible opportunity to come together as a community and welcome visitors from around the world.”
If you want an exclamation point on the community’s passion for the World Cup event, look no further than a citywide contest a few years ago where one of the winning entries proclaimed: “Decatur. There’s a festival for that.” Garrett says Decatur abides. “We’re a city that comes together around community events—it’s in our DNA. From the book festival to the beer and wine festivals, and now that we’re bringing back the beach party, there’s always something happening here.”
There’s no question that WatchFest ’26 is one of the most ambitious and exciting events yet. With its walkable streets, MARTA access (complete with a new tribute to Congressman John Lewis), historic (and newly renovated Square) and thriving restaurant scene, Decatur is uniquely positioned to serve as both host
Photography by John Stephens
Left to right: Andrea Arnold (Decatur City Manager), Steven Parker (MARTA Chief of Staff), Lorraine Cochran-Johnson (DeKalb County CEO), Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett, Tony Powers (Decatur Mayor Pro Tem), Kelly Walsh (Decatur City Commission, District 1), Gareth O’Sullivan (Owner, O’Sullivan’s Pub and Decatur FC).
ROAD TO 2026
How World Cup Qualifying works
Before the FIFA World Cup 2026™ comes to Atlanta, the battle to see who gets in—and how is on. What we know is that this year's World Cup will be the biggest yet, featuring 48 teams and hosted for the first time across three nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico. As co-hosts, all three nations automatically qualify. That leaves 45 spots up for grabs through qualifying tournaments held by each of FIFA’s six continental confederations.
Here’s how the 48 spots are divided:
` Europe (UEFA): 16 spots
` Africa (CAF): 9 spots
` Asia (AFC): 8 spots
` North/Central America & Caribbean (CONCACAF):
and home base for visitors headed to Atlanta’s eight World Cup matches.
Pending FIFA approval, some matches will even be shown on a massive screen in the center of the Square, transforming downtown into a communal living room for fans from near and far. “Our local restaurants, pubs and retailers have really embraced the idea of WatchFest,” Garrett says. “They’re part of the planning process, and they see the opportunity—not just during the 34 days of the World Cup, but in the long run. If people are looking for a home base during the World Cup, we want them to feel like Decatur is that place.”
Dan Corso, President of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Cup Host Committee, says the group is thrilled to see events like Decatur’s Watch Fest help bring the energy and spirit of the FIFA World Cup 26™ to life across the region. “Moments like these – organized in cities and neighborhoods throughout the state—show how our entire community is rallying around this historic opportunity to showcase our hospitality and grow the game of soccer.”
Kicking with Purpose
One of WatchFest’s most endearing qualities is how closely it ties to Decatur’s identity—both as a soccer town and a community that knows how to come together. From youth rec leagues to adult teams and a strong backing of the women-owned pro team Atlanta United, Decatur lives and breathes soccer.
6 spots (includes the 3 hosts)
` South America (CONMEBOL): 6 spots
` Oceania (OFC): 1 spot
The final two spots will be decided through a global playoff tournament involving six teams—one from each confederation except UEFA, plus an extra team from the host region. Two higher-ranked teams will be seeded, while the others face off in knockout matches for a shot at qualifying.
The top 48 teams from around the world will ultimately compete across North America in summer 2026, including the defending champions Argentina, who lifted the trophy in 2022 after a legendary final.
by
Photography
John Stephens
Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett
The community also is home to StationSoccer at the East Lake MARTA station, a program run by Soccer in the Streets—a nonprofit founded in 1989 to provide free soccer opportunities for underserved youth across metro Atlanta.
Launched in 2016 at Five Points as the world’s first soccer field inside a transit station, StationSoccer followed that success and expanded to West End in 2018, with more stations joining as part of “The League of Stations.” In this transit-powered league, communities represent their stations and compete across MARTA’s network. Key partners include the Atlanta United Foundation, MARTA and the City of Atlanta.
“Soccer is a massive component of the youth sports community,” says Gareth O’Sullivan, owner of O’Sullivan’s Pub and Executive Director of the Tucker Youth Soccer Association (TYSA). “Our numbers at TYSA are continually growing and other local clubs are seeing the same trends. There is a reason it’s considered the No. 1 sport globally.
That soccer culture is something O’Sullivan knows well. He has had firsthand look at how deep the local passion runs—on the pitch, in the pub and in the energy that spills across the Square. “The city will be buzzing and
the visitors will love Decatur with the square, restaurants, pubs, MARTA, hotels and welcoming locals. We expect WatchFest will give our residents and those from surrounding areas and beyond a chance to be a part of the energy and excitement of this once in a lifetime top-level soccer competition.”
On the grassroots level, O’Sullivan says the potential impact is massive—not just for the economy, but for the next generation of players. TYSA and other youth soccer organizations plan to host clinics, scrimmages and special activities throughout the month to engage young fans. “The city will see a sporting event on a global scale on their front door. They will love the fun and banter that comes with the traveling fans.”
Looking ahead, organizers hope the legacy of WatchFest goes far beyond the final whistle. “It’s a chance to create memories that last a lifetime,” Garrett says. “We want people to say, ‘When the World Cup came to the U.S., I was in Decatur.’ That’s the legacy we’re aiming for.”
Whether you're coming for the matches, the music or the magic of the moment, one thing is clear: Decatur isn’t just joining the World Cup celebration—it’s redefining what a host city can be. And in true Decatur fashion, there’s a festival for that.
by John Stephens
Photography
HOMETOWN ADVANTAGE
Decatur leaders on hosting WatchFest
John Spear, Associate Creative Director, GTB
This is an opportunity to put Decatur on the world map. People from all over will be coming to Atlanta. It is an invitation to come to Decatur and discover our community as a great place to stay and enjoy the games. I'm a huge believer in the power of local when it comes to international travel. Meeting local people goes beyond just being a tourist; it has the potential to create lasting impressions.
Jon Katinsky, founder & President, HotHouse
Having World Cup matches hosted in our backyard—with the whole world watching—will bring unprecedented attention to what’s happening with soccer in the U.S. It is an opportunity to invite the world to sample what makes Decatur such a welcoming place to live and visit—a communal viewing environment that's the next best thing to being there.
Cara Scharer, PE, Assistant City Manager, City of Decatur
We have great anticipation harkening back to the ’96 Olympic Games in Atlanta. What WatchFest’26 means exactly, I think we’ll find out together.
Gael Doyle, Marketing & Communications, Decatur Parks & Recreation Department
When young people and families see their community come alive around a global event like the World Cup, it builds excitement and inspiration. WatchFest '26 serves as a gateway to grassroots soccer—it raises visibility, creates enthusiasm and shows that the sport is accessible to everyone. It’s a celebration of culture, sport and belonging, all in line with our values of inclusion and community well-being.
Left to right: Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett, Lesa Mayer Fronk (Decatur City Commission, District 2), Tony Powers (Decatur Mayor Pro Tem, At-Large Commissioner), George Dusenbury (Decatur City Commission, District 1), Kelly Walsh (Decatur City Commission, District 1).
I
If
Pouring it on
Why Decatur’s craft beer scene is one of Georgia’s best
By Nash Dunn
Editor’s Note:
This is the inaugural column on Decatur’s craft spirit scene by longtime beer industry veteran and Decatur Package Store GM Nash Dunn. He will be providing regular updates on where to go, what to try and why the Decatur community remains an incubator for the best in craft.
IF YOU’VE SPENT any time in Decatur, you know the community has a way of turning even the simplest experiences into something memorable. A walk through the square becomes a lively conversation. A quiet afternoon can turn into an impromptu festival. And when it comes to craft beer, there’s a spirit of connection and curiosity in every pint.
Decatur’s craft beer scene didn’t just happen by accident; it’s the result of accessibility, affordability and a deep-rooted tradition that continues to shape the community’s identity. Having six breweries within walking distance of two MARTA stations makes Decatur and Avondale a dream for craft beer lovers. With so many excellent options, it’s hard to pick just a few.
In the early days of Georgia’s craft beer movement, finding a place to brew wasn’t easy or cheap. But Decatur and Avondale provided that rare combination of open space and accessible real estate. Pioneers like 3 Taverns
and Wild Heaven planted their roots along College Avenue, transforming industrial spaces into community hubs where people gathered not just to drink beer, but to experience it. These early breweries didn’t just bring people in. They created places where the community could share in the craft and culture of beer.
While the breweries continue to flourish, Dunn says the foundation of this thriving scene owes a great deal to longtime local staples like Brick Store Pub and Twain’s. Both venues set the tone early and cultivated a passion for great beer long before the city had its own breweries. Each helped educate palates, introduced rare and innovative styles and built the loyal following that new breweries benefit from today. Without them, we wouldn’t have nearly the variety or quality of breweries and distilleries we see now.
Standing out from the crowd
Part of what sets Decatur’s breweries apart is that they’re built by people who are beer aficionados themselves. The early breweries here didn’t just diversify the styles they offered—they mastered them.
In an industry where some brewers approach the business purely as a numbers game, Decatur’s brewers have always led with passion and craftsmanship. That focus shows up in every glass. Whether you’re sipping a high-gravity stout to the soundtrack of metal music or relaxing in a family-friendly space with a bite to eat, Decatur offers a brewery experience tailored to every taste.
If you’re wondering where to start your own brewery tour, here a few of my favorite pours:
Inner Voice Brewing – Tasty Town Pale Lager: A classic, fizzy, golden beer that goes down easy in a 22-ounce mug—especially when paired with a slice of your favorite pizza.
Little Cottage Machinery Ov Torment – A classic West Coast IPA with a hit of Nelson hops to add a modern twist. Crisp and clear with a perfectly balanced bitterness. This is a beer I revisit every time I’m at Little Cottage.
Wild Heaven Peach Blackbird – A twist on their classic White Blackbird Saison, Wild Heaven added a boatload of peaches to make this a perfect summertime brew. Complex and juicy without being overly sweet. A beer you can’t have just one of.
So, what’s the best part of Decatur’s craft beer scene? It’s still evolving. Every pour tells a story of community, creativity and the kind of welcoming spirit that makes you want to stay for just one more round.
Whether you’re a hop head, a lager loyalist or just someone looking for a great place to gather, Decatur’s breweries offer more than great beer. They offer a taste of what makes this community truly special.
Nash Dunn has been in and around the alcohol industry for over a decade now. A Georgia transplant by way of North Carolina, he has watched the craft beer scene grow and evolve in multiple markets. The GM of Decatur Package Store has worked in many aspects of beer from cleaning draft lines to supplier sales management.
Chic Escapes on the Fly
From breezy coastlines to cultural hotspots, these polished picks are just a flight away
By Erin Camin
LET’S BE HONEST— summer has a way of sneaking up on even the most organized among us. One minute, you're scheduling quarterly meetings, and the next, you're realizing everyone but you seems to be sipping rosé on a rooftop somewhere fabulous. But here’s the secret: It’s not too late.
Contrary to popular belief, last-minute doesn’t have to mean last-resort. With the right strategy—and an expert in your corner—you can still pull off a spontaneous summer getaway that’s equal parts stylish, seamless, and soul-refreshing.
Whether you're craving coastlines, culture or crisp mountain air, here are a few destinations (domestic and beyond) where luxury is just a quick flight—and one expertly handled booking—away.
Coastal Chic
Turks & Caicos
Looking for effortless Caribbean luxury? Think beachfront villas, warm turquoise water and fully staffed properties that are surprisingly bookable—even at the eleventh hour. Add in direct flights from Atlanta and it’s an ideal no-fuss escape.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Classic New England charm meets boutique hotel refinement. Picture cobblestone streets, hydrangeas in full bloom and oyster platters served with chilled Sancerre. Bonus: no passport required.
Mountain Calm & Lakeside Luxe
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Escape the heat with a refreshing alpine retreat. Luxury lodges and lakefront vacation homes offer everything from sunrise paddleboarding to evening wine by the firepit. It’s a smart pick for travelers craving fresh air and room to roam.
Telluride, Colorado
This former mining town turned mountain playground boasts high-end stays and gorgeous homes for rent, gourmet dining and stunning scenery without the summer crowds. Hiking, horseback riding and spa days? Yes, please.
Photography by Mick Haupt
Urban Indulgence
Chicago, Illinois
My hometown: Summer in the Windy City is a whole vibe. Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, cruise along the river at sunset (or go out on the lake) or shop the Gold Coast— all within a less than two-hour flight. Bonus – schedule a trip to coincide with baseball games and enjoy some of the local neighborhood festivals while you’re in town.
Lisbon, Portugal
For those with a bit more flexibility, Lisbon is a stunning late-summer option. Think hilltop views, seaside day trips and boutique hotels with rooftop bars that serve as the perfect perch for golden hour. This has been a favorite destination for our clients this year.
Photography by (Top)
Aveedibya Dey; (Bottom) Muzammil Soorma
Southwestern Serenity
Santa Fe, New Mexico
A destination that feels worlds away—with adobe architecture, an incredible arts scene and healing desert energy. It’s the kind of place where time slows down (but the margaritas arrive quickly).
Sedona, Arizona
Craving a wellness reset? Book a luxury spa retreat surrounded by red rock formations and starlit skies. The energy is palpable—and so are the room upgrades, especially when booked through a trusted travel advisor.
The Luxury of Letting Go
The biggest misconception about spontaneous travel? That you’ll end up settling. In reality, when you work with a luxury travel advisor, you gain access to exclusive perks, hard-to-find availability and curated experiences that feel anything but rushed. We know the hotels that still have suites, the destinations where summer lingers into September and the little touches that turn a quick getaway into something unforgettable.
From securing last-minute upgrades to arranging private transfers and in-room champagne (because… obviously), a travel advisor makes your escape feel intentional— even if you decided on it last night over a glass of wine.
Whether you’re craving a beach read and bellini or a mountain hike followed by a massage, the perfect summer escape is still possible. All you need is a window in your calendar—and someone to handle the rest.
Erin Camin is a luxury travel advisor based in Decatur. For the past five years, she's helped busy professionals take their trips from dream to reality, no matter how near or far. While Erin specializes in Europe and Asia, she can tackle any destination you're interested in with her network of global connections.
Photography by (Top) Chris Murray; (Bottom) Auberge Resorts
Fiscal Fitness
Your 12-step guide to economic strength and stability
By Tim Martin
WHETHER YOU’RE PLANNING for retirement, protecting your assets or setting money aside for a new adventure, now is the time to start mapping out a plan to reach your goals. Making big changes and hitting major milestones isn’t easy, but smart planning and the right approach can get you there. Following are 12 tips you can use as a guide to start getting your finances into shape. Talk to your financial advisor today about putting together your comprehensive financial plan to achieve your aspirations.
1. Set aside time to envision your ideal retirement. Aim to save 10% or more of your income for retirement.
2. Review your investment portfolio to make sure it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance levels.
3. Protect loved ones and your assets. Review and update your life insurance and property and casualty coverages.
4. Review and update beneficiary designations as needed for your retirement accounts, life insurance policies and annuities.
5. Consider making an IRA contribution before the annual deadline.
6. Review your salary tax withholding and make adjustments, if appropriate.
7. Set aside three to six months of living expenses in a cash account for emergencies.
8. Look for opportunities to reduce expenses. Review your credit card debt and develop a repayment plan.
9. Examine your credit report for accuracy and explore ways to improve your credit score.
10. Review your mortgage rate and compare it to current rates.
11. Establish or review your will, power of attorney and health care directives.
12. Protect yourself. Update your list of online login/passwords and store them in a secure place. To protect against forgery, when dating checks, use a four-digit year.
Tim Martin, a Registered Representative, offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC) A Licensed Insurance Agency, 3655 Brookside Pkwy, Suite 400, Alpharetta, GA 30022. Tim Martin is a Financial Adviser offering investment advisory services through Eagle Strategies, a Registered Investment Adviser. Tim Martin Wealth Strategies is not owned or operated by NYLIFE Securities LLC or its affiliates. 1844565
