OFFICAL GUIDE PG 13-18
Meet the artists who are just as excited about the return of live music as you are. Schedule, map and profiles inside.
2 Publisher’s Letter Spring forward into a new season!
4 A Tale of Two Houses
Historic Druid Hills Home and Garden Tour
8 Druid Hills Tour of Homes
20 Out and About
Decatur’s alfresco dining guide for spring
24 A Long Weekend in LaGrange
This charming nearby town is the ideal escape
30 Calendar of Events
and, if you’re anything like me, you’re thrilled to embrace this time of year. It’s when locals like us can get outside after a chilly, rainy winter and enjoy what makes Decatur and other intown communities special: outdoor events, beautiful homes and neighborhoods, the opportunity to live life to the fullest on a warm, sunny patio with a cold drink in hand.
This issue of Decatur Living celebrates all things outdoors and all things spring, starting with our cover story about this year’s Amplify Music Festival, set to take place on April 13 with none other than rock icon Melissa Etheridge headlining. She’ll be joined by Dawes, the Blind Boys of Alabama and other artists for a full day of fantastic music in our own backyards.
Elsewhere in the magazine, we’re thrilled to feature the Druid Hills Home Tour and a sit-down interview with two
DECATUR
P.O. BOX 2589
DECATUR, GA 30031
PUBLISHER Natalie Gregory
EDITOR Denise K. James
CREATIVE DI RECTOR
PHOTOGRAPHY
of the professionals whose taste and talent made it happen – plus a travel story about the nearby town of LaGrange, a roundup of the very best patio dining from Vanessa Pascale and more. This issue is brimming with reasons to come down with a case of spring fever, whether you’re a music person, a foodie, an architecture buff or a road tripper.
It’s all here, and we can’t wait for you to tell us what you think. We’re exceptionally proud of this issue, and we thank you, our loyal advertising partners and readers, for giving us the chance to tell Decatur’s story. From our porch to yours, enjoy the pleasant months ahead.
Sincerely,
WRITERS
Brent Cashman
Lauren Dukoff
Melissa Gallagher
Jeff Herr
Jim Herrington
Jack Meyer
Andrew Thomas Lee
Joshua Vensel
Denise K. James
Dawn McEarchern
Shannon Marie Tovey
Vanessa Pascale
Decatur Living
Telephone: 404-373-0076 sales@decaturliving.com Decatur
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.
TWO OF THE NINE HOMES featured on this year’s Historic Druid Hills Home and Garden Tour were renovated by the same architect, Karen Soorikian, and the same builder, Tim Salomon. We sat down with both to learn about their work and about this year’s tour, taking place April 26-28.
The home at 794 Springdale Road is within the Atlanta city limits, while 1202 Springdale is in unincorporated DeKalb. As such, they are governed by two different historic district commissions and planning offices. Karen and Tim discussed how to approach the different municipalities, and they both agreed that the same tactic is wisest for both: Do your homework ahead of time, so you can craft a project that is right for the neighborhood.
For work in DeKalb, Tim finds it most helpful to meet with the Historic Preservation Commission staff ahead of planning. Karen has been doing a lot of work inside the city limits and appreciates the help of the Civic Association’s Landmark District Preservation Committee. Your author is the chair of that committee and is always happy to see a Soorikian Architecture project because it will be a well-designed plan appropriate for the district.
The understated stylish elegance of Boxwood
“Boxwood” is a 6,500 square-foot Colonial Revival at 794 Springdale Road built in 1914. Architect Edward Emmett Dougherty trained at Paris’s École des Beaux-Arts, the leading school of architecture in the world at the time. The house was built for Mr. and Mrs. Charles “Veazey” and “Hattie” Rainwater and their four boys. Boxwood originally featured three acres of gardens, bridle paths, a grandstand for the boys’ own horse shows and the “Boys’ House,” a charming, rustic building for the children with its own tiny front yard and picket fence.
The estate was included in the 1933 book Garden History of Georgia, 1733-1933, edited by Hattie Rainwater and published by The Peachtree Garden Club. Houses of this vintage never have big kitchens, and Karen’s work often involves redesigning to create one. “This kitchen was small and located on the back corner of the house, so it was fun expanding the space and connecting it to the fancy original rooms and rear garden,” she said.
1202 Springdale (left and below)
The place where the house’s back wall once stood is now an open kitchen and gathering area connected by French doors to a new dining terrace outside. “To make Karen’s vision of the kitchen work, the structural engineer specified a 24-foot long, 18-inch deep steel beam,” Tim recalled.
Just a mile north of Boxwood is 1202 Springdale Road. It is a 5,500-square-foot red brick home that makes a very grand impression with its French-style tall roof, flared at the eaves with ornate details. Karen describes it as “the coolest house because of the elliptical foyer you walk into from the entrance on the side.”
Built in 1923 by architect Owen James Southwell, its marble columns and wroughtiron details were salvaged from the original governor’s mansion on Peachtree Street, and it boasts multiple original chandeliers, mirrors and ornate plasterwork. Karen and Tim’s work again involved expanding the back corner of the house to create a larger kitchen and open common area. They both recalled the only delay with the project was getting a variance approved because the expanded corner extended a bit over the prescribed side yard setback line. It took six months to process because Covid had hit.
Regarding any advice for homeowners in the historic district thinking of renovating their homes, Tim said he would “remind them that the exterior is covered by historic district regulations, but the interior is not.” In Karen’s experience, the oversight process doesn’t severely limit the possibilities. “And it really does keep the neighborhood character intact in a very nice way. Druid Hills is such an attractive neighborhood because it has remained true to its historic roots,” she added.
794 Springdale
Karen Soorikian is a resident of Decatur and has been practicing architecture since 1994. She got her start with the notable firm of Surber Barber, learning at Gene Surber’s elbow. Karen’s current focus is on bringing to reality the publication of The Mindful Mouse, a children’s book her daughter was working on before her untimely death. Visit soorikianarchitecture.com, or call 404-723-0927.
Tim Salomon is a resident of Lake Claire and has been renovating Atlanta’s in-town homes since 1998 with his company, Castles & Cottages, Inc. He is committed to helping people realize the full potential of their homes. Visit castlescottages.com, or call 678-592-1067.
HISTORIC DRUID HILLS Home and Garden Tour is back and better than ever! The unique neighborhood, designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, was almost erased by the construction of a highway. Instead, the community fought fiercely to preserve and protect Druid Hills. Even as it has evolved with the needs of today's world, they are grateful that the spirit and soul of Olmsted's original vision for their neighborhood are still thriving. This year's Tour showcases 11 stunning examples of faithful Druid Hills stewardship through clever adaptive reuse of original estate homes, meticulous restoration, and thoughtful realization of their neighborhood's historic preservation guidelines in new construction.
You never know what this 12,000 sq. ft. Tudor was actually built in 2003!
865 Lullwater Parkway 1609 South Ponce de Leon Duplex
This Georgian style mansion is actually a duplex, and both homes are featured on the Tour this year.
1108 Oakdale Road
Front the front, this 1923 Mediterranean style home appears almost the same as it did originally. The inside, however, was completely re-imagined in 2022 after many botched renovations in between.
1324 Ponce de Leon Avenue
Part of the Historic Adair Estate, this home is in the main mansion. It’s one of 15 residences, converted from the original estate homes and outbuildings.
1091 Springdale Road
This recently renovated beauty was at one time converted into 4 apartments, as many Druid Hills homes were in the 1950s - 80s.
1626 Clifton Terrace, Cottage D
When this 3 acre property was developed the main house became a duplex and four “cottage houses” were built behind.
794 Springdale Road
“Boxwood”, one of the first grand Druid Hills estates, this French Colonial originally had a horse track with stadium seating. You’ll visit the house and its historic 3-tiered garden that still remains.
971 Oakdale Road
This established family garden is a must-see! The owners are avid gardeners and over the years, have completed multiple phases of landscaping to create the current combination of features you’ll see.
Lullwater Conservation Garden
The Lullwater Conservation Garden is a 5.21 acre tract of land, which has been maintained by the Lullwater Garden Club since 1931.
1202 Springdale Road
We’re calling this 1923 home “Eclectic European Revivalist” style with New Orleans influence.
Set For Saturday, April 13
THE AMPLIFY DECATUR MUSIC FESTIVAL returns Saturday, April 13 with its most acclaimed line-up yet. Join us for a day of music and fun, outdoors on the downtown square.
This year’s artists are two-time Grammy award winner Melissa Etheridge, the critically acclaimed folk rock band Dawes, six-time Grammy award winners Blind Boys of Alabama, Run Katie Run and Jitterbug—this year’s winner of Amplify’s 2024 Decatur High School Battle of the Bands.
All funds raised—including ticket sales—will be directed to Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) and Decatur Education Foundation. DCM works to prevent and alleviate homelessness in Decatur and DeKalb County. Decatur Education Foundation collaborates with the City Schools of Decatur, Decatur Housing Authority and City of Decatur to bolster community efforts and ensure that all students have the resources, opportunities and experiences to foster their growth and ensure their academic success.
“We’re so excited about this incredible group of performers and the opportunity to support the vital work of Decatur Cooperative Ministry and Decatur Education Foundation,” said Drew Robinson, president of the Amplify My Community board. “The unwavering support from the city of Decatur, Eddie’s Attic and all of our wonderful sponsors, especially Lenz, is vital to Amplify’s mission of celebrating these locally based nonprofits and enhancing our community through the power of live music.”
Doors open at 3 p.m. and the show will close at 11 p.m. Tickets are available at AmplifyDecatur.org. General Admission tickets are $75. VIP tickets are $195, and premium seating is $275.
Amplify Decatur is presented by Lenz and produced in partnership with Eddie’s Attic.
Learn more at AmplifyDecatur.org.
Amplify My Community was founded in 2010 and is based in Decatur. Its mission is to leverage the universal love of music to fight poverty at the local level. To date, Amplify has produced more than 120 concerts and raised and donated more than $575,000 in unrestricted gifts to locally oriented anti-homelessness and poverty-focused organizations — including more than $360,000 in Decatur. Amplify has held concert series in Atlanta, Athens, Decatur, Suwanee and Duluth, Georgia; Asheville and Charlotte, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; and Charlottesville, Virginia.
The organization has featured acts such as Indigo Girls, Lucinda Williams, Ben Harper, Jeff Tweedy, Mavis Staples, Blind Boys of Alabama, Old Crow Medicine Show, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Rodney Crowell, The War & Treaty, Patty Griffin, James McMurtry, John Paul White, Son Volt, Justin Townes Earle, Bruce Hornsby, Milk Carton Kids, Ricky Skaggs, Julien Baker, Drivin’ N Cryin’, Junior Brown, Amanda Shires, Bobby Bare, Jr., Lucero, Colin Meloy, The Mavericks, Shawn Mullins, The Lone
MELISSA ETHERIDGE hasn’t yet played for Amplify Decatur, and she’s excited. The rock star known for top hits such as “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One” has family in the Atlanta metro and looks forward to another Southern experience. “Southerners are warm, and they love their rock ‘n’ roll,” she says.
What’s your experience with this area?
I’ve played many shows around Atlanta – Chastain Park, the Botanical Garden, all kinds of places. The people are what I like about Atlanta. I grew up in Kansas, but I have Southern relatives, and I can get down with the food and the pace of life – I love it all. And I look forward to the Amplify Festival. I’m rolling in the day before to check things out in Decatur.
What kind of Southern food do you love?
Anything fried! I like a good breakfast with potatoes. I love soul food with greens, and I love catfish. I gave up red meat a long time ago in the ‘90s, and then, after I had cancer, I realized I needed to cut down on all inflammatory foods. But I still eat eggs and seafood. Now, I’m 20 years cancer-free.
How has music changed with streaming?
It’s SO different. Before the internet, music had gatekeepers. You had to get past one guy to get to the record company, then they had to promote your album, then you had to go on the radio – all these people were along the way before anyone in the public ever heard your music.
And if you got there, you were lucky to be heard. But the internet blew it all apart. Now, musicians can reach people directly.
You’ve said your children love music.
What do they love listening to?
My children will dig deep, past Beyonce and Taylor Swift, and then they’ll say, have you ever heard of Sting?! And I’m like, Yes I have!
My daughter is playing Beatles tracks and Steppenwolf, and she’s 17. Music moves people – that hasn’t changed. They want to find it and have it align with them personally.
Which is your favorite album out of your 16 studio albums?
That’s like picking a child . . . but my favorite is always going to be the most recent one I did. Still, I always look back on my first album and Yes I am – those two albums, I can play them around the world, and the songs happen to vibrate for a large number of people. I’m grateful for that.
Can you share details about your next album?
I can’t get too specific, but I have a live album coming out this summer – a concert that was filmed and recorded at a women’s penitentiary in Kansas. It meant a lot, and I enjoyed doing it. I think it’s important to look at our justice system.
Do you still have music friends from the 90s?
Yes! I’m going on tour with Jewel this year and playing with the Indigo Girls too. Women in music – whether it’s punk, rock or whatever – we’re a great community. And we’re stronger together.
SINGER MAHALIA JACKSON defined gospel music as “the sound of the soul stirring, a testament to the power of belief and the resilience of the human spirit.” The Blind Boys of Alabama, playing on April 13 at the Amplify Decatur Festival, know a thing or two about that.
Currently consisting of singers Eric (Ricky) McKinnie, Streeling Glass, John Smith and Joey Williams, the band has faced hardship throughout their 80 years, including the recent deaths of singers Paul Beasley, Benjamin Moore Jr., and singer/co-founding member Jimmy Carter.
In addition, band members have dealt with their own challenges: Three out of four are visually impaired, and McKinnie lost his sight as a young man of 23, which, at first, tested his faith. But rather than being defeated by others’ inability to see his worth, McKinnie believes God gave him inner certainty of his value – unshaken by what others might see or not see in him.
“My motto is, I’m not blind; I just can’t see, which means that I might have lost my sight, but I never lost my vision,” he said. “And with The Blind Boys, it’s not about what you can’t do. It’s about what you can do,”
The band has prevailed, thanks to this message of hope shared through their music. They continue a busy world-wide touring schedule, and their latest album, Echoes of the South, recently earned the group a sixth Grammy, this one for Best Roots Gospel Album of 2024.
“When people see The Blind Boys, and they see that we can’t see physically, it boosts morale,” McKinnie said. “It makes them believe that there is a God, and our songs talk about that.
We don’t come to preach to the people but to leave a message that God is real. God showed favor on me and The Blind Boys many, many, many times – and we believe that our music inspires a person.”
McKinnie called the band’s approach “singing from the heart,” and believes it explains why audiences react the way they do to The Blind Boys. “What’s from the heart reaches the heart,” he said. “It makes [all] the difference. No matter what ethnic group – or whether you’re Black or white or Jewish or Christian – everyone has a soul, and it’s not about where you come from. We’ve played all over the world, and they don’t even understand what we are singing sometimes, but they can feel the music. Music is a gift from God that reaches everybody.”
Gospel music is particularly special, McKinnie believes, for reaching the heart and soul. “It’s the kind of music that, if you feel bad, it’ll make you feel glad. It makes you clap your hands, and it makes you want to dance – it just reaches out to people, touches them from the heart. Gospel music reaches down into the soul of a man, and it makes you feel wonderful. The words of a gospel song can change your life.”
McKinnie explained that the camaraderie between band members is at the center of who they are and what they are all about. “One of my favorite songs on our latest record (Echoes of the South) is called ‘Friendship’,” he said. “‘Friendship’ tells a story all about The Blind Boys – what it took to stay, where we are today and the friendship that is carrying us all the way.”
As they walk out on stage, each band member rests his hand upon the shoulders of the next. The way they guide each other is reminiscent of the way their music guides the listeners who are “blind” in various ways. In both cases, the musical path leads toward peace, joy and love – a life of purpose and meaning.
The Blind Boys of Alabama don’t just sing gospel music; they embody Jackson’s elucidation of what it is: They, themselves, are a testament to “the power of belief and the resilience of the human spirit,” and that can’t help but create a sound that stirs our souls.
A group of road warriors who’ve carved out their blend of amplified folk rock. The music is nuanced and collaborative, with no single instrument dominating the track list.
One of the few new bands in recent memory that can rock multiple genres, flaunt resonant harmonies, and showcase a dynamic lead vocalist whose passion and power demand attention.
Started during the pandemic, Jitterbug is a youth band based in Decatur. They write and cover songs of many different styles, including rock, funk, jazz, and folk. The band includes bass player Hazel Patty, Singers and Guitarists Claire Lobdell and Cyrus Ebrahimi, and Violinist and Singer Sam Crespino.
Thursday, April 11
The Amplify Decatur Music Festival kicks off at Wallers Coffee Shop with a music-inspired comedy showcase hosted by the Hilarious Dr. O (Dr. Anwar Osborne) and Emily Holden (Just as funny as Dr O, thank you very much!) on Thursday, April 11. The pre-party starts at 6 p.m. with Captains of Revelry providing some sick beats; comedy show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance via AmplifyDecatur.org and $20 at the door.
Friday, April 12
Amplify Decatur will also feature a series of events in and around the downtown Decatur Square on Friday, April 12—at venues including Brick Store Pub, Leon’s Full Service, Boho, Mellow Mushroom and The Marlay. For the first time, there will be an air guitar contest on the downtown Decatur Bandstand. All Friday night shows are free.
Sunday, April 14
The festival weekend will conclude with a tribute to Bruce Springsteen at Eddie’s Attic on the evening of Sunday, April 14. Join us to hear a collection of the region’s best artists interpret the incomparable catalog of The Boss. Tickets are available at EddiesAttic.com.
SCHEDULE ESTIMATED TIMES
SATURDAY APRIL 13 • 3 - 11 p.m.
SHOW TIMES
9:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Melissa Etheridge
7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Dawes
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Blind Boys of Alabama
4:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Run Katie Run
4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Jitterbug
General Admission tickets: $75. Includes access to local food, beer, wine, and restrooms.
VIP tickets: $195. Includes preferred seating—behind Premium VIP seating (first come, first served), complimentary beverages (3 per guest), and access to dedicated VIP bathrooms.
Premium VIP tickets: $275. (Only 100 available). Includes premium seating at the front of the stage, complimentary beverages (5 per guest) with service at seats during intermissions, and dedicated VIP bathrooms. Tickets available at AmplifyDecatur.org and Eventbrite.com. All proceeds from the festival weekend will be directed to Decatur Cooperative Ministry and the Decatur Education Foundation.
No chairs provided for general admission; attendees may bring their own chairs: there will be a section in the back of general admission where chairs will be permitted. Children 8 and under are admitted free to the general admission section; no more than two children 8 and under per adult.
The festival will take place rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable in the event of severe weather conditions.
DECATUR IS RICH with dreamy outdoor dining spaces. Diners have their pick of places to spend relaxed afternoons and evenings with good company and appetizing eats while basking in the warm sunshine, shade or moonlight. For your patio-dining pleasure, we are highlighting a few of our favorite open-air spots peddling refreshing, chilled libations, tasty bites and fresh air.
For 20 years, Wahoo Grill has attracted guests with their seasonal, Southern menu and enchanting garden patio. “I chose Decatur because the residents are extremely loyal, and they root for their local businesses to succeed. I listen to my guests; their feedback is crucial to my continued success,” says owner/restaurateur Pam Ledbetter, who also credits her success to entrusting amazing, talented people.
This spring, enjoy European-influenced cuisine by Executive Chef Zach Starr out back in the fresh air, surrounded by lush greenery. “It is the most beautiful garden setting in the Atlanta area. It feels like an oasis from the city, without having to leave the city,” says Ledbetter.
For this season, Chef Starr will be highlighting heirloom tomatoes, Pearson Farms peaches and more local farmers’ vegetables and fruits. “Our namesake fish, Wahoo, will make a return appearance,” notes Starr.
Wahoo Grill has expanded their wine list by 50% and will release new vintages soon. They only use the freshest ingredients in juices, homemade syrups, bitters and infusions for their cocktails. Try their spring cocktail, “Dolly Parton My French,” with rye, lavender demerara, lemon, and angostura bitters. I also recommend their Fried Green Tomatoes with citrus marinated lump crab, pimento cheese and creole mustard remoulade; the Seared Scallops served with Italian salsa verde, wilted spinach, creamy polenta; and the delicious bread pudding.
wahoogrilldecatur.com
Brought to you by restaurateur extraordinaire Chef Ford Fry, no. 246 is a charming neighborhood restaurant that serves the freshest, most delicious Italian fare. And they have a great open-air patio out back where you can enjoy their famous family-style brunch or dinner beneath twinkling string lights.
“You feel like you're in a friend’s backyard when you dine out on the patio at no.246. We wanted everything about it to feel timeless, playful and comforting, which, at the end of the day, is also at the core of our Italian cooking,” says Chef Fry.
Uplevel your brunch with a Garibaldi aperitif made with Campari and “fluffy” orange juice. And elevate your dinner with a Backyard Old Fashioned (stirred with bourbon, chai and chocolate bitters) or the refreshing Sophia Loren cocktail made with bianco vermouth, tequila Blanco, génépy, grapefruit and soda. Pizza here is always a good idea for brunch (hello, breakfast pie!) and dinner. This spring, request a table on their patio and indulge in a delicious plate of Fritto misto and Spinach agnolotti. Mangia!
no246.com
As the former gas station’s appellation states, it is full service all the way at LEON’s –from the food and hospitality to the idyllic patio.
“I can’t think of anything more enjoyable in the beautiful spring weather than relaxing in our outdoor patio spaces at LEON’s Full Service,” says partner Michael Gallagher. “There’s nothing more quintessentially Decatur than taking in the beautiful surroundings while people-watching amidst all the beautiful plants, the sounds of our fountain and enjoying the beautiful mural by local artist Rachel Eleanor.”
Pop in for lunch or dinner and enjoy a refreshing cocktail, like Low Hanging Fruit (reposado tequila, mezcal, spiced satsuma, grapefruit, passion fruit, lime, bitters and soda) and Gallagher’s recommendation of “some mussels and frites before you order our local North Georgia trout dish and housemade ricotta.”
“It doesn’t get any better than this!” he promises.
leonsfullservice.com
No. 246
This chef-driven, Michelin-recommended restaurant serves farm-to-table Italian fare in the heart of Decatur. Featuring a menu of small plates, pasta and entrees by Chef Pat Pascarella, you simply can’t go wrong with whatever you order here. Ask for a table in their large, tented patio area and indulge in a refreshing, Aperol spritz and plate of their Black Spaghetti with chorizo, shrimp, jalapeno and breadcrumbs. I also highly recommend the yellow fin crudo and pork belly –both are flavorful yet light.
“When I started White Bull, I wanted it to be a place that people felt at home, and nothing says home to me like good food, good wine and good friends under the stars,” says Pascarella.
Definitely order their decadent Spumoni Rocher for dessert – the texture, taste and presentation make it a crowd-pleaser.
thewhitebullatl.com
The Brick Store Beer Garden
If you’re thinking of throwing an alfresco gathering to celebrate the warm weather, The Brick Store beer garden is happy to host you. Brick Store partner Michael Gallagher shares that the beer garden will be used more as a space for their seasonal events and private party bookings. The beloved beer garden has a fun food truck and fully stocked bar –what more do you and your guests need?
“We will be hosting year-round events with Allagash and Lobster rolls in our beer garden. It’s the best!” he says.
brickstorepub.com
AL BRANNON says it’s worthwhile to open the doors of his business on Sunday mornings, now that the word is out about LaGrange. The charismatic owner of Marketplace on Lafayette Square – where patrons can peruse everything from furniture to decor to antiques – was pleased to see me on both Saturday afternoon and Sunday, first to try on jewelry, then to browse vinyl records. “Since they’ve built the Courtyard Marriott across the street, people can check out on Sundays and come here,” he explained.
Brannon isn’t the only one who’s noticed an uptick in traffic – a slew of other businesses in town, just a mere hour and 15 minutes south of Atlanta, are thriving. But LaGrange’s proximity to the city is simply icing on the cake: it’s other reasons that keep visitors coming, including places to imbibe local wine and beer, restaurants with delicious food and cocktails, historic gardens and buildings and artistic spaces.
I started my own weekend by checking into my room at Courtyard overlooking Lafayette Square, then heading for Nutwood Winery’s new downtown location, a quick stroll from the hotel door. I was thrilled to meet owners Trisha and Neil, who regaled me with local lore and offered
me a taste of their reserve red, a Cabernet with a smooth, buttery finish which paired well with my filet, Brussels and potatoes. “We love to sit at the bar,” Trish remarked, as I savored my meal and glanced around the sprawling bartop filled with patrons. “That’s why it’s so big.”
The next morning, I had the best biscuit ever at iconic breakfast spot Gus’s Grille. Here’s what I love about small towns, by the way: I complimented another woman on her purse, and we talked steadily for 10 minutes about everything from fashion to our careers – while her husband spoke to someone else that he knew.
After breakfast, I set out for the first highlight of the day: a visit to Hills & Dales Estate. No words can express how lovely this place is; you simply have to see for yourself. The estate holds the history of three women who tended it throughout the decades – Sarah Ferrell, Ida Callaway and Alice Callaway – and the lush gardens are a serene place to admire natural beauty and reflect.
Inside the home, I was enchanted by the blend of regal Southern flair from the 20th century with enough modern practicality that one could live there now (but no one does; it’s kept as a museum by the family’s
foundation). Still, I could picture myself as a resident, throwing lavish dinner parties with recipes from Alice Callaway’s handwritten collection.
Next on my list was Bellevue, an antebellum home once owned by town attorney Benjamin Hill and his wife Caroline. The stately, wellkept mansion is on the National Register for Historic Places and now serves as a gathering spot for LaGrange Women’s Club.
Following an afternoon nap, I ventured to historic Hillside, an up-and-coming
neighborhood where I had the pleasure of dining at Tutto Pepe, the Italian establishment above Beacon Brewing. Surveying the two-story restaurant with its upscale dining room and downstairs bar, the bar’s cool vibe and chic decor attracted me immediately. Head mixologist Alex Caldwell made me a delectable gin cocktail while I raved over my first course, the Fluke Crudo. Afterward, I opted for the gnocchi with roasted mushrooms and browned butter, which made me pause between bites with appreciation.
Dinner was followed by live music at Pure Life, a space owned by arts enthusiast Maggie McDonald. I not only enjoyed original tunes from Tyson Leamon and Walker Wilson, I was invited by McDonald and her friends to hear music students perform the next day at the Beacon, which I happily accepted.
Sunday mornings are pleasantly quiet in LaGrange. I savored a stroll along The Thread, had another visit with Al at the Marketplace, then combed the shelves of Pretty Good Books before brunch at the Beacon. My midday meal of “Fire” chicken pot stickers and tacos was more casual than the night before but just as delicious. Afterward, Chef Spencer Ellen gave me a tour of where brews are made on-site, then I went outdoors to hear songs from music students fill the sunny afternoon.
On Monday, I wistfully concluded my long weekend in LaGrange. My car was packed with the gifts and souvenirs of the trip: a book about rock ‘n’ roll history; treats from Crave Cookie Company; watermelonscented pencils and erasers for my niece purchased at nostalgic pharmacy the Medicine Cabinet; plus business cards from all my new friends. While reflecting on the pleasantly short drive back to Atlanta, I could not recall a time I’d felt so welcomed by a place. As I write this, I can’t wait to go back.
Jason Conn
Mortgage Loan Officer
office: 404-267-7783
c e l l: 404-210-6663
jason.conn@usbank.com
N M L S # 2 10515
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APRIL
CLEAN UP THE CREEK CONCERT
The Sundogs will headline this free show on the lawn at Oxford & North Decatur Roads. Bring your friends and family and your chairs and blankets, grab food from the newly opened Savi Market and enjoy drinks from our beverage tent. Tables will be available (stay tuned for more info.) Brought to you by Emory Village Alliance and Coca-Cola.
APRIL
DRUID HILLS GALA
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center will host the 2024 Druid Hills Gala at the historic mansion on Wednesday, April 24. Enjoy live music from jazz legend Joe Gransden. Kick up your heels with your friends and neighbors while sampling delicious food from Zest Atlanta, signature cocktails courtesy of Herb Chereck at Decatur Package Store, and premium beer and wine at this black-tie-optional event.
APRIL
THE HISTORIC DRUID HILLS HOME & GARDEN TOUR
As the longest-running home tour in Atlanta, the Historic Druid Hills Home & Garden Tour has showcased many stunning homes and landscapes over the years. This unique neighborhood, designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, was almost erased by the construction of a highway. Instead, the community fought fiercely to preserve and protect Druid Hills. This year’s tour showcases 10 stunning examples of true Druid Hills stewardship.
MAY
DECATUR ARTS FESTIVAL
The Decatur Arts Festival brings the community together through a multi-day offering of live music, dance, comedy, theatrical performances, a kid’s fest, exhibitions and an expansive and diverse artists’ market. Admission and events are all totally free; no tickets are required.
MAY
DECATUR CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL
Ready, set, read! Presented by Little Shop of Stories in partnership with the Decatur Arts Alliance, the Decatur Children’s Book Festival is an annual celebration of children’s and young adult’s literature. Meet 30 authors who strive to educate and inspire.
JUNE
SECRET GARDEN TOUR
The Avondale Estates Garden Club has been beautifying the landscape since 1931. Explore the “secret gardens” of this genteel community in this special insider’s tour. You buy the tickets, and the tickets show the locations of the gardens. Tickets are $30 or $40 day of tour, available at Finder’s Keepers Furnishings and Intown Avenue Hardware.
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