YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD TREE SERVICE.
Tree Care Tips
• Check for Hazardous Trees: Winter storms can bring down weak trees or limbs. Inspect for dead branches, leaning trunks, or decay. Call an arborist if unsure.
• Prune for Safety & Health: Late winter pruning strengthens trees and prevents disease. Remove weak or overgrown branches to promote healthy spring growth.
• Mulch & Protect Roots: Add mulch around the base (but not against the trunk) to insulate roots, retain moisture, and prevent soil erosion.
• Plan for Spring Planting: Now is the time to choose native trees and schedule early spring planting for the best start.
• Watch for Pests & Disease: Even in winter, pests and fungal infections can threaten trees. Look for holes, sap oozing, or discolored leaves. Early action can save a tree!
DONI JONES, OWNER
Here and Beyond
Every now and then, a story reminds us that exploration isn’t always about going somewhere new — it’s about seeing familiar places with fresh eyes. In this issue, we invite you to explore what it means to connect more deeply with our community, our planet, and ourselves.
At Decatur’s Legacy Park, neighbors recently gathered for A Meaningful Feast, a celebration of food, culture, and shared roots through the work of the Global Growers Network. Beneath the trees, stories were exchanged, traditions honored, and new connections planted.
Just next door in Kirkwood, a different kind of journey is unfolding at Sati Yoga & Wellness, where founder Dr. Kali Arnold guides people on transformative retreats to places like Italy and Portugal. But the magic of Sati isn’t limited to passport stamps; it’s found in the studio’s everyday commitment to rest, healing, and human connection.
And for those craving meaningful escapes beyond the bustle of tourist crowds, luxury travel advisor Erin Camin of Brilliant Escapes offers a deep dive into the beauty of “shoulder season” travel, encouraging us to soak up those golden in-between moments where authentic experiences and luxury truly align.
You’ll meet Patrick Bryant of The Peaceful Place in downtown Decatur, whose forest therapy retreats are helping Atlantans reconnect with the natural world –and themselves. His guided experiences offer a calming antidote to modern stress, inviting participants to slow down and truly listen to the world around them.
And you’ll sip something special at our beloved Opo Coffee, where community is brewed into every cup and a “respectful yes” is more than just a phrase - it’s a way of doing business. From sourcing ethically to creating an inclusive space for all, Opo shows how a coffee shop can be both a local favorite and a force for good.
This issue explores exploration in its richest forms: across continents, across cultures, and even across the street. Whether you're hiking mindful trails amongst the City in the Forest, exploring the impact of local nonprofits, or taking steps towards self-care at home or abroad, we hope these stories inspire you to step into the world with curiosity and care.
Warmly,
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Caroline Ficken | caroline.ficken@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Natalie Fox | natalie.fox@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Brooke Felder | brooke.felder@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Grace Boudreau | grace.boudreau@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Erin Camin, Josh Cornwall, Natalie Fox, Brandon Malcolm
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Matt Boggs, Connelly Crowe, John Wachs
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
ARTICLE BY CAROLINE FICKEN
BY JOHN WACHS
A MEANINGFUL FEAST
Honoring the Hands That Grow Our Future
PHOTOGRAPHY
On an April evening beneath a canopy of trees at Decatur’s Legacy Park, our city’s largest greenspace, neighbors, chefs, and community members came together for A Meaningful Feast – a fundraising event celebrating the roots and reach of Global Growers Network.
Held in honor of the nonprofit’s Founding Farmers, the evening paid tribute to a group of New Americans, immigrants, and refugees, who helped shape Global Growers from the ground up. Since 2010, the organization has partnered with people from diverse cultures to grow food for their families and local marketplaces while preserving traditions and cultivating community.
Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett welcomed guests with a reflection on the evening’s deeper purpose: “This is about food, culture, and community,” she said. “And that’s exactly what we’re celebrating tonight.”
Global Growers Network Executive Director Susan Pavlin
Guests enjoyed a feast prepared by some of Atlanta’s most celebrated chefs, including Decatur’s Terry Koval of The Deer and the Dove, alongside a vibrant silent auction and stories from those who have made the Global Growers Network what it is today. For Executive Director Susan Pavlin, the event marked a full-circle moment. In 2008, she met several East African families new to Atlanta who dreamed of farming again. Together, they launched a small community farm – Umerimwo Abundi , meaning “abundant life” in Kirundi, the native language of Burundi.
Today, Global Growers supports more than 200 farmers across eight sites in the Metro Atlanta area, including a newly acquired 22-acre farm near Conyers. These growers – many of them women – grow culturally relevant foods, save thousands in grocery costs, and contribute to the local food economy through markets and small businesses.
“This work is about more than food,” Pavlin said. “It’s about reclaiming heritage, building bridges between cultures, and making this new place feel like home.”
These
Global Growers supports more than 200 farmers across eight sites in the Metro Atlanta area, including a newly acquired 22-acre farm near Conyers.
growers grow culturally relevant foods, save thousands in grocery costs, and contribute to the local food economy through markets and small businesses.
The celebration included a performance from Burundian drummers and a standing ovation for the original Founding Farmers – individuals whose resilience and leadership have inspired countless others. Board Chair Katie Beecham reminded guests that the food on their plates and the stories in their programs were made possible by a powerful network of growers, volunteers, and supporters.
More than a fundraiser, A Meaningful Feast stood as a testament to what’s possible when we plant roots together – cultivating not just food, but dignity, connection, and home. This feast was a shared table, representing how culture, resilience, and community can take root and rise.
WELLNESS WITH A PASSPORT
ARTICLE BY JOSH CORNWALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNELLY CROWE
A LOCAL YOGA STUDIO BRINGS WELLNESS AND WANDERLUST TOGETHER, OFFERING RESTORATIVE RETREATS ABROAD THAT GO FAR BEYOND THE MAT.
If you’ve ever wanted to do downward dog on the Amalfi Coast and then toast it with a glass of wine overlooking Capri, Sati Yoga & Wellness might be the studio for you.
Tucked next to Dolce Vegan Bakery in historic downtown Kirkwood, Sati is the place where yoga doesn’t feel like a performance and where community is the entire point. Founded in 2022 by Dr. Kali Arnold, a former orthopedic surgeon turned holistic healer, the studio has quickly become a refuge for those seeking breath, movement, and a little more meaning in their lives.
And now, it’s going global.
Last fall, Dr. Arnold led her first international yoga retreat to Italy’s Amalfi Coast—Sorrento by way of Positano, Pompeii, and, of course, pasta. Eighteen people joined her on the trip. By the end of the final dinner, five had already signed up for the next destination: Portugal.
“It was just beautiful energy,” Dr. Arnold says. “No drama, no injuries, nobody got lost. Everyone just clicked.”
This fall’s retreat heads to the Algarve region of Portugal, where guests will gather again, many returning from the Italy trip, others brand new, to practice yoga, explore the coastline, and hit pause on their everyday lives. The trips, Dr. Arnold says, are equal parts fun and restorative. Yes, there’s yoga every day (sometimes twice), but it’s all optional. No early-morning alarms, no rigid itineraries. It’s less “bootcamp,” more “let’s be human together.”
“I call them yoga adventures,” she laughs. “We move, we eat, we explore. We also nap. The napping is important.”
Dr. Arnold works with a company that specializes in fitness travel, so each retreat is fully vetted—from the yoga mats to the local guides. She polls her community for destination ideas, balancing bucket list locales with places her clients want to visit.
Italy was a no-brainer, and Portugal was a popular pick. In May 2026, they’ll head to Peru and Machu Picchu.
But don’t let the global glow fool you—Sati’s heart is still firmly planted in Atlanta. Dr. Arnold has intentionally built the studio to feel like a second home. There are wine-down Wednesdays, sound baths, Reiki sessions, and even a couch up front where regulars gather after class just to talk. And yes, the studio mascot, a lovable Chawawa-Dachshund mix named Duncan Hines, is usually lounging around like he owns the place.
“We’re not a pretentious yoga studio,” Dr. Arnold says. “I call us the yoga studio for non-yogis.”
That attitude is one of the reasons Sati has become a landing spot for people new to the city, or just new to yoga entirely. The studio offers a range of classes, from Yin to vigorous vinyasa, but the vibe is always accessible. Come in your sweats. Stay for tea. Breathe.
“Rest is your divine right,” she says. “You don’t have to earn it.”
It’s a mantra she takes seriously, especially after years in the medical field where overwork was normalized and burnout was a badge of honor. Through her Ayurvedic studies, Reiki certification, and teacher training, Dr. Arnold has developed a more holistic view of wellness, where the nervous system gets as much attention as the muscles. She sees yoga as less of a workout and more of a form of emotional hygiene.
“We clean our bodies daily. We need to clean our energy, too.”
That philosophy now extends beyond her regular class schedule. In March, Sati graduated its first cohort of yoga teacher trainees. Nine students completed the studio’s 200-hour program, and many now teach free community classes as part of their continued development. Sati also hosts monthly sound baths, breathwork workshops, and seasonal retreats, introducing students to healing modalities—everything from laughing meditation to shamanic journeys.
“I just want people to explore,” Dr. Arnold says. “You never know what’s going to resonate until you try.”
And when it comes to those far-flung retreats, it’s not just about escape. She’s seen people return with more than just good memories—real friendships have formed, and more than a few travelers have returned home with a renewed sense of clarity.
“I’ve had so many people tell me, ‘I didn’t realize how disconnected I was until I slowed down.’ That’s what these trips offer— connection. With yourself, with others, with the moment.”
For Dr. Arnold, travel has always been a catalyst; a solo trip to Costa Rica changed her life years ago and set her on the path that became Sati. Her goal now is to offer that same spark to others. Whether on a rooftop in Lisbon, a yoga mat in Kirkwood, or lying still during a sound bath, she wants people to remember that healing isn’t a luxury.
“You can’t explore the world if you’re disconnected from yourself,” she says. “But once you find that connection again? Everything opens up.”
And if it happens with a seaside view? Even better.
THE SECRET SWEET SPOT
Why Shoulder Season Travel Is the New Luxury
ARTICLE BY ERIN CAMIN
When it comes to luxury travel, many of us envision visiting iconic destinations during peak season: soaking in the views of Santorini at sunset, wandering the Louvre on a warm summer day, or indulging in fresh sushi on a crowded Tokyo street. While there’s no doubt that these experiences are memorable, there’s
Erin Camin in Argentina
“Traveling during shoulder season offers an unspoken luxury: the freedom to explore without the crowds.”
a less crowded, more serene way to travel that offers a deeper connection to a place—and it comes with fewer tourists, better rates, and exclusive experiences that feel like they’re just for you. Enter: shoulder season.
WHY SHOULDER SEASON FEELS LUXURIOUS
FEWER CROWDS, MORE MAGIC
Traveling during shoulder season (the period just before or after peak season) offers an unspoken luxury: the freedom to explore without the crowds. Imagine wandering through the winding streets of Florence with only a handful of people, or visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok without feeling rushed through the halls. With fewer tourists vying for space, you get a richer, more personal experience, one where you can linger longer at iconic landmarks or chat with locals without interruption.
BETTER RATES, PREMIUM STAYS
One of the most appealing aspects of shoulder season travel is the value. Flights and hotel rates drop significantly compared to peak season, allowing for upgraded experiences or extended stays. Whether it’s a five-star resort in Greece or a boutique hotel in Kyoto, you’ll find that luxury is more accessible when you’re traveling during these off-peak months. It's not just about saving money—it’s about getting more for your money, from room upgrades to additional services like private transfers or guided tours.
AUTHENTICITY & ACCESS
In shoulder season, locals are more relaxed, and the pace of life slows down just enough to allow for meaningful interactions. Take a cooking class in Lisbon where the chef can focus on your small group, or enjoy an intimate wine-tasting experience in Tuscany, where the vineyards are quiet and the harvest season is just
Paros, Greece
beginning. You’ll also get to experience seasonal cuisine at its peak— whether it's fresh truffles in Italy or the beginning of mango season in Thailand. Festivals, too, are often more relaxed, giving you the chance to take part in unique celebrations without the overwhelming crowds of peak season.
BEST SHOULDER SEASON DESTINATIONS BY REGION
EUROPE
• Italy (April–early June, September–October) – Tuscany’s grape harvest, Venice’s less busy canals, and fewer crowds in Rome make Italy an ideal shoulder season destination.
• Portugal (May & October) – Lisbon and Porto enjoy mild weather and fewer tourists, perfect for private walking tours, coastal dining, and river cruises.
• Greece (late September) – The Aegean Sea is still warm for swimming, and the islands are peaceful—great for those looking to avoid the summer party scene.
ASIA
• Japan (late October–November) – Enjoy Japan’s breathtaking autumn colors without the peak season crowds. Kyoto is especially magical with its vibrant foliage.
• Vietnam (March–April) – The weather is perfect across the country, with a calm atmosphere ideal for exploring both urban and natural landscapes.
• Bali (May–June) – A sweet spot before the dry season peaks. Bali’s culture, wellness offerings, and serene beaches are perfect in this quieter period.
SOUTH AMERICA
• Peru (April–May) – The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are far less crowded during shoulder season, and the weather is ideal for hiking and exploring.
• Chile (October–November) – Patagonia’s landscapes are strikingly beautiful, and the weather is more manageable for trekking or wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley.
• Colombia (March–April) – Cartagena’s colonial beauty is still vibrant, and the coffee region is lush and inviting during these off-peak months.
PRO TIPS FOR SHOULDER SEASON TRAVELERS
• Book early: While shoulder season offers better rates, some of the best experiences—private guides, exclusive dining—still require early reservations.
• Be flexible with weather: Shoulder season often brings unpredictable weather, so pack versatile layers and be ready for a bit of rain or chill.
• Take advantage of fewer tourists: The lack of crowds means more personalized service, so don’t hesitate to indulge in private tours or special access experiences.
WHY NOW IS THE TIME
Luxury travel isn’t just about going to the most popular places at the busiest times. It's about finding a time when a destination’s beauty, culture, and cuisine are yours to enjoy—without the rush. Shoulder season provides just that. With fewer crowds, better prices, and authentic experiences that feel like they’re designed just for you, it’s the best-kept secret in luxury travel. So why not make the most of it?
Kyoto, Japan
GET OUTSIDE AND
ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX
YOURSELF FIND
Mindful Trails cultivates space for genuine connection: with nature, each other, and ourselves.
Imagine walking across a peaceful forest. You feel twigs crunch beneath your feet, hear birds calling and branches rustling, while your eyes take in the golden splendor of the setting sun. The full body connection we achieve in nature is no accident; it’s by design. We are meant to commune with the outdoors, where anxieties are soothed and our nervous systems can truly reset.
Patrick Bryant of The Peaceful Place recognized the need to incorporate nature into his therapeutic work. Enter: nine weeks at The Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership. He developed the skills to facilitate full immersion and connection to the land there. With intimate groups of three to six, Patrick engages his clients with nature while providing prompts alongside moments
to wander and process. These retreats help remove the societal feeling of siloed separateness, emphasizing our universal connection. Patrick is personable and approachable, blending research-backed strategies with spiritual mindfulness. Outer exploration facilitates inner explorationtap into enhanced mental health, combat screen addiction, and immerse yourself in nature with Mindful Trails.
Email info@thepeacefulplacellc.com for inquiries.
Patrick Bryant,
Photo by John Wachs
Roasted with Respect
More than a cafe – Opo is coffee with a vision.
In 2006, Opo Coffee owner Jonathan Pascual worked at Starbucks in Downtown Decaturhis first coffee job. Like all great baristas, Jonathan enjoyed a steady group of regulars whose orders he knew by heart, one of whom was former Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd. “He always got a mocha,” Pascual remembers. “I loved knowing regulars, being a part of people’s lives, and the community. That’s when I started to think it would be really cool to have my own coffee shop.”
After spending years behind the bar and managing shops around town, Pascual opened Taproom Coffee in Kirkwood in 2014, a beloved staple of the neighborhood. As Taproom grew and evolved, he saw an opportunity to create a different kind of experience that went beyond a cafe; Opo: a coffee shop, roaster, and training center built for community around coffee.
“Our business isn’t necessarily about the coffee itself,” says Pascual. “We utilize coffee as our medium, but we’re all about people. Everybody says that, but we really mean it and try to carry that out in everything we do.”
At Opo, that claim is proven true. The attention to people is apparent at every turn, starting with the name.
“Opo is a 'respectful yes' in Filipino,” which Pascual says is not only a nod to his family heritage, but a foundational part of their business
ARTICLE BY BRANDON MALCOLM PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT BOGGS
approach. “Our mission is to use specialty coffee to make a positive impact in people’s lives around the world. Our employees, the farmers that grow our coffee, the community we serve. We built this business on 3 pillars- respect, positivity, and honor. The meaning of “Opo” communicates those values.”
That “respectful yes” mentality is backed with proof.
Since opening at the end of 2022, Opo has paid a certified living wage to all employees. They are part of “1% for the Planet”, committing one percent of top-line sales to environmental causes. Their business model is designed to be a community effort with no one majority owner and a board that holds each other accountable and true to their values.
“I knew I wanted to carry through the values I hold in my personal life to my business. I started asking, “How can I pay people well and take care of them? How do I bring more of what we do to the community?” says Pascual.
A key factor in Opo’s community involvement is their training center, a fully equipped coffee-lover’s dream filled with espresso machines and brewing equipment designed for education from their Specialty Coffee Association-certified team. “We designed this space for our staff to have the best skills possible, but it’s also here for whoever wants to be part of it. Plenty of people who just love coffee take classes, people looking to open their own shops- it’s all an extension of our values.”
All of this care and attention to detail clearly comes across in your cup of coffee. Head roaster Chris Averitt crafts precisely balanced blends and elegant single-origin coffees sourced from small farms around the world, which are expertly prepared by the shop’s team of baristas. It’s easy to taste when someone cares. –
Before opening, Jonathan and his team set up a pop-up in front of the soon-to-be Opo storefront to start sharing coffee with the community. As he made drinks on the Decatur sidewalk, he saw a familiar face in line- Mayor Bill Floyd. “Mocha, right?”
“It was such a full circle moment,” says Pascual. “I started my coffee career right down the street. This place has been part of my life. It’s cool we can invite people to join us to learn, connect, or just get their daily mocha.”
Jonathan Pascual
Each CertaPro Painters® business is independently owned and operated.
HOW A NEW PERMEABLE HARDSCAPE PRODUCT CAN EMPOWER DECATUR HOMEOWNERS TO CREATE BETTER LANDSCAPES
Smart Landscapes, Stronger Community
ARTICLE BY SCOTT REINBLATT
As a professional deeply invested in the beauty, resilience, and sustainability of our neighborhoods, I’ve had the privilege of helping many Decatur homeowners transform their outdoor spaces into vibrant sanctuaries over the last 20 years. One of the most rewarding parts of this work is watching homeowners realize that smart landscaping isn’t just about curb appeal — it’s about investing in the health of our environment and the value of our homes.
At Big Blue Sky Landscaping, we’re proud to partner with product manufacturers that align with both our high standards and the City of Decatur’s forward-thinking ordinances. One such product that’s been a game changer? Romex hardscape solutions — a line of high-performance, permeable systems for patios, walkways, and driveways. Our team is the first in Georgia to go through the Romex training and certification process. We have the full support of the manufacturer and can extend a 10-year manufacturer warranty that includes all materials and labor. Let me share why Romex is more than just a premium hardscape choice — it’s a strategic decision for environmentally conscious and regulation-savvy homeowners.
1. EARN VALUABLE STORMWATER CREDITS
Decatur has clear and necessary regulations in place to manage stormwater runoff — an ongoing concern in a city where heavy rain can quickly turn into localized flooding. By choosing permeable pavers with Romex jointing solutions, you allow rainwater to seep back into the ground, naturally filtering and reducing runoff.
This not only contributes to the sustainability of our community but may also qualify your property for stormwater credits through the City of Decatur. These credits can help offset stormwater utility fees, saving money year after year.
2. COMPLY WITH THE TREE ORDINANCE
If you’ve ever tried to make updates to your property and encountered the city’s tree ordinance, you know how important — and sometimes limiting — it can be. But the goal is a good one: preserve our urban canopy. One of the less obvious but highly effective ways to support that goal is through responsible ground design.
Romex hardscape systems are root-friendly and breathable, meaning they’re safe to install around tree roots without suffocating or damaging them. That’s critical in maintaining existing trees — and avoiding fines or delays during permitting.
3. BOOST PERMEABLE LOT COVERAGE
In Decatur, impermeable surface limitations can put a cap on how much of your lot you can develop. Traditional concrete patios, driveways, and walkways often eat up your allowance fast. However, surfaces installed with Romex jointing solutions — when used with permeable pavers — can count toward your permeable surface coverage, giving you more flexibility in how you use your space.
Whether you’re dreaming of a bigger patio, an outdoor kitchen, a new driveway, or simply a garden path that doesn’t push you over your limits, Romex opens the door to more design possibilities without compromising code compliance.
events
JULY 1ST
Taco Tuesdays
La Chiquiada
Warmer weather calls for TACOS! Spice up your week with La Chiquiada's Taco Tuesday special. Enjoy two delicious tacos served with rice and beans every Tuesday for just $12 - and don't forget to order a margarita! Taco ‘bout a perfect combo!
JULY 14TH - 18TH
Summer TuTu Camp
The TuTu School Decatur
It's Christmas in July! Dancers will twirl through Nutcracker scenes, dress up in whimsical costumes, and leap into storybook ballet adventures. A joyful week of movement, storytelling, and holiday sparkle — perfect for your little ballerina! Learn more at tutuschool.com/decatur/camp
JULY 15TH
Decatur Architecture Walking Tour
Sycamore Park, 700 block of Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030 | 7:00 PM
Explore the rich history and architecture of Decatur’s Sycamore Street on DeKalb History Center’s new 90-minute walking tour. Discover unique 19th- and 20th-century homes and hear stories of past residents along this scenic one-mile route. Contact Marissa at howard@dekalbhistory.org or 404-373-1088 ext 1003 for questions.
JULY 18TH
Candlelight Concert: Hip Hop on Strings
The Chapel on Sycamore | 6:45 PM
Experience iconic hip hop hits reimagined with live strings in an intimate, candlelit setting. This genre-blending performance brings rhythm and elegance together for one unforgettable night.
JULY 24TH
Memorial Drive Exhibit Opening Reception
DeKalb History Center | 5:30 PM
DeKalb History Center presents Memorial Drive, an 18-month exhibit showcasing a vibrant sampling of the people and places that make Memorial Drive the animated, multicultural community it is today. Peter Essick’s modern photography is an imaginative means of viewing this historic DeKalb County corridor. The stunning visual story is supported by the history of how and why Memorial Drive came to be.
JULY 25TH
Summer Screens: Paddington in Peru
Ebster Recreation Center, 105 Electric Ave. | 8:45 PM
Join us July 25 for a free outdoor movie night under the stars! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for Paddington in Peru—a heartwarming jungle adventure full of laughter, marmalade, and family. The movie starts at sunset (8:45 PM) at Ebster Recreation Center. Snacks available! Brought to you by Visit Decatur GA & the DDA.
