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
Good Taste Lives Here
October in Decatur is nonstop — festival after festival and endless amounts of good, good food. This month, our tables are overflowing with flavor, stories, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass (or slurp an oyster). Food has a way of bringing us together, and in this issue, we’re serving up a feast of local favorites.
We start with oysters — the life of the party and the heart of LANDLOCKED. What began as a conversation at Kimball House has grown into one of Decatur’s most sought-after events, selling out in minutes. Farmers, chefs, and neighbors gather around oysters on the grill, cocktails in hand, and share a love for culinary creativity.
At Takumi Cuisine, owner Yuen Cushing and Chef Henry Wu turn each omakase course into a revelation. From exotic flavors to cocktails that sparkle and smoke, every detail reflects the artistry and precision at the heart of Japanese culinary craft.
We also visit a beloved institution: Your DeKalb Farmers Market. For nearly 50 years, this global marketplace has fed Decatur with fresh, direct-from-grower goodness. It’s a one-of-a-kind place built on trust — a hub where global flavors meet local comfort and everyone feels at home.
Of course, October wouldn’t be complete without a little mystery. The Decatur Cemetery — 58 acres of history, beauty, and reflection — will showcase a new photo exhibit this month, just as the fall leaves begin to turn.
And since no celebration is complete without a cocktail, we raise a glass to La Chiquiada’s Día de los Muertos creations: spirited, smoky, and hauntingly good. These sips are sure to bring a little magic to your season.
So pull up a chair, pour something festive, and dig in, Decatur. Our city has never been more delicious.
Cheers,
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Caroline Ficken | caroline.ficken@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Natalie Fox | natalie.fox@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Grace Boudreau | grace.boudreau@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Josh Cornwall, Brooke Felder, Natalie Fox, Brandon Malcolm
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Andrew Thomas Lee, Ben May, Zelalem Midekssa, 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 Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
business monthly
Decatur Book Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary
The Decatur Book Festival returns October 3–4, 2025, celebrating its 20th year with keynote Saeed Jones and kidnote Angie Thomas. One of the nation’s premier literary festivals, DBF continues to champion diverse voices, creativity, and community through free programming, author talks, and more. Visit decaturbookfestival.com for details and registration.
Minuteman Press Decatur/Avondale: Walking for Wishes
Minuteman Press is proud to support Make-A-Wish Georgia in helping turn dreams into reality for children facing critical illnesses. By joining this year’s Trailblaze Challenge, we’re walking alongside our community to raise vital funds and bring hope, joy, and unforgettable experiences to local wish kids. Together, we can help make more wishes come true—one step, one print, and one wish at a time.
Madison Avenue Derby 2025
The Madison Avenue Community Fund is thrilled to announce the 14th Annual Madison Avenue Derby, happening Saturday, October 25, 2025! This beloved Decatur tradition features creatively themed, gravity-powered cars racing for speed, style, and craftsmanship awards. Each year, proceeds benefit a local nonprofit serving children and families—the 2025 beneficiary will be announced soon. Follow @MadAveDerby for updates and details.
Photography by Decatur Book Festival
Photography by Make-A-Wish Georgia
Photography by Monica Conlin Photography
LANDLOCKED, a joint venture by Oyster South and Kimball House, celebrates the oyster farmers keeping our Gulf coastlines clean and clear.
An Ecological and Culinary Wonder
ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW THOMAS LEE
Oysters are a dynamic delicacy, yet they are far more than a luxurious (and delicious) food item. Oysters work overtime, enhancing coastal environments by filtering water, boosting clarity, and creating habitats for other creatures. Their benefits cannot be overstated, which is why Atlantic and Gulf oyster farms have come to deserve the spotlight that Decatur’s wildly popular LANDLOCKED brings them. The event showcases Southern oysters, the farmers who cultivate them, and the skilled chefs who prepare them with meticulous care. I sat down with Beth Walton and Brooke Morris Rasheed of Oyster South, alongside Bryan Rackley of Kimball House, to learn how their epic event, LANDLOCKED, grew from a conversation at the restaurant’s table 31 to a coveted event that sells 1,000 tickets in two minutes.
Beth’s husband, Dr. Bill Walton (a scientist specializing in aquaculture sciences at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science), is described as “the godfather of oyster farming for the Gulf.” Years ago, while Bill was working at Auburn University, he and Bryan connected and set a meeting. Bill looked around the resplendent Kimball House and asked, “Do you think that if we can grow a premium, beautiful farm oyster in the Gulf, it could sell at a place like this?” And Bryan said, “Of course, we can sell anything here if we are armed with stories and information.” Shortly thereafter, they hosted their first symposium, an exciting melding of academia, hospitality, and industry. That symposium led to the first LANDLOCKED in 2014, featuring 20 farms and 15 chefs while setting the stage for an onslaught of community connections. This year is its ninth iteration, and the growth is astounding. There will be 35-40 oyster farmers shucking their product, over 60 chefs cooking oysters on Big Green Eggs (Big Green Egg, a LANDLOCKED partner since the start,
“My nontraditional metric of success is: how many new oyster tattoos are there?”
sells exceptional ceramic ovens), 4-6 pit masters barbecuing, 6-8 breweries pouring wine and beer, and 18 fully stocked cocktail stations. The live auction experience offers wonderful prizes (an all-inclusive stay at one of the pristine oyster farms, for example), and their raffle demonstrates the playful heart of the event, culminating in a rock-paper-scissors game to win the beloved Big Green Egg. It’s intimate, casual, and an overall great time. When asked what to expect at LANDLOCKED, Beth quips, “An almost illegal amount of fun.”
Key to the event’s success are the chefs and farmers, and LANDLOCKED goes above and beyond to roll out the red carpet and prioritize their good time above all else. Lodging in downtown Decatur hotels is covered, gift baskets are given, a reception at Staplehouse starts them off on a relaxing note, and this year, the private after-party will be hosted at Gene’s. Beth,
considered the “community oyster mom,” makes sure the farmers feel connected and informed. Bryan is “the superstar of chef relationships,” and Brooke “works her magic” by coordinating and managing the massive event. Every single year feels like a reunion. LANDLOCKED is intentionally kept small, as they could make it three times the size in proportion to the demand, but they want to ensure the stage is set for true connections to blossom. The cultivation of these relationships helps extend their mission, building both personal and professional bonds. The event’s massive popularity is proof in the pudding of the destigmatization of Southern oysters. LANDLOCKED is a joyous way to celebrate their proliferation and bring together the oyster farmers, generous chefs, and our supportive Decatur residents. If you didn’t snag a ticket this year, order a dozen oysters at Kimball House for a succulent bite of ecological advocacy.
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Midtown-Decatur-Snellville
ART ON The Plate
Takumi Creates a Vibrant Sushi Experience
Photo by: Courtney Whyte-May
Photo by: Ben May
A noteworthy sushi experience requires a few specific elements coming together just right: the fish has to be fresh and properly sourced, the sushi chef seasoned and in tune with their ingredients and customers, and the environment, welcoming and set up for quality and success.
At Takumi Cuisine, the elements perfectly align to create an ideal sushi destination.
Opening in 2023 on WestPonce de Leon Ave, Takumi is a still-new feeling addition to Downtown Decatur that has quickly been recognized amongst the city’s best spots for expertly crafted sushi and omakase.
“Sushi is an art,” says owner Yuen Cushing. “I like to experiment and try new things. When I was given the opportunity to open this place and I met Henry (Sushi Chef), I knew this was going to be a great opportunity to do something unique.” Experimentation has been the focus at Takumi for Yuen and Executive Sushi Chef Henry Wu. Trying new things and finding unique ways to delight customers is a feature of the restaurant. “Yuen had a totally different idea when she opened this place,” explains chef Henry. “She wanted to collaborate and experiment. If I have an idea, she says, ‘ok, let’s try it.’ I am passionate about what I do, and she lets me follow that passion with the menu.” Yuen’s vision for her restaurant from the beginning has centered around quality and creativity. It has been a journey to find the right partnership to help realize this vision, and she is excited to collaborate with Chef Henry.
Creativity is on full display throughout Takumi’s offerings. Sushi lovers will find everything from classic sushi rolls and nigiri preparations to more adventurous bites highlighting exotic ingredients like unique fatty tuna cuts and caviars. “We never compromise on quality ingredients,” says Yuen. “We source everything fresh; we get a lot of ingredients direct from Japanese fish markets. We like to experiment and play with the menu, but it always starts with quality.” Besides sushi, Takumi also offers its take on traditional
Photo by: Courtney Whyte-May
Photo by: Ben May
Japanese Cuisine (Washoku), such as Ramen, Hamachi Kama, Udon and Soba Noodles, Tempura, Yakitori, and Donburi. Takumi’s menu also boasts specialty items such as Japanese A5 Wagyu, Caviar Service, and occasional specials such as Fresh Oysters, Abalone, and more.
The quality and playfulness really shine through with Takumi’s omakase tasting menu, an opportunity for diners to let the expert hands of the sushi chef guide their meal based on what is fresh and in season. “I like to surprise people with something they have never had before,” says Chef Henry. “I have trained with amazing sushi chefs who taught me the importance of creating a new experience for each diner. I want each dish to engage all of the senses in a unique way.”
With Chef Henry’s culinary expertise leading the kitchen and Yuen’s passion for distinctive cocktails behind the bar, diners should expect unique surprises across the menu at Takumi. Each cocktail is thoughtfully crafted to bring a unique Japanese experience to the guest. The Oita Onsen is served with a smoke-filled ice cube to make you feel like
you are bathing in a hot spring in Oita. The Ginza Night is served with colorful, flashing ice cubes, and the disco ball and the smoky liquor recreate the nightlife of Ginza. The Hokkaido Summer, with the pale green midori melon liquor under a foam of egg white, depicts the snow-covered landscape of Hokkaido.
The omakase menu is an ever-changing selection of traditional high-quality sushi preparations combined with Chef Henry’s unique creations. Depending on the day, you may be served an oyster with an edible shell, intricately prepared squid, or an eggless “egg” dessert. “It should feel like a magic show,” Chef Henry passionately explains. “People should leave satisfied. They should go home peaceful and relaxed and fall asleep thinking about their meal.”
While still young, Takumi has solidified itself as a destination for sushi in the metro area and a clear standout in the Decatur food scene. “We want people to join us for a unique dining experience they can’t find in other places,” says Yuen. “Our menu is artistic, fresh, and there’s always something new to try.”
Photo by: Ben May
THE WORLD BROUGHT Home
Founder and CEO Robert Blazer came to Atlanta nearly 50 years ago with little capital but a clear plan: buy directly from growers and sell directly to customers. He started small—a modest greenhouse open Thursday through Sunday, with no real refrigeration, selling out each night and reloading by week’s end. In 1986, the market relocated to its current home, and its vision expanded without losing its edge.
“We’re a direct link between the consumer and the grower,” Blazer says. That promise drives quiet discipline behind the scenes. YDFM has never advertised; if they do the work well, he believes, customers will come. “We’re not short-term thinkers,” he adds. The market has earned a top reputation by treating suppliers with the same respect it shows to its shoppers.
Fresh is the point at Your DeKalb Farmers Market.
ARTICLE BY JOSH CORNWALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZELALEM MIDEKSSA
Customers have returned that trust. Years ago, an ice storm caused the roof of the original space to collapse. Insurance didn’t cover it. Shoppers wrote checks to help rebuild the business. Blazer insisted those checks be used for food when the doors reopened eight weeks later, a moment that still explains the bond between the market and its community.
Increased scale hasn’t changed its focus. Over time, the team built a deep in-house kitchen, featuring breads made with organic flours, roasted coffee and nuts, house-made sausages, and a bustling food–to-go section. Many recipes come from Blazer’s wife and business partner, Barbara. “Anytime I make something Robert loves, he says, ‘Let’s make it for the market,’” she says with a laugh. Prepared foods feel homemade because they are—“women upstairs cooking like they’re at home.” Favorites of the Blazers include grass-fed beef from Montana; Amish milk and eggs from Iowa and Pennsylvania; and a steady stream of tropical staples.
The sourcing web is global and unusually direct. Your DeKalb Farmers Market has developed relationships with growers in Mexico and Central America and now operates its own container shipping line into Port Manatee, located south of Tampa, which transports produce to the market and other buyers up the East Coast via rail. Inside, each department— produce, seafood, meat, international groceries— runs like a specialty shop, supported by dedicated warehousing and packing.
What most shoppers don’t see is the people system. Days begin and end with short stand up meetings. Employees work in paired teams with coaches and leads, a circular structure designed for accountability and open conversation. Blazer has documented the approach at ourworldmarket.com, which features free lessons on how the Blazers have created a culture of care amongst their employees.
Future growth remains on the minds of the Blazers, but it still hinges on partnership. Robert points to Barbara, long-time vendors, committed employees, and customers who have stood by them before.
Continuing these cherished relationships is how Your DeKalb Farmers Market plans to keep its promise—direct, fair, reliably fresh—no matter how big it gets.
Where History Lives
ARTICLE BY BROOKE FELDER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN WACHS
DECATUR CEMETERY’S PAST AND PRESENT INTERTWINE.
Tucked into the heart of one of Georgia’s busiest cities lies an unexpected sanctuary. The Decatur Cemetery was established in 1823 and is now a sprawling 58-acre sanctuary where the past and present converge. It’s not only metro Atlanta’s oldest public burial ground, but also Decatur’s largest downtown green space, offering a peaceful blend of history, ecology, and community.
Cemetery Specialist, Zack Ray, and The Friends of Decatur Cemetery Chair, Rhonda Wildman, are two of the passionate stewards preserving this living legacy. “It really is a place for everyone,” Wildman says, noting the cemetery’s popularity among walkers, dog lovers, and even high school couples. “It's a sanctuary in more ways than one.”
October is a particularly vibrant time at the cemetery, not just because of the beautiful fall foliage. A long-awaited photo exhibit will be unveiled on October 4, timed in coordination with a literary-themed walking tour for the Decatur Book Festival. The show will highlight community-submitted images that capture the beauty of the grounds, from quiet stairways to cascading creeks.
The exhibit will close on Veterans Day, November 11—a date with deep roots at the cemetery. “We’ve honored veterans at the cemetery for 80 years,” says Wildman. Nearly 1,000 graves receive flags during the commemorative events, in accordance with a tradition that predates Veterans Day itself.
Beyond ceremonies and storytelling, the cemetery also reflects resilience. Decades-old cobblestone roads, once buried under asphalt, are being hand-restored by volunteers. There's even a community orchard partnership with Food Well Alliance, reinforcing the idea that this place isn’t just for remembrance, but also for renewal.
Looking ahead, Wildman and Ray hope to see Decatur Cemetery officially recognized as a historic district by the City of Decatur, ensuring its protection for generations to come. “The more people come in, the more they’re invested,” says Wildman. “This place will always be protected.”
HAUNTING
Spirits
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with La Chiquiada’s vibrant, haunting cocktails.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINE FICKEN
1: BRUJITA
Dark, tangy, and mysterious; lime, tequila, and charcoal magic.
2: VAMPIRE’S KISS
Smoky mezcal with pomegranate, lime, seductive and blood-red.
3: LA LLORONA
Smoky chipotle tequila, sweet blackberry, tart lime; hauntingly delicious.
4: EYE PUT A SPELL ON YOU
Gin, lime, eyeballs; enchanting, playful, magically mischievous cocktail.
events
WEEKENDS
Decatur Ghost Tour
Courthouse Square, 101 E Court Square | 8:00 PM
Dare to explore Historic Downtown Decatur on a chilling ghost tour packed with passion, war, and tragedy. Wander haunted streets and end with a twilight visit to Old Decatur Cemetery—where restless spirits stir. Keep your camera ready… you never know what you might see! Learn more at decaturghosttour.com
OCTOBER 3RD - 4TH
Decatur Book Festival
Downtown Decatur
Celebrate 20 years of the Decatur Book Festival—one of the nation’s most beloved literary events. This milestone weekend will be filled with storytelling, inspiration, and community as we honor two decades of books and ideas in the heart of Decatur. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration! Learn more at decaturbookfestival.com
OCTOBER 4TH - 18TH
Fairies in the Garden
Woodlands Garden
Fairies in the Garden invites young nature-lovers to explore whimsical fairy houses hidden throughout Woodlands Garden. Created by local artists from mental health nonprofits, the exhibit is paired with story time, crafts, music, and magical fun. This beloved, family-friendly event draws hundreds each year and celebrates art, nature, and imagination. Learn more at woodlandsgarden.org/fairies
OCTOBER 11TH
Oakhurst Porchfest
Oakhurst | 12:00 PM
Georgia’s largest grassroots music festival is the coolest neighborhood event ever! Front porches become stages and yards become venues all around Oakhurst. Organizers match up 200 musical acts with 200 homeowners. Enjoy a FREE, fun-filled afternoon meandering through the musical cornucopia.
OCTOBER 18TH
Decatur BBQ and Bands Festival
Harmony Park, Oakview Rd | 12:00 PM
Decatur BBQ & Bands brings good food and good music to Harmony Park in Oakhurst. Try a variety of ‘cue, and enjoy live music, beer, a vendor marketplace, and more. Entry is free. Tasting and sip tickets will be available for purchase at the event. BBQ & Bands is brought to you by Ford’s BBQ. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Solarium. Get tickets at decaturbbqfestival.com
OCTOBER 24TH & 31ST
Candlelight Concerts: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
The Chapel on Sycamore | 6:30 PM & 8:45 PM
Experience Halloween like never before at Candlelight Concerts! Enjoy spooky, live music under candlelight at The Chapel on Sycamore, featuring classics from Thriller, Beetlejuice, The Addams Family, and more. Shows are 60 minutes, ages 8+, and tickets are selling fast— reserve now for this unforgettable, multi-sensory musical journey.
OCTOBER 25TH
Madison Ave Derby
Madison Ave | 11:00 AM
Watch gravity-powered, wildly creative cars race down Madison Avenue in this free, family-friendly event. Enjoy the lively neighborhood vibe while supporting a local nonprofit. Whether racing or spectating, you won’t want to miss this thrilling community tradition!
OCTOBER 26TH
CompassionCon 2025
Decatur Legacy Park | 1:00 PM
This intergenerational event connects neighbors, showcases compassion-centered organizations, and fosters community kindness. Enjoy the outdoors, meet like-minded people, and help amplify the voice of compassion throughout the city. Learn more at compassionateatl.org
OCTOBER 26TH
Haints & Saints -- Day of the Dead Halloween Parade
Decatur Cemetery | 5:00 PM
Decatur’s beloved Halloween parade returns with a Dia de los Muertos twist! Step off at 6 pm from Decatur Cemetery (299 Bell St.) and wind downtown to Decatur Square (101 E Court Sq.) for music and celebration. Dress up and join for free—walk, twirl, or roll (placitalatinaga.org). All ages welcome to march or watch the spectacle!
