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O C TO B E R 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Where Decatur Gathers Before Decatur, I was always somewhere else, building something for somebody else's vision. This is the first place that made me slow down enough to ask what I wanted to build for myself. My daughter Jada is in high school now, and watching her find her people, her spots, her rhythm here has taught me more about home than growing up ever did. I just married my husband in June, a veteran, and became a bonus mom to his three kids along the way. I'm still learning what it means to build a life with someone who carries so much I'll never fully understand, and to love kids who already had a mom before they had me. I'm a rescue momma too, and choosing to love something that came with a hard start changes how you show up. Some days I feel like I've earned my seat at the table. Other days I'm still knocking on the door. Both are true, and that's ok. Three years ago this magazine started doing something simple but necessary: sharing what makes Decatur, Decatur. The real stories, not the highlight reel. I'm honored to carry that forward now. We haven't always gotten it right. There are stories we've missed, voices that should've been in these pages sooner. That's on us, and it's why we're committed to being better every day. This October, that means food and drink, because that's often where Decatur shows itself best. It's Nancy at Radiant Health Kitchen, fueling people who spend their days fueling everybody else. It's Vela Park Food Works on a Saturday night: six kitchens and one lawn where families share last week's highlights. It's Monday night celebrations at Fork & Vine surrounded by our neighbors over Brussels Sprout Behl and Turkish coffee. That's who this is for. I see myself less as running a magazine and more as extending a brand this city already trusts. If you're a reader, this should be the thing you come back to. If you're a business here, I want to be a resource for you. So here's my ask: keep talking to us, send us your stories, and if you're a business owner who believes in what this city is becoming, don't just watch this book grow. Join us. This magazine is ours. I'm just entrusted with it, and I don't take that lightly.

October 2026 PUBLISHER

Tee Thompson | tee.thompson@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Amanda Sabetai | amanda.sabetai@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amanda Sabetai C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Southern Exposure Media Group, Cat Campbell

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Grateful, TEE THOMPSON, PUBLISHER @ D E C AT U R C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Decatur City Lifestyle® is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Decatur area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Decatur City Lifestyle® is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue OC TOB E R 2 02 6 | FOOD & D R I N K

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

14 18

Featured

14 18

Departments

A Home for the Unexpected

Years of travel and a shared love of unusual objects come together in Kudzu Archives.

Six Kitchens, One Gathering Place

Vela Park Food Works blends local food, outdoor space, and connection.

Fueling a Community With Care Through its meals, Radiant Health Kitchen helps Decatur residents feel nourished, supported, and cared for.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Driver’s Notebook LIFE + CULTURE

Inspired By ENTERTAINMENT

Must See ENTERTAINMENT

Local Limelight HOME + DESIGN

Now Open FOOD + BEVERAGE

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

Eat Right FOOD + BEVERAGE

How To FOOD + BEVERAGE

Our Town LOCAL SERVICES

Locals Only LIFE + CULTURE

Events

On the Cover Vela Park Food Works brings food, events, and a welcoming place to gather in East Lake, just west of Decatur. Photography: Southern Exposure Media Group

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT? With City Lifestyle’s co-branded print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online. Ready to double your local reach? Contact your local publisher by scanning below.

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OCTOBER 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: A Night at the Archives opened Kudzu’s latest evolution, Kudzu Archives. 2: Avondale Estates kicked off its centennial celebration with a street fair. 3: City and business leaders gathered for the DeKalb City Summit from the Chamber of Commerce.

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OCTOBER 2026

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

REVIVAL WOMEN'S HEALTH

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Start Your Engines, Oakhurst Every October, something magical happens on a quiet stretch of road in Oakhurst. The neighbors drag out their lawn chairs, kids press up against the curb, and one by one, wildly creative, entirely human-powered soapbox cars come flying down Madison Avenue. No motors. No shortcuts. Just gravity, ingenuity, and a whole lot of Decatur spirit. The Madison Avenue Derby returns on Saturday, October 24, 2026, and after more than a decade of racing, it shows no signs of slowing down. What began with just 20 competitors in 2011 has grown into a fullscale community event, drawing more than

100 racers and an estimated 1,000 spectators lining the street to cheer them on. And since that first race, the Derby has raised more than $300,000 for local nonprofit organizations serving children and making it as meaningful as it is memorable. This year's event adds an extra layer of fun with an optional special theme category inspired by the 1980s. Racers who want to lean in are encouraged to channel their inner arcade kid, think neon paint jobs, cassette tape designs, and nods to the movies, toys, and pop culture that defined the 80s! Beyond speed, the Derby awards cars in categories including Most Original and Most Creative, rewarding the builders who make spectators stop, stare, and wonder how on earth they pulled it off. Spectators are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs and settle in for the day. When you're not watching the action on the hill, local food vendors, including Madre Garcia's and U Joint & Steinbeck's, will be on hand to keep you fueled, along with the Derby's own beloved bake sale tent and merchandise rounding out the festivities. The Derby is an all-volunteer organization, and organizers are currently looking for sponsors, volunteers, racers, and food and activity partners to make this year's event the best one yet. madavederby.org to race, volunteer, or sponsor.

Decatur’s beloved Madison Avenue Derby returns October 24th — this time with an ’80s twist. ARTICLE BY DECATUR CITY LIFESTYLE

D R IV E R’S N OT E BOOK | LIF E + CU LT U RE

1. Megan Sovern owner of Little Empire, Erin Camin of Brilliant Escapes, and Evelyn Sovern 2. Decatur City Lifestyle staff, partners, and featured community members enjoy an evening of food, conversation, and connection. 3. Carol Hill with Wellroot Family Services, Katy Mallory contributing writer for Decatur City Lifestyle, and Dustin Casebolt with Dominion Financial Solutions 4. Christina Carter, of Chad & Christina Carter Real Estate, and Carol Hill, with Wellroot Family Services 5. Rollick Paul, chef at Fork & Vine Social 6. Globally inspired dishes from Fork & Vine Social 7. Authentic Turkish coffee station

CELEBRATING DECATUR STORIES AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS An evening brought together local partners, neighbors, and featured guests.

ARTICLE BY DECATUR CITY LIFESTYLE

Decatur City Lifestyle recently gathered community partners and people featured in the magazine for an evening of conversation, connection, and celebration at Fork & Vine Social. Guests included local business owners, community leaders, and neighbors whose stories appeared in

the August and September issues, along with the magazine partners who help make the publication possible. The evening offered a chance to reconnect, meet new faces, and celebrate the people and businesses that make Decatur such a vibrant community. OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ D E CAT UR GA

ARTICLE BY DECATUR CITY LIFESTYLE

Returning to Woodlands This Fall — And This Time, It’s About More Than Magic

Fairies in the Garden

For 14 years, a quiet kind of magic has settled over Woodlands Garden every October. Tucked among the trails, nearly 200 tiny fairy homes appear — built from acorn caps, moss, bark, and pinecones, each a little different and worth stopping to find. But there's more happening in those miniature doorways and mushroom-cap roofs than meets the eye. The fairy homes are handcrafted by clients of Skyland Trail and Hillside Atlanta, two therapy programs whose participants use the project as part of their healing process. What started as a beloved fall tradition is something deeper: a partnership between nature, art, and recovery.

M UST SE E | ENTERTAI NME N T

Fairies in the Garden is free and open to everyone. Fairy homes are tucked into 12 different spots, each site tied to a native plant — think "Beech Retreat" or "Hemlock Highway" — so visitors can explore corners of Woodlands they might otherwise walk right past. The locations shift every year to keep the discovery fresh. Beyond the self-guided fairy hunt, the event includes hands-on craft activities, story-time, family yoga, and other interactive moments built for all ages. For Woodlands Garden Executive Director Kate McAlpin, the event's real value goes beyond the whimsy. "To be able to know that this magic for the community is inspiring visitors, but also helping youth and adults heal or work through difficult life experiences in their therapy programs makes this integral to the Garden," she says. "The connection and growth that's possible through this event is pure magic, and Woodlands provides the natural beauty and setting." That collaboration — between a garden, two therapy programs, and a community of generous sponsors — is what makes Fairies in the

Garden feel different from a typical fall festival. It's craftsmanship built from a genuine process of healing, set out in the open for neighbors, kids, and first-time visitors to wander and marvel. Take your family through the trails. Somewhere between Beech Retreat and Hemlock Highway, you might just find a little fairy home — and a story behind it that's more meaningful than it looks. Fairies in the Garden Oct. 10 – Oct. 24 932 Scott Blvd., Decatur | woodlandsgarden.org OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ D E CAT UR GA

A HOME FOR THE U NE X PECTED

ARTICLE BY AMANDA SABETAI

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HO ME + D E SIGN

YEARS OF TRAVEL, DISCOVERY, AND A SHARED LOVE OF UNUSUAL OBJECTS COME TOGETHER IN KUDZU ARCHIVES, THE LATEST EVOLUTION OF A DECATUR FAVORITE.

Kate and George Lawes don’t believe everything has to match. At Kudzu Archives, an 18th-century chest can sit beside something from the 1940s. A polished French vitrine can share space with simple country church pews. Midcentury modern and oldworld European pieces coexist comfortably. “It was really freeing to mix it up and let things coexist,” Kate says. That idea, that interesting things don’t need to come from the same period, place, or style to belong together, has shaped how Kate and George curate Kudzu. It also helped inspire Kudzu Archives, a 26,000-square-foot warehouse almost directly across from Kudzu Antiques + Modern on E. Ponce de Leon Avenue. “We do share a love of the quirky,” Kate says. Emily Costley, Kate and George’s daughter and general manager of Kudzu Antiques + Modern, says her parents often bring different tastes and ideas to the table. Those differences, she says, have helped shape the business over the years. “They are not afraid to disagree with one another,” Emily says. “In fact, they often butt heads in a way that forces them to revisit an idea or how they’re going to implement something, and it leads to an even better result.” Founded by Kate’s mother in 1979, Kudzu has continued to evolve through generations, locations, and changing tastes. Its latest chapter grew from more than 15 years of Kate and George traveling through Europe to buy antiques and vintage pieces, often finding more than they had room to bring home. “We never have the room, the capacity to buy at the volume we really want to buy,” George says.

Photo by Cat Campbell CONTINUED >

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Then the warehouse across the street became available. George says the building housed Studebaker auto parts in the 1930s and later operated as a machine shop. The couple spent about a year cleaning, restoring, and renovating the space before opening Kudzu Archives in August. Studebaker signage and a historic photograph inside the building nod to its earlier life. “It’s been great because it’s been such a journey,” Kate says. “We didn’t have this plan.” The expanded space also changed what they could bring back from Europe. Instead of just one container of pieces each year, they can now bring in eight or more. The buying trips themselves are less glamorous than “antiquing in Europe” might suggest. “We’re up at 4 in the morning at an antique fair in the cold,” George says, laughing. There are negotiations, shipping, and the complicated logistics of getting furniture and objects safely across an ocean. Their travels have taken them through England, France, Denmark, Sweden, and beyond, building relationships with dealers along the way. “It’s really the people, the contacts you make, the people you seek out, that make it work,” Kate says. The result is a collection centered on European antiques and Scandinavian midcentury modern pieces, from furnishings more than 100 years old to clean-lined pieces from the 1950s and ’60s. “People just see charm in different things,” Kate says. For her, that might mean a French Louis XVI vitrine, a Welsh dresser, or one of her favorite pieces, a French clerk’s desk. For someone else, it may be a church pew or industrial lighting made from old farming equipment. At Archives, all of those things are allowed to live together. The cavernous space is designed around discovery. Instead of permanent interior walls, the Kudzu team created pathways through the open space based on years of watching how people move through stores. Archives offers local designers and antique lovers a new resource, while giving anyone the chance to wander, explore, and discover an unexpected piece for their home. Around one turn you might find a formal European cabinet or centuries-old grain bin; around another, a Scandinavian chair, a church confessional, or an antique foosball table. The mix is intentional. Rather than organizing the warehouse into rigid periods or styles, Kate and George want visitors to notice what catches their eye and imagine pieces in combinations they might not have considered before. George says the goal is bigger than simply selling furniture. “We believe in providing an experience,” he says. “It doesn’t matter whether they buy anything or not. We just want to be a place where people say, ‘I really enjoyed going there.’” For Kate, that feeling is more emotional. “I really operate from the heart,” she says, “and I want it to feel like a warm hug when you walk in here.” That sense of connection extends to the objects themselves. “Life is about stories, and every piece in here has a story,” George says. “We hope people will find a little story to take home with them occasionally.” kudzuarchives.com 2935 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | HO ME + D E SIGN

Photo by Cat Campbell

George and Kate Lawes, Emily Costley, and Kudzu’s greeter pup Gabby

“ I T WA S R E A L L Y FR EEING TO MIX IT UP AND LET T H I N G S C O E X I S T.” — K A T E L AW E S

Photo by Cat Campbell OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ D E CAT UR GA

A NEW GATHERING SPACE FOR Food and Community

VELA PARK FOOD WORKS BRINGS LOCAL FLAVOR AND COMMUNITY TOGETHER. ARTICLE BY AMANDA SABETAI PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOUTHERN EXPOSURE MEDIA GROUP

NOW OP E N | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

Pizzas from Flora D’Italia are popular.

Against the surrounding apartments and neighborhood streets, Vela Park Food Works is hard to miss. Its bright blue exterior rises along Second Avenue like a beacon, but the bigger surprise waits on the other side. The building opens onto an expansive patio and wide-open lawn where kids can play, dogs are welcome, and visitors can settle in with food from six local kitchens. Inside, diners can choose among wood-fired pizza and Italian dishes, fried chicken, seafood, Cuban and Mexican fare, North Carolina-style barbecue, and desserts, along with drinks from a full-service bar. The bar sits between the indoor dining space and outdoor gathering areas, making it easy for guests to move between the kitchens, patio, and lawn. But the idea, founder Robert Montwaid says, was never simply to house a collection of restaurants. “Our goal is to create a place that brings people together every day — where great food, open spaces and authentic experiences strengthen the fabric of the community.” That idea was part of what attracted Southern Belle Chicken Co. chef Joey Ward to the project. “It’s designed to be a neighborhood gathering place — independent local kitchens, a bar, outdoor space, families, dogs, live music and people actually hanging out together,” Ward says. “That really fits the kind of restaurant I wanted Chicken Co. to be. I’ve spent a lot of my career creating special-occasion dining experiences, and I love doing that, but I also wanted to create something that could become part of somebody’s everyday life.” Situated just a smidge south of the Decatur city limits, near Drew Charter School and East Lake Golf Club, Vela Park draws from East Lake, Decatur, Kirkwood, and surrounding neighborhoods. Montwaid says those communities helped make the location appealing. “People here support local businesses, and they want places where they can actually spend time together,” he says.

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Executive Chef Minelly Amador Díaz, who operates La Tropical and MiMi Taquería at Vela Park, sees that mix of communities as part of the appeal. She says she was drawn to the way a food hall can bring different cultures, flavors, and people together, particularly in an area that appreciates independent restaurants and diverse food. “Decatur has a strong appreciation for independent restaurants and diverse food, so it felt like the right community for La Tropical and MiMi Taquería to grow and build lasting relationships with our guests,” she says. “It also gives us a chance to share the kind of food and hospitality my Grandma Maria taught me to value.” That emphasis on spending time, not just grabbing dinner, shapes much of Vela Park. On a recent afternoon, a visitor sat outside reading with a drink while children played nearby as their parents ate. Others drifted between the kitchens, bar, and patio, settling in rather than simply picking up a meal and leaving. The indoor-outdoor layout gives groups room to spread out, whether they’re gathering around a table or watching children play on the lawn. On busier evenings, families might spread out on the lawn while friends meet for drinks or catch a game on the big screens. Weekly programming brings trivia, live music, games, and other events to the property. Flora D’Italia chef Matthew Rainey was similarly drawn to Vela Park’s sense of community and energy. He says being there allows him to be “part of something bigger than just my own kitchen.” Fall may be when that vision really comes into focus. Montwaid says cooler evenings will bring more live music, football on the big screens, seasonal food and drinks, and other community events. Ultimately, though, the idea behind all of it is simple. “We want people to stay awhile,” Montwaid says. velaparkfoodworks.com 1881 2nd Ave., Decatur

NOW OP E N | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

Vela Park Food Works owners Matt Kabrick, Robert Montwaid, and Thierry Pomies

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MEET THE

KITCHENS Six distinct food concepts give Vela Park something for everyone. ARTICLE BY DECATUR CITY LIFESTYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SOUTHERN EXPOSURE MEDIA GROUP At Vela Park Food Works, everyone can order what sounds good. Kids can grab pizza or tacos while adults try seafood or barbecue, and drinks or dessert can be destinations, too. Good Times Bar adds indoor and outdoor seating, along with specialty cocktails and mocktails. From lunch to family dinners, six kitchens and a bar make it easy to mix things up.

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

1 2

1 . F L OR A D ’ I TA L I A Handmade pasta, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and Italian favorites anchor Flora D’Italia’s menu. Chef Matthew Rainey wants the food to feel familiar while still offering something unexpected, with bold flavors and quality ingredients at the center. “Ultimately, I want people to leave feeling like they had a great meal—not just something to eat,” he says. floraditalia.com

2. SOUTHER N BELLE CHICK EN CO.

3. FUZZY’S

James Beard semifinalist Chef Joey Ward brings fine-dining techniques to fried chicken with what he calls “serious technique with no ceremony.” Southern-style chicken travels the globe through flavors like gochujang hot honey and tangy jerk. “The chicken stays Southern—the flavors get to wander,” Ward says. southernbellechickenco.com

Fuzzy’s is a coastal kitchen and raw bar serving seafood favorites ranging from fried grouper sandwiches and fish and chips to red snapper and lobster rolls. With a menu built around fresh seafood, it brings an easygoing coastal feel to Vela Park and adds another distinctly different option to the mix. instagram.com/fuzzysrawbaratl

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4 5

6 5. DOUG’S NC BBQ Vinegar-based sauces and smoked turkey help set Doug’s NC BBQ apart. The Vela Park kitchen leans into North Carolina-style barbecue, offering a tangier take on classic smoked meats and a different flavor profile from many of the barbecue spots around Atlanta. dougsncbbq.com

4. LA TROPICA L + M I M I TAQU E R I A

6 . DE SSERT BOX

Executive Chef Minelly Amador Díaz draws inspiration from her Grandma Maria, who taught her that food can carry memories and make people feel cared for. La Tropical serves Puerto Rican- and Cuban-inspired dishes, while MiMi Taquería focuses on Mexican favorites. “Cooking with care changes everything,” Díaz says. mimitaqueria.com

Inspired by classic French pâtisserie, DessertBox serves cupcakes, cookies, cheesecakes, and other sweets alongside breads and savory bites. Led by Chef Matthew Rainey, the concept brings a pastry-shop feel to Vela Park, with plenty for dessert lovers and a few options for those craving something savory. dessertboxatl.com

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

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Fueling a Community With Care Through meal delivery and catering, Radiant Health Kitchen helps Decatur residents feel nourished, supported, and cared for. A community works because people show up for one another in different ways. For Nancy Campbell, that means caring for others through good food. Teachers teach. Doctors care for patients. Firefighters respond to emergencies. One thing they all have in common: they need nourishment. “I’m not a doctor. I’m not a lawyer. I’m not in government, but I am supporting people by fueling them to do what they need to do in life to help others,” Nancy says. That’s where Radiant Health Kitchen comes in. Each week, Nancy and her team source fresh ingredients from local markets and turn them into colorful, balanced meals delivered to homes throughout Decatur and metro Atlanta. They are prepared in Radiant Health Kitchen’s gluten- and peanut-free commercial kitchen in downtown Decatur, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and flavorful food. Nancy, a chef and culinary nutritionist with a master’s degree in nutrition and integrative health, pairs her nutrition background with a personal approach to feeding people. Every potential client speaks with her before getting started, allowing the team to learn about dietary restrictions, preferences, and the realities of feeding a particular household. Within each week’s menu, clients can often swap sides or request adjustments.

ARTICLE BY DECATUR CITY LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY RADIANT HEALTH KITCHEN

EAT R IGH T | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

That personal connection has attracted households that previously tried national meal delivery services but wanted something that felt more home-cooked. For clients, that can mean having one less decision to make at the end of a busy day. It also means working with a local kitchen rather than an anonymous delivery service, with someone they can actually talk to about what their household likes, needs, or simply won’t eat. The goal is to make dinner easier for busy households to manage. As the company’s home meal delivery has grown, its services have expanded to include catering for corporate meetings, small events, schools, and community gatherings. The catering business grew organically from the households Radiant Health Kitchen already served. Nancy says clients began asking her to provide meals for office meetings and events, and word of mouth took over from there. Chinese Napa salad with marinated tofu and sesame ginger dressing is a favorite on Radiant Health Kitchen's catering menu.

For Nancy, the appeal of catering also goes back to her own experience working in corporate settings while following a gluten-free diet. She remembers meetings where the catered lunch was often a sandwich platter that left her without anything she could eat. She wanted her own kitchen to provide something different: an experience where everyone at the table felt considered, not as an afterthought. “People are really craving food that leaves their bodies fueled, not tired and sluggish,” says Sarah Davis, operations manager for Radiant Health Kitchen. That philosophy has brought Radiant Health Kitchen into schools, workplaces, and churches

Nancy Campbell, Radiant Health Kitchen's owner and chef

Chicken marsala with mashed potatoes and grilled broccolini is a warming meal for the fall season.

throughout the community. The company is the in-house caterer for Decatur Presbyterian Church, where its kitchen is based. Their Wednesday night suppers continue to grow, bringing people together for a meal and a chance to connect. The team’s thoughtful approach also extends beyond the meals themselves. Nancy says they compost food scraps when possible, recycle extensively, use reusable cooler bags and ice packs, and retrieve serving equipment after catered events to reduce waste. Whether a meal is headed to a family’s doorstep, a room full of teachers, or a corporate meeting, Nancy says the goal is ultimately the same: to help people feel cared for. After catering a lunch for City of Decatur teachers, they described the meal as the nicest they’d had all year; Nancy summed it up simply. “They just feel loved,” she says. “It’s just love.” radianthealthkitchen.com

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ D E CAT UR GA

maple pumpkin parfait

A FALL-INSPIRED MAPLE PUMPKIN GRANOLA WITH PUMPKIN YOGURT ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN, CPT

4. Line a large baking sheet (9 x 13 inches works well) with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking oil spray. Transfer oats to baking sheet and spread in a thin, even layer. 5. Bake in oven for 1 hour, mixing at 30 minutes and 45 minutes. 6. Remove oats from oven briefly. Add pumpkin seeds, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and remaining ¼ C pure maple syrup. Mix with a spatula and return to oven to bake for another 30 minutes, mixing halfway through. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before using a spatula to transfer to container. Do not wait too long to transfer granola as it can stick to the parchment paper as it cools.

maple pumpkin granola

(Yields approximately 4.5 cups or 18 – ¼ C servings)

ingredients:

• 2 ½ C rolled oats • 1 C pumpkin seeds, hulled • ½ C unsalted walnuts, chopped • 2 Tbsp canned pumpkin puree (Note: the only ingredient should be pumpkin – this is different than pumpkin pie filling) • 1 Tbsp water • 2 Tbsp avocado oil or vegetable oil • ½ C pure maple syrup, divided into 2- ¼ C servings

• • • • •

2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice ¼ tsp salt Nonstick cooking oil spray

pumpkin yogurt

(Yields approximately 1 C yogurt)

ingredients:

• ¾ C plain Greek yogurt of choice • ¼ C canned pumpkin puree • ¼ tsp cinnamon • ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract • 1 ½ tsp honey

granola directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Combine canned pumpkin, water, oil, vanilla extract and ¼ C maple syrup and mix until well combined. 3. Add rolled oats and salt to wet ingredients and mix until oats are evenly coated.

H OW TO | FO O D + BEVER AGE

yogurt

directions: 1. Combine all yogurt ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Top with a handful of the maple pumpkin granola, serve immediately and enjoy! Note: This granola can be stored in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week. While this granola is made with gluten free ingredients, I recommend using certified gluten free ingredients if needed . Yogurt can be made with a suitable dairy-free alternative if you need this recipe to be dairy-free and the honey can be swapped for pure maple syrup to make the dairy-free yogurt recipe suitable for a vegan diet. The granola and the yogurt can each be enjoyed on their own, but they complement each other so nicely! This Maple Pumpkin Granola Parfait is a perfect way to celebrate autumn’s most famous flavors in a nutritious way! Pumpkin, maple syrup and warm spices, such as cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, give cozy vibes that are traditionally found in baked goods this time of year. However, while pumpkin bread, muffins, cookies and other fall flavored baked goods are certainly delicious and should be enjoyed, this Maple Pumpkin Granola Parfait provides the satisfaction of those fall flavors in a lighter way, while providing ample protein and fiber. It is the perfect, slightly sweet and balanced way to start the day – or to enjoy anytime! Website: alyssalavy.com Instagram: @alyssalavyrd

Happy 3 Years

of Decatur City Lifestyle For three years, Decatur City Lifestyle has had the honor of sharing the people, places, and stories that make this community special. As we celebrate our third anniversary, we want to express our gratitude to the partners who supported the magazine at the very beginning and helped make its launch possible. Thank you for believing in Decatur City Lifestyle and helping us continue to tell Decatur's stories.

Accel Research Sites Network Atlanta Upper Cervical Chiropractic Atlantic Pressure Washing Clarity Fitness HammerSmith Kelly’s Market Kemper Pelvic Physiotherapy La Chiquiada Mason Mill Chiropractic McGhee Studios Minuteman Press Decatur Moonrise MyPandaApp Parker’s on Ponce Pure Barre Decatur (R)Evolution Riggs Nutrition Simmons Veterinary Clinic Studio Wythe Timothy Cox & Co. Realtors Total Home Edit Wachs Woodcraft Whisked Away ATL

OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ D E CAT UR GA

MAHJONG Meets A NEW Generation Two young Decatur players embrace a classic game that’s growing in popularity. ARTICLE BY AMANDA SABETAI

Mahjong is having a moment. American mahjong, a version of the classic Chinese tile game, is attracting a new generation with its mix of strategy, skill, and opportunities to connect in person. Among those young players are Decatur siblings Sidney Rose Weil, 12, and Lucas Weil, 8, who learned to play by watching their mother and grandmother. “Our grandmother taught us,” Sidney said. “She’s been playing for over 40 years, and we’ve been playing for about two years.” Sidney and Lucas play mahjong with family members and other children their age. Although the game requires concentration, Sidney said it never feels exactly the same twice. “I think it’s fun to stretch your brain,” she said. “Each game is different. I love seeing the tiles. Playing as a team of two is super fun, too.” Sidney especially enjoys teaming up with her friend Mae Collins. “We like to be a team and dominate the grownups,” she said. The Weil family is part of a larger community of mahjong players in Decatur. Sidney’s mother, aunt, and grandmother often host games, while local groups give adults opportunities to learn and play throughout the city. Vicki Figiel of the Decatur Mahjong Social Club said interest in the game has increased, and the club has grown to more than 100 members in just over a year. Members say the appeal goes beyond the game itself. “It’s an avenue to meet new people and make new friends,” member Susan Hill says.

LOCA LS ON LY | L I FE + C U LT U RE

Lucas Weil, 8, playing mahjong at home.

Sidney Rose Weil, 12, enjoys playing mahjong with family and friends.

Figiel said she isn’t aware of any formal mahjong clubs for children in the area, although several members play at home with their children and grandchildren. Sidney hopes to create a neighborhood mahjong club for kids who already play, as well as those who want to learn. “I definitely recommend learning mahjong because it’s a good brain game,” Sidney said. “You have to think really hard. Plus, it’s fun to win.” To learn more about the Decatur Mahjong Social Club, visit decaturmahj.com.

Decatur Mahjong Social Club members say mahjong keeps the mind active while bringing people together.

Members of the Decatur Mahjong Social Club play one evening at Benchwarmers. OCTOB ER 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ D E CAT UR GA

OCTOBER 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

O C TOBE R 2 N D - 3 RD

Decatur Book Festival Downtown Decatur The 2026 Decatur Book Festival kicks off on Friday evening with a keynote conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Brian Goldstone. The festival continues on Saturday with a street fair featuring authors, poets, publishers, booksellers, writing groups, artists, nonprofits, and small businesses. Learn more at decaturbookfestival.com O C TOBE R 1 0 T H

Oakhurst Porchfest Oakhurst neighborhood | 12:00 PM For one afternoon, Oakhurst Porchfest turns the neighborhood into a music festival for all ages. Ordinary porches and yards become music venues for this grassroots event. The free event is organized by The Decatur Arts Alliance, a Porchfest organizing team, musicians, and hundreds of Oakhurst neighbors, with assistance of city sanitation and the Decatur Police Department. oakhurstporchfest.org O C TOBE R 1 0 T H - 2 4 T H

Fairies in the Garden Woodlands Garden, 932 Scott Blvd., Decatur 30030 This annual event transforms Woodlands Garden into a magical world where fairy houses are hidden throughout the eight-acre forest. The whimsical dwellings are created from natural materials such as bark, twigs, or seeds. The event includes activities for the whole family, including crafts, music, and story time. Find more details at woodlandsgarden.org/fairies O C TOBE R 1 7 T H

Decatur BBQ Fest Harmony Park in Oakhurst Village | 12:00 PM Decatur BBQ Fest brings a day of food, live music, wrestling performances, and a raffle and silent auction to Oakhurst Village. Proceeds benefit the Solarium, which provides community support by hosting and supporting events and providing grants to other local non-profit groups. The family-friendly event is free to attend. decaturbbqfestival.com O C TOBE R 2 5T H

Decatur Diwali Ebster Recreation Center, 105 Electric Ave, Decatur | 12:00 PM SACHA is hosting its first Diwali celebration, and it's free to attend. The Festival of Light celebration will include Diwali crafts, dance performances, and food for purchase. You can RSVP on the SACHA website. sacha-atl.org/events-1. O C TOBE R 2 5T H

Haints & Saints – Day of the Dead Halloween Parade Decatur Cemetery to Downtown Decatur Square | 6:00 PM Decatur's own Halloween-themed parade has a Dia de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) twist. The parade is free and begins at 6 p.m. at the Bell St. entrance of the Decatur Cemetery then winds its way to downtown Decatur. Visit placitalatinaga.com for more details or to register to participate in the parade.

EVE N TS

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