Books, Brews & Festivals
DECATUR LIVING, LLC
P.O. BOX 2589
DECATUR, GA 30031
A story for everyone
Where to begin? That was the question we asked ourselves when we sat down to pull together the people and stories in this issue. In a community filled with some of the most passionate, diverse and entrepreneurial individuals anywhere in the Atlanta area, just where do we begin?
Well, we did it.
In our fall issue, which features our “Books, Brews & Festivals” cover story, we offer a glimpse into the lives of nine remarkable people who are helping define the true spirit of what our community means to all of us. They are storytellers, creators and organizers dedicated to fostering the connections that make up what Decatur stands for.
Through their efforts—whether by sharing stories that resonate, creating welcoming spaces where people can gather or organizing events that bring us together—they remind us of the strength found in unity.
Their passion is a powerful reminder that the heart of any community lies in the bonds we build with one another. As we navigate our own paths, let’s not only take inspiration from these individuals, but also recognize that every small act of connection contributes to the larger fabric of our shared experience. Together, we can continue to cultivate a community where everyone feels seen, heard and valued—a place where hope and connection thrive.
It is the reason we are so excited about the new path we are forging with Decatur Living & Beyond. Along with the stories in this issue, we will have more exclusive online pieces that dive deeper into the community at large.
And yes, we have some surprises, too. Do we have your attention? We sure hope so. We truly hope you love this issue as much as we do. And who knows, maybe we’ll run into you at the Decatur Book Festival. We wouldn’t miss it.
Natalie Gregory Publisher, Decatur Living
PUBLISHER
Natalie
EDITOR
Michael J. Pallerino
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Monique LaRue
CREATIVE DI RECTOR
Brent Cashman
PHOTOGRAPHY
Chris Lawery
Joshua Vensel WRITERS
Carol Badaracco Padgett
Jennifer Morrell
Decatur Living Telephone: 404-550-5113 hello@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.
On the cover Brews, Books and Festivals
Cover location: Brick Store
Photography by Chris Lawery
Gregory
On Tap in Oakhurst
6 ways to create your own laid-back luxe
By Carol Badaracco Padgett
WHERE DO YOU like to hang out? Indoors? Outdoors? How about both? Just ask an Oakhurst family, who tapped Decatur’s Studio Wythe (Ashley McClure) and Hammertime Construction (Ali Herriot) for an assist in creating the ultimate hybrid backyard haven. “It’s not a detached exterior space; and there’s no hassle to use it,” Herriot says. With so many elements in play, you may just find a design idea that works for you. Here’s a peek inside:
Accordion all-access
McClure and Herriot created a screened porch and outdoor kitchen addition where the indoors is out and the outdoors is in—all with the gentle glide of a door and a window. “By incorporating an accordion door and window in this project, the kitchen opens up to the outdoor space and it really makes a continuation of the living space,” Herriot says. “The homeowner can either cook food in the kitchen and walk straight out onto the screened porch or use the outdoor kitchen to cook there in the Green Egg.” Either way, the transition is smooth and ultra-inviting when guests come over.
Green Eggs and fan
Speaking of the Green Egg—or any type of outdoor cooking or kitchen set-up—homeowners need a fan to blow grill smoke away in both the porch and kitchen. For this outdoor cooking area, an oscillating wall-mounted fan was the ideal choice. And, if you’re looking for a bonus tip: Don’t forget the outdoor kitchen sink. “Make sure you winterize the sink by having a shut-off inside,” Herriot says. “You don’t want to bust a pipe.”
Natural wood
In nearly every Atlanta neighborhood, you’ll spot a natural wood vibe on the exterior of homes. Its neutral good looks also are right for screened porches and patio areas. “The trend is to showcase the natural appearance of the wood species, such as oak, cypress or cedar, with a clear matte sealer to protect it from the elements,” Herriot says. Some opt to skip the sealer, let the wood age naturally, and get a rustic, warmer feel.
In the screened porch at this home, McClure and Herriot created a floating fireplace mantel that showcases a natural patina. If a wood element is under a covered porch of some type, like the floating mantel, Hammertime often opts to use reclaimed wood from the existing house to build the mantel and other elements of a screen porched or outdoor kitchen area.
Ali Herriot, Hammertime
Low-key lighting
The key to really cool illumination is to have enough to light up the space, but not so much that it compromises the relaxed ambience of the environment. “When there’s a fire going in the outdoor fireplace—the wood-burning variety with a tongue-andgroove ceiling at Oakhurst—you can dim the recessed lighting,” Herriot says. “The fireplace might provide the only lighting sometimes. For other times, small lamps are a nice option for ambient lighting.”
Doggie door
Sit down, get up. Sit down, get up. Repeat. This dance can ruin any relaxed vibe for the dog that wants to be in and out of the backyard, over and over again. Enter a simple dog
door on the screened porch, which keeps everyone happy. “A lot of people don’t think about it, and architects often don’t either, but we ask the homeowner if they want one,” Herriot says. “Then, when we do the warranty punch-out, something they can’t stop talking about is the dog door. It’s a good little inexpensive feature that makes a huge difference.”
Beer tap and beverage refrigerator
Let’s face it: A beer tap can be a killer amenity. “It’s a kegerator,” Herriot says, “that is located under the outdoor kitchen countertop. You can also put wine on tap, but we did kegs of beer on this project. Another cool and muchenjoyed touch is a beverage refrigerator.”
Instgram @alanclarkarchitects
Website www.alanclarkarchitects.com
Game Day Gourmet
3 must-try recipes for your fall tailgating or watch parties
BUFFALO WINGS
FAVORITE JERSEY. Check. Game day drinks. Check. Now, what do you have to snack on? What’s on the menu? Let’s face it: It isn’t a game-watching party unless you have that perfect something. We just may have some ideas for you. We asked three Decatur restaurant haunts to not only give us some recommendations, but the recipes, too. See if you can add these to your game-watching menu. `
SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE DIP
(Serves 8)
8 oz. cream cheese
16 oz. sour cream 1 cup Parmesan cheese plus 1/2 cup to top dip 14 oz. chopped artichoke hearts
10 oz. frozen (drained, thawed, chopped) spinach
2 tbsp. cayenne pepper
1 tbsp. garlic
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all the ingredients together and place in an oven safe bowl. Top with 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and bake in the oven for approximately 15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
678-732-3109
BBQ RIBS
For the Rib Rub
2 tbsp. Kosher Salt
2 tbsp. Granulated Sugar
2 tbsp. Brown Sugar
2 tbsp. Cumin
2 tbsp. Chili Powder
2 tbsp. Black Pepper
1 tbsp. Cayenne
3 tbsp. Paprika
1 tbsp. Dry English Mustard
1 tbsp. Coriander
For the BBQ Sauce (Makes a Gallon)
38 oz. White Vinegar
38 oz. Ketchup
2 lb. Sugar
4 oz. Worcestershire Sauce
1 Small bottle of Texas Pete (black label)
3 tbsp. of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
2 oz. Honey
2 oz. Molasses
3 caps of Liquid Smoke
Directions for BBQ Sauce
Pour the ingredients into a gallon jug in this order:
1. Texas Pete
2. Ketchup
3. Honey
4. Molasses
5. Worcestershire Sauce
6. Liquid Smoke
7. Sugar
8. Red Pepper Flakes
9. Vinegar Mix well, then refrigerate.
Directions for the Ribs
> Ensure ribs are fully thawed.
> Rinse ribs to remove any residue.
> Pat dry.
> Remove the membrane.
> Combine rub ingredients listed above, then apply thoroughly.
> Allow the ribs to marinate overnight.
> Slow smoke in a smoker at 225 degrees for 5 hours.
> Once smoked, move ribs to the charcoal grill at around 275 degrees.
> Baste with homemade BBQ sauce for 2 minutes on each side.
Benchwarmer’s
2240 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur benchwarmersgrill.com 678-648-1493
Books, Brews & Festivals
Embracing Decatur’s love of all things culture
THERE IS NO DENYING what the power of community means to the people who so passionately and vigorously define its sense of hope and connection. It is a power shaped by a diverse group of individuals—each with unique backgrounds, vocations and beliefs—passionate in their pursuit of a common sense of unity. On the following pages, our “Books, Brews & Festivals” cover story offers a snapshot of nine people helping elevate what Decatur means to each of us. Whether through sharing stories, creating spaces for connection, or organizing events that bring people together, their passion reminds us that the strength of a community lies in the bonds we build with one another.
– Stories by Michael J. Pallerino
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
– Coretta Scott King
THE POWER OF WORDS
How the Decatur Book Festival’s Leslie Wingate is helping build community through books
Margaret Wheatley once wrote that “...we can change the world if we start listening to one another again.” The author of “Turning to One Another” said that if more people stepped up, let go of their judgments of others and became curious, conversation could begin.
Since 2005, the Decatur Book Festival has followed that paradigm in becoming
an annual literary celebration—the kind of communal gathering that ignites passion for reading and community engagement (it went virtual during COVID and took a hiatus in 2023). Books have long been a source of entertainment, knowledge and power— tools that create opportunities for people to engage in meaningful conversations, explore diverse ideas and find common ground.
These are the tools that Leslie Wingate loves to have at her disposal. Today, she is in charge of spearheading all that is literary and cultural as Executive Director of the Decatur Book Festival (DBF), Oct. 4-5, which this year features famed author Joyce Carol Oates as the keynote speaker. With a career in and a love of books, Leslie was former VP on the DBF Board and long-time Emory employee at the alumni association, then as Director of Campus and Community Relations for Emory Libraries, from where she recently retired to help bring the festival back to our city.
“The Festival is a beloved community event, not just for Decatur and Atlanta residents, but for folks from far-flung places. It brings people together, creating a sense of community.”
There is so much to see. For example, not only will you find the latest great reads and authors (Stacey Abrams, Tara Coyt, Thomas Mullen), but there also is live musical entertainment, food trucks, activities for kids and a diverse array of exhibitors. This year, 90 exhibitors will represent authors, publishers, booksellers, writing clubs, literacy organizations and companies with book-related products. There also is an entertainment stage, which will feature the Agnes Scott Collegiate Chorale, a family friendly performance by the Atlanta Shakespeare Company, music by the Swimming Pool Q’s, and more.
Among the participating booksellers in 2024 are Brave and Kind Bookshop; Charis Books and More; Eagle Eye Books; and Little Shop of Stories. “There are so many educational opportunities for all ages where people can read, engage with authors, and feel intellectually and culturally stimulated.”
And while DBF’s primary focus is the festival, it also is committed to the community. Take its work with X Books, an Atlanta-based organization that addresses the lack of available books in prisons and jails. DBF also recently received a grant from the Decatur Rotary Club to partner with X Books or a similar organization again this year to help them with their mission. “If I can steal a thought from our sponsor opportunities document, ‘We come to be moved, challenged, enlightened, amused and roused to action. We come to find the next great read. We come together to be transported by the gift of storytelling.’”
WRITING (AND ROLLING) WITH THE CHANGES
The secret behind author Thomas Mullen’s success
You’ll have to forgive Thomas Mullen if he cannot succinctly explain the genius of his writing process. In a craft that blends equal parts creativity, discipline and learning, the process can be both rewarding and challenging, if not exactly etched in stone.
For example, his first novel, “The Last Town on Earth,” debuted two months after his first son was born, while his second, “The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers,” was published three months after his second son’s birth. “Like parenthood itself, my writing routine is constantly changing and evolving. The demands of parenthood have always been a huge factor in when or whether I write.”
The life of a writer, even a successful one like Mullen, does not play by the rules of your typical work clock. The acclaimed novelist writes on his clock. At different times over the 18 years since his debut, he has been a full-time novelist, writing and researching from 9-5 every day; has worked a full-time job, writing fiction at night or weekends; and has written in between freelance assignments. And there have been times when he would strictly help care for his children and put writing on the back-burner.
“My wife (Jenny) and I have had pretty much every permutation of childcare and work schedule. For a writer, the challenge is usually finding the time and mental energy to write. I’ve learned not to be too precious about having a routine or needing things to be a certain way. Ultimately, you just have to do it.”
There is no denying that when Mullen puts his thoughts to the page, the routine works. In all, the internationally bestselling author has published eight novels, with his latest, “The Rumor Game,” returning to the historical fiction genre. The book is a crime story set in World War II-era Boston, exploring struggles and conflicts that still echo with today’s headlines. One of his earlier historical novels, the Atlanta-set “Darktown,” was shortlisted for the “Los Angeles Times Book Prize,” the “Indies Choice Book Award,” the “Southern Book Prize,” an “Audie Award” and was named an “NPR Best Book.”
After stints in several other cities, Decatur became a serious contender for the Mullens’ next home after they traveled from their home in Washington, DC, to attend the Decatur Book Festival (DBF) in 2007. By summer 2008, inspired by their positive experience, the Mullens made the move. “[Decatur] is the perfect place because it offers a vibrant and diverse creative community. Musicians. Designers. Artists. Cinematographers. Animators. It’s also home to some great independent bookstores.” “[Decatur] is the perfect place because it offers a vibrant and diverse creative community. Musicians. Designers. Artists. Cinematographers and animators.”
KEEPING IT REAL
Inside the mind—and journey—of author Tara Coyt
She was that kid. The one who asked for summer reading assignments and checked out library books regularly in elementary school. When she ran out of books, Tara Coyt would read whatever was in the house. Encyclopedia. History books. Murder mysteries. The newspaper. Agatha Christie detective novels helped her learn how to analyze problems and solve mysteries in middle school.
Living a lifetime of being an avid reader, Tara also wanted to be a writer. After an idea she had on a book about the history of Black banks and financial institutions fell by the wayside in the early 2000s, she began writing articles and an op-ed column. She went on to co-author several books, including passion projects from NBA All-Stars Joe Barry Carroll
and Sidney Moncrief, and Death Row Records photographer Simone Green.
“It was 2015 when my personal passion project revealed itself. ‘Real Talk About LGBTQIAP’ took five years to research and write, and was worth every minute. I am now working on another book, a screenplay and a stage play.”
When Tara first moved to Decatur, the Dekalb library system was important to her writing and research. Attending the Decatur Book Festival (DBF) and Georgia Center for the Book events also provided opportunities to meet and hear national and local authors. “Those book talks are informative and inspiring. I always walk away with expanded knowledge and new ideas. It’s also rejuvenating to meet and talk to other book lovers.”
She recalls one of those career-defining moments after being selected as a featured author at the Decatur Book Festival. When she arrived at the hotel, the assigned room was empty. Busying herself by rearranging the set-up and ensuring the audio-visual system was working, it would be 20 minutes before a colleague told her to stop and turn around. The room, filled beyond capacity, included middle school kids, senior citizens, and people of different genders, sexualities and races. “Tears trickled down my face. People were seated on the floor and hotel security eventually refused to let anyone else in. You always wonder if anyone will show up, especially where there are so many other book talks to attend. That was an incredible day for me.”
“Stories are pivotal, starting with the stories we tell ourselves, real and fictional, in all their formats. They can give life and extinguish it.”
Today, the writer, editor, author coach, award-winning marketing strategist and entrepreneur continues to be a source of inspiration for others, both as a writer and marketer. For example, she has developed campaigns for brands like Disney, General Mills, HBO Max, McDonalds, NBCUniversal, Porsche, etc. She has also served small businesses and non-profit organizations, including 100 Black Women, ARD Logistics, Fulton-Dekalb Hospital Authority, and others.
“Sometimes, when I’m writing or in a board meeting, I offer a perspective or suggestion and wonder, ‘Where did that come from?’ It’s a result of my curiosity and various positions I’ve held. Stories are pivotal, starting with the stories we tell ourselves, real and fictional, in all their formats. They can give life and extinguish it.”
STORIES MATTER
How Stacey Abrams is redefining advocacy through storytelling
Stacey Abrams was addressing a group about her 2022 political thriller, “Rogue Justice,” when she noticed a young girl in the audience. In a crowd of mostly adults, seeing an 8 year old intently hanging on to every word intrigued the long-time Georgia lawmaker, bestselling author and voting rights activist.
Carrying a copy of her first book, “Stacey’s Extraordinary Words,” the girl explained that when she found out Abrams was speaking, she demanded to attend. An ardent fan of the No. 1 New York Times bestselling and “NAACP Image Award” winning author, she wanted to share how the story inspired her. “She loved how the book’s protagonist didn’t get what she wanted, but kept going anyway. I cannot imagine a more profound moment for a writer than having a reader tell you exactly what you hoped they’d glean.”
Perhaps what Abrams saw in the young girl was a bit of herself. The daughter of a librarian mother and shipyard worker father, she learned early on about the grit it would take to face the road ahead. Her civically engaged parents moved from Wisconsin to Mississippi before settling in Decatur when she was in high school.
“We grew up with a broad appreciation of children’s stories, which were a source of imagination and world-building. Our home was filled with books from diverse cultures that shaped my understanding of possibility. Storytelling is the ultimate outlet for creativity because it allows us to weave together imagination, emotion and experience into narratives that resonate deeply with people. Stories have the power to transcend boundaries, connect diverse experiences and inspire change, providing a way to explore complex ideas and emotions in a manner that engages and transforms.”
A true believer in how storytelling can shape the world, Abrams continues to share her passion with the next generation. “Stories reflect our dreams, amplify our ambitions and have the power to create change. Even the smallest moments are opportunities for
“Storytelling is the ultimate outlet for creativity because it allows us to weave together imagination, emotion and experience into narratives that resonate deeply with people.”
growth. If we can push forward with resilience, determination and the support of allies, we can nurture a generation of leaders and storytellers who will shape a brighter, more inclusive future.”
In the latest from her award–winning Stacey’s Stories picture-book series, illustrated by Kitt Thomas, Abrams tells the story of how a group of classmates band together to help less fortunate kids afford “TacoPizza FryDay.” The young Stacey, put off by the injustice, turns to the adults to fix the problem, who, in turn, encourage her to use her own voice to address the issue. “I try to embody the values that I hold dearest: curiosity, problem-solving and the pursuit of social justice. To do so requires perseverance and a dogged commitment to integrity, as well as demonstrating daily that change is possible.”
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO JOE
Businessman. Philanthropist. Author. And more. How Joe Barry Carroll juggles it all.
When you are the 10th of 13 children, you learn to adapt. You learn that no matter what they put in front you, the goal is always the goal. Joe Barry Carroll adapted. Still does. The former National Basketball Association (NBA) star, who averaged 17.7 points over his 10-year career, used the experience he learned jockeying for position among some of the league’s biggest names for the greater good.
The road continued on with the economics degree he earned at the prestigious Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. While being among a select few to play in the NBA, it was just a steppingstone for everything that followed. After retiring from
“If you are able to communicate and do it well, you are able to provide messages of inspiration... I love having an opportunity to share ideas and provide encouragement.”
the NBA, he started The Carroll Group, a wealth management model that focuses on spending, saving, investing, philanthropy, and more.
That last one, philanthropy, led to the BroadView Foundation, which Joe founded in 1985 while still in the NBA. Today, it is called the Joe Barry Carroll Family Foundation, which continues to financially support and participate in organizations and programs that help make the world a better place. This includes children, students, elderly, economically disadvantaged, and individuals and communities of color. His accomplishments have been recognized with a “Hank Aaron Champion for Justice” award from the Atlanta Braves, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights.
It also is one of the reasons Joe has been a long-time participant in the Decatur Book Festival, which led to becoming a sponsor and advocate of the festival. Following a pause in 2023 because of COVID, the festival is back with live author Q&As, book signings and myriad activities, entertainment and exhibitors. Along with DeKalb County, the Joe Barry Carroll Family Foundation is one of the Festival’s major sponsors. “I try to get involved where I think I can help. That was one of the reasons I became involved with the Festival.”
Over the years, the author and artist has showcased his works, including his memoir, “Growing Up...In Words and Images,” the award-winning coffee-table book that revealed intimate stories and his expressive paintings of the people, places and experiences that shaped his character, beliefs and actions. “Books and literature are such an important part of any civilized society. That is what I love about the Festival. You have all these people from different backgrounds talking about different subjects. There is a lot of listening and learning that goes on, which is so important.”
In a time when unity is needed, Joe believes the art of storytelling is of utmost importance. “If you are able to communicate and do it well, you are able to provide messages of inspiration. I love getting out in front of people. I love having an opportunity to share ideas and provide encouragement.”
THE NEED TO
READ
Everything you need to know about the Decatur Book Festival—and more
If you haven’t planned out your schedule for this year’s Decatur Book Festival, Oct. 4-5, here’s your chance. While registration is “not” mandatory, attendees are encouraged to register for the Keynote (Joyce Carol Oates), Kidnote (Stacey Abrams) and Saturday’s festivities (everything else).
Remember: Registration does not guarantee a seat and is not required for attendance. It simply enables organizers to estimate attendance, plan accordingly and ensure a wonderful experience for everyone.
Here’s how to get started. You also can scan the QR code for more information about all the events.
EDUCATE. ENGAGE. PRESERVE.
Inside the vision of Woodlands Garden’s urban sanctuary
During Woodlands Garden’s 2022 “Fairies in the Garden” exhibit, a mother called to see if there was a way for her wheelchair-bound daughter to experience the magic the event has delivered to so many of Decatur’s young nature lovers and their families. It is the type of call that inspires Kate McAlpin. Realizing the need to make the event more inclusive, Kate, Woodlands’ Executive Director, quickly set a plan into motion.
To grant the young girl’s wishes, Woodlands Garden now features fairy homes that are easily viewed from ADA-accessible paths and hardscaped driveways. Each site is selected based on its proximity to sidewalks, with less located among the mulched paths. “By learning what the community wants and needs through feedback, we are able to adjust programs so everyone feels welcome. Being exposed to an event at the Garden is a great introduction for the Decatur community and beyond, with the hope they will feel inspired to return while deepening a commitment to visit, volunteer and donate to our mission.”
The story is a snapshot into what makes Woodlands Garden and its events a prominent part of the community’s environmental
and cultural foundation. For more than 12 years, Woodlands has hosted “Fairies in the Garden” in partnership with Skyland Trail and Hillside Atlanta. The free event is one of a wealth of educational programs and events the urban sanctuary offers.
Founded in 2002, Woodlands Garden serves as a testament to the essence of community spirit. Its beginnings can be traced
to 1946, when Dr. Chester Morse and Decatur native Eugenia Slack Morse first moved to the then dirt road Scott Boulevard site, an old farm with a honeysuckle jungle. The Morses added to the original small parcel to create the seven-acre tract that is Woodlands Garden. In 2002, they arranged to have their home and property permanently preserved from development, eventually becoming a 501c3 nonprofit with a Board of Directors dedicated to preserving the Morse family vision.
“The Garden is geographically located in the City of Decatur and surrounded by a network of engaged community members. The goal is to provide an entry into the Garden and encourage attendees to return. The Garden’s programs and events hosted within the greenspace follow the parameters of connecting people to the natural environment, specifically the native plants and ecosystem thriving in the Georgia Piedmont.”
By helping to foster a safe, positive environment that sparks excitement, education, whimsy or reflection through events and festivals, Woodlands Garden is creating a community. The events and festivals complement the community into feeling connected. “We think of this in the reverse—this mission shapes the events. From our perspective, the Garden’s mission ‘to preserve a woodland garden as an urban sanctuary to educate and engage the community in the natural world.’ This has helped to shape our events, while enriching a connection to nature as the common thread.”
PUTTING DOWN ROOTS
Avondale. Heavy metal. And the path to Jon Shari’s Little Cottage Brewery.
When Jon Shari was scouting locations for Little Cottage Brewery, he kept returning to Avondale Estates. While admittedly knowing little about the sleepy little community nine miles outside of Atlanta, he was drawn to its unique, small-town charm. The intimacy was reminiscent of a close-knit neighborhood from his childhood—a place where everyone knew each other, block parties were a thing and community was everything. All of that, combined with its proximity to the more established Decatur area, made it the perfect place to start his own story.
Known for its barrel-aged beers and heavy metal swagger, Little Cottage mirrors the personality Jon wanted to establish when it opened in 2021. The establishment, complete with an on-premise brewery, has become a haven for craft beer and music lovers with tastes that transcend the norm. “One of the things that defines us, our shtick, is that we are a metal brewery. At the time, when I decided to do that, nobody else in the area or Georgia was doing it.”
The heavy metal motif that defines Little Cottage is everywhere, from the brewery’s website and marketing approach, to metal and hardcore bands that occasionally serve as live entertainment. But the real story behind Little Cottage is the beer, something that Jon, owner and brewer, has become somewhat legendary in making. From barrel-aged stouts to lagers, Little Cottage offers an array of beers, each featuring its own unique twist.
Jon’s approach to brewing has followed the same path as when he received his first home-brew kit as a gift in 2012. Along with his brother, Jeremiah, and brother-inlaw, Joel Ward, the craft was always about experimentation. “I follow the path of Mark Twain’s famous quote, which reminds us that there is no such thing as a new idea—we keep taking old ones and perfecting them. There’s always beers I haven’t made yet, but I get a better idea when I’m researching. Right now, we’re having fun creating NA (non-alcohol beer) as well as hard seltzerbased cocktails. There’s always something for everyone here. It’s just fun to see people’s reaction to those things.”
Little Cottage, the name of which comes from a small cottage in Sandy Springs he was staying in, continues to be a force in the craft beer space. Several of its offerings have come from local, regional and national partnerships, including brewers in Cumming, Georgia; Cucamonga, California; Shelby, North Carolina; and beyond.
“Part of the reason I chose Avondale was because of the people. Today, people come to see us from everywhere. Wherever they are from, we love to hear them say why they came. I am just happy to be able to do this, not only for myself, but for everyone who loves the surprise of what craft beer can offer.”
LIVING IN THE MOMENT
How Opo’s Jonathan Pascual is adding a different twist to the coffee experience
While Opo Coffee was building its brickand-mortar space, CEO Jonathan Pascual was running a weekly coffee cart on the sidewalk out front. One day, as Pascual was tending to some business, long-time former Mayor Bill Floyd stopped by. Recognizing him from his barista days at Starbucks on Decatur Square, Pascual offered to make Floyd his favorite drink, a 16-ounce hot mocha. Captured in the moment, the two spent time catching up, reminiscing about the small world that seems to catch up to us all.
The experience not only strikes at the heart of the power of customer engagement, but also to the significance of what it means to have a long-term presence in the local community. The personal connection and memorable shared experiences are priceless. In a metro area that sports more than 25 coffee companies—being able to offer something different, something memorable— which Opo Coffee clearly does, is what keeps people coming back.
“We operate under the tenets of experience, education and heart. Our core team has worked in coffee for a combined 40 years. We operate one of the only coffee training centers in the area, and are the only facility in the state that administers the Coffee Skills Program for the Specialty Coffee Association. We also are serious about being mission- and value-driven. Our mission is to use specialty coffee to make a positive impact in people’s lives throughout the world, and our core values are respect, positivity and honor.”
Taking its name from the Filipino word that translates to a formal, respectful “yes,” Opo Coffee essentially is three operations in one, all housed under one roof at its East Howard Avenue location. This includes a retail cafe, coffee roastery and one of the only coffee training centers in Georgia.
In the cafe, customers not only can get their favorite beverage, but also can use the WiFi, meet with friends, or hang out indoors or on the large outdoor courtyard patio. Opo’s 15-kg
coffee roaster is in operation several times a week, roasting coffee for the cafe, other businesses and shipping bags to customers all across the country. In its Opo Training Lab, baristas can receive professional certificates from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), and coffee enthusiasts can take classes like Home Espresso or Latte Art Basics.
“Throughout all of our products and services, we seek to follow our core values. Our impact is with our employees just as much as it is with our customers. We also commit to donating 1% of all revenue to environmental efforts through 1% for the planet, primarily partnering with Plant With Purpose and its global reforestation efforts.”
Grounded in its integrity and uncompromising ethics, Opo Coffee actively partners with local organizations and businesses, which includes donating to places like Furnish With Love, which helps families transitioning from homelessness; providing on-site, low- or nocost opportunities for emerging local food vendors; and promoting composting services with CompostNow on Earth Day.
“Like many coffee shops, our space has become a de facto community hub. The key is to keep trying out new and different coffee shops, coffee origins and brewing methods. Every presentation of coffee and everyone’s preferences differ, so it pays to continually experiment until you find out what you like and you don’t.”
A SEAT AT THE TABLE
Why Three Taverns’ Brian Purcell sees the best in what craft beer offers
Europe. 1994. The story of Brian Purcell’s love affair with craft beer, Decatur and the infinite possibilities of communal gatherings, can be traced to that summer in Brussels with two of his friends. It was there Brian had his first experience with Trappist beers—the iconic Belgian ales brewed by monks.
His senses forever changed, Brian returned home and placed the experience, the taste and the aspirations of what could be on hold. In 2000, he traveled to Portland, Oregon, to attend the wedding of one of his European travel mates.
Once again, he found himself immersed in the culture of craft beer. Portland, regarded by craft enthusiasts as the “Craft Beer Capital of the World,” redirected his thoughts back to those Belgian ales. To make things even more intriguing, his friend had taken up the hobby
of homebrewing, even making the beer for the wedding. “That was my introduction to home-brewed beer. I was amazed at how good it was. I returned home from Portland and bought a home-brew kit.”
Fast-forward to a sunny weekday afternoon in 2002, when not long after Brian and his wife, Susie, moved to Decatur, he came upon the Brick Store Pub. After seeing a chalkboard sign promoting a LaTrappe Trappist Ale by the door, he went inside and pulled up a barstool. How, Brian wondered, was the pub able to serve a beer that exceeded the law’s 6%-plus alcohol criteria?
Passion ignited, the rest, as they say, is history. Finding a location, hiring a pedigreed Belgian brewer and turning entrepreneurial ambitions into enterprise, Three Taverns opened its doors in 2013 with Single Intent, inspired by those monks’ favored lower-ABV beer and an A Night in Brussels IPA. While it started with Belgian-inspired beers, market trends saw Three Taverns focus on brewing a wide range of beers.
“A part of our identity that hasn’t changed is the commitment to a heightened sensory experience in all aspects of our craft, from the beer, to our branding, to the taproom experience and a love for experimentation. One of my favorite quotes and a defining philosophy of the brewery is when Miles Davis said, ‘to be and stay a great musician, you’ve got to always be open to what’s new, to what’s happening at the moment.’ In this ever-changing environment of consumer palates, craft breweries everywhere, now more than ever, are having to embrace this idea.”
Today, standing as one of the Decatur community’s foundational tenants, Three Tavern’s legacy continues to grow. “Decatur-ites pride themselves on their beer and food sensibilities, which creates high expectations for the quality and the care given to anything made and consumed here. I believe beer at its best is a participant in these moments at the table where we are often formed at our best as humans. My intention has always been to serve the community of Decatur by making beer worthy of such moments and by cultivating the kind of space with our taproom that enhances and inspires life experience. It always gives me pause to consider that our brewery and our beer and experiences around it are now a meaningful part in the fabric of people’s lives.”
Brian Purcell, Three Taverns
What Matters to Me
Andy Hingley, Co-owner, Eddie’s Attic
Interview by Michael J. Pallerino
One of the most significant moments was seeing Tyler Childers play our “Open Mic Night.” He’s someone who has gone through the full journey in music—starting out small and now firmly established in many record collections.
I will never forget seeing Chris Stapleton and his wife, on our stage, singing “Ain’t No Sunshine,” in the beginning of their journey.
It’s special when you witness that kind of history. You get to see an artist trying to find a stage to play on, and then they’re selling out 10,000- to 12,000-seat venues.
We’ve always been a place where artists can build their careers from the ground up. It’s often harder to sell 100 tickets in a room like ours than it is to sell out larger venues.
You’re asking people to take a chance on someone they’ve never heard of. When an artist sells their first 100 tickets here, it’s a significant achievement. It’s something we share with them.
It’s interesting how things come full circle. Musicians often reach back out to play the room because of our 25-plus year history with artists like John Mayer, Brandi Carlile, Ed Roland, Kristian Bush and Gavin Degraw. Or many stop by to support other musicians they might be supporting or working with.
It is special to be able to work with musicians who are passionate and raw at the beginning of their careers.
Wellness Unbound
Maximizing your movement this fall
By Jennifer Morrell
DON’T LOOK NOW health and wellness warriors, but the seasons are changing. Gone is the oppressive humidity (kind of) and in are the cooler, more inviting fall days. But wellness is wellness, right? Staying motivated is all that matters. We sat down with Decatur health and wellness experts Marci Nessing, owner of Body20, and Alex Allyn, owner of StretchLab, to get their take on how to build and maintain your fall regimens.
Marci Nessing, owner of Body20
Think outside the box
Beyond lifting weights and cardio classes, there are myriad physical activities you can undertake. One type of functional fitness everyone can adopt is stretching. Whether you’re looking to improve sports performance, increase range of motion and flexibility, or reduce muscle and joint pain, hitting a StretchLab can help.
These professionally assisted stretching routines are led by Flexologists who tailor stretches to your needs—and talk you through the movements. And thanks to the revolutionary 3D body scanning tool MAPS, you can get information on how well your body is moving.
“Doing different things for yourself is important. People need diversity in their movement as well as recovery,” Allyn says. “Repetitive activities take a toll, whether that’s at your desk or the same exercise routine. We try to help build strength in range of motion, which helps prevent injury and increases sports performance. We help people get active and stay active because they simply feel better and stay injury free. You have to plug into your health and have some kind of activity.”
Maximize your efforts
It’s not all about how much time you spend on your routine, but what you do during that time. The best exercise plan is the one that works. The beauty is there are traditional and non-traditional ways out there that can help you find your groove without spending hours in a gym.
Take the 20-minute strength and cardio sessions offered by Body20—sessions that create more than 150 times more muscle contractions than a conventional workout. By donning an FDA-cleared EMS suit with electrodes, you can burn calories, reduce cellulite, and tone up and build lean muscle.
“Seasons are changing,” Nessing says. “We’re going to get back into the routine. Life’s getting busy, so spend less time in a traditional gym and leverage innovation in tech. Give it 40 minutes a week, or 20 to 40 minutes a week, and you can get all the results you need.”
Fall into a fresh routine
Fall weather enables you to adapt your routine to different environments and conditions. Spending time in the crisp fall air can boost your mood and reduce stress, providing a refreshing change from indoor workouts.
Setting your clock back an hour (translation: It gets dark earlier), means you are tempted to skip a gym workout. Finding a fitness routine outside the gym helps you stay consistently active. Varying your activities to include the outdoors keeps your routine exciting and prevents burnout, making it easier to stick with your fitness goals.
Immune support is another strong benefit of regular physical activity, especially outdoors. A strong immune system is crucial as colder weather brings an increase in those nasty head colds. Why not give yourself a head start in the fight against the cold and flu season?
Alex Allyn, owner of StretchLab
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SEPTEMBER • 9:00AM FALL PLANT SALE
Shop the unique selection of plants perfect for your home both indoors and outdoors by registering to shop Woodlands Garden’s Fall Plant Sale. Bring your own wagon or cart, as wheelbarrows on-site are limited and first come, first served.
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OCTOBER • 7:00PM THE WAR AND TREATY
The War And Treaty, with special guest The Kentucky Gentleman, is live at Eddie’s Attic. See why the husband and wife duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter has emerged as one of the most electrifying new acts in American music.
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OCTOBER • 11:00AM FALL FEST IN CANDLER PARK
Among one of the most beloved festivals in metro Atlanta, the twoday, free festival brings music, art, food, games, rides and special attractions into the Intown park and surrounding neighborhood.
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OCTOBER • 11:00AM CEMETERY WALKING TOUR
This informative tour of the Decatur Cemetery focuses on Decatur Street Names. The 1.5 mile walking tour highlights people buried at the Decatur Cemetery who have streets named for them. Learn how the names Candler, Scott, Forkner, Swanton and many more shape the Decatur we love today.
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OCTOBER • 12:00PM OAKHURST PORCHFEST
Your brand-free, grassroots community music festival is where front porches become stages, yards become venues, and radical generosity and good rule the day.
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OCTOBER • 10:00AM VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND NEIGHBORHOOD
The tour offers an exclusive glimpse into the historic charm and modern renovations of one of Atlanta’s most beloved neighborhoods, inviting visitors to explore unique architecture, interior design, and local culture.
J UST LI ST ED | D r u id Hill s
1308 Fair view Road Northeast | $3, 250,000 | 5 BD | 4.5 BA
Step into the Heritage of Druid Hills
This exquisitely renovated home is part of the legacy of renowned Atlanta architect Neel Reid. Built more than 110 years ago, this stately home seamlessly blends its elegant past with today ’ s modern luxur y. Reid’s design, once the mark of taste and social acceptabilit y, now incorporates all the touches of modern living. Walking distance from The Paideia School and the Druid Hills Golf Club.
a n . P r otect. Prov i de .
They say life doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle. But that doesn’t mean you have to handle it alone These days, it ’ s more important than ever to make sure you have a financial professional by your side; someone who can help evaluate your needs, assess the current economic landscape and recommend a plan of action that will help protect your family’s wealth, lifestyle and dreams for the future Let ’s get started — there’s no better time than now
TIM MARTIN, LUTCF
1435-B McLendon Drive | Decatur, GA 30033 770 934 7511 | thmartin@timmartinwealth com @TMAwealthstrategies @timmartinwealth
