DL Summer 2023

Lakeside Living

Our local lakes are a refreshing escape

Mountain Retreats

Pick from family and luxury destinations

Beach Bound?

Seaside towns to check out now

Hit the Road!

Summer destinations are closer than you think

SCHOOL IS FINALLY OUT, the daylight stretches well into the evening, and we hopefully have some time on our hands to enjoy traveling and relaxing with our loved ones. For those of us in Decatur and greater Atlanta, we are fortunate; we live in a city close to so many other fantastic places, not to mention one of the best airports in the world.

But while we love flights to Europe and Southeast Asia as much as you do, this issue of Decatur Living focuses on our near and dear travel destinations— places you can reach in not even a full day’s driving. You might read through this issue and be pleasantly surprised to learn that whether you’re craving the culture of a city like Charlotte, the ocean breeze and history of Charleston, the lifestyle of Lake Oconee or the breath-taking peaks of the Blue Ridge, you and your family can get there (and many other places) with just a car trip.

Each feature story in our summer issue —all divided into regions such as

Happy Sunshine Season!

the coast, the mountains and more— offers information about the destination plus elite lodging, tasty dining options, attractions and sight-seeing. Our talented writers—including newcomer Virginia Brown—outdid themselves in making these getaways shine and enticing us to visit.

If we think back to our childhoods, summer has always been about exploration and making memories. We hope this issue of Decatur Living (conveniently digital so you can take it with you) inspires you to do exactly that. As always, we thank our loyal advertising partners and our readers for giving us the chance to tell Decatur’s story.

Have a great summer, and see you in the fall.

Sincerely,

Natalie Gregory Publisher, Decatur Living

DECATUR LIVING, LLC

P.O. BOX 2589

DECATUR, GA 30031

PUBLISHER Natalie Gregory

MARKETING MANAGER Bri Kids

EDITOR Denise K. James

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Bri Kids

CREATIVE DI RECTOR Brent Cashman

WRITERS Carol Badaracco Padgett

Virginia Brown

Lindsay Marcella

Becky Owens

Brian Paquette

Vanessa Pascale Rust

Jenny Peterson

Studio Mcgee

Decatur Living Telephone: 404-373-0076

sales@decaturliving.com

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.

Where are you traveling this summer, and what are you looking forward to about it?

“This summer, I am traveling to Los Angeles and Newport Beach, then South Beach. I am looking forward to seeing friends, exploring, being by the water, eating delicious food, going to the beach and getting some sun. Definitely going straight to In-N-Out Burger when I land in SoCal; I miss their cheeseburgers so much!”

-Vanessa Pascale

“St. Louis, Mexico and Missouri are my summer destinations — to visit my parents and family there. Aside from seeing people I love, one of the things that makes the road trip especially memorable is the 10-hour drive in a MINI with my Jack Russell Terrier. A fall trip I’m jazzed about is to Ireland with my best friend and travel pal.”

-Carol Badaracco Padgett

“This summer, I am excited to include Minnesota as one of my travel destinations. The reason for my visit is truly special. My amazing grandparents are celebrating their remarkable 75th wedding anniversary. The whole family is coming together to celebrate this incredible milestone. They live in a peaceful rural town just a few hours north of Minneapolis. The town has only one main street, and not a single traffic light can be spotted there. It’s like stepping into a serene oasis where time slows down, and everything feels so down to earth. Summer visits to this charming place are simply magical. It’s a blissfully quiet escape that reconnects you with what truly matters in life—family.”

-Bri

Kids

“My identical twin sister and I are going to the Twins Days Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio, which draws 2,000 sets of twins each year. We had a blast at the festival last year, and I’m looking forward to reuniting with all the twins we met!”

-Jenny Peterson

“Later this summer, I’m traveling to Italy with my best friend. I recently left my hometown of Charlotte and my husband and I now live in Arkansas, so I don’t get to see her as often. Neither of us has been, and we’re excited to explore Florence and Tuscany and just spend time together.”

-Virginia Brown

Ode to the Ocean

These coastal road trips are worth it

By Jenny Peterson

GRAB YOUR SUNSCREEN AND SHADES and head to an idyllic coastal town this summer, where the beach comes standard. We’ve rounded up some worthwhile road trip vacation destinations, all a mere half-day jaunt from Decatur. In just a few hours, you can feel the sand between your toes and catch the sunset from a pier…so, what are you waiting for? Get inspired by these picture-perfect shoreline destinations, suitable for any occasion—a girls trip, a couples getaway or family vacation.

Charleston, South Carolina

Driving Time: Approx. 5 hours

The most historic—and picturesque—city in South Carolina, Charleston continues to win over visitors with its cobblestone streets, historic mansions, romantic courtyards and brightly-colored houses on Rainbow Row. The award-winning food and beverage scene includes waterfront dining, rooftop bars, neighborhood cafes and fine dining options that serve up the staple shrimp and grits, she crab soup and oysters all year long.

With three popular beaches—Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms— all attracting sun-lovers and surfers on the East Coast, Charleston also has a bevy of water activities, including kayaking and standup paddleboarding in nearby rivers and salty marshes, fishing charters and sunset cruises. Add world-class museums and art galleries to the mix, and you’ll find there’s plenty to do in the “Holy City” this summer.

Rosemary Beach, Florida

Driving Time: Approx. 5 hours

A picture-perfect seaside town, Rosemary Beach is a close-knit and thoughtfully-planned community that mixes New Urbanism—a design style that situates everything within a short walk of a town center— and island-like Dutch West Indies style with a bustling town square and inspired architecture, co-mingling with a collection of sculptures from artists around the world. And let’s not forget its pristine Gulf Coast beach! Rosemary Beach has been deemed one of “America’s Most Romantic Small Towns” and its winding paths, cobblestone streets and outdoor dining on patios, courtyards and rooftops—some with views of the Gulf of Mexico—have charmed visitors near and far.

The expansive public greenspace is also home to public art. In the summer, there are a number of events, movie nights and concerts on the green and a year-round weekly farmers market. The Pearl Hotel is a true stunner: a beachfront 55-room hotel and spa, walkable to everything the quaint coastal town has to offer.

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Driving Time: Approx. 4.5 hours

For a quieter change of pace, Hilton Head is the ultimate relaxing retreat with 12 miles of pristine beaches, more than 60 miles of winding bike paths and plenty of oceanfront resorts, including six AAA Four Diamond award winners and luxury spas. Several resorts are kid-friendly with pools and on-site restaurants and bars. Plenty of activities and exploration opportunities abound in this friendly, welcoming town: golf, guided dolphin and nature tours, great shopping and the red-and-white

striped Harbour Town Lighthouse, 104 steps to the top and open to the public.

Shelter Cove serves as an unofficial town center and includes waterfront shopping, a marina, plaza, parks and entertainment. In addition to its bike-friendly community (and you’ll find plenty of bike rental companies), enjoy the free trolley, The Breeze, which shuttles passengers throughout the downtown, making getting to and from popular destinations, well, a breeze.

Savannah, Georgia

Driving Time: Approx. 4 hours

Ultra-romantic Savannah, the oldest city in Georgia, is also the most walkable in the country: there are 24 public squares — the first four laid out in 1733 — interspersed among the moss-draped oak trees downtown. A cobblestone street on River Street leads visitors to a striking river view along the Savannah River with a public riverwalk—home to many bars and restaurants overlooking the water. The city’s storied history and robust arts and culture scene includes the Telfair Museum

of Art, established in 1819 as the first art museum in the South.

Enjoy a leisurely brunch at a number of charming Bed & Breakfasts or knock back a few at the Pirate House, first opened in 1753, which served as an inn for seafarers and eventually became a meeting point for pirates and sailors. Just 20 minutes away, dip your toes in the sand in Tybee Island, where Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse still stands near the pier and pavilion.

Destin, Florida

Driving Time: Approx. 5.5 hours

Sugar-white sand and glistening green waters await visitors at this popular beach destination on the appropriately-named Emerald Coast. High-rise condominiums and hotels along the beach allow you to drop your bags, ride down an elevator and find yourself steps from the sand and the calm waters of the Gulf. Many companies offer beach chair and umbrella rentals. The bustling city has exciting shopping and dining destinations, including Baytowne Wharf, home to a great nightlife scene for adults, numerous food and beverage options and Baytowne Adventure Zone, a memorable destination for kids of all ages that includes a zipline which glides you 300 feet across a lagoon.

The HarborWalk Village on the Destin Harbor is another waterfront shopping stunner and entertainment plaza with boutiques, restaurants and an exquisite view at sunset, often accompanied by live, local music. Watersports and activities abound on this stretch of the Gulf, including charter fishing, jet ski rentals, parasailing and much more.

St. Simons Island, Georgia

Driving Time: Approx. 5 hours

St. Simons Island is the largest of Georgia’s four “Golden Isles,” which from an aerial view look like island “hammocks” between the ocean and marshlands. The unspoiled beauty of St. Simons Island and its fellow barrier islands make for a distinctively charming beach destination. Despite measuring just 18 miles long, there are a number of activities both on land and water, and a stunning lighthouse near the St. Simons Pier is a popular destination.

Biking along paths underneath towering ancient oak trees can uncover a special surprise. About 20 oak trees have “tree spirits” carved into the bark, a present-day artistic nod to mythology and legend that images would be carved of sailors’ faces who sailed aboard ships built from island oaks. Visitors can choose between historical hotels, quaint Bed & Breakfasts, resorts and more on this tip of paradise.

Sister Southern Cities

By Virginia Brown

THE QUEEN CITY: Charlotte, North Carolina

Driving Time: Approx. 4 hours

Known mostly as a NASCAR hub and banking center, Charlotte has become so much more than fast cars and finance. In Charlotte, eclectic neighborhoods and a bustling downtown (locals call it uptown) blend to offer something for every traveler’s speed.

Drive through Myers Park, popular for its stately homes and stunning tree canopy; popular and buzzy Dilworth, with dozens of food, drink, and shopping options; or funky Plaza Midwood and the North Davidson (NoDa) artsy district. All of them offer their own speeds and styles.

In the booming Montford neighborhood in south Charlotte, Chef Bruce Moffett’s Good Food on Montford is a favorite dining go-to among locals and serves up inventive and decadent small plates in a casual, contemporary setting. Also part of the Moffett group, Myers Park’s Stagioni, or four seasons in Italian, is another favorite, located in a romantic former villa. Order the vodka pizza—topped with roasted garlic, Calabrian chili peppers, herbed ricotta cheese and a smoked tomato sauce with shaved parmesan—and cut your own slice with fun pizza shears.

For a stand-out meal for the whole family, try Cowfish after a day shopping at SouthPark Mall. Known for “burgushi—” a combination of burgers and sushi—the restaurant seamlessly blends fresh rolls and burgers, or opt for a Bento boxes and sample both.

The Queen City has also become a beer-lover’s dream, with more than 50 breweries bubbling up in the last decade or so. Old standbys, like Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Beer Garden (the city’s original) and NoDa Brewing Company are definitely worth a visit, as are some newcomers, like Vaulted Oak Brewing.

Performing arts lovers can book an evening with the Charlotte Symphony, now celebrating 90 years, which offers a popular Summer Pops series in SouthPark, Classical and Pops performances uptown and community shows at breweries and alternative venues. Theatre Charlotte is a longstanding community playhouse with impressive shows. Or catch an exhibit at one of several museums, like the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art or the Mint Museum, with two locations in town. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture honors contributions of Black artists—Charlotte native Romare Bearden, for one—and is named after Charlotte’s first Black mayor.

For the adventurous traveler, a trip to the Whitewater Center should top the list. From rafting the man-made rapids to ropes courses, ziplining, biking trails, flat-water kayaking and paddle boarding, plus lots of great food and drink options, it’s worth a full day.

THE MUSIC CITY: Nashville,

Tennessee

Driving Time: Approx. 3 hours and 45 minutes

From intimate acoustics at singer-songwriter venues to iconic music spots like the Bluebird Cafe—which has welcomed to its stage big-time names like Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Carole King, Townes Van Zandt and more—Nashville doesn’t disappoint when it comes to catching live music. Check out the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and reserve tickets to a show at the storied Ryman Auditorium.

Across the street, pop into the National Museum of African American Music and explore six galleries filled with interactive exhibitions and memorabilia honoring the cross-genre contributions of African Americans to the music industry, from spirituals, blues and gospel, to jaz, R&B and hip hop.

Kids will love a trip to the Nashville Zoo, where they can get up close with over 3,000 animals, from exotic birds to safari staples like zebras, tigers and rhinos. For the truly adventurous, sleep under the stars on site at the Summer Zzzoofari Slumber, also offered in fall.

For a sampling of Nashville’s own flavor, visit Prince’s Hot Chicken, with several locations across the city, and order a half-chicken meal, flavored from mild up to XXX hot, or try the André Chicken Sandwich, served with a side of slaw and pickles.

THE MAGIC CITY: Birmingham, Alabama

Driving Time: Approx. 2 hours and 15 minutes

Birmingham, Alabama is a worthy getaway any time of year. Known as The Magic City, Birmingham has a lot to offer, from history to cuisine to art and more.

Arts and culture lovers will want to visit the historic Alabama Theater, a mainstay since 1927, the Lyric Theater and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Founded in 1978, the museum is dedicated to sharing the stories and genius of jazz greats, plus Alabama natives like Nat King Cole, who hailed from nearby Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa-born Dinah Washington. Birmingham claims a few notables, too, like Clarence “Pinetop” Smith, Sun Ra and Erskine Hawkins.

Ask any local what truly sets Birmingham apart and you’ll hear about the exciting culinary scene. Many award-winning restaurants and bars can trace their roots back to the grandfather of Birmingham cuisine, Frank Stitt, a Cullman, Alabama native who trained in San Francisco under Alice Waters and in France under Richard Olney prior to settling back in Birmingham. No trip to the Magic City is complete without a meal at one of his establishments—our pick is the classic French bistro, Chez FonFon.

A number of food and drink options also exist on 2nd Avenue North. Visitors can’t go wrong at any of the following establishments: Lé Fresca, Bamboo, Helen, Cayo Coco, Aviné, El Barrio or The Essential. A post dinner cocktail at either Paper Doll Bar or House of Found Objects is the perfect night cap.

Well-rounded weekends in Birmingham should include a Saturday morning at The Market at Pepper Place followed by brunch at The Automatic and a stroll through Forest Park to see charming side-byside gift and plant shops, Shoppe and General, as well as funky vintage concept store MK Quinlan.

Design enthusiasts come from across the world to see The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, the world’s largest motorcycle collection, boasting over 1,600 vintage cars and motorcycles. Likewise, art lovers should visit the Birmingham Museum of Art. The BMA’s collection boasts the finest Wedgwood Collection outside England and the largest Asian Art Collection in the Southeast.

Shoppers will want to spend time strolling through the three villages of Mountain Brook as well as downtown Homewood—both affluent suburbs adjacent to Birmingham. Mountain Brooks’ Grand Bohemian Hotel and Homewood’s Valley Hotel are both located in charming, walkable neighborhoods about five minutes from downtown.

#LakeLife

Enjoy the great lakes of Georgia this season

By Carol Badaracco Padgett

THINK OF A LAKE. Any lake. Odds are, blood pressure dips, lines soften on a furrowed brow, breathing changes to slow and steady.

Lakes flood our minds with easy memories of time off, sunshine, relaxation, family, friends, food and play. Even though Georgia has few natural lakes, our state is fortunately rich in excellent reservoirs, waiting for the weary to embark on a minivacation that requires no more than a one or two-hour drive.

Here are five top Atlanta-area lakes to check out, starting with three that don’t usually ripple across vacationers’ minds first.

 Lake Oconee: Versatile and Appealing

Resting in Greene County, Georgia, near the town of Greensboro, Lake Oconee is a 19,000-acre Georgia Power Company reservoir shaped by the Wallace Dam on the Oconee River, which means the East Georgia lake offers a “consistently near full pool for power generation and recreational use,” according to Greene County, Georgia’s Economic Development organization.

Just envision, all year round, even when there’s a drought: stable water levels and a lake resort vibe. And as an added bonus, you will spot a historic plantation or two on the shoreline.

Driving distance from downtown Atlanta: One hour, 35 minutes (the halfway point between Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia).

Accommodations: Multiple campgrounds, lodges and hotels, even a luxury offering, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee.

Sports and Specialties: All watersports; world-class golfing; boating—boat slips and kayak rentals at The Lodge on Lake Oconee. Hiking: Oconee National Forest and Scull Shoals Experimental Forest.

Shopping/dining: Neighboring towns of Greensboro, Eatonton and Madison offer charming shops that sell everything under the sun.

 George H Sparks Reservoir: Gorgeous Forest Adventure

A short drive from downtown Atlanta on the perimeter of Sweetwater Creek State Park is a 215-acre lake with no beach, but who needs it? The paddle boarders, kayakers and anglers that visit the 2.5,000-acre park don’t mind. And those who’re looking for forests, trails, historic textile mill ruins—even yurts to sleep in—don’t either.

The 10 yurts, an offering of Sweetwater Creek State Park, rest in a shaded village next to the lake. Each furnished yurt features front and rear decks, accommodations for six people, a clear dome skylight, insulation, electricity, heat for chilly evenings and mornings, and finished pine floors.

Driving distance from downtown Atlanta: Only 20 minutes.

Accommodations: The simple setup includes five tent sites, seven picnic shelters, two fishing docks, two playgrounds and one boat ramp.

Sports and Specialties: Fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding.

Hiking: Natural forests and trails

Dining: Picnicking — and Waffle House, a Southern tradition.

 Lake Sinclair: A Great Catch

 Lake Allatoona: Depth and Distinction

Created by a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dam (Allatoona Dam) in the late 1940s, Lake Allatoona was built on the Etowah River. The lake covers what used to be the town of Etowah, as well as the Creekside township of Allatoona, both sacrificed to allow the hydroelectric dam to function and prosper other townships.

Today, a massive 25,000 acres of public land surrounds the 12,000-acre lake, which is 145 feet deep at its maximum and is adjacent to Red Top Mountain State Park.

Driving distance from downtown Atlanta: Just 40 minutes north.

Accommodations: Campgrounds and RVs, lake cabin and houseboat rentals; close to downtown Acworth and Kennesaw. Sports and Specialties: Beaches, boating, fishing, skiing and more.

Hiking: Numerous trails to choose from, plus Red Top Mountain Dining/shopping: Restaurants and shops aplenty in the area.

 Lake Lanier: Popular for a Reason

When Atlantans think of lakes, (this one tends to come to mind first—because it’s huge 38,000 acres of water and almost 600 miles of shoreline) and has everything, even ziplining and an island water park. There’s so much to enjoy, the lake draws more than 10 million visitors each year, according to The Gainesville Times.

Lake Lanier also offers Lake Lanier Islands, a resort built on a small group of islands on the lake. The resort offers a hotel with lounging pools and a luxury boutique spa, the award-

winning, classically designed Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course, a water park, beaches, boat docks, and even a conference center. Driving distance from downtown Atlanta: Just under an hour.

Accommodations: Extensive.

Sports and Specialties: Everything you can think of.

Hiking: Numerous short and long distance, lakeview, paved and natural trails.

Dining/shopping: Numerous options.

Just a drone’s flight over Wallace Dam near Milledgeville, Georgia, is 15,000 additional acres of lake in an area with more of a residential, rural vibe. Man-made Lake Sinclair is also operated by Georgia Power and is another beneficiary of the ample Oconee River.

According to visitmilledgeville.org, fishing on Lake Sinclair is unrivaled by any other lake in the state. Its specialties: largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill. In addition, the lake offers fishing piers and marinas with easy water access for boats.

Driving distance from downtown Atlanta: Two hours southeast.

Accommodations: hotels, Campgrounds and RV parks, vacation rentals.

Sports and Specialties: Abundant coves for skiing and swimming; local properties include boathouses, oftentimes not allowed on other lakes. Be sure to bring a fishing license from the Georgia Department of National Resources.

Hiking: Antebellum Trail access.

Shopping/dining: Lots of shops, as well as locally owned and operated out-of-the-box boutiques, according to lakesinclairlife.com.

If you need home coverage, I can help.

If you need home coverage, I can help.

If you need home coverage, I can help.

I live and work right here in our community. I know what the homes are like in the area. So I can offer advice you can trust to help you get the protection that fits your needs.

If you need home coverage, I can help.

If you need home coverage, I can help.

I live and work right here in our community. I know what the homes are like in the area. So I can offer advice you can trust to help you get the protection that fits your needs.

I live and work right here in our community. I know what the homes are like in the area. So I can offer advice you can trust to help you get the protection that fits your needs.

I live and work right here in our community. I know what the homes are like in the area. So I can offer advice you can trust to help you get the protection that fits your needs.

I live and work right here in our community. I know what the homes are like in the area. So I can offer advice you can trust to help you get the protection that fits your needs.

If you’re ready to talk home insurance or need some advice about protecting all that’s important to you, call me today.

If you’re ready to talk home insurance or need some advice about protecting all that’s important to you, call me today.

If you’re ready to talk home insurance or need some advice about protecting all that’s important to you, call me today.

If you’re ready to talk home insurance or need some advice about protecting all that’s important to you, call me today.

If you’re ready to talk home insurance or need some advice about protecting all that’s important to you, call me today.

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From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Five Innovative Updates to Reinvent Your Home’s Aesthetic

By Bri Kids

IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED world, our homes are more than just living spaces. They are a reflection of our personality and style and a sanctuary where we seek comfort and rejuvenation. If you’re looking to refresh your living space and give it a modern twist, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore seven exciting updates that can transform your home and bring it up to date with the latest design trends. From paint choices to lighting fixtures and flooring options, let’s dive in and discover the keys to a stylish and contemporary home.

Embrace the Power of Light Neutral Paint

Gone are the days of contrasting wall and trim colors. Designers are now favoring a unified look by using light neutral paint throughout the entire space, including walls, trims and ceilings. This trend creates a seamless and spacious ambience while allowing your furniture and decor to take center stage. To add a touch of personality, consider incorporating an accent room with a pop of bold, rich color. This adds visual interest and creates a striking contrast against the neutral backdrop.

Illuminate with Nature-inspired Lighting

Industrial and concrete looks are taking a backseat as designers embrace the organic beauty of nature-inspired lighting. Imagine delicate flower petals and leafy accents adorning your fixtures, creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere. By incorporating these natural elements into your lighting choices, you infuse your home with a sense of tranquility and harmony.

Photos by Studio Mcgee

Elevate with Lighter Wood Floors

Hardwood floors are a timeless choice, and now the trend is leaning toward lighter wood options. Blonde and blush floors have taken the interior design world by storm, bringing a fresh and airy feel to any space. These lighter shades effortlessly brighten up your rooms and create a sense of openness, making them a perfect complement to contemporary and minimalist aesthetics.

Photo by Brian Paquette

Create Contrast with Furniture and Flooring

To achieve a harmonious balance in your interior design, consider using contrasting furniture and flooring. If you have dark floors, offset their intensity by incorporating lighter rugs and furniture pieces. This softens the overall look and prevents the space from feeling too heavy. Conversely, if you have lighter floors, add depth and dimension by introducing darker neutral rugs and furniture with contrasting textures, patterns, or colors.

Try Timeless Brass Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures play a vital role in both kitchens and bathrooms. Designers are gravitating toward the timeless allure of brass fixtures, which add a touch of elegance and sophistication to these spaces. The warm golden tones of brass create a luxurious feel while effortlessly blending with various design styles. Embrace this trend, and give your home a classic yet modern touch.

Photos by Lindsay Marcella

Photos by Becky Owens

Updating your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By incorporating these seven key elements into your design strategy, you can transform your living space into a modern oasis that reflects your personal style. From the light neutral paint palette to the nature-inspired lighting fixtures and the choice of lighter wood floors, each update brings its own unique charm and contributes to a contemporary ambience. So, take the leap, embark on this exciting journey, and enjoy the transformation of your living space into a stylish haven that you’ll love coming back to every day.

Photos by Becky Owens

Discover Decatur’s spirit community with tales of murder, passion and tragedy on this walking tour. Begin in the heart of Decatur’s historic town square — a common space with the ghosts of Decatur’s exciting past! You will never forget your twilight visit to Old Decatur Cemetery. And don’t be surprised if you capture orbs and apparitions with your camera. The South is known for its restless ghosts.

Celebrate the Fourth of July hometown style. Watch (or join in) the Pied Piper Parade as it winds through downtown with floats, wagons and bicycles. Gather friends and family to ride, walk or skate in this community parade – it’s for anyone and everyone. Neighborhoods and organizations are encouraged to join the fun. Claim your space on the lawn for the evening fireworks display beginning at 9 p.m., and don’t forget your red, white and blue.

Walk through dusk and into the night while listening to the sounds of nature after dark and watching for moonrise. The park closes at dusk, so this is a great opportunity to hike with Ranger Jonah. Wear appropriate footwear, dress for the weather, and bring a refillable water bottle, flashlight or headlamp and hiking sticks if you need them. Meet at the South Peachtree Creek trailhead near the Mason Mill Tennis Center. Due to the popularity of this hike, pre-registration is required. No pets.

AUGUST

Returning for its third year to downtown Decatur, this celebration of Black culture and Black joy engages the entire family and community in a safe setting. Festival-goers experience music, food, dance, artists, live entertainment, a children’s art station and vendors, plus they can participate in a self-guided walking tour of the Beacon Hill community. The event is produced by the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights in conjunction with the City of Decatur.

Indulge in summer music nostalgia with a live concert! This new series of free, family-friendly Friday summer concerts on the downtown square are a reason to sing along. Bring your blankets to the Decatur bandstand on the last Friday of the month and enjoy your favorite local bands performing covers everyone will know. The music starts at 7 pm.

Patios, sidewalks and parking lots transform into stages for a day of free live music and fun along West Ponce de Leon Avenue. Spend a few hours or all day soaking in the tunes, browse the makers market, pop in for pop-up outdoor fitness classes and join in chalk art festivities. The evening ends with the large stage outside the Marlay House Irish pub. Free and familyfriendly.

SUMMER COVERS CONCERT SERIES

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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.