5 Of The Best Things To Do In Decatur, GA

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Today's topic at #BEDM had me thinking about the city I work in. Even though most people who visit Georgia come to visit the big city of Atlanta, what they don't realize is that the outskirts of the city, to most Georgians, also counts as "Atlanta"; this includes the growing city of Decatur.

My first experience in Decatur was as a student at Agnes Scott, a college for women. One of my absolute favorite things to do was to sit on the big porch swings listening to the traffic of the city while experiencing the beautiful scenery of huge trees, lovely flowers, and gorgeous architecture of the campus. Honestly, who wouldn't want to climb up into a tree and read on a beautiful spring day?

That's when I decided that Decatur was the place I wanted to call home.

For a few years into married life, my husband and I lived in a cute little rental property built in the 1980s within walking distance of Decatur Square. It was really a lot of fun, because we were able to walk to the square for ice cream after dinner on warm summer nights and listen to the band play in the bandstand. All of our neighbors were connected via online boards; we always knew when a creep was wandering the neighborhood, why the electricity was out, and who was giving away free furniture.

When our landlord sold our property, Justin and I were devastated. Would we ever find a suitable replacement? While I can't say we've found one yet, I thought I would take the time to share a few pieces about the town that captured my heart, and the location that I continue to work in. Just maybe, if you ever visit Atlanta and do see some of these things, perhaps Decatur will capture your heart too! :)

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1. Brunch at Cafe Alsace

Begin your Sunday with delicious French cheeses, breads, and crepes at this cozy little hole in the wall restaurant in Decatur. It opens late at 10AM and gets crowded quickly. Try out your French with the delightful owner who frequently walks around to make sure everything is ok. Other brunch options include omelettes, quiches, sandwiches, and salads. So far there hasn't been anything my husband and I have gotten that hasn't been good!

If you are in Decatur on any day that isn't Sunday, my next favorite breakfast spot would be Sweet Melissa's. The yogurt pancakes, which are their specialty, are delish, but I especially love getting the Mexican style Sunrise Grill plate of potatoes, cheese, eggs, vegetables, salsa, and sour cream! Yum! :)

Decatur Book Festival

2. Check out the farmer's market or visit during a festival weekend.

Decatur always has something going on! Every year they host an arts festival (May), a book festival (August/September), a beer festival (October), an environmental festival, a BBQ festival, concerts on the square (summer), Friday art walks, and Small Business Saturday (November). And if you happen to pick an off weekend, just check out the local farmer's market for farm fresh milk, cheese, and produce. Did I mention donuts? ;) And, in July 2015, the city had an awesome water slide going down the entire length of the city!

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3. If you want a beer, try Brick Store Pub.

While the beer festival in October is a great place to sample craft beer, it can be incredibly difficult to get tickets; they usually sell out within a few hours of going on sale. And they can be expensive! Instead, grab a beer from Brick Store. The bartenders are friendly and you never know which locals you will run into! If you are visiting with friends or the wife (or husband), consider grabbing a table instead; snack on delicious raclette, pretzels, or fish and chips (fries). Even the salad is good here!

Or … if Brick Store is too busy for your tastes (Thursday and Friday nights, for example), take a walk across the square to the Irish Mac McGee's Pub. Their fancy stained glass windows were imported from Ireland! During the winter months, the delicious beer cheese soup they offer is the perfect way to warm up!

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4. For ice cream fiends, check out Jeni's.

Not exactly native to Decatur, Jeni's offers some of the best ice cream I have ever had! My favorite is the salted caramel. :)

Other dessert options on Decatur Square include locally made ice cream from Butter and Cream (Butterscotch is phenomenal!), local frozen yogurt from The Yogurt Tap, and, often, you can find a King of Pops popsicles stand, a great way to cool off in the hot summer months! (Chocolate sea salt and strawberry lemonade popsicles are my favorite.)

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5. If you are into art, be sure to take time out of your busy day eating to explore HomeGrown.

Looking for locally made, artsy items? Try HomeGrown or Wild Oats and Billy Goats. At either place, you can find fun t-shirts, handmade soaps, beautiful paintings, special Decatur Christmas ornaments (on sale during November and December only) and so much more! This is the place you go if you need something different to give to that special someone. :)

Even the local cemetery has charm!

Other fun things to do in the area:

• Explore the beautiful Agnes Scott College or check out Emory University.
• Go shopping at Your Dekalb Farmer's Market, which is set to triple in size by the year 2023.
• See all of the antiques at nearby Avondale Estates' Kudzu Antiques.
• Grab a cup of after-dinner coffee from Java Monkey or Dancing Goats then take in a concert at Eddie's Attic.
• Have your choice of pizza at either Sapori di Napoli (Italian style) or Fellini's (NY style).
• Consider sunbathing or people-watching at Decatur Square. When you get bored, you can always hightail it under the city square to the local MARTA station, wherein you can go anywhere else in Atlanta you desire!
• And if you are looking for something really off the wall and unique to do, schedule a visit to the Waffle House Museum.

Decatur, a city on the outskirts of Atlanta but still located within the I-285 "inside the perimeter" boundaries (ITP, for us Georgians), provides more than enough to keep you entertained for an afternoon! Next time you visit Georgia, be sure to check it out! (And wave if you see me!)

Have you ever been to Georgia? If so, what did you do/see? Did you spend any time in Decatur?

Linking up with #CityTripping hosts: Mummytravels.com & Wandermum.co.uk