Kudzu & Company of Sandy Springs

If you like Kudzu Antiques in Decatur you will love Kudzu & Company in Sandy Springs.

From: http://kudzuandcompany.com/
Kudzu & Company of Sandy Springs encompasses 24,000 sq.ft., featuring a unique mix of Antiques, Midcentury, Industrial and Home Decor.

Special order Living room Sofas and Chairs, Original Fine Art and Custom Furniture services are available through Kudzu’s Design Bar, where customers have the assistance of our Resident Design Staff to assist in making fabric selections, choosing from Kudzu’s custom furniture builders, or deciding on a piece of original art.

An exciting addition to North Atlanta’s shopping choices, Kudzu & Company draws its inspiration from the original Kudzu Antiques in Decatur, one of Atlanta’s most beloved vintage stores for 34 years, and winner of numerous “Best of Atlanta” awards year after year.

A family owned business, Kudzu has a recognized tradition of friendly, professional service, terrific selection, and great prices. If you’re looking to sell, Kudzu buys estates and unique items. Kudzu is also one of Atlanta’s most experienced sources for rentals to the Movie and Television production industries.

Owners Kate and George Lawes, and their official 4-legged greeters, Isabella and Charlie, invite you to stop in, say hello, and discover Atlanta’s best vintage home store.

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All photos from a recent visit.

Store Information

Phone: 404-255-2548
Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-6
Address: 6450 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

2014 Ride to the Capitol March 18 - LET'S RIDE

From: http://www.georgiaridestothecapitol.org/
ABOUT THE 2014 EVENT

2014 will be a watershed year for bicycling in Georgia. Interest in bicycling - be it for sport or transportation - has never been higher. Georgia has six official "Bicycle Friendly Communities," Complete Streets policies are taking hold statewide, and strong local advocacy groups have won major successes in cities like Atlanta, Milledgeville, and Rome.

We've come a long way, but there's still so much more to do. Join us at the

Please REGISTER for the ride – only registered riders are covered by event insurance. Also, registered riders will receive a FREE commemorative reflective leg band! Details on the registration page.

PLEASE NOTE that there is a route CHANGE this year. The Edgewood Ave. bridge (at Krog St.) is closed and there is streetcar track construction as well. The route will detour at Edgewood and Krog to Irwin St. and follow Irwin (name changes to John Wesley Dobbs near downtown) to Courtland. See map for details.


W H O
Metro Atlanta Mayors Association (MAMA), Georgia Bikes!, and event sponsors will host over 1,000 cyclists from the metro Atlanta region. Police-escorted rides will depart from Decatur and Roswell led respectively by City Commissioner Fred Boykin and Mayor Jere Wood as well as other mayors and public officials from the region.


W H A T
During the ninth annual "Georgia Rides to the Capitol" event, cyclists will embark on rides to the Capitol in order to raise support for improved conditions for cycling, including the development of regional systems of both on-road bicycling facilities and multi-use-trails.


W H E N
Tuesday, March 18, 2014, during the state legislative session. Estimated time of arrival at the Capitol is 11:40 a.m. Your starting time will depend on which city or auxiliary location you choose to start at or which route you choose to join along the way.
2014 Ride to the Capitol to demonstrate your support for safe, economically vibrant communities. Let's create a Georgia that provides residents and visitors alike great opportunities for enjoying the simple, healthy joy of riding a bike.

 Original Photo credit  http://www.reporternewspapers.net/2011/03/24/march-25-2011/

“Ideas of March” - Saturday, March 15, 2014 @ Decatur Gallery

“Ideas of March” - Saturday, March 15, 2014. It is for an art reception at the Decatur Gallery. The Ides of March brings an historic moment to mind, but it also provides artists with an impetus to create.
 In this group exhibition, artists will interpret the theme as a play on words: “Ideas of March.” Whether referencing the whimsical or historical, 20 participating artists will use individual mediums such as painting, encaustic, metal, ceramic, glass and jewelry to create new works inspired by the theme.
 “Ideas of March” - Saturday, March 15, 2014.
 Opening reception - 6:00- 10:00 p.m. Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres
 153 Ponce de Leon Place Decatur, GA 30033 404.377.0755

Steinbeck’s Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Steinbeck’s Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration
From: steinbecksbar.com  
We will have live music during the St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations on
  Sunday the 16th from 3pm to 8pm and Monday the 17th from 5pm-8pm! On Sunday, Stonehouse Posse will start us off, followed by The Dammages, and then The Bitteroots. Monday evening, Troy Cono will be here to help us celebrate the big day. It’s going to be a great St. Pat’s at Steinbeck’s!

In addition, Decatur Education Foundation (DEF) will host an event on 3/16 from 1:30p until 5:30p with a Bouncy House, Face Painting, etc.

659 East Lake Drive

Decatur, GA 30030

(404) 373-1116

R.A.D. Studio Cruise Saturday March 15

From the decatur minute
The Decatur Arts Alliance is partnering with the Avondale Arts Alliance to host the Rail Arts District (R.A.D.) Studio Cruise this Saturday, March 15, 12-8 p.m.
Two of Decatur’s art studios will be on the tour:

• Paradise Studios at 306 E. Howard Ave. – Five artists studios located on the second floor of the building across from the Kimball House.
• Sycamore Place Galleries & Art Studios at 120 Sycamore Place.

Big Tex Spring Block Party Sat. March 15

 From bigtexdecatur.com

BIG TEX SPRING BLOCK PARTY - SATURDAY MARCH 15TH

Big fun in Decatur as we block off our street to celebrate spring's arrival with a stage full of great bands:
CODY BEARDEN BAND
RALPH RODDENBERRY
HIGH STRUNG STRING BAND
THE BLUEFIELDS
DANGERMUFFIN
COPIOUS JONES

 Texas Born Southern Made Cooking
in Downtown Decatur

Big Tex Cantina 
308 W Ponce de Leon Ave
Decatur, GA 30030
404 377-3939 -- This event starts at noon with music at 1 p.m. on the outside stage with the Codey Bearden Band, then Ralph Roddenberry and later on the High Strung String Band. At 4:30 p.m. is The Bluefields followed by Dangermuffin at 5:30 p.m. When Dangermuffin is finished rocking, the party heads inside for a late night set with Copious Jones starting at 9 p.m. There is no cover charge for this all-day and night event! Call 404-377-3939 for more information or visit our website http://www.bigtexdecatur.com/big-tex-events.html

Dearborn Animal Hospital Grand Opening March 29

From accessatlanta.com

Saturday, Mar 29 10:00a to 4:00p

Dearborn Animal Hospital Decatur, GA

We are please to invite everyone to come and help us celebrate our new location and hospital. Come and join us for a tour of our new home and have a great time.
We will have Free food and drinks, give aways, several rescue groups will be here and much more. Saturday March, 29, 2014 from 10 am to 4 pm. fun for the whole family! Our new address is 235 Dekalb Industrial Way, Decatur GA 30030
Photo from google maps.

The 2014 Decatur Postcard Project

From:  decaturartsalliance.org
The 2014 Decatur Postcard Project is looking for artists, students, residents, businesses and members of the community who would like to submit images that reflect different aspects of the city. If you have photos or other artwork that captures the essence of what Decatur is all about and would like to share, send in your work. Submissions are welcome from all ages.
A jury will select six pieces that best represent Decatur for a set of 6 x 4 postcards, which will go on sale in May. The cards will be available at the Decatur Visitors Center and local retailers.
Keep in mind as you select your entries: brides like to use the postcards for wedding “Save the Dates” and parents like to use them for children’s thank you notes.
Submission deadline: Friday, April 11, 2014.
More details about the guidelines and a printable application are available here. (PDF)
Additional forms
Artists release form (PDF)
Model release form (PDF)
Minor release form (PDF)
More information: tourism@decaturga.com

Walgreens project looks to be a model of historic preservation.

 From: http://atlurbanist.tumblr.com

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Downtown Atlanta’s Walgreens project looks to be a model of historic preservation. The images above, posted elsewhere by a fellow downtowner, show the care that’s being taken with the beautiful Olympia Building.

The 1935 building, famous for its Coca Cola sign, has been empty for years. And after having had a portion removed during the 1990s, it bears little resemblance to its former self, when it served as a bustling center of activity in Atlanta’s Five Points intersection.
The current building owner is committed to doing a full restoration of the structure and re-enclosing the portion lost in the 90s. And now we learn that Walgreens is planning to fill the space with a two-story, truly urban store. It will sell the store’s usual goods, along with beer and wine and dry groceries.

Having a new place to shop for necessities will be great for downtowners like my family. Doing so in a beautifully restored building is more than I could’ve hoped for, particularly in a city not known for its preservation efforts.
- See more at: http://atlurbanist.tumblr.com/post/78329233479/downtown-atlantas-walgreens-project-looks-to-be-a#sthash.B8xhRxH1.dpuf

Touch A Truck is Saturday March 8

 From http://beactivedecatur.wordpress.com/
by Cheryl Burnette 
The Weather Channel says it will be 68 degrees and sunny on Saturday, so celebrate by coming out to Touch A Truck!
The City of Decatur and DeKalb County will have a variety of trucks and other vehicles to explore.
When:    Saturday, March 8, 10 am – 1 pm
Where:  Callaway Parking Lot, 120 West Trinity Place
Why:       It’s loads of fun!
Cost:  Free, but we ask you to bring a non-perishable food item to Feed The Hungry. Decatur Active Living is partnering with Decatur Fire to celebrate March which is National Nutrition Month.

The Atlanta Film Festival March 28-April 6.

From: www.accessatlanta.com
By Howard Pousner

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Atlanta Film Festival has announced the films that will command the prestigious opening and closing slots of the 38th annual fest, March 28-April 6.

The opening night feature will be “Joe,” starring Nicolas Cage as a hard-living ex-con who meets a hard-luck 15-year-old boy and becomes an unlikely protector and role model. Based on the novel by the late Mississippi writer Larry Brown, the Texas-set drama is directed by David Gordon Green (HBO’s “Eastbound and Down,” “Pineapple Express”), who will appear at the screening.

The closing film is “The Double,” a black comedy starring Jesse Eisenberg (“The Social Network”) as timid, isolated Simon, whose life is turned upside down by the arrival of a co-worker, James (also played by Eisenberg), who shares his appearance but is his opposite in terms of confidence, charisma and ease with the opposite sex. Also featuring Mia Wasikowska, “The Double” is directed by Richard Ayoade (the British sitcom “The IT Crowd”). It will show April 5, with the fest’s final day reserved for encore showings.
visit  http://atlantafilmfestival.com/

Atlanta Film Festival screenings will be at the Plaza Theatre and 7 Stages. To see lists of 15 narrative features and 15 documentaries coming to the fest, go to http://blogs.ajc.com/arts-culture. More on the fest: www.atlantafilmfestival.com.

At Last...Warren Beatty to Play Howard Hughes

From: showbiz411.com
EXCLUSIVE: Good news! Warren Beatty is finally moving forward with his untitled “Howard Hughes” movie. What we do know is that a production office is in full swing at New Regency, the company making the film with Beatty. New Regency is newly hot these days with the arrival of Brad Pitt’s production company, and a major credit for “12 Years a Slave.” They’ve also got the next Cameron Crowe film, and Ben Affleck’s “Gone Girl.”

I put quotes around Howard Hughes’s name because it’s unclear whether the title character, to be played by Beatty, is still the infamously reclusive billionaire movie producer/aviator/raconteur/enigma. I’ve heard that Beatty, who’s written the screenplay himself, may have abandoned the idea of using Hughes, and decided to create his own character rather than deal with Hughes’s biographical baggage. That much remains in the air.

Right now the imdb calls the Beatty film “The Rules Don’t Apply.” There’s also a cast list that includes everyone from Jack Nicholson to Alec Baldwin. But sources say that “nothing on the imdb” is correct. The movie supposedly recounts a romance Hughes had with a young actress in his later years. Ironically, Beatty himself is now a few years older than Hughes was when he died at age 71. Of course, Beatty looks ten times younger than Hughes did even then.

Beatty is maybe the smartest guy in Hollywood, with a sharp eye and excellent taste. He’s an Oscar winner for “Reds,” and has on his resume many great films from “Shampoo” to “Bugsy” to “Heaven Can Wait” and “Dick Tracy” and “Bulworth.”  Some other projects, like “Love Affair” and “Town and Country” did not fare as well. But a new Warren Beatty film is reason for excitement. And we need a little buzz in this, the worst month for movies ever it seems!

Photos from :  http://blogs.indiewire.com/
and starpulse.com

Car Driven into Ocean in Daytona Beach

From ajc

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. —

A group of rescuers went to the aid of a woman and children in a minivan that went into the ocean at Daytona Beach Tuesday afternoon.

A woman from South Carolina drove the vehicle into the water just before 5 p.m., according to Capt. Tammy Marris with Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue.

Lifeguards were able to get everyone from the vehicle before it became fully submerged.

Vince Vaughn took over STK Atlanta and Cucina Asellina Atlanta

From: www.lifeandstylemag.com
Sunday night in Atlanta, funny man Vince Vaughn took over STK Atlanta and Cucina Asellina Atlanta with some friends where they hit up both spots to host a mini Oscars viewing party.

Totaling a group of 18, actors included Bill Paxton, Peter Billingsley, and William Levy who are all in town filming Billingsley’s movie Term Life.
more here
photo credit:  celebrityhappening.com
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Hey Vince if you see this, how about sending a picture of you and your gang.

Decatur Triangle almost all Clear

The Dairy Queen will be torn down very soon making this triangle property clean. Let the new construction begin.

Memphis Belle's B-17 at PDK

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Memphis Belle (Replica) The B-17G Memphis Belle used in the 1991 movie of the same name and now owned by the Liberty Foundations was at Peachtree DeKalb Airport this weekend.
 This aircraft was converted to an "F" model for use in the movie "Memphis Belle" and is not the real Memphis Belle.
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Eye on Decatur

Decatur Landmark to be Bulldozed - Hint: DQ

 (Looks like no one can save this Decatur landmark.... That's too bad because it was "THE" link from the other side of the tracks.)

  From artsatl.com

Since 1985 Nisar Momin and his family have served Dairy Queen soft freeze cones, slaw dogs and other treats to Decatur-area residents. It was Momin’s first business when he arrived in the United States from India in 1984. He loves his connection to Decatur: “We stay connected with the community. Decatur is great, and the people who live in and around here are very good to us.”

The Dairy Queen building where they work has stood since 1954 near the intersection of E. Trinity Place and E. College Avenue. It is one of more than 5,600  American Dairy Queen stores worldwide, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. It also is one of the few remaining barn-shaped Dairy Queen franchises in Metro Atlanta.

In fact it is one of the few remnants of the fast-food, drive-up vernacular architecture that arose in postwar America as a way of capturing the attention of a young, car-crazed American society. You didn’t need to see a cowboy hat, redheaded clown, Kentucky colonel, or pizza pie spinner to know what was sold there. All you needed was a familiar silhouette of the buildings visible through the fog to know that it was an Arby’s, McDonald’s, KFC or Pizza Hut.
READ MORE http://www.artsatl.com/2014/02/barn-razing-landmark-dairy-queen-bulldozed-decatur/
Photo by D.G.Whitefield for Next Stop...Decatur 

Decatur woman who posed as a Waffle House manager Arrested

From vahi.patch.com
Atlanta police say a Decatur woman who posed as a Waffle House manager and snatched $100 cash from the register on Wednesday returned to the Memorial Drive restaurant hours later to return the money.

But she got more than she bargained for as Katie Marie McCrary, 35, was arrested and booked into the DeKalb County jail on a misdemeanor charge of theft by taking.

According to Officer Kim Jones, shortly after 6 a.m. on Feb. 26, McCrary entered the Waffle House located at 2914 Memorial Drive dressed in a Waffle House uniform.
read more

Agnes Scott Historic Image - Five Daughters of Generals

Yes, each of these Agnes Scott College students , Decatur GA. is the daughter of a U.S. Army General.
L to R:  Francis Brougher,Polly Frink,Julia Ann Patch,Betty Brougher and Barbara Frink.
April 30, 1942

Kimball House Oysters are Tops

From Creative Loafing 
 

by Jennifer Zyman
 Get 'em while they're cold
  There's nothing like a good oyster. It is the perfect mix of mystery, sensuality, and humbleness, and shows the rewards of human curiosity.
 It's easy to imagine one of our ancestors spying a gull drop an oyster, watching it crack open to reveal its slippery form, and thinking, "I'm going to eat that. That looks good." As common as oyster bars are in the Northeast and Northwest, just five years ago, Atlanta's options for a chilly and slippery bite of the sea were sparse. There were a few reliable spots, including Fontaine's Oyster House (1026 1/2 N. Highland Ave., 404-872-0869) and C&S Seafood and Oyster Bar (3240 Cobb Parkway, 770-272-0999), but options were limited. Since then, Atlanta's oyster lovers have seen an explosion in restaurants serving a variety of well-sourced bivalves. Atlanta's biggest oyster champion is Kimball House (303 E. Howard Ave., Decatur, 404-378-3502). I was shocked at the breadth of the oyster menu when I first saw it. It is 20 deep with selections from everywhere imaginable. The menu offers tidy tasting notes next to each item so you can decide if you are in the mood for a briny, bready, or vegetal bite.
Read  more at http://clatl.com
Photo credit: Next Stop...Decatur

Couple stumbles upon $10 million in rare coins in Calif

Read more at ajc.com

Earth Day Pirate Themed T-shirt Design Contest

 From Be Active Decatur
Back by popular demand ….the Earth Day Pirate Themed T-shirt Design Contest. Children in grades K-12 are encouraged to submit a design. Decatur’s Earth Day event will be held on Saturday, April 19 at the  Oakhurst Community Garden from 1 until 4 pm and is a collaboration between the City of Decatur and the Wylde Center.

The Grand Prize Entry will be on the 2014 Earth Day Celebration T-Shirt and all entries will be on display at the Decatur Library. The entry deadline is Tuesday, March 25, 5 pm and the winners will be notified on April 1.  All entries are due to the Wylde Center Offices at the Oakhurst Garden, 435 Oakview Road, Decatur, GA 30030 and must have a submission form attached to be included in the contest.
Prizes will be awarded at the 2014 Earth Day Celebration at the Oakhurst Garden at 1:30pm on April 19. The Oakhurst Garden of the Wylde Center is located at 435 Oakview Road, Decatur, GA 30030. Click here for the submission information. Additional questions? Contact Marion@wyldecenter.org
photo credit wyldecenter.org

Closing The Seen

The Seen Gallery located on Church Street for over 10 years is closing. Where will Pete the Cat go ?
You can read all about it at Decaturish

"Cabana Grill" Coming to Toco Hill

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com
Addison, Texas-based Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc. is planning a second location of its newest concept, "Cabana Grill," at Toco Hill.   The restaurant would be built on the wooded parcel in front of Kroger, adjacent to the AAA Auto Care Center.  The parcel once had an old white house on it, but the house was demolished many years ago.  The parcel is owned by Bennett-Johnson Properties, LLP, descendants of the woman who lived in the former house.  

W. Clyde Shepherd III of Toco Hill Inc. has sought for many years to purchase the parcel and apparently his offer was lower than the family thinks the property is worth.  Toco Hill Shopping Center was developed in 1956 by William Clyde Shepherd Jr.   Shepherd III has reportedly refused to allow curb cuts from the parcel to Toco Hill Shopping Center, meaning that access to and from the restaurant would be exclusively via LaVista Road. 
more

Update on Candler Road Construction

From: crossroadsnews.com
Photo credit: crossroadsnews.com
Business owners and operators on Candler Road will get an update on the ongoing construction on the corridor that has been snarling traffic and chasing customers away for almost a year.

DeKalb District Three Commissioner Larry Johnson is hosting the Business Owner Meeting meeting on Feb. 24 at the Scott Candler Library to discuss the construction projects.

“Representatives from DeKalb County and AGL will provide updates and answer questions,” he said.

Business owners along the corridor have been complaining about the lack of information about the projects.

The $7.1 million construction projects have been underway since last April. It includes the installation of underground water mains and gas lines.

When the underground work is done, Johnson said the road will be repaved and the cooridor beautified.
more

Brian Williams Raps

Name the Spot

Can you name this spot which is located in Decatur GA.?

Little Shop of Stories Receives Donation From James Patterson

 From: thecelebritycafe.com
James Patterson, one of the richest authors in the U.S., is following through on his promise last fall to donate $1 million out of his own pocket to independent bookstores across the nation. Patterson has already sent out the checks to the first group of stores (one of which was Little Shop of Stories), totaling $267,000.
In September, Patterson spoke with the Wall Street Journal and CBS This Morning to outline his plans, which include a spot on his site where readers can suggest stores that need his help. According to Publisher’s Weekly, Patterson also enlisted R.L. Stine, Kate DiCamillo and other authors, who suggested other stores for him to donate to.
Now, the first installment of donations is out in the mail. He’s sent a total of $267,000 to 54 stores. He also sent a grant to the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association to support its California Bookstore Day.
read more

Eye on Decatur - What the ...

 Decatur  GA
 What happened to this US Mail truck ?
Comment: Don't Tamper With the Property of the U.S. Mail

 "Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the postmen from their appointed rounds".

Comment from jolomo:  I'm going to go out on a limb and say "fire". Hopefully not too much mail was lost!

Tour deCatur is Saturday March 15

Tour deCatur Road Race

 Sat, Mar 15, 2014 | 8:45AM - 11:00AM 

• Early bird pricing ends after February 28! 
• (and price goes up to $30 for all ages)

Register now for the Tour deCatur, now in its 12th year!

The Tour deCatur, now in its 12th year, gives participants the opportunity to run a 5k road race and/or a 1-mile fun run through neighborhoods of Decatur. This event started as a grassroots fundraiser for the Decatur Education Foundation and has grown into a community wide tradition with over 2500 participants. One registration fee allows participation in the 5k, 1 mile or Tot Trot. Funds raised by this event support the children and youth of Decatur by providing educational and enrichment opportunities.

• 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk: 8:45am
• 5K Road Race/Walk: 9:15am
• Tot Trot (age 4 and under): 10am

Google is Eyeing Decatur and other Metro Areas

From clatl.com

by Thomas Wheatley

If you're wondering why your company's IT guy is walking around giddy as can be, it's because
Google today announced that it's considering Atlanta and several other neighboring cities to expand its high-speed Internet and TV service called Fiber.

The service is roughly 100 times faster than your typical broadband connection and packages can start around $70 per month, which can be cheaper than some other providers. Fiber is already up and running in Provo, Utah, and Kansas City, Mo. Austin is next on the list of cities to receive the service. Here's a handy one-pager about Fiber.

The metro Atlanta cities under consideration are Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, College Park, Decatur, East Point, Hapeville, Sandy Springs, and Smyrna. Google hopes to announce its selection by the end of the year.
Read more

Decatur Dairy Queen is Closing after 30 Great Years........Maybe

They will be closed as of FEB 22, 2014. A sign in window says they will be back in the new development, but that may not be true. The owners and the City of Decatur are trying to work out a way to stay in Decatur, after all they have been in Decatur for 30 years.

Anonymous Comment: I'm hoping that the news isn't true. I loved the food as well as the staff at DQ. It was one of the best one's I've been to on Decatur Dairy Queen is Closing after 30 Great Years........Maybe

Jimmy Fallon's First Night Hosting The Tonight Show

East Ponce de Leon Ave Overlay 1950's and Today

Click to enlarge
Here is another one :http://www.whatwasthere.com/browse.aspx#!/ll/33.775596,-84.295316/id/62942/info/sv/zoom/14/

The Decatur Theatre Overlay 1940 and Today

This overlay shows where The Decatur Theatre once stood in the parking lot next to Eddie's Attic on N. McDonough St. --- 

And here is another one for those who remember Willie Bradford's Barber Shop on East College across from The Decatur Train Depot.(click to enlarge)