Vintage Postcard Decatur's Athletic Club

Christian the Lion - the full story. A great YouTube.

Update on The Decatur High School Stadium

Press box is starting to look good.
workers are woring 7 days a week to get this place ready
for opening night Sept 19th

Score Board is going up soon, workers are installing the base frame as you can see.
Looks like they will have two score boards.

PIGGLY WIGGLY's in Decatur in the 1940's

Top photo is The Piggly Wiggly's that was located at 128 Clairemont Ave.

Bottom photo is The Watkin's building on E. Ponce de Leon Ave.

The Varsity celebrates it's 80th Anniversary tomorrow.

By Richard L. Eldredge
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution


On Aug. 2, the Varsity will celebrate its 80th anniversary at its main location downtown at 61 North Ave.

The city's fast-food fixture is throwing a big birthday bash on the upper deck of the parking lot from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring local bands the Cool Whips, the Hibbert Brothers and the Planet Rock Experience (featuring talented local school kids, ages 7 to 18). 97.1 FM the River will host a live radio remote from the Frosted Orange emporium. Coca-Cola, meanwhile, is hauling in the NASCAR Experience driving simulator for race fans and classic cars from the 1950s and 1960s will be parked outside.

The Varsity will be giving away free birthday cake, ice cream and balloons. And we strongly suspect they'll have a few chili dogs and onion rings available for purchase as well.

Oh, and Varsity fanatics also will get a sneak peek at a five-minute preview of the upcoming PBA 30 documentary tentatively titled, "What'll Ya Have? A History of the Varsity," set to air this fall.

Thankfully, producers taped two interviews with longtime Varsity counterman Erby Walker before the 70-year-old's death last month.

"We were really fortunate," the film's executive producer, Gregg Bauer, told Buzz Thursday. "Two weeks later, Erby was gone. It was quite a shock."

Brick Store Pub's (Decatur, GA) new beer cellaring program.

Funtown Friday Entertainment Presents Video No. 10 ... Born to be Wild

Coldplay on MTV Music Awards

The Decatur Bulldog Athletic Booster Club Video

FIVE QUESTIONS ... with Dave Kieffer, owner of Mellow Mushroom in Decatur

By Jon Waterhouse
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/31/08

Restaurateur Dave Kieffer incorporates his love for the pizza business and passion for B-movies into the downtown Decatur Mellow Mushroom location. As a franchisee for the pizza chain, he puts his own stamp on his store, decorating the tables with classic horror and sci-fi posters. And he uses artwork that places the Mellow Mushroom cartoon characters alongside creatures like Frankenstein, Godzilla and men from Mars.

How did you wind up opening your own Mellow Mushroom restaurant?

After high school I moved to New York with my family. But I was a wannabe rock star, so I moved back to Atlanta to play with my band. Since we never really made any money on the music front, I had to do something to make a living. I got a job with the Mellow Mushroom on Powers Ferry Road, which was the second store franchised ... I worked there on and off for around 11 years until I started working with my family selling and servicing sheet-fed printing presses. After my dad decided to retire, I hit him up to let me try to open my own Mellow Mushroom, as I had really grown to like the company. He finally gave in, and I opened this store in February 2001.

Why Decatur?

I decided on Decatur because I had grown up in Stone Mountain and had always liked the Decatur area. It seemed like Decatur was a really up-and-coming area with a small-town feel, which was right up my alley. So I was thrilled to get this spot.

Do you think downtown Decatur is reaching its peak of restaurant saturation?

There are quite a few restaurants in Decatur, but I'm not sure it's really reached the point of saturation. It's great for me as a Decatur resident to have so many choices, too. So I see it more as a plus.

Your restaurant's decor is heavy on the B-movie theme. Explain the fandom.

I consider myself a huge B-movie fan. As a kid in Ohio, I used to love watching Ghoulardi, a local horror host broadcast out of Cleveland, which is when I really started to love the old classic monster and sci-fi movies. The first movie my dad took me to at the drive-in was "Food of the Gods" based on the H.G. Wells story. It really terrified me as a kid, and I've been fascinated with the genre ever since.

As a horror and sci-fi fan, what's your idea of the perfect desert island DVD?

There are a lot of great ones to choose from, but I am really a sucker for all of Tobe Hooper's stuff. And I can watch "The Funhouse" over and over again. Traveling carnivals have a certain weirdness factor inherently, and that movie just really catches that whole feel for me.

> Mellow Mushroom Pizza, 265 Ponce De Leon Place, Suite Q, Decatur. 404-370-0008, www.mellowmushroompizza.

The Glenwood Drive-In

The Glenwood Drive-In
4421 Glenwood Road
Decatur, GA.
Circa 1969

Now I want to find a photo of The Scott Drive-In.
Which was located at the intersection of Scott Blvd & Lawrenceville Hwy.
Decatur, GA.


Does anyone have a photo of it.
I am still looking for one.

Black & White photo's
are from Grand Opening 1955

Looking back at Spencer's Tire Co.

Spencer's Tire Co.
402 E Howard Ave
Decatur, GA.






Photo circa 2000

Columbia Mall Sears.

Check out this photo of the Sears at Columbia Mall over at the inDECATUR site, looks like it was taken not long after it opened circa 1964 ot 1965

Decatur, Ga. circa 1964

The cars in this are 1950's cars, but this photo came out of Decatur High School yearbook of 1964, maybe they used an older photo they had saved.

Next Stop Decatur's Time Machine

The old Clark Music Store was one of many stores that thrived on Sycamore Street years ago. Today that same building is Birdi's.

Clark photo: Johnny Crawford/AJC
BiRDi's photo: Dennis Whitefield

Mingei World Arts present a Performance Benefit for LA Union Library

Don't forget!
Performance benefit for La Union Library
Carmen Deedy and John McCutheon!
Tuesday, July 29
7:15pm

Decatur Library
Come early! Doors open at 6:00pm.
Free, but donations for the library encouraged!

Browse and buy fabulous carvings from the artisans of La Union Tejalapan,
and bid for others in a silent auction!
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the library.

Carmen and John's books and CD's also for sale, and available for signing!

Post-performance tastes courtesy of El Tesoro.

Mingei World Arts, Inc.
427 Church Street
Decatur, GA 30030
404.371-0101
Fax 404.371-0131

Comment:
jd said:
Anything the women at Mingei do is worth a special trip. Ann and Ellen are the heart and soul of Church Street in downtown Decatur. Can't wait.

July 30, 2008 8:35 AM

~ Fleet Feet Decatur ~

431 W Ponce de Leon Ave
Decatur, GA 30030

At Fleet Feet Decatur, you will find a friendly environment where runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities receive unparalleled service and support. Fleet Feet's Fitlosophy helps you find the right ''FIT'' in every facet of your active lifestyle. With our "one customer at a time" approach, our knowledgeable staff will help guide you to the right products for your individual needs.

Store hours
Mon - Fri 10a.m. - 7p.m.
Sat 10a.m. - 6p.m.
Sun 12p.m. - 5p.m.

404.371.0208

I had the opportunity to meet the owners of this fine new store yesterday, very nice people.
Please check this store out, you will love it.
Special note: They have great advertising techniques
see photo of 3 mannequins out front of the Brick Store Pub.
Great job, I love it.
For more on Fleet Feet click here.

Comment:
decaturite said:

Thanks for the photos inside the store Dennis! Especially liked the BSP shot!

Keep up the good work!

July 30, 2008 1:30 PM

Memories of The Emory Theatre & Jones Pharmacy

Here are some great memories of someone who use to live in Decatur.
I just wanted to share it with you all.
Be sure to read comments.

I went to the Emory Theater, especially for Sat. morning cartoons, from when I was old enough (moved to the area in 1943) to when we moved to Decatur in the Fall of 1949. (We then moved to Tucson, Arizona, in 1950.) We lived near Druid Hills School, where I went from the first grade til the beginning of the 5th. Anyway, we generally walked down, except when we could persuade our parents to drive us. I remember, after paying my 12 cents on Sat. mornings, being reprimanded by theater staff for putting my legs over the back of the seat in front of me, as I watched Mighty Mouse, et al. The Decatur and DeKalb were more expensive--14 cents! :-0 We went there at other times of the week, but I mainly remember those great times on Saturdays. We (my brothers and sister and I) were down there some afternoons during the week, taking dance lessons at Mrs. Bagwell's, on the same side of the street. I remember walking by Jones Pharmacy on the way from home---great ice cream treats! I went into the other pharmacy, located at the corner of the Emory complex, near the gas station, as I remember, but I just mainly looked at magazines in there. Jones Pharmacy, by the firehouse, was my favorite. I'll have to let my older brother know about this site; he would remember more.

posted by William Carroll on Jul 26, 2008 at 7:07pm

William, those are some good memories you have, I grew up in Decatur but we always went to the Decatur Theatre, I was there all the time in the 60's, Saturdays were always fun. My brother worked at the concession stand so whenever I would go to the snack bar he would give me the box of popcorn that had the free pass to the theatre,
I worked there but I just handed out flyers of the movie playing or the ones coming soon.
I got paid with 2 free passes.
So I always went free most of the time.

BLOGGERS OF DECATUR

Hey Everyone,

THIS IS FROM JEFF AT WHIT'S END

I wanted you all to know about some great resources here in Decatur for information about our great little corner of the world. Of course, we all know about the excellent shops and restaurants that we all frequent and love and need to continue to support in order to keep our community vital.....(including this writer's place of business...ahem!) There are some great bloggers here that are doing wonders for our city. They have been extremely kind enough to include my store in many entries, and thus I appreciate them. Also, I enjoy the items they report on as it keeps me informed about goings on about town. Check out the Decatur ELife (actually on online video magazine), Decatur Metro, Next Stop Decatur, Decatur Mom, and inDecatur. There are others like ourdecatur, mydecatur, decaturnow, asiancajuns, etc. All give great info. When you have time, check them all out. Decatur ELife, and Next Stop Decatur (which does a ton of historical type features about Decatur) are featuring Whit's End prominently, and I thank them! Give them a read or watch......Thanks, Jeff

Posted by Whit's End Blog at 7/26/2008 4:18 PM | Add Comment

Thanks Jeff,
All us bloggers( if I can speak for all of us) enjoy what we do,I'm just glad we have so many readers out there... Remember, it's always news when nobody knows, that's where we come in.

Dennis Whitefield
Next Stop...Decatur

~SHARIAN~ Fine Oriental Rugs, A Family Passion Since 1931

~SHARIAN~
A Family Passion Since 1931

At Sharian, we have been selling, restoring and cleaning Fine Oriental Rugs for more than 70 years. Rugs have been the focus of our family for four generations. What does this mean for our customers? It means we are here to stay. We have a long history of service and integrity. And we really know our business.

Sharian was started in 1931 by Bedros and Varthouhi Sharian, and Varthouhi's brother Lutfig Geovkalayjian, Armenian immigrants who came to Atlanta in the early 1920s. The Sharian's son Bedros Sharian, Jr., led the firm along with his brother Paul, beginning in the 1950s.

Today, Bedros's children Ruth, Ritchie and Bedros III, and Paul's daughter, Lydia, are involved in running the company day-to-day. Paul has retired, but Bedros, Jr. still serves as chairman emeritus, and works every day in the showroom. The next generation of Sharians, starting with Ruth's son, Jim, is not far behind.

Our customer showroom and cleaning facility is on Decatur's main street, Ponce de Leon Avenue, where our building's art deco façade has attracted visitors since 1946.

Sharian, Inc. | Directions and Map
368 West Ponce de Leon Avenue
Decatur, Georgia 30030
(404) 373-2274

Decatur Showroom & Cleaning hours:
Cleaning: Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Showroom: Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturdays Showroom & Cleaning from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Update on The Decatur HighSchool Stadium

The new Decatur High School Stadium is looking better each day, the press box is up and it loooking good. I hope they put GO DECATUR ! back up.
This photo is from today.
I'm glad to see they are putting bleachers in front of the stadium, that's how it use to be.
and the bleachers on the visitors side.
I was looking back at some old photos
and they did have bleachers on the visitors side at one time, not sure why they were removed.

Whit's End now stocking Decatur High School Bulldog Spirit Wear.

EXTRA ! EXTRA ! ....READ ALL ABOUT IT.
The guys down at Whit's End wants you to know they will have Decatur High School Bulldog Wear.
So get down there and pick up some stuff, Football season will be here very soon,
and you want to look good at the opening of the new Decatur High School Stadium
Sept 19

Whit’s End, Decatur’s place formen’s casual clothing, accessories and gifts at affordable prices is nowstocking Decatur High School Bulldog Spirit Wear. The store is locatedin downtown Decaturat 431 West Ponce de Leon Avenueacross from the post office, and has free parking. Owner’s Jeff Gold and Greg Whitlock have a son at the high school that plays sports, andrealized that with their store they could provide Decaturites with a convenientway to support the DHS community. If you are at a game or school eventand aren’t ready to purchase, you can come in to Whit’s End whenyou are! Items of all kinds will be stocked. This helps thecommunity and the Booster Club which benefits from the proceeds. For store hours you can go to www.whitsenddecatur.com,or call 404.377.3310. If you don’t live nearby, give them a call for shipping and product information.

More info: To the Great Whit's End Blog Readers,

We now have Decatur High School Spirit Wear. Come in and shop when you can and help support our local high school, community, and the DHS Booster Club. You don't have to go to a game, or school event anymore to purchase these items, stop in when you want. If you don't live nearby, give us a call, and we can make arrangements to get items to you.

July 31- August 3 is Georgia Tax Free Shopping Weekend. Come in and automatically save the 7% sales tax on all clothing, shoes, and belts. Stop by for back to school clothing!

Don't forget about Fab Fridays on the last Friday of each month. After 5p there are extra savings on merchandise, and free wine and snacks.

See you in soon.

Thanks for your continued support.

Jeff and Greg



Whit's End, LLC
431 W. Ponce DeLeon Ave, #2
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 377-3310
(404) 377-8335 Fax
whitsenddecatur@bellsouth.net
www.whitsenddecatur.com

Looking back at Decatur, GA. circa 1966

This photo from 1966 indecatur.

Funtown Friday Entertainment Video No. 9

Classic video- Downtown Train. Rod Stewart

Sycamore Street , Decatur, GA. circa 1940's

This was Sycamore Street as it looked in the 1940's between Church St. and East Court Square. These buildings were all removed and replaced by MARTA Plaza in the late 1970's. Bailey's Shoe Shop, established in 1904 (center) was the oldest Decatur business in continuous operation when it closed its doors. (Circa 1940's) Photo from Mrs. J.O. Bowen, Jr's. collection. (1985~77~2)

The old historic Davison's Department store building to have a $30 million face-lift

This is great news for Atlanta, ever since Davison's / Macy's building closed it just looked sad, but this will give that area a great look and more people will start going downtown more.
click here to see old photo of Davison's and Peachtree st.


More than 20 investors calling themselves the 180 Peachtree Retail Group want to turn the first three floors of the historic building into shops and restaurants.

The plan includes opening a prepared-foods marketplace on the third floor, under the guidance of a soon-to-be-named noted local chef, said Robert Patterson, managing partner of the investment group.

"It's going to feel much more like a Faneuil Hall Market Place [in Boston] with boutiques and restaurants," Patterson said.

The building's arched windows will become lighted openings fronting a wall of glass set back about 25 feet, Patterson said. A grand hallway will be lined with retail.

Patterson said a recent study showed downtown needs about 1 million square feet of additional retail to serve office workers, students, residents and visitors.

The yet-to-be-named retail center could open in late summer or early fall of 2009, Patterson said.

The top five floors of the eight-story building will remain office space owned by the Peachtree Carnegie limited partnership.

AJC story.
photo from creative loafing.
_______________

You'll find it at Victory Vintage Home.

This is the backside of store.

Victory Vintage Home
303 E. College Ave.
Decatur, GA. 30030

click here for web site.

JLB proceeding with Decatur project despite neighbors' concerns

By PAUL DONSKY
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/22/08

JLB Partners is formally seeking approval for an apartment and retail development in downtown Decatur, despite opposition from neighbors who fear the project is too dense and provides too little parking.

JLB is proposing to build 218 upscale apartment units in the parking lot of a 10-story office building, along with 7,200 square feet of retail on West Ponce de Leon Avenue.
The company met with neighbors earlier to try to address their concerns, but the plans have not substantially changed.

A proposed 425-space parking deck would be shared by office tenants and apartment residents, under the assumption that the structure would be used by office workers during the day and residents at night.

A variance is required because JLB's plans call for fewer parking spaces than is allowed under the city's zoning.

The back of the property borders a neighborhood of single-family homes. Residents are concerned that the shared parking concept won't work, flooding their streets with cars looking for scarce spots.

"We're still questioning a lot of the assumptions [JLB has] put in place," said Gil Rogers, who lives near the proposed development.

Hudson Hooks, manager of JLB's Atlanta office, said the parking plans have been studied carefully.

"We wouldn't be pursing a shared parking concept that didn't work," he said. "From a marketability standpoint, if there's not enough parking, it isn't going to be good for our project."

The proposal is scheduled to be considered by the Decatur Planning Commission on Aug. 7 before going before the Decatur City Commission on Aug. 18.

JLB's request for a parking variance, meanwhile, will be heard by the city's Zoning Review Board on Aug. 11.

Wordsmiths Books upcoming events.

Wordsmiths Books presents a forthcomingweek for the hair-obsessed, the Force-obsessed and the vampire-obsessed withauthor Doug Crandell, Salon Red, Karen Traviss & Star Wars: Clone Wars, aswell as a nationally-recognized BreakingDawn midnight release Prom





Not to be overshadowed by their midnight sale/Black and Red Prom(recently recognized in a national Associated Press article) for StephenieMeyer’s breakout Young Adult novel Breaking Dawn next Friday, August 1, Wordsmiths Books in Decatur, GA hasan entire week of in-store author events leading up to the Black and Red Promfor those who might no be as inclined to fawn over the Y.A.Vampire/Werewolf/Human love triangle saga.





On Tuesday, July 29at 7:30 PM, Wordsmiths Books presents a hair-raising event withlocal author Doug Crandell, in celebration of his new novel Hairdos of the Mildly Depressed. Athematic sequel to Crandell’s 2007 beloved best-seller The Flawless Skin Of Ugly People, Hairdos Of The Mildly Depressed continuesCrandell’s “Beauty Knows No Pain” trilogy with awell-crafted, character-driven plot centering around a man obsessed with hair.In conjunction with Salon Red, Decatur’s premiere beauty salon,Wordsmiths will be hosting a night they’re calling Much Ado About Hairdos. In addition to areading from and discussion with Doug Crandell, Salon Red Decatur’smaster stylist and owner Jessica Soler will be discussing the magic andmethodology behind getting the “best” haircut. Free Salon Redgoodies will be available for each attendee to the event, and everyone in theaudience will be registered to win a free haircut from Salon Red.



Then, on Wednesday, July30, at 7:30 P.M., the Force will be strong at Wordsmiths as they presentKaren Traviss, author of the newest Star Wars novel, Star Wars: Clone Wars. In celebration,they’ll be hosting a Star Wars costume contest, where they areencouraging fans of all ages to come dressed their “favorite orleast-favorite” Star Wars character, “major or minor”, forthe chance to win “fantastic prizes”.



All Wordsmiths Books events are free, and take place at 545N McDonough St, Decatur, GA, 30030. For more information on these or anyWordsmiths goings-on, email russ@wordsmithsbooks.comor call 404-378-7166.









-----------

Russ Marshalek

Marketing/Publicity Director

Wordsmiths Books

545 N McDonough

Decatur, GA 30030

(404)378-7166

russ@wordsmithsbooks.com

What's going on with this building on Church Street.

The sign out front says coming soon The Church Street Station, but this sign I know has been there for a year or so. It looks like it has just been painted.
What's the story on this building.


It appears that keeping a business open on this part of Church Street is a problem. A lot of buildings on that part of Church St. are vacant.
The only thing in that area is The Decatur Market but that's only on the week-end's. McDonald's seems to always be busy. Decatur just needs something in this area to be stable.

This building pictured below was a Kroger grocery store when I was a kid. The last business I think was some sort of Flea-market. This empty building would be a great Trader Joe's if they plan on coming to Decatur.

I think Decatur should have a small theatre, like the Plaza Theatre on Ponce. That might help the area.
What are your thoughts on this area on Church Street.

Deal on balcony to let Stone Mountain Streetscape go forward

By DAVID MARKIEWICZ
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/21/08

More than a year after it began, a flap over a restaurant balcony in Stone Mountain might be nearing resolution.

And with that, the city's much-anticipated Main Street Streetscape project might finally begin.
The $1.2 million first phase of the downtown improvement effort has been delayed because of a dispute between the owners of a retail store and city officials over a balcony that overhangs Main Street. The balcony, which provides for outdoor dining, is supported by three support posts which are stuck in the middle of the sidewalk in front of the shop.

Those posts have to go to make way for new sidewalks planned for Streetscape, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation. But the owners of the property argued that their balcony was being taken without compensation.

The dispute has gone on for about 14 months. But officials including City Manager Barry Amos said Monday that an agreement is in its final stages and just awaits the approval of a DeKalb Superior Court judge.

Details of the agreement were being withheld pending approval of the judge.

The first phase of Streetscape could begin by early next year and would take about six months to complete. It is a key piece in the proposed makeover of the the DeKalb city's historic downtown.

Construction to begin on Decatur's new no. 2 fire station

Decatur Metro reports that construction begins tomorrow on Decatur's no. 2 Fire Station located at 356 W. Hill St.
The new station will replace the old one ( bottom photo).

to read on Decatur's Fire Department history click here

Update on the Decatur High School Stadium Construction

Construction workers on the new stadium are working 7 days a week now. Today they were working on both sides of the field. New bleachers are being constructed for the visitors side , which the old stadium did not have.
At the rate they are going now they should have time to spare before the first home football game
Sept. 19, 2008

Click on picture to enlarge.

Public swimming pool refreshing, affordable.

By HELENA OLIVIERO
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Photo: Dennis Whitefield
Published on: 07/20/08

Amy Hughley and 14-month-old daughter Katharine swim most days in their neighborhood pool featuring a beach-like entry and bubbling fountains.

Decatur's McKoy pool is a newly renovated, pretty swimming hole. But maybe more importantly right now, it's public. Read: less expensive.
Faced with the question of private vs. public, Hughley opted for the more economic choice.

"This place is great. Very cool," Hughley said. "Just perfect."

And with family season passes going for $100 for Decatur families, it's quite the deal, too, she said.

Compare that with nearby Lake Claire. That pool charges a $2,500 initiation fee and annual dues of $450.

And there's no waiting list at public pools. Peggy Brodsky, program supervisor for tennis and aquatics for the city of Decatur, said season passes to the city's three pools are up 25 percent this summer compared to previous seasons.

On a recent afternoon, Hughley and Katharine splashed around with a yellow beach ball.

"One of the best deals out there," she said.

At the theatres this week-end is the new Batman movie. The Dark Knight. Heath Ledger is the Joker in his last movie role.

Actor Heath Ledger is shown in a scene in his role as The Joker in "The Dark Knight" in this undated publicity photo released to Reuters July 16, 2008

This blogger saw it and thought it was very good.

As Seen in Decatur: Street Scene.. Motorcycles at Twain's

TWAIN'S BILLIARDS & TAP
E.Trinty Pl. & Church St.
Decatur, GA. 30030

They are a full service brewpub, restaurant, and poolhall located in downtown Decatur, GA. Open since 1996, they have been brewing their own crafted ales since November, with Jordan Fleetwood on board as their brewer. Join them soon for a pint or two, some fresh, tasty grub, and few friendly games. They look forward to seeing you!

Next Stop...Decatur's Time Machine -Looking back at Decatur High School's Homecoming Parade circa 1965

Leading the Homecoming Parade in front of Decatur High School is Drum Major Herchel Beazley.

Top photo: 2008
Bottom photo: 1965
From 1966 indecatur

Click on picture to enlarge.
[where: 310 N. McDonough St. Decatur,GA. 30030]

Secret's out: N. Druid Hills great place for singles

By PAUL DONSKY, TY TAGAMI
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Photo:Joey Ivansco/jivansco@ajc.com
Published on: 07/18/08

The list of top places for singles, according to CNNMoney.com, includes some of the most exciting, trendy spots in America: Cambridge, Mass.; Berkeley, Calif.; Boulder, Colo.

Sitting at No. 9: North Druid Hills.
That's right, the editors at the New York-based magazine crunched the numbers and determined that the traffic-clogged DeKalb County crossroads area, best known for the sprawling Toco Hill shopping center and 1960s-era ranch homes, is a haven for swingin' singles.

The Web site even refers to "North Druid Hills, Ga." as a "bike-friendly town" with a view of the Atlanta skyline.

Atlanta is home to plenty of hot spots for the unattached – think trendy Midtown, grungy Little Five Points or crunchy Decatur. Atlanta itself ranks 13th on this list.

But family-friendly North Druid Hills? And just what is North Druid Hills, anyway?

Metro Atlantans rarely, if ever, refer to the area by that name. It's really a no-man's land that's close to identifiable places like Emory University, Decatur and Buckhead. Most often, residents just call it Toco Hill.

Money clearly had a problem identifying the area as well. The story posted Friday included a brief description and photo for each of the top 25 places. Glamor shots included funky downtown Hoboken, N.J., just across the river from Manhattan, and the scenic Charles River in Cambridge.

For North Druid Hills, the editors threw up a Google map with a pointer at the intersection of North Druid Hills and LaVista roads, about where the Dunkin' Donuts is located.

Flo Wolf, who lives near the pinpointed spot, paused a moment to weigh the news.

"Uh huh. Well, somebody's been doing some major PR work out there," Wolf said. The former president of the Merry Hills Homeowners Association said her neighborhood is defined by its proximity to a popular synagogue that has been a draw for Orthodox Jewish families.

"Where I live is a very strong, family-oriented community," said Wolf, whose own two sons grew up and moved away.

Alex Garvin, a city planner based in New York, scoffed at the notion that North Druid Hills should rank high for singles.

"There's no street life," said Garvin, who played a key role in the design of Atlanta's Beltline. "There's nowhere for anybody to be."

Garvin studied the North Druid Hills Road corridor as part of a re-imagining of the area for future development — after developer Sembler Co. proposed a massive redevelopment nearby.

He said the area is anything but bike friendly. The only bike lane he found was a 1/3-mile long stretch on Briarcliff Road about a mile to the west. Mostly, what you see is drivers.

"What you see are people in cars going somewhere else," he said. "They don't stay."

North Druid Hills may not rank among the sexiest of places, but it does offer some advantages for singles. Housing is plentiful and affordable, and the area is close to major job centers like Emory University, Midtown and Buckhead.

According to the Web site, of North Druid Hills 20,607 residents, 47.6 percent are single.

Architect Tyrone Higginbottom, 36, said a lot of the single family homes are rentals that attract students from nearby Emory University. But singles like him don't hang out there at night, he said. With Decatur and Buckhead a short drive away, they go elsewhere.

"If they're saying it's like the hot place to be, I can't think of any places at that intersection that I would go to to hang out," Higginbottom said, "but a lot of people in this neighborhood are single."

McDonough ST. Market Grand Opening starts Today

Last night The McDonough St. Market had a sneek peak preview to The Grand Opening of their new store. The official Grand Opening starts today and runs through Sunday. Go check it out.

Funtown Friday Entertainment Video no. 8

Coldplay - Viva La Vida . A great song by a great band.

A Great Song By a Great Band..Coldplay

Lyrics:

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemies eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing:
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"

One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt, and pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
Once you know there was never, never an honest word
That was when I ruled the world
(Ohhh)

It was the wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in.
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People could not believe what I'd become
Revolutionaries Wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can not explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world
(Ohhhhh Ohhh Ohhh)

Hear Jerusalem bells are ringings
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can not explain
I know Saint Peter will call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Oooooh Oooooh Oooooh