Atlanta Streetcar will be operational on Tuesday

From http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/atlanta-streetcar-on-track-for-tuesday-opening/njZSd/
The Atlanta streetcar will be operational on Tuesday, reviving a form of public transit not seen in Atlanta since 1949.
The Tuesday opening of the long-delayed $98 million, four-car streetcar system will beat a self-imposed deadline by Mayor Kasim Reed by one day. It also will come just in time to greet tens of thousands of visitors to downtown Atlanta for the Dec. 30 Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome and the annual New Year’s Eve peach drop at The Atlanta Underground.
What awaits riders? A free ride over the next three months, Reed said, along a 2.7 mile loop around downtown Atlanta. Bounded mainly by Auburn and Edgewood avenues, access points include Centennial Olympic Park, the King Center, Georgia State University and the Peachtree Center MARTA rail station.

I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!

 You'll shoot your eye out, kid.

Blessings - Laura Story

American Flyer Xmas

Beer, Snacks, and Free Gift Wrap at HOMEGROWN

https://www.facebook.com/HomeGrownDecatur

Christmas in Dixie

Where to Eat on Christmas Day around Decatur

Where to Eat on Christmas: 12 Restaurants Open Around Decatur
By:  Allie Aylward (Patch Staff)
For those looking to dine out on Christmas Day -- or for the unlucky few to have burned the Christmas ham -- here are some restaurants, cafes and pubs open on Dec. 25 in Decatur and Dunwoody.
to see the list at patch.com

21 things you didn’t know about Clermont Lounge

From: thrillist.com
By Sebastian Davis

You already know that Atlanta's most notorious naked watering hole is one of the city's best strip clubs, but there are a lot of things you probably don't about the Clermont Lounge. At least 21 of them in fact. So, whether you’re a regular or are hitting it up for the first time, this is a must-read primer. Think about how embarrassing it would be for you and your date to be kicked out.
see list here

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Lady Gaga visits the Clermont Lounge and talks about it to Jimmy Fallon
  From ajc
BY YVONNE ZUSEL
The Clermont Lounge, the famed Atlanta strip club that’s a favorite with musicians when they visit town, got a virtual fist bump last night in the form of a mention by Lady Gaga on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
The singer, who appeared on the show with Tony Bennett to promote their new album, “Cheek to Cheek,” was asked by Fallon if she’d ever taken advice from a stranger.
She went on to tell a story about going to the Clermont on a date (“Chivalry!,” she said), and watching a stripper, who didn’t recognize her, dance to her hit song “Poker Face.”
“So she leans over and she goes, ‘You know that Lady Gaga? I mean, she can really sing. I mean, if she just took off all those clothes and she just sang, she would be great.’…So maybe in some ways, I took her advice.”
She said the woman later crushed a beer in an unusual way, a reference to beloved Clermont dancer Blondie. Tony Bennett, cool as ever, kept a straight face through the whole story. --

Burnt Fork BBQ is Closing

 This is the time of year that restaurant closing announcements are made , and here is another one for Decatur.
From Burnt Fork BBQ facebook page: Well folks after 4 years of hard work we've decided to close our doors. We really appreciate your support and we wish you all well.
 -Josh and Kara
Burnt Fork BBQ

Just last week  Harbour House Pub announced they were closing.

TAKEN 3 - Starts Jan 9

IT ALL ENDS HERE.

Burger 21 Coming to Buckhead and Johns Creek

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2014/12/burger-21-bound-for-buckhead-and-johns.html#more
 "Better Burger" chain continues Georgia expansion

Tampa, Florida-based Burger 21 is planning a new location at the Publix-anchored Chastain Square on Roswell Road in north Buckhead.  The new restaurant would occupy the approximately 3100 square foot former Chopstix / Scenario space, to the left of the Publix.  While I have confirmed this is the location being scouted, and there is a LOI (letter of intent) on the space, a lease is reportedly not yet signed. 

Another new Burger 21 is coming to a new center on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek.  The new center, Johns Creek Promenade, will also be home to a Dunkin' Donuts, Jersey Mike's Subs and Moe's Southwest Grill, among other tenants. A Burger 21 representative told me the Johns Creek lease is signed.  Burger 21's Johns Creek location will be 3000 square feet and is expected to open in the spring. 
more


 Photo credit: restaurantnews.com

Eye on Decatur

 The Decatur Minute says "The street in front of the fire
station will be brightly painted to discourage vehicles from blocking the driveway used by emergency vehicles."

Eye on Decatur - Construction of East Howard Place Townhomes

Share your Christmas Train Layout or Christmas Village Photos

 If you want to share your Christmas Train Layout or Christmas Village Photos
send to NEXT-STOP-DECATUR@MYWAY.COM

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Here are some links to some photos: https://www.flickr.com/groups/303348@N25/pool

 https://www.flickr.com/photos/ifhp97/sets/72157625655917217

https://www.flickr.com/photos/22283683@N07/sets/72157631907205966

Harbour House Pub has Closed

 From their facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Harbour-House-Pub/137541436327798
We want to say thank you DECATUR!
 As much as we love the restaurant and our guests, new opportunities have come up and I have to make the right adjustments and sensible decisions to manage time and resources that are healthy for my family and me. If you've enjoyed Harbour and have some time please join us for a final day of joy and celebration. We will be open for brunch and dinner. I want to thank all our wonderful guests that have supported Harbour so generously over the past three and a half years! I sincerely appreciate you!!! Sean Keenan


h/t Decatur Metro

Garrett Popcorn Shop Now Open at Lenox Sq

Garrett Popcorn Shops  since 1949
Lenox Square Mall
3393 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30326

Shop Hours
Monday - Saturday
10:00 am - 09:00 pm
Sunday
12:00 pm - 06:00 pm

 garrettpopcorn.com
http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/garrett-popcorn-shops/our-story

Seth MacFarlane singing Ya Got Trouble

First Annual Christmas Lights Ride

 From Be Active Decatur
Join Decatur Bikes for their

Decorate your bike with as much holiday cheer as you like and please bring your helmet.

What:      Decatur Bikes Christmas Lights Ride
When:     Friday, December 19, 7 pm
Where:    Decatur Bikes, 252 W Ponce de Leon Ave
Bring:  At least one front and one back light, warm clothes and YOUR HELMET!!

A recommended donation of $10 per rider (or family) for Clark’s Christmas Kids.
first annual Christmas Lights Ride on Friday, December 19th at 7 pm. The short 6 mile ride is a family ride and will  proceed at a nice slow pace to enjoy the lights.

Eye on Decatur

Run With the Dogs!! Jan 10, 2015

It is time to register for the first race of 2015:

From:beactivedecatur.wordpress.com
The Decatur Bulldog Boosters would like to let the Decatur dog-loving and running communities know of the 10th Annual Decatur Bulldog Boosters 5K “Run with the Dogs” on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 9:00 am.

The race will begin and end in front of Decatur High School and traverse a scenic, if challenging, course. The event again will feature a single 5K race where runners and dog-owners can run with (or without) their dogs.  T-shirts (once again designed by local artist Adam Pinsley and featuring “Sydney” the winner of our drawing last year), awards, and treats will be available to race participants as well as a sporty “race”-kerchief for canine participants.  Sponsorship opportunities are available for a limited time.  All proceeds go to funding the uniforms, equipment, and awards for our student-athletes at the middle and high schools.  So come on out and run off a few of those Holiday calories with Decatur and its Dogs!
read more

Eye on Decatur - Have a Raging Holiday!

 Downtown Decatur GA

Raging Burrito & Taco

141 Sycamore St

 Decatur, GA 30030

404-377-3311
 ragingburrito.com

Bonobos Opening a Try on Clothes then buy Online Store

Bonobos opening Buckhead shop for trying on snug-fitting clothes

 From:ajc.com
By Christopher Seward
Bonobos, the upscale New York e-tailer known for its snug-fitting menswear, is introducing its stores-without-inventory concept to Atlanta.
On Dec. 12, the company opens its first local shop, Bonobos Guideshop Buckhead, where customers can try on clothes and then purchase them online.

Think of the Guideshop try-before-you-buy experience as walking into a fitting room area, complete with furniture, lounge space and artwork. Fit and style “guides” help customers with suits, pants, shirts and other clothing.

The e-commerce retailer, which has been around since 2007, has 10 other similar shops around the country and plans to have 30 in the next two years, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Andy Dunn recently told The New York Times. He said the fitting shops are helping to drive online sales.

The company raised $55 million in its most recent investment round, on top of more than $70 million previously, and the infusion will help it add more shops.

The Buckhead store is at 3035 Peachtree Road NW. Make an appointment by visiting https://bonobos.com


photo credit:  Courtesy Bonobos and Belk
 http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-02-24/bonobos-heads-south-and-offline-in-another-retail-pact

Decatur Christmas Tree Lighting

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Eye on Stone Mountain Depot

 Stone Mountain Depot located in Stone Mountain Village
From  http://railga.com
The building was used as the town's city hall and police station until 2011. After the opening of a new city hall in 2012, the depot will be converted to a visitors center, museum, and Downtown Development Authority office.

Christmas Tree Lighting! Thursday, December 4th 7 p.m. @ Little Shop of Stories

 From Little Shop of Stories
It's that time of year again! Little Shop of Stories and other local businesses kick off the holiday season with a giant Christmas Tree Lighting on the square! Come out on Thursday, December 4th at 7pm for this beloved tradition, complete with carols from the 4/5 Academy, snacks, hot chocolate, snow, and a visit from Santa. This year, there will be some exciting changes-- a customized light installation to replace the live tree. This tree-shaped installation will still sit on the roof above Little Shop of Stories and will be a more sustainable, workable option for future years. Happy Holidays!
Thanks to all the local businesses who helped make this possible this year: 17 Steps, Appolinsky & Associates, Café Alsace, Cakes & Ale, The Cooks Warehouse/Sherlock's, Decatur Downtown Development Authority, Fabu Spa, Greene's Fine Foods, Harry Norman Realtors, Homegrown, Leon's Full Service, McCurdy & Candler, Mudhouse Design, My Own Bookkeeper, Private Bank of Decatur, Salon Red, Salon Red Kids, Squash Blossom, Starbucks, Steinbeck's Ale House, Universal Joint, Verisail Partners, Vivid Boutique, Wild Oats & Billy Goats, J.M. Wilkerson Construction, and Worthmore Jewelers.

Items in Burt Reynolds' Personal Auction

From ajc

Decatur’s Wahoo! Grill will open Wahoo Wine & Provisions

 From clatl.com
In case you missed it, the owners of Decatur’s Wahoo! Grill will open Wahoo Wine & Provisions in Oakhurst. Slated to open before the end of the year at 1036 W. College Ave. The new shop will offer vinos, of course, but also meats and cheeses, local produce, flowers, and gifts. Follow the progress via Facebook here.
Photo via facebook

How Toco Hill Shopping Center got it's Name

 Photo from flickr member David 





 Here is a portion of Andy Johnston post for the ajc.

 Toco came from Clyde Shepherd, a developer who was the man behind the shopping center. He built airbases in Brazil in World War II, where he learned the word from an Indian cook, who would say it to him. Toco, he found out, means something like, “have better luck than you think you’ll have.” So when he built the shopping center, he named it Toco Hill, combining the phrase and an actual hill that once stood on the land. Shepherd’s son Clyde confirmed that story when I spoke to him last week. The area around the shopping center became known as Toco Hills in the years after it was built.
Read full story at
http://www.ajc.com

h/t Decatur Metro

Sunday Shopping Parties at Kudzu!

Kudzu Antiques - Decatur        2928 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.       404-373-6498

Kudzu & Company - Sandy Springs       6450 Roswell Rd.           404-255-2548
http://www.kudzuantiques.com/

Mistletoe Drones coming to a FRIDAYS near you.

Agnes Scott campus, circa 1904

A panoramic view of the Agnes Scott campus, circa 1904. Photo: Agnes Scott College. 

The DeKalb History Center’s November Lunch and Learn  highlighted a Decatur institution which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.  In 1889, a group of men from Decatur Presbyterian Church decided that Decatur needed a better school for its girls. In a 2-month whirlwind of activity, they found teachers and a rented building for the elementary school they called Decatur Female Seminary. A year later, George Washington Scott stepped up to provide land and construct and furnish a building, and gave the school his mother’s name. Over the next 15 years, the school gradually developed from an elementary school, to a high school, to a college.

 From: http://wearedekalb.com
 

Eye on Decatur - 418 Church St. (W.J. Houston Doctor's Office Sign)

Sign shows where W.J. Houston's doctor's office was. circa 1905
To read some interesting comments about this house go to Decatur Metro site , they posted a 1982 picture of this house.

One of the comments said this house at one time faced the old courthouse and had a E. Court Square address. I would love to see a picture of that.
Also visit  Terry Kearns flickr site to see more pictures inside and out.

Pitbull is on Fire with FIREBALL

Sticks and stones may break my bones But I don’t care what y’all say.

Bleu Hanger Boutique Shop to Open Soon on E. College Ave

www.bleuhanger.com/

Website Under Construction. chic women's boutique. 305 E. College Ave., Decatur, Georgia, 30030. 

Back in the Day RICH'S Pink Pig Flyer was a Sweet Ride.

Back in the day they would say: Please enjoy the your Pink Pig Flyer ride today over the toy department but for everyone's safety Please Do Not drop anything out the windows onto the Christmas shoppers below.

If you have a memory of the Original RICH'S Pink Pig Flyer leave a comment. And be sure to visit

 http://pinkpigflyer.blogspot.com/

This time of year  The Pink Pig ride is a Christmas Holiday tradition for many. The new version of ride is now on a wheels, on a track  at Macy's at Lenox Square under a big tent in the upper level parking lot.

 From: http://en.wikipedia.org
The Pink Pig was an amusement park ride of sorts that was a miniature suspended monorail sized for children. Adults would be hard-pressed to fit inside the enclosed cars that the children sat in as the ride operated. The original ride "flew" from the ceiling of the toy department. The pig was then moved outside the building to a rooftop Christmas village that surrounded the Great Tree. The Pink Pig started outside under the tree, returned indoors to fly over the toy department before returning to its starting point. The original Pink Pig was named Priscilla. A second pig, named Percival was later added to meet the high demand to ride the pig. After completing their journey, riders received a sticker that said "I rode the Pink Pig".

 

Here is the new Pink Pig ride.

 From: http://www.simon.com

Event Dates: 11/1/2014 - 1/4/2015

For more than 50 years, Atlantans have started their holiday traditions by riding the Macy's Pink Pig - easily one of the most unique and beloved holiday traditions you'll come across.

Bring the whole family to take ride through a life-sized storybook adventure featuring Priscilla the Pink Pig and her friends. Tickets are available at the Macy's Pink Pig kiosk located between Abercrombie & Fitch and Godiva on the Upper Level.
2014-15 Operating Schedule:
November 2014
Grand Opening Saturday Nov. 1 10am- 9pm
Monday- Friday 10am-8pm
Saturday 10am- 9pm
Sunday Noon- 6pm
Friday, Nov. 28 8 am - 9pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day
December 2014
Monday-Friday 10am-8pm
Saturday 10am- 9pm
Sunday 11am-7pm
Wednesday, Dec. 24 9am- 6pm
Friday, Dec. 26 9am-6pm
Wednesday, Dec. 31 10am-6pm
Closed Christmas Day
January 2015
Thursday, Jan. 1 10am-8pm
Friday, Jan. 2 10am-8pm
Saturday, Jan. 3 10am- 9pm
Sunday, Jan. 4 10am-7pm

Click Here to visit the Official Site

Winter Wonderland at Fernbank

 From:fernbankmuseum.org

Winter Wonderland

On view November 21 - January 11
Prepare to ooh and aah over two floors of twinkling, beautifully decorated trees showcasing celebrations around the world in the enchanting Winter Wonderland exhibition. Twinkling with lights, glimmering with color and shining with a variety of cultural objects, more than 30 trees and other displays recognize the diversity of celebrations, holidays, traditions and events from around the world. See a complete list of our 2014 partners.
Admission to Winter Wonderland is included with Museum admission and is FREE for members.

Special Holiday Programming

• Ask for the Winter Wonderland Seek & Find at the greeter’s station. Use this free self-guided activity as you explore the exhibition.

• Enjoy a variety of Holly Jolly Activities including classic holiday cartoons, puppet making crafts and appearances by Santa-saurus. The holiday cartoon schedule is: A Charlie Brown Christmas, Nov 29-30; ‘Tis the Season to be Smurfy, Dec 6-7; A Flintstone Family Christmas, Dec 13-14; How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Dec 20-21; and Disney's Sing Along Songs: Very Merry Christmas, weekends Nov 29 – Dec 14 and daily Dec 19–24.
   
• Adults can enjoy music, films, small plates, a nip from a yuletide toddy and more as they enjoy evening viewing hours of Winter Wonderland during Martinis & IMAX®.

City of Decatur Could Share Callaway property with School System

Schools, city could share Callaway property
From: ajc.com
Bill Banks
For the AJC
During a recent joint meeting between Decatur commissioners and the school board, City Manager Peggy Merriss suggested the city could eventually share the Callaway Building property on East Trinity Avenue with the school system.

One level of a proposed parking deck could belong to nearby Decatur High, or a portion of the property could be devoted “to another type of school usage,” she said. “There is nothing that’s binding—we can make creative use of that property.”

Decatur bought Callaway from DeKalb County last November and will begin collaborating with Cousins Properties on a mixed-use development when the building’s finally evacuated, next November at the earliest.

Photo credit: google maps

Decatur's Annual Tree Lighting Dec 4

From: decaturga.com
Enjoy the annual tree lighting on E. Court Square at 7 p.m.
New this year: a customized light installation replaces the live tree for a more sustainable season. Little Shop of Stories and other local businesses sponsor this spectacle – complete with caroling, cocoa, snow and Santa!
 12/4/2014 7:00 PM
Location: Little Shop of Stories
To see  more Christmas tree lighting events around metro Atlanta
read the ajc here

Holiday Art Show in Decatur at Sycamore Place Gallery Dec. 6,

From: http://events.accessatlanta.com

Join us at Sycamore Place Gallery, in the heart of Decatur, on December 6 for a one of a kind holiday art show! All are welcome! Open studio showcasing our 15 resident artists. Featuring unique dolls by the late Emily Birdsong, a legendary local artist. Family Friendly Tea party and refreshments. Local adult and youth art show Live music by Carol and Alan Horne Sycamore Place Gallery is the location of Decatur Art Classes, Ms. Sylvia Cross, Sycamore Place Gallery, GA. It is a short walk from the Decatur Marta station at 120 Sycamore Place, Decatur, GA 30030. Check out the affordable classes and rental services while you visit Contact: Artist and Owner, Sylvia Cross Phone:404-660-9967 Email:ms.sylvia.cross@gmail.com Website: Decaturartclasses.com We look forward to meeting you!

Sycamore Place Gallery

120 Sycamore Place
Decatur, GA 30033 Map

Greenberg's Great Train & Toy Show Sat and Sun Nov 15-16 Cobb Galleria

SAT & SUN Nov. 15-16, 2014
Admission: $ 8.00 Good for both days
Kids under 12 Free
10AM -4PM  Both Days
Free Parking



Cobb Galleria Centre
2 Galleria Parkway
Atlanta GA 30339
GreenbergShows.com

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Rise & Dine for The South's Best Breakfast Joints

Rise & Dine: The South's Best Breakfast Joints
From: gardenandgun.com
by John Kessler
Whether you’re craving corned beef hash, quail and eggs, or just need a hangover cure—stat—we’ve scoured the South for the best places to get the day started right.

Brunch-Time Barbecue
Southern Soul Barbeque
St. Simons Island, GA
Something unusual is happen-ing at Southern Soul Barbeque. A few years ago, the old gas station turned smokehouse in a laid-back corner of coastal Georgia was just a very good new-wave barbecue joint, with smoked beef, pork, chicken, and turkey, and a variety of regional sauces to complement. Then the folks in the kitchen started getting creative with the specials. Stop by when the doors open at eleven and you just might find some unexpected though highly brunch-worthy dishes like cornbread waffles with fried quail and local cane syrup, egg rolls stuffed with collard greens and rib meat, and burgers layered with house-cured pork loin, runny egg yolk, and Cheerwine hollandaise. Oh, and some mighty good pulled pork, too. southernsoulbbq.com

see list of more  Best Breakfast Joints

Photo credit: 365atlantafamily.com