1930's view of The Varsity on North Avenue in Midtown Atlanta.

Late 1930s view of The Varsity on North Avenue in Midtown Atlanta.
photo credit:  http://atlantahistorycenter.tumblr.com

Waiting for Fireworks and Watching out for Trains

    Decatur  GA
To close for comfort. These firework watchers should have found a better spot.

Eye on Suburban Plaza

Doggy Dogg is now Open at 310 E. Howard Ave.

Doggy Dogg now open at 310 E. Howard Ave. in the old Las Brasas building. learn more at

https://www.facebook.com/doggydoggatl?fref=ts

Decatur 4th of July Fireworks

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More Park Space needed for Decatur

fROM: http://www.ajc.com
The year-old collective Downtown Decatur Neighbors is urging the city to create more park space, particularly around the square, before the land gets scooped up by developers.

The group’s president, George Dusenbury, who was city of Atlanta commissioner for Parks and Recreation from 2010-14, hopes to organize a parks task force. He spoke before Decatur’s commission in May, and plans to meet with City Manager Peggy Merriss early in July.

Dusenbury said studies show that by the end of 2015, 25 percent of all Decatur residents will live downtown, primarily in condos and apartments. The DDN would like to see some of downtown’s parking lots turned into roughly one-acre parks with trees and possibly a combination splash pad/stage.

Only 2.1 percent of Decatur’s land is currently used for parks (or 4.12 percent counting the city cemetery), according to DDN research, compared to 5.2 percent for Atlanta and 8.4 percent nationwide in both medium-high and medium-low density areas.

photo credit:  http://www13.imagesandwallpapers.com

Decatur Street Closures for July 4th

From thedecaturminute.com
Street Closures for July 4th
Here is a list of road and/or lane closures for Saturday, July 4th. Most of these roads will at 8pm 8pm in order to secure the fireworks fallout area-they will be reopened after the fireworks

1.       East Court Square

2.       West Ponce De Leon Ave @ Clairemont Ave  (westbound traffic)

3.       West Ponce De Leon Ave @ Marshall Street

4.       West Ponce De Leon Ave @ Commerce Drive (Eastbound traffic on WPDL Ave and southbound traffic on Commerce Drive)

5.       Parking lot of Chipotle

 6.       Marta Entrance @ Swanton Way Turnaround

7.       Swanton Way @ Ponce De Leon Place

8.       West Trinity Place @ Swanton Way

9.       Commerce Drive @ entrance to Calloway parking lot

10.   Commerce Drive @ West Trinity Place

11.   Commerce Drive @ Robin Street

12.   Commerce Drive @ West Howard Ave (northbound traffic on Commerce Drive)

13.   West Trinity Place @ DeKalb County Parking Deck

14.   West Trinity Place @ entrance to Courthouse small parking lot

15.   Church Street @ E. Trinity Place (westbound traffic on East Trinity Place)

16.   West Trinity Place @ North McDonough Street (westbound traffic on West Trinity Place

This Summer your Mission: Impossible

10 Best Day Trips from Atlanta

   File photo of The Holly Theatre in Dahlonega.
From: http://www.10best.com/destinations/georgia/atlanta/attractions/the-perimeter-beyond/
For those who want to expand their exploration of Atlanta to the perimeter and beyond, 10Best has compiled a list of can't miss things to do and places to see. Heading that list are Stone Mountain Park and Six Flags Over Georgia which are both among our favorites.
10 Callaway Gardens
Located a little more than an hour's drive southwest of Atlanta, Callaway Gardens is a stunning resort. It features a handful of high-end lodging choices, highly regarded Mountain and Lake View golf courses, a world-class tennis facility, a wide array of outdoor activities and plenty of dining possibilities. Of course, many visitors would argue that the resort's lovely gardens are its true attraction. Admission to the gardens allows access to a plethora of options, including Day Butterfly Center, Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl, Sibley Horticultural Center, and numerous nature trails. (706-663-2281, 800-225-5292)

9 Roswell Ghost Tours
Be on the lookout for things spooky and scary on this easy walking tour. See some historical spots along the way. (770-649-9922)

8 Stone Mountain Park
This 3200-acre park surrounds the world's largest granite monolith — you can walk to the top or take a chairlift both ways. A park highlight (and its telltale feature) is a carving on the sheer rock mountainside that honors Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. Impressive laser shows are presented during summer months along with special weekend events such as chili cook-offs and ribs festivals. Entry fee is cash only. (770-498-5690, 800-317-2006)

7 Six Flags Over Georgia
This great amusement park offers fun for the entire family. With more than 100 rides and shows, it provides enough distractions for a day or even a whole weekend. The Mind Bender, the world's first triple-loop roller coaster, is a main attraction. Visitors can also test their endurance on the Georgia Cyclone, one of the planet's most popular and top-rated wooden roller coasters. Family-oriented Looney Tunes USA offers rides and activities customized especially to the needs of little ones. Just west of Atlanta. (770-948-9290, 770-739-3400)

6 Lake Lanier Islands
This marvelous cluster of islands in the middle of Lake Lanier is home to Emerald Pointe Resort and Renaissance Pine Isle. Although Atlanta holds a wealth of opportunities, you may want to make the islands your headquarters for fun! Camping, hiking, boating and fishing are all available, along with golf and horseback riding. Lake Lanier Islands also features a busy waterpark, complete with Georgia's largest wave pool, waterslides galore and a mile-long, white-sand beach. (770-932-7233, 800-840-5253)

5 Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield
This site near Marietta is where the historic Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was fought. Over the course of two weeks in the summer of 1864, more than 67,000 men died, were wounded, or were captured during Sherman's Atlanta Campaign. Ultimately, the victory went to the Confederates. Additionally, the site once belonged to the Cherokee Nation, which was forced into exile after making the "Trail of Tears." Today, hikers and bikers enjoy 17-plus miles of wooded trails and observe a variety of historical markers and monuments. Picnicking, horseback riding and bird-watching are also popular. (770-427-4686)

4 Chattahoochee Nature Center
This 127-acre reserve — a natural oasis amid Atlanta's ever-expanding urban landscape — features forest trails for hiking, a river boardwalk that traverses wetland areas, live animal exhibits, a wildlife rehabilitation clinic and educational programs for families, children and groups. Spend an entire afternoon exploring and enjoying all that the center offers. Be sure to allot time for must-dos like the Raptor Aviaries and a stroll around Beaver Pond. (770-992-2055)

3 Dahlonega
Southern Appalachia's charm and culture are just an hour's drive from the heart of Atlanta. Quaint Dahlonega, located just off Highway 409, offers beautiful scenery, fresh air and good hikes. The town itself seems untouched by time thanks to brick walkways, lovely flower beds and friendly people. Locally-owned restaurants and shops offer a good feel for the North Georgia Mountains. In addition, the Crisson and Consolidated Gold Mines, 20 waterfalls, Chestatee Wildlife Preserve and three wineries (Frogtown, Three Sisters and Wolf Mountain) give the town extra year-round appeal. For more information, contact the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center at 800-231-5543.

2 Château Élan Winery and Resort
Look just north of Atlanta for this little gem. A top choice for meetings or getaways that require the utmost in sophistication and elegance, Château Élan Winery and Resort has been entertaining visitors for almost 20 years. The winery offers tastings and tours while the resort delights guests with four golf courses, a tennis center, equestrian facilities, and seven excellent dining options. If you're staying overnight, the hotel has wonderful service, scenic beauty, creature comforts, and access to a full-service health spa. Themed guest rooms include the Gatsby and the Hi-Tech. (678-425-0900, 800-233-9463)

1 Athens
Home of the UGA "Dawgs," launch-pad for bands REM and Widespread Panic, college town par excellence — Athens certainly doesn't suffer from a lack of versatility. Platted around the venerable University of Georgia — whose alumni include former US Senator Phil Gramm and journalist Deborah Norville — the city is as much a draw as the campus is. Shop at its many eclectic boutiques, enjoy the rich array of nightclubs and live music hangouts on Broad Street and beyond, or just explore the surprisingly global (and compact) restaurant scene. You won't go away unhappy. Indeed, Athens is always in season. It's only an hour's drive northeast of Atlanta. For more information, contact the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-653-0603.

Atlanta Street Food Festival 2015

From: http://atlantaeats.com
Atlanta Street Food Festival 2015
For the fourth year, Atlanta’s food truck fanatics will experience a day dedicated to the city’s finest food truck fare as the Atlanta Street Food Festival rolls into Piedmont Park on Saturday, July 11, from noon to 10 p.m. Renowned as Atlanta’s first and only event dedicated to street cuisine, the Festival is proud to announce that, once again, a portion of event proceeds will support the Giving Kitchen, the beloved culinary charity with the unique mission of providing crisis grants to members of Atlanta’s restaurant community facing unanticipated hardship.

More than 50 food trucks, including MIX’d UP, Nectar Food Truck, Ibiza Bites, Yumbii, Genki Sushi Food Truck and Viet-Nomie’s, will gather for the occasion for guests to partake in more food and fun.

 Ticket info here!

Don’t forget to stop by the Atlanta Eats tent to score all types of food prizes!

State rep: Skip Stone Mountain on July 4 — and until Confederate flags come down

Updated : STONE MOUNTAIN SAYS Confederate Flag will stay.
photo credit: civilwartalk.com
From:  http://clatl.com
Stone Mountain Park tends to draw a crowd for Independence Day festivities. But state Rep. LaDawn Jones, D-Atlanta, is urging citizens to skip the attraction’s laser-light show and find another place to view fireworks.

Jones wants people to avoid the mountain, which features three Confederate figures prominently carved into its north face, until the Confederate flags at the bottom of the rock stop flying.

She says the recent killings of nine men and women in a historic black church in Charleston, S.C., "immediately reignited my disdain for the Confederate Flag and all places that it flies over."

Jones says people like Dylann Storm Roof, the accused Charleston shooter, are "empowered" in places that display such a "hateful message." She says The Stone Mountain Memorial Association, the state authority that oversees the park, has yet to respond to her requests to remove the flags. But she thinks the association should be well aware of the stigma surrounding the flag.

“Unless they’re living under a rock, they know what’s going on in the country," she says.

Jones says her opinion doesn't just stem to the recent flag debate: "There is no mistaking the horrible history that comes with that park where the [Ku Klux Klan] was reformed in 1915 and grew from dormancy to millions of members.”

“Due to the large carving… Stone Mountain will always be a memorial to the Confederate soldiers and the Civil War," Jones says. "However, we can stop giving credence to this type of hate by removing the flags that fly at the bottom [of the mountain]."

However, SMMA CEO Bill Stephens tells Creative Loafing that Stone Mountain is protected by state law as a Confederate memorial.
“The law that changed the flag to our current state flag also expressly prohibited changes at Stone Mountain Park,” he says. “Some on both sides of these issues have said that these Confederate symbols belong in a museum. Here in Georgia, Stone Mountain Park serves that purpose.”


Best comment left:  Good!!! More space for me!!!

Comet Pub & Lanes will replace the existing Suburban Lanes

From: http://www.atlantamagazine.com
Comet Pub & Lanes will replace the existing Suburban Lanes
After more than 20 years in Decatur, the owners of Twain’s Brewpub & Billiards are opening a second entertainment venue this fall. Comet Pub & Lanes will replace the existing Suburban Lanes with a bowling, amusement, and dining spot similar to the Painted Pin but with a “funkier, vintage” vibe, says co-owner Ethan Wurtzel. “We think that kind of nostalgia and fun vibe will dovetail really well with the food and beer,” he says. -
The venue will have 32 lanes and vintage arcade games like pinball, plus shuffleboard and pool tables. About 90 percent of the space will be remodeled to include reclaimed church pews as on-lane seating, couches, and a bar made from a reclaimed bowling alley.

“Ben Horgan, general manager and partner at Twains, had bowled in high school and college so he had a connection to it,” Wurtzel says. “Plus, there’s a lot of tie-in to what we do at Twain’s as far as how you can entertain people with food and drink and casual activity.”

To round out the concept, Wurtzel’s team is adding a full kitchen and bar. “Nothing overly fancy, but you’ll get the kind of food you’d expect if you went to Twain’s or anywhere in Decatur,” he says.

Twain’s executive chef Savannah Haseler is designing a menu with sandwiches, pizza made with hand-mixed dough, and stacked burgers made from White Oak Pastures grass-fed beef on Ratio Bakery buns. Some entrees will be available as well. “The food will emphasize locally sourced products where possible, and craft beer will be our drink of choice, as we are a brewpub,” Wurtzel says.

Although beer won’t be brewed onsite, the Comet will offer 15 to 20 brews on draft, plus a “healthy bottle menu.” Wine will be available by the bottle and by the glass. Cocktails will emphasize American craft distilled spirits. There will be a few specialty drinks to round out the otherwise traditional cocktail menu.
- See more at: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/dining-news/twains-to-take-over-suburban-lanes-to-create-a-vintage-bowling-and-entertainment-venue/#sthash.jYo66Q1n.dpuf

Artists Wanted for Art Event "FIGMENT"

From: http://thedecaturminute.com/

Did you boogie down at May’s danceDanceDANCE!? Then you won’t want to miss FIGMENT Decatur Saturday, Aug. 1, a participatory art event from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the Agnes Scott College campus. This is the first ever FIGMENT in the state of Georgia.

FIGMENT is a free, inclusive, participatory arts event held in multiple cities and drawing tens of thousands of participants each year. FIGMENT’s mission is to offer free, family-friendly and participatory art to entire communities.

FIGMENT can’t happen without artists, so if you are someone with a great idea for a participatory art project (whether you consider yourself an “artist” or not), please submit it here before July 5. You’ll need to create an account and it takes about ten minutes from start to submission.
Learn more

Grant Park Entertainers

Eye on Grant Park

 March to the beat of a different drum.

Last call for the Cyclorama in Grant Park June 30 Last Day

From: http://artsculture.blog.ajc.com
It’s last call for the Cyclorama in Grant Park, where the monumental Battle of Atlanta painting has been on view, in more than one location, since 1893.

After business June 30, the city of Atlanta will close the attraction’s doors, and the Atlanta History Center will begin preparations to move the 358-foot-by-30-foot, 5 ton-plus circular painting to its Buckhead campus.

Construction on the 23,000-square-foot Lloyd and Mary Ann Whitaker Cyclorama wing is expected to begin there this fall, with a projected opening in early 2017. Some 3,268 square feet of imagery that has been missing for generations will be reincorporated.

In July 2014, Mayor Kasim Reed announced the Cyclorama’s planned relocation and restoration. The history center confirmed that it had raised $32.2 million from private donors and philanthropies. including an endowment to ensure that Cyclorama artifacts are maintained at no cost to city taxpayers.

The Grant Park building that housed the painting since 1921 will be developed by Zoo Atlanta into a community event space linked to a new African Savanna
exhibit.

 ZOO Atlanta photo credit http://civil-war-picket.blogspot.com/2015/06/closing-for-two-years-atlanta-cyclorama.html

"Dine-In" Theater planned for Snellville Exchange

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com
 "Dine-In" Theater planned for Snellville

Columbus, Georgia-based Carmike Cinemas is (again) planning a new movie theater in Snellville. Originally announced in March 2013 as a thirteen screen movie theater, the project was "nixed" by November of the same year.

Now, documents obtained by ToNeTo Atlanta reveal plans are again underway to bring a new theater to the area. The new eleven screen "Ovation" cinema will offer a "Dine-In" experience.  The new theater with have wait staff and feature luxury seating that will allow patrons to order from touch screen menus before or during the movie. The roughly 54,000 square foot theater will be built to the left of Hobby Lobby in the 1200 block of Scenic Highway at Snellville Exchange.

Carmike has been enhancing existing theaters and opening new ones that offer more food and beverage options in an effort to attract more moviegoers.  Birmingham, Alabama-based Cobb Theatres and their CineBistro concept are seen by many in the industry as the benchmark operation in the "Dine-In" segment.  CineBistro has seven locations including one in Atlanta at TOWN Brookhaven, and an eighth slated to open this summer in Cary, North Carolina.
more. 


photo credit: http://dartretail.com/properties/SnellvilleExchange

Concert and Fireworks on The Square in Decatur

 From The Decatur Minute
Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and picnic basket! We cordially invite you to join us when a free “Pops” concert to Celebrate America will be presented by the Callanwolde Concert Band, Raymond Handfield, Music Director and Conductor on July 4, 2015 at 7:00 PM at the bandstand on the square in Decatur. Mr. Handfield will be joined by  Assistant Conductor Scott Files in this performance.
The program of light classics and popular favorites will feature patriotic songs, marches, musical comedy selections, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (complete with fireworks) and of course Sousa’s The Stars and Stripes Forever March.
The concert follows the annual Decatur Pied Piper Parade. Decorate your wagons, ride your bike, skate, or walk in this fun event. Food will be available from booths and restaurants in the square.
The Band, a community organization for over forty years, is DeKalb County’s premiere symphonic wind ensemble. Admission to the concert is free.
We hope that you can join us for this concert to Celebrate America.
Further information about the Band is available at its web site, www.calcb.org 

Decatur Police Respond to 3 Burglaries

From The Decatur Police Dept.

On 06/19/15 at 2:40 pm, Decatur Police responded to a previous burglary in the 200 block of East Davis Street. The victim stated the house was left unsecured at approximately 9:00 am and his son had just returned home and noticed that items were missing from the house. Officers located a rear bedroom window that had been pried open. A desktop computer, laptop computer, television and game system were taken.
On 06/19/15 at 6:11 pm, Decatur Police responded to a previous burglary in the 200 block of East Davis Street. The victim stated his house was left secured at 9:30 am and he just returned to find items missing in the home. The suspect made entry through a rear bathroom window that was closed but it is uncertain if the window was unlocked or the suspect was able to circumvent the lock without causing damage. A desktop computer, two televisions and two game systems were taken.

On 6/20/15, at 1:34 am, Decatur Police responded to a burglary in progress in the 200 block of Ridley Lane. The victims stated they were in a downstairs bedroom and heard noises inside of the house. Upon exiting the bedroom, one of the victims encountered three suspects and yelled which startled the suspects causing them to scream and flail their arms as they started to run, pushing past the victim. The victim was hit on her chin as the suspects fled which caused a small bruise. All three suspects climbed out a rear window and fled the scene in an unknown direction. Officers observed the rear window had been forced open and recovered a crowbar from the scene. A small television, jewelry, eyeglasses, cash and cell phone were taken. Officers further recovered used disposable gloves at the scene.
The suspects were described as follows:
Suspect #1: black male, mid-late teens, muscular build, average height, short black hair, wearing a camouflage shirt and carrying a backpack.
Suspect #2: white male, mid-late teens, slim build and average height.
Suspect #3: white female, mid-late teens, slim build and average height.
 Photo credit:http://blog.monitronics.com

Kudzu Antiques Summer Sale

From http://www.kudzuantiques.com/
Our SUMMER SALE starts FRIDAY, JUNE 19 and runs through FRIDAY, JULY 3. You’ll find wonderful deals all throughout the shop from 10 – 40% OFF!

Looking for a new sofa? You’re in luck! Our custom upholstery lines, ROWE (pictured below) and NORWALK (available at our Sandy Springs location, Kudzu And Company) are on sale during our STORE WIDE SUMMER SALE. ROWE at 15% OFF and NORWALK at 20% OFF! Come design an upholstered piece of your own today!

Trying to spruce up your outdoor space this season? We have a large variety of yard art, planters, plant stands, water features, arbors, furniture and other items to help you along the way.

REDUCE, REUSE, GO VINTAGE!

… AND DON’T FORGET FATHER’S DAY IS SUNDAY, JUNE 21! COME FIND THAT SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR YOUR POPS!

Ancient worlds await you at the Michael C. Carlos Museum

From: http://www.carlos.emory.edu/visit
Ancient worlds await you at the Michael C. Carlos Museum on the campus of Emory University. Maintaining the largest collection of ancient art in the Southeast, the Museum houses more than 16,ooo objects ranging from 9,ooo year-old idols to contemporary photographs.

From the Egyptian Gallery to the Classical Court to the Ancient American and African galleries, the Museum is a unique treasure among Atlanta’s cultural attractions. The Museum offers exciting special exhibitions throughout the year drawn from its own collections and from others around the world. There is always something new to see.

LOCATION

Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University
571 South Kilgo Circle
Atlanta, GA 30322

Phone: 404-727-4282
For more info visit website
And they have a gift shop.

Pied Piper Parade July 4

 From thedecaturminute.com
Decorate your bicycle, skateboard or wagon and walk, ride, or skate in the
Pied Piper Parade as it winds through the streets of downtown Decatur.  Line-up begins at 5:30 in the parking lot of Decatur First Baptist Church and steps off at 6:00pm.
Concert on the square features Callanwolde Concert Band. Parade 6 p.m.; Concert 7 p.m.; Fireworks at dark.
Click here to download the parade guidelines. We want to see your silliest and most creative decorations!
New this year! Prizes will be awarded for the best “float” and for the best kid’s vehicle (bike, scooter, or wagon)

Classic Rides & Rescues June 21 @ Decatur Estate Antiques

Come celebrate Georgia cool cruisers 2nd birthday with free cake!
Door prizes and raffle, great music.
Should be fun.

Dog Days of Summer

Photo credit: Flicker member Liz
From The Decatur Minute
by Casie Yoder
Many Decatur residents are devoted dog owners (sidenote: if you’re looking for just the right canine companion, LifeLine Animal Project is offering free pet adoptions in June) and spend lots of time walking their dogs around the city and visiting Decatur’s popular dog parks. For the safety of everyone, dogs should be on a leash when out and about or securely fenced when outdoors at home.

Here is the complete law, straight from the Decatur Code of Ordinances:
Sec. 14-33. – Duty of owner to keep animal under restraint while on property.
 See it at http://thedecaturminute.com/

  If you’re looking for just the right canine companion, LifeLine Animal Project is offering free pet adoptions in June . Here is the website http://lifelineanimal.org

Revival Plans to Open Later this Summer But You Can still enjoy some BBQ From Terminus City

     REVIVAL                                 129 CHURCH ST.                                                 DECATUR   GA

 Revival Plans to Open Later this Summer

From: Revival Chef Kevin Gillespie facebook page

We may not be open yet, but you can enjoy some BBQ from our sister Terminus City this Father's Day... Dig in!

 

             Order for Father's Day by Tuesday    June 16th at midnight.

Father's Day is next weekend and Terminus City has what your dad wants! Order for Father's Day by Tuesday June 16th at midnight. Feed 4-6 hungry folks for $50. Add a personalized copy of Pure Pork Awesomeness for $25! Contact terminuscity@gunshowatl.com or 404.380.1886 to order.
Details:
Includes 2 Pounds of Barbecue Pork, 1 Pint of Shaker Style Coleslaw, 1 Pint of Revival Potato Salad, 6 Chocolate Chip Cookies, 6 Sandwich Rolls, BBQ Sauce / Pork Cracklings. (Pick up time is Sunday, June 21 from 10 am to noon.)
BBQ photo credit Revival facebook page.

Eye on Decatur

Little Wine Shop in Avondale is Closing

From:The-Little-Wine-Shop facebook page


After six years of serving the Avondale Estates community,
the Little Wine Shop is closing its' doors on June 27.
We greatly appreciate the loyalty shown by our patrons and will always cherish the many friendships we developed.
Starting today all wine and gadgets in inventory are 20% off.
In addition, special orders (minimum six bottles) are being accepted through Friday, June 20 and receive the 20% close out price. All special orders must be paid in advance and picked-up before our doors close on Saturday, June 27.

Thanks again for all your past support.

It's Hard to Believe this was Decatur Just 6 Years Ago.

Decatur Ga square in 2009

From the founders of Decatur’s The Pinewood comes Mercury!

 Coming to Ponce City Market in late 2015.
From: http://atlantaeats.com/

By : by Krista Miller

From the founders of Decatur’sThe Pinewood comes Mercury! Brooks Cloud, Julian Goglia, and Mike Blydenstein will be opening The Mercury, a cocktail-focused, classic American eatery, at Ponce City Market in late 2015. Inspired by the culture of the 1960’s, the restaurant will offer updated takes on Mid-Century American cuisine and classic cocktails. Cloud, Goglia, and Blydenstein are familiar faces on the Atlanta dining scene, as they are the team behind The Pinewood in Decatur and Proof Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup.

The menu will be updated Classic American with a raw bar, steaks and seasonally influenced entrees. Julian will develop a cocktail program that harkens to the mid-century cocktail scene. He will even be bringing back cocktail hour, a la Mad Men.

On Tuesday, Jun 9th Mercury will be asking for their future patrons to help out by launching a Kickstarter. If you would like to help out and get those cocktails even quicker, you can donate directly here. Check out this video.

Decatur's Big Pop Up is Tonight

 From The Decatur Minute
by Catherine

Head over to East Decatur Station between 6 and 9 p.m. tonight for Decatur’s biggest little festival of art, crafts, jewelry, music, local brews, food and fun. For a full list of events and vendors, visit the Big Pop Up Facebook page.
If you aren’t from the Decatur area and need to Google Map the event, enter: 111 New St., Decatur, GA 30030.
See you there!

Slide the City Tickets on Sale Wednesday June 10

 Photo credit slide the city website.
 From thedecaturminute.com 
In celebration of the 30^th anniversary of the Decatur Business Association, the DBA along with the City of Decatur has decided to shake up our traditional summer event, the Decatur Beach Party, and make a huge SPLASH this summer. For one day only, there will be a 1000 foot long water slide in the middle of W. Ponce de Leon Ave, stetching from Clairemont down just past Ponce de Leon Place.
This amazing event is produced a by a professional event company called Slide the City which has brought this wild slide to cities such as Salt Lake City, Boise, Fountain Hills, and Ft. Lauderdale.  Decatur will be the only metro Atlanta city to host this event which will bring Decatur thousands of visitors and tons of foot traffic.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 10th at 9am EST through the Slide the City website. This is the only place where tickets can be purchased.  Only a limited number of tickets will be sold for this event.

Note: only 6000 tickets will be sold for this Decatur event.

“Junior Police Academy” Hosted by The Decatur Police Dept.

From: http://thedecaturminute.com/
The Decatur Police Department will be hosting a “Junior Police Academy” during the week of June 22nd-26th, 2015. Class times will be from 9:00 am- 5:00 pm each day. This program is designed to educate and enlighten youth about the functions and duties of their police department.  Attendees will participate in fun and educational exercises designed to simulate real law enforcement activities as well as learn about personal safety and crime prevention.
The class will be limited to 12 participants who are 11-14 years old.  Preference will be given to city residents and students who attend schools in the city.
learn more about this here.
--
photo credit: I did something like this when I was a kid. It was fun, I thought I was Joe Friday.

Southern Living's - The Grumpy Gardener's Guide to Awesome Lawn Care

- http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/how-to-fertilize-lawn-video

Waffle House Construction underway at Old Decatur Belk Department Store Building

 In my research on the building, I found a circa 1948 photo  showing the front side of Belk-Gallant Co. which shows the original brick front with 3 large windows on second floor,(now Eddie's Attic) In the late 1950's Belk-Gallant redesigned the front entrance making a larger entrance walk-in area with surrounding windows.
 --------------------------------
From the June Decatur Focus:

Construction on the Waffle House at 515 N. McDonough St. is underway.  Waffle House and the property owner agreed to work with us to remove the false facade and expose the original brick building if possible.  We found that all of the brick had been removed on the lower floor but plan to do more exploratory work on the second floor to see if brick still exists under the large stucco covering currently in place.
The building was originally a Belk’s department store and a version of the stucco second floor covering appears in photos dating back to the late 1950s or early ’60s.  We will continue to work with the property owners to find option for creating a more appealing treatment for the front of the building.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
 Here is a photo of the floor tile that is still there today.

 Interesting note in top photo: If you look close on right side bottom window you can see a reflection of a Decatur Cab Co.
I thought that was cool.

Wild Oats and Billy Goats 5th Anniversary

From The Decatur Minute
Wild Oats and Billy Goats is celebrating its 5th Anniversary in full folk art funky style on Saturday, June 6.

11 a.m.-9 p.m.: Sale on select artwork

noon-7 p.m.: Goat petting zoo

noon, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. & 6 p.m.: Soap making demo by Hope Floats Farm

2 p.m.: Puppet show by All Hands Productions

3 p.m.: Cake cutting and raffle winners announced.

112 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA 30030

404-378-4088

Restaurant News: New Menu and New Hours for No. 246

h/t  to Daniel for sendng this in. Thanks Bro

--
Here is a little info about No. 246 from their website.

The name no. 246 reflects the original name of the plot of land on which the restaurant sits, dating back to the early 1900s. The no. 246 dining experience is influenced by seasonality and local products as well as the culinary techniques of Italy.

Like all of Ford Fry’s restaurants, no. 246 focuses on seasonal cooking with high-quality ingredients — letting the food speak for itself. Belline is an Atlanta native who has worked at Charlie Palmer’s Kitchen 22 and Tom Colicchio’s Craft in New York as well as Quinones at Bacchanalia and Floataway Café in Atlanta. As the executive chef-partner of no. 246 as well as Ford Fry’s Creative Director, he created a menu of Italian-inspired cuisine that is composed of local, farm fresh ingredients and utilizes simple wood-fired cooking techniques.

“Culinary trends in the Southeast have been very meat-centric, but we’re trying to make the food at no. 246 more about vegetables and dishes that guests can eat every day,” Drew says. “The menu is driven by what local producers have to offer.”

129 E PONCE DE LEON AVE DECATUR GA 30030

TEL: 678 399 8246

Eye on Decatur