The Old Campus Grill & Restaurant

The Old Campus Grill
The Campus Grill & Restaurant stood for many years at the corner of N. McDonough and Howard and was a favorite for Agnes Scott College students as well as students from Decatur High School.

Rare photo, first one I have seen of the building.
The Campus Grill was torn down circa 1960 to make room for...well nothing.

Your help is needed to give TOMS shoes to children in Ethiopia

A Great Week-end for a Kudzu Visit.

A message from Kudzu Antique Market

One of Atlanta's oldest and best Antique Markets, Kudzu relocated in 2007 to a new and larger location, just 1/2 block from the old. 25,000 sq.ft. features over 100 of Atlanta's Best Dealers, Antique and Unique Consignment, Wholesale, an Outdoor Shop, Framing and Lamp Repair services, Architectural, and more. Discover why Kudzu has been voted one of Atlanta's best for over 30 years. Closed Mondays.

This place has many Christmas decorations and you could do your Christmas shopping here.

On Sundays in December they even have live entertainment.(see photo above)

Kudzu Antique Market
2928 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA. 30030

This winter Wahoo! will make your mouth water.

This winter Wahoo! will make your mouth water with our new seasonal menu. Below is a sample of some of our favorites...

New Appetizers:

Flash fried Polenta
locally grown organic mushrooms,
goat cheese and chive polenta,
roasted red pepper coulis, chives,
black truffle olive oil

Steak Satay
three skewers of bistro filet,
potato straws, red wine balsamic reduction

New Entrees:

Scallop Picatta
three lightly breaded sautéed sea scallops, lemon caper butter
risotto/ asparagus

Grilled Filet and Shrimp
six ounce bistro filet, mushroom demi glace
three jumbo shrimp, drawn butter
risotto/ sautéed spinach





Wahoo! Grill
1042 West College Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030
404-373-3331
www.wahoogrilldecatur.com

Decatur city school board members voted , don't add to city.

By KRISTINA TORRES

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution



Decatur city school board members voted Tuesday to oppose a proposal to annex two large neighborhoods and commercial strips into the city.

Their vote was symbolic — the decision ultimately lies with city officials, not the school board — but it sets a discordant tone for commissioners who will decide Monday whether to pursue annexation anyway.
full story here.

Jay Leno is staying at NBC, will be in prime-time

Jay Leno is staying at NBC, will be in prime-time
Pictured is Victoria Beckham with Jay Leno.

NEW YORK — Jay Leno is staying at NBC, and he's moving to prime time. The network announced Tuesday that Leno will host a show five nights a week at 10 p.m. Eastern, after he leaves the "Tonight" show next year. The network had announced nearly five years ago that Conan O'Brien would move to "Tonight" and succeed Leno.

The deal not only prevents Leno from moving to another network and competing with O'Brien, it also has the potential to be a big cost savings for NBC. A talk show is considerably cheaper to produce than the dramas that usually air at 10 p.m. Eastern.
Leno could now deliver his nightly monologue and sketches to more viewers. Generally about 50 percent more people are watching TV at 10 p.m. than at 11:30 p.m.

Dramas used to be a mainstay of network schedules, and NBC's own history at the time slot includes "ER," "Hill Street Blues," "Law & Order" and "L.A. Law."

Yet dramas have been fading in recent years. One reason is digital video recorders; more people are watching shows they taped earlier than the live 10 p.m. shows.

Recreation Center Master Plan Tuesday night Dec. 9th 2008

The City of Decatur is considering options for the future use of the Decatur Recreation Center
Please joins us at a public work session on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 7 p.m. at the Decatur Recreation Center , 231 Sycamore Street to share your thoughts and ideas about the building. To view drawings of the existing building and to follow the progress of this planning effort over the next few months you can visit the city's website.

Get your Christmas Trees at Suburban Plaza

Shoppers picking over Christmas trees Saturday afternoon.

Christmas in Decatur, GA

Comment:
Anonymous said...

Will be visiting Decatur from Philadelphia for Christmas...and I am counting down the hours. My wife, daughter and I are making it an 800-mile holiday road trip to Atlanta...love it! Many thanks for your site...it keeps me close to beautiful Decatur all year round.
- Carlos from Phoenixville, PA

Update on Leon's Full Service Pub.

Photo shows new color paint on the building. Looks like they are working on a early 2009 opening.

Neil Diamond @ The Arena at Gwinnett Center Wed. Dec 10

photo boston.com

Melrose on Ponce

Vintage Fashion Event Dec 7th @Kudzu Antique Market

Kudzu Antique Market
2928 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA.
404-373-6498

BLUES BROTHERS Classic Revue. FEB 7,2009

A once in a lifetime personal experience
with Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi.
Exclusive event featuring
The Blues Brothers--Dan Aykroyd & Jim Belushi
with the legendary Sacred Hearts Band
at the historic Tabernacle theater in downtown Atlanta

Date: February 7, 2009
Time: 8:00 PM
Where: The Tabernacle, Atlanta, Georgia
Capacity: 1,800

Since 1978, The Blues Brothers Band has been entertaining audiences in music and television. Turn the music of Jake and Elwood into increased sales for your company and enjoy a once in a lifetime performance!

Take advantage of sponsorship opportunities, corporate incentive packages, and group packages for special occasions.

Buy tickets

Ted's Montana Grill

Thanks for a great Black Friday weekend, Decatur!

Thanks for a great Black Friday weekend, Decatur!



Here is what we are doing for December’s Terrific Thursdays from 5p-Close. Look for the big sign out front compliments of the City of Decatur!

20% off all Columbia fleece, shirts, jackets, sweatshirts and sweaters.
10% off all other non sale items (excluding DHS Spirit Wear and Photography)


Here is what is on sale as well.


*Clearance prices of 40%-60% on Columbia Shoes, certain gifts, remaining summer wear.

*Toms Shoes are 20% off. (A child in need gets a free pair for every pair we sell!)

*Patagonia Shoes are 10% off.

*All Dockers pants are on sale.

*Decatur Boy/Girl/Mom/Dad Christmas Ornaments are 30% off.

Snacks, wine, and music to help you enjoy your Holiday shopping experience.

So skip the mall, and please shop Decatur. We have everything you need for the guy in your life right here.

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

Four Christmases Trailer - Now Playing

This is a very funny movie.

Champs Bar & Grill Decatur, GA. 1987

Champs Bar & Grill was located in the old Belk-Gallant building 21 years ago.

What they need to do now is build a vintage metal canopy over the entrance to this building.
But it needs to be metal not canvas, canvas will fade in one year.
This vintage look would go good with this building.
and while I'm talking about that, they need to rebuild the Decatur Theatre,right next to it in that parking lot. (Original site of The Decatur Theatre)
They could still build those condo's on top of Theatre.
If they did that you would see more movies made in Decatur, Film-makers are always looking for old looking towns and this city block would be great, Hey it might even be a money maker.

Emory gets big ‘Robinson Crusoe’ collection

Emory gets big ‘Robinson Crusoe’ collection

By GAYLE WHITE


Former castaway Robinson Crusoe has settled at Emory University.

The university’s Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library now has 699 editions of Daniel Defoe’s famous novel, regarded by some as the first English-language novel.
The collection, a gift from Emory alumnus Robert Lovett and his wife, Miriam, contains many rare volumes, including a first edition published in 1719.

Robert Lovett compiled a bibliography of 1,198 Crusoe editions, abridgements and adaptations with his son Charles Candler Lovett.

AJC

Mail your Santa Letters at The Decatur Ga. Post Office

Decatur Post Office
520 W Ponce De Leon Ave
Decatur, GA 30030
Phone Number: (404) 373-8827

Half Marathon Training Program At Fleet Feet Decatur

This was sent in from Kim over at Fleet Feet Decatur.

Fleet Feet Decatur is offering a training program beginning Dec. 13 for the ING Georgia Half Marathon on Mar. 29, 2009. I thought your readers might be interested in a way they can stay fit through the holidays and accomplish a huge goal - running 13.1 miles! We're encouraging people of all fitness levels to join - runners and walkers.

Happy Holidays! Let me know if this information is of interest, and thanks for your support!

Kim Scarborough
Fleet Feet Decatur
404.371.0208

ING Georgia Half Marathon Training Program at Fleet Feet Decatur

WHO: You! Anybody looking for a fun group to train with for the ING Georgia Half Marathon on Mar. 29, 2009. First-timers welcome!
WHAT: 15-week training program with weekly group runs (long runs will take place on Saturday mornings)
WHEN: Training begins Dec. 13, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. In-store sign up has already begun!
WHERE: Three Fleet Feet locations - Decatur, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville
WHY: Because you can do anything!
COST: $75 (includes Saucony jacket and technical tee, coached training program, e-newsletter with training tips, $5 off race registration)

Sign-up is available in the store or prior to the program kick-off from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on Dec. 13. Email kim@fleetfeetdecatur.com or visit our website for more information.

Discounted marathon and half marathon race registration will be available in the store through Mar. 13, 2008. Make sure you join the Fleet Feet Sports team when registering!

J. Christopher's has an eye on East Lake location

J. Christopher’s poised for growth beyond breakfast
Atlanta-based restaurant has formed partnership that aims to expand the franchise

By JOE GUY COLLIER
CLICK ON PICTURE.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Monday, December 01, 2008

After studying the J. Christopher’s restaurant chain last year, Dick Holbrook and Sam Haddock came away with a simple assessment.

Holbrook and Haddock had spent more than 30 years each in the restaurant business, working with brands such as Arby’s, Popeyes, Wendy’s and Moe’s.
“The great news is that J. Christopher’s is a great place to have breakfast,” Haddock said they concluded. “The bad news is that J. Christopher’s is a great place to have breakfast.”

A year later, Holbrook and Haddock say they have J. Christopher’s poised to grow as a breakfast, brunch and lunch spot. The two restaurant veterans formed in August 2007 a partnership with Jay McCann and Chris Brogdon, the founders of the concept, to create J. Christopher’s Restaurants LLC.

The new company was established to help J. Christopher’s expand, primarily through franchised restaurants. The Atlanta-based chain had 16 locations at the time the deal was signed. It has since added locations in Vinings, Nashville, Kennesaw’s Town Center and north Roswell.

J. Christopher’s has stores planned in 2009 for Woodstock, Brookhaven, East Lake, Johns Creek and Macon. A second site in Nashville also is possible.


The economic downturn has slowed the growth in same-store sales but they’re still up from last year, McCann said. “We’re happy, in this market,” he said.

With ticket prices of about $10, J. Christopher’s is banking on customers seeing value in what their restaurants offer, McCann said. “We consider J. Christopher’s one of life’s little luxuries,” he said.

AJC

Decatur location

250 E Ponce De Leon Ave
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 378-2662

Great song by The Killers- Human

Have you tried Sawicki's

Lynne Sawicki's culinary background spans 24 years in the Atlanta area. She has worked in some of Atlanta's finest restaurants such as Alon's, Flying Biscuit, Nava, Partners and Indigo and Bacchanalia. You might know her from Star Provisions, where she worked in the meat and seafood department for 3 years. She was with the company for 8 years, starting at Floataway Café as Chef de Cuisine. Lynne brings her extensive experience as a chef to her store to offer you a wide variety of salumi, cured and fresh meats, wild seafood and local organic produce and to offer her expertise in handling and preparations.

Her mission? "To teach others what I know so that they too can cook a wonderful, restaurant quality dinner at their homes. I love the community in Decatur - I have lived here over 12 years and enjoy bringing my knowledge of good cooking and fine ingredients to people."

Sandwich Menu

Sawicki's
250 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA.
404-377-0992

Foreclosure Aid may help...Maybe.

Today (Monday) is the deadline for local and state officials to apply for Federal aid, this help will or should help restore neighborhoods that are looking at foreclosures and/or abandoned properties.
A few of the most hard-hit counties — Fulton, DeKalb and Gwinnett — will get both direct federal aid and a secondary allotment through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

AJC

Christmas Tree Window Display @ Wordsmith's Book

Paolo's Gelato Italiano Ice

Paolo's Gelato Italiano Ice
1025 Virginia Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (404) 607-0055

Spook Show Saturday is Tonight at The Plaza Theatre

You never know quite what to expect at a S.S.S.S. Professor Morte could summon ghastly ghosts that swarm over the audience's heads.

So hold on to the seat of your pants and buy a ticket or three to

THE SILVER SCREAM SPOOK SHOW!

KIDS UNDER 12 FREE AT THE 1:00 MATINEE! EVERYONE ELSE ONLY $7.

ALL TICKETS ARE $10 FOR THE 10:00 SHOW!

If you went to this, let us know how it was.
Leave your comments:

Looking back at Decatur Ga. circa 1970's - Time Machine

If anyone has a photo of this strip of stores from the 1940's through the 1970's
please send me a copy of it to post, I know everyone would love it.
Thanks
I tried to duplicate my picture that I took back in the 1970's
Here is that same shot as it looks today.

Special Thanks from Whit's End

Dear Whit’s End Supporters,

Just a warm THANK YOU from us at Whit’s End for your postings about our Black Friday/Terrific Thursday sales. Many, many folks have come in from your generous promotions. You are providing a valuable tool for neighbors to get more information, and continue to allow our community to thrive in this tough economic time. As residents and merchants of Decatur, we are grateful for your efforts, and proud of your accolades.

I enjoy reading and seeing all of the information given throughout these great venues to keep folks informed.


Best,

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

Being single during the Holidays.

All I want for Christmas is somebody, anybody!

By Blanca | Friday, November 28, 2008, 07:55 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Happy Black Friday! First things first: Good news! The dessert I prepared for Roland’s family’s Thanksgiving was a huge hit. I thought at first everyone was humoring me, but when I saw none of my pumpkin roll was left, I breathed my first sigh of relief. And as I hoped, everyone welcomed me with open arms. A great holiday!

On Wednesday as I baked the pumpkin dessert, I listened to Christmas songs, most notably Mariah Carey’s holiday album from years ago. Throw in some Nat King Cole, some Harry Connick Jr., some Bing Crosby and even Amy Grant’s ancient album. (My mother often played that record, so it has some nostalgia for Blanca.)

Many of the songs, like Mariah’s “All I Want for Christmas,” center around the concept of missing an Ex during the holidays, or perhaps just wanting a significant other with whom to share the special times.

I was thinking about this as a girlfriend of mine called me Wednesday from the airport, complaining that she was seated across from two lovebirds canoodling as they traveled home for the holidays. She mentioned that she’s particularly down spending the day as a single woman watching others in love.

What is it about the holidays that make us a want a partner? Why isn’t just spending it with family and friends enough? For those of you who are happy and content as strong single folk, do you find your mood changes once the mistletoe is hung?

Click photo for video.

Earlybird shoppers hit stores on ‘Black Friday’

By RACHEL TOBIN RAMOS, KATHY JEFCOATS

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Friday, November 28, 2008

Die-hard shoppers made their pilgrimages to metro area malls and outlet centers Friday, though traffic appeared to be moderate and many said they planned to trim their spending in light of this fall’s economic slowdown.

Some mall parking lots were filling up by mid-morning, while others had plenty of space. Discounters Wal-Mart and Target saw moderate to heavy traffic, as did Discover Mills in Gwinnett County. Traffic was steady but relatively light at North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville.
full story here.

The Great Tree at Lenox Square

Photo of Rich's @ Lenox Sq. before the name change to Macy's

(now The Great Tree at Macy's.) is a large (70 to 90-foot tall) cut pine Christmas tree that has been an Atlanta tradition since 1948. [1] That year, the Rich's department store put a large pine tree atop its downtown store, lighting it on Thanksgiving night. The idea was conceived by head of advertising, Frank Pallotta. Later, the tree was perched over a seven-story "Crystal Bridge" that connected the original Rich's department store with a new building addition on the opposite side of Forsyth Street. With the tree on the roof of the complex, combined with its tall height, the Great Tree truly was great and could be seen for tens of miles outside the downtown district of Atlanta. It was visible for decades, well into the early 1970s, but as the city grew with new, taller skyscrapers, the view of the Great Tree became more obscured in its last two decades at the downtown store.

As the tree became an Atlanta tradition, more was added to the display to create an attraction in its own right. This included Santa's Workshop, complete with "Reindeer" on loan from the Stone Mountain Park Petting Zoo that parents and children would walk through on the way to visit with Santa Claus. Also, inside the store, was Santa's 'Secret Shop'. Off-limits to the adults, childern entered an enclosed mini shopping area. With money vouchers in-hand, we bought gifts for parents and everyone! All of this spirit of Christmas started at the street level with wonderfull animated window displays. The goal of course...for us kids... whatever the current 'home', was the Pink Pig!. The undeniable star of Rich's, the Pink Pig, a carnival ride of sorts that was a miniature 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. Later, it moved to a Christmas village outside the building that surrounded the Great Tree. [Ed et all Q. I remember inside/outside but not both at once.] and once the Pig returned indoors, it "flew" 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 got a sticker that said "I rode the Pink Pig" that became a badge of honor.

The ride moved to the Festival of Trees in the 1990s, and resided at the Atlanta History Center. The ride was resurrected in 2004 when it reappeared at Rich's Lenox Square Mall, the new location for the Great Tree. It should be noted that the new version of the Pink Pig is a conventional train ride with a miniature pink pig (locomotive) pulling a set of pink child-sized passenger cars at ground level, instead of the original monorail design. I suspect the original monorail was retired due to modern safety and liability issues as well as the probability that because the original monorail system was so old it could not be maintained as a viable and safe children's ride.

During the time The Great Tree was at the downtown Rich's store, it was undeniably the biggest Christmas-time attraction in the Southeastern United States. Parents from around the South brought their children to downtown Atlanta expressly to experience this attraction and have their picture taken with the Rich's Santa Claus. The waiting lines to ride the Pig and to see Santa very much compare to the lines that we see today where people stand for hours to ride one of the popular amusement park rides in today's theme parks. Millions of children and their parents made the annual migration during its tenure. Today in the 21st Century, when people try to prove how "Southern" they are, one of the most proudest claims to that right is that they rode The Pink Pig Monorail at the Downtown Rich's department store. The Pink Pig was an immensely popular attraction in its own right. Decades after the original Pink Pig was retired, many Atlanta natives who rode the pig as children fondly reminisce about their rides in the pig. The ride inspired the book I Rode the Pink Pig: Atlanta's Favorite Christmas Tradition.