Kevin Gillespie’s Terminus City project will sell barbecue plates July 4

From: http://clatl.com
This Fourth of July, chef
Kevin Gillespie’s Terminus City project will sell barbecue plates to benefit the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Communion, the beer garden at Gillespie’s Revival in Decatur, the Terminus City crew will dish out chopped whole hog barbecue sandwiches, Brunswick stew, potato salad, coleslaw, and fried pie. The Emory Healthcare Veterans Program helps post-9/11 veterans “heal the invisible wounds of war and ease their reintegration into everyday life.”

Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival Aug. 13

From: http://www.decaturbbqfestival.com/

Cold Beer, Tasty BBQ, and Great Tunes!

Tickets on Sale Now! – Click here

The 16th annual
Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass festival is set for Saturday, August 13th 2016. Once again we will bring the sights, sounds, and smells of classic southern BBQ from metro Atlanta staples along with 7+ hours of original live blues and bluegrass music from aspiring and accomplished local/regional/and national acts to Decatur, Georgia in the heart of Oakhurst. This is a family friendly event that is fun for all ages.

Video Friday - Elvis Presley - "Moonlight Swim" from Blue Hawaii

Pied Piper Parade July 4th

 From thedecaturminute.com

The Fourth of July will be here before you know it. This year, gather the family and come out to Decatur’s 2016 Independence Day celebration. XFINITY is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s event.

 
The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with the
Pied Piper Parade in downtown Decatur. Grab the family and watch the parade wind by, or decorate a bike, stroller, wagon, or scooter and join the fun yourself.
At 7 p.m., the Callanwolde Concert Band will perform at the Community Bandstand. Come enjoy the music and participate in family-friendly activities with XFINITY.
Once darkness falls, it’s time of the main event: the fireworks show! Ooh and aah at the spectacular fireworks launched from the top of the DeKalb County parking garage. It’s free fun for the whole family. We can’t wait to see you there!

Red Robin, A Gourmet Burger Joint Coming to Mall of Georgia in August

 From : http://www.accessatlanta.com

A new restaurant is coming to the Mall of Georgia — and the (tentative) opening date will be here before you know it.

Red Robin, a gourmet burger joint that has more than 500 locations nationwide, has been under construction in the mall's former Ruby Tuesday location for several months. On Monday, a Red Robin spokeswoman revealed a more specific timeframe for its opening.

"We anticipate construction on the location to be completed by late August," she said in an email. The restaurant would open shortly thereafter, she added.

Video Friday: Roy Orbison and Friends - "Dream Baby"

Bird's eye view of Old Decatur Court House circa 1917

 This is a repost: So Worldsmith Books is no longer there.Best Time and Jeni's ice cream shop is in that spot.
In this photo (circa 1917) shows the Decatur Court House after it was remodeled in 1917 after the fire of 1916. Left and right wings were added on each side. also notice that the Confederate monument was moved at some point in time, now it is about half way up the walkway. see arrows on photo.
Look at how clean the grounds looked then. Now it looks so crowded.
the bandstand should have been built over to the left where it is now(in the grass area), it would make a better flow for the area.I would love to see west court square opened back up to connect to sycamore.

Decatur Beach Party this Friday June 17

From: http://thedecaturminute.com/
It’s back and better than ever! Celebrate summer at the downtown Decatur Beach Party, this Friday, June 17, 2016 from 5 to 11 p.m.

No beach? No problem! Decatur makes its own with 60 tons of sand – transforming Ponce de Leon Avenue into Sandcastle Central. Add a kid’s boardwalk, live music and dancing on the plaza, a food court with funnel cakes and fruity drinks, and voilà — you’re in a beach town, Decatur-style, without the sunburn and hours of driving.
Tune into fantastic live jams – Tray Dahl & The Jugtime Ragband open for evening’s headliner, Electric Avenue. A DJ closes out the evening with a dance party.

Buy tickets at Freshtix.com.
Tickets are $12 in advance at and local Decatur retail shops or $15 at the gate.
Children ages 4-12 years old are $7 in advance, and $10 at the gate.
Free entry for children under 3. All children’s activities are included in the admission price.
more

Walton Goggins and Danny McBride star in HBO'S Vice Principals July 17

-- From: http://screencrush.com/hbo-vice-principals-new-trailer/
 Sure, HBO may have had a few eyes on an anticipated Sunday premiere, but we all know Danny McBride and Walton Goggins are the real draw.
See for yourself, as HBO’s Vice Principals gets an impressively profane new trailer ahead of its July premiere.
Premiering July 17 after the second season premiere of HBO’s Ballers, McBride’s Vice Principals follows a high school and the people who “almost” run it, with McBride starring as Neal Gamby, the divorced vice principal in charge of discipline at the school. Goggins, meanwhile will play Lee Russell, vice principal of curriculum at Lincoln High, as both enter an epic power struggle vying for the top spot: to be school principal.
 Boardwalk Empire and True Detective alum Shea Whigham will take the supporting role of Ray Liptrapp, the new husband of Gamby’s ex-wife Gale (Busy Philipps).
Vice Principals will also feature McBride executive producing alongside Jody Hill, co-creator David Gordon Green and Stephanie Laing, all Eastbound & Down alum.
 You can watch the first trailer above, and stay tuned for the July 17 premiere. Read More: HBO 'Vice Principals' Goes to Petty War in New Trailer | http://screencrush.com/hbo-vice-principals-new-trailer/?trackback=tsmclip

New Way to Access the Beltline’s Eastside Trail Coming Soon

From: http://atlanta.curbed.com/2016/6/10/11904872/new-way-access-the-beltline-s-eastside-trail
photo credit:  Atlanta Beltline Inc.
It’s been a big week for the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail. First came legitimate visual proof that construction on the trail's extension has finally begun, and now comes news of a new (and needed) Beltline access point at a popular crossroads.

This development should be sweet news for anyone who’s trudged up the rocky, often muddy hill where the Eastside Trail crosses Ralph McGill Boulevard, at the junction of Poncey-Highland and Old Fourth Ward.

As Beltline officials explain on their website this week ...
You will soon have one more way to access the Eastside Trail! Visitors to the Atlanta Beltline have been using the hill at Ralph McGill Boulevard as an unofficial access point since before the trail even opened. Perennial Properties, the owners of the Telephone Factory Lofts, are installing a public access trail from the road below. The access point will give users an easy way to get to the Eastside Trail from Ralph McGill.
Construction on the access point will begin the week of June 20 and will take 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, the public will NOT be able to use the area as an access point to the Eastside Trail.
more

Video Friday - Alabama - Take Me Down

Kroger's to donate 40 pallets of assorted apparel to Decatur's Goodwill of North Georgia

From: http://www.mdjonline.com
Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which has several stores in Cobb County, announced that it will donate 40 pallets of assorted apparel, shoes, accessories and more to Goodwill of North Georgia in honor of the organization’s 90th birthday celebration.

Kroger will present the donation at the Goodwill headquarters, at 2201 Lawrenceville Highway in Decatur, on Thurdsay at 10 a.m.
“Kroger is proud to partner with Goodwill of North Georgia through this donation,” said Glynn Jenkins, public relations director for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “We’re excited to celebrate 90 years of an exceptional organization that works hard to provide Georgia’s families with the tools they need to support themselves and their families.”

“Donations are critical to our success at Goodwill. We are honored to be the recipient of such a generous gift, and we commend Kroger for supporting our efforts to connect North Georgians to jobs,” said Elaine Armstrong, vice president of marketing for Goodwill. “These items will not only help fill the shelves of Goodwill stores across the region, but they will become the catalyst for helping thousands of job seekers find work.”
Founded in Atlanta in 1925 by a group of local citizens, Goodwill provides job training and employment services to people who are struggling to find work, want to change careers or start their own business. The organization sells donated clothing, books, furniture and household goods in stores across North Georgia, with the proceeds funding their mission of putting people to work.

For more information, visit www.kroger.com.

Decatur Beach Party June 17

From: http://decaturdba.com/img_slide/decatur-beach-party-4/

• http://decaturdba.com
• Meetings
  
• Sponsorship
• Resources

Decatur Beach Party

Kid’s boardwalk games, live music and dancing on the plaza, food court with funnel cakes and fruity drinks, — it’s a beach town, Decatur-style.

"Blackway" Opens June 10

Video Friday- Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are

4 Rivers Smokehouse Coming to Marietta Street

4 Rivers to Make Atlanta Debut on Marietta Street
From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2016/06/4-rivers-to-make-atlanta-debut-on.html#more
Barbecue chain plans Georgia debut

Chef John Rivers of Winter Park, Florida-based 4R Restaurant Group has signed his first lease in Atlanta. 


The first 4 Rivers Smokehouse in Atlanta will be on Marietta Street next to Thumbs Up Diner in the old fire station No. 16.  The fire station opened in early 1915 and was there until 1963 when it relocated to its current 1048 Joseph E. Boone Boulevard location.  

According to the 4Rivers website, the restaurant will be the chain's 14th location and is expected to open mid next year.    The two story building is about 4,100 square feet and will be renovated to suit the needs of the restaurant.  Due to it being an historic structure, there are limitations to the modifications that can be made. A rendering of the restaurant does indicate that a second story patio will be added to the front of the building, with a street level patio below it.    
photo from: http://www.todaysorlando.com/restaurant/4-rivers-smokehouse-winter-garden

Decatur Zesto's circa 1960's

 Decatur GA
Photo credit facebook

Decatur Arts Festival Saturday and Sunday

For more info Visit
http://decaturartsfestival.com/festival-events/

Video Friday - I Melt with You - Modern English from Valley Girl

Three Taverns 3-Day Sessions for Decatur's Art Festival

Get ready, Decatur! Just in time for 3 days of festival madness comes our limited release 3Day IPA. Brewed specially for and available at the Decatur Arts Festival as well as other local Decatur pubs and restaurants the week leading up to the festival, this 4.6% session IPA is massively dry hopped with Amarillo and Mosaic for an explosive tropical bouquet. Beginning with the intense aroma and flavors of mango, pineapple and grapefruit with dank, piney undertones, this beer has a smooth and extremely quaffable finish.

Don't miss this limited release beer brewed exclusively for the 3 days of festival celebration. See you in Decatur Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29th! Cheers!
Info from: http://www.threetavernsbrewery.com

Comedy on Draught May 25 at Decatur's Three Taverns

Comedy on Draught is back next Wednesday. Doors open at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm. Just $15 for comedy, tour & tastings.

for more info https://www.facebook.com/cornbabycomedy/

Three Taverns Brewery
121 New Street
Decatur, GA 30030
404-600-3355

Bike Valet - Ride your bike to the Festival !

You can ride your bike to the Decatur Arts Festival and park it in the bike valet area at N. McDonough at the square and it's FREE . A valet attendant will remain on duty to monitor bikes.
The bike valet service is sponsored by Bicycle South and the city of Decatur. The Decatur Arts Festival is working with the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition to provide the service.
Photo credit and info from decaturartsalliance.org

Decatur Arts Festival This weekend

Visit http://decaturartsfestival.com/

Video Friday - Dirty Dancing - Time of my Life

GRINDHOUSE KILLER BURGERS NOW OPEN

See menu at: http://atlanta.eater.com/2016/5/23/11744224/grindhouse-killer-burgers-decatur-hours-menu

Decatur has added e-cigarettes to the city’s smoking ban

From: http://www.walb.com/story/31998183/decatur-adds-e-cigarettes-to-citys-smoking-ban

ATLANTA (CBS46) - To see video click link above

Decatur has added e-cigarettes to the city’s smoking ban  that many residents didn't even know was already in place.

The city of Decatur approved a ban on the use of e-cigarettes on Monday in public places like parks. Tuesday, CBS46 went to Decatur Square where many people unaware of the city’s smoking rules though signs were clearly posted.

Shelia Jackson, a smoker, stated she was unaware of Decatur’s clean air ordinance that bans use of cigarettes and now e-cigarettes.

“I was just saying a few minutes ago I need to quit smoking,” Jackson told CBS46 as she put out her cigarette.

Decatur City Commissioners unanimously agreed on the update and clarified areas within 20 feet of the entrance to any building, operable windows, or air intake vents must be smoke free.

Bradley Robinson said he was also unaware he was breaking the rules while smoking near the doorway of a business.

“I know somebody who got a ticket, it was like a $75 ticket… To me I think it’s outside… if your outside I don’t see no harm in it,” Robinson contended.

Under the updated ordinance, smoking is banned in any public park, playground, greenspace, plaza or outdoor recreation area maintained and operated by the city.

“I think it is a step forward, I think it’s great,” stated Cynthia Bates. Bates explained breathing in smoke is the last thing she wants to do while out on her afternoon walk.

Robinson argues e-cigarettes shouldn’t be including in the ban arguing the vapor produces it not harmful.

“That ain’t even real smoke so for me I just feel like that’s another way to keep somebody from doing something,” said Robinson.

CBS46 spoke with managers of three different shops in downtown Decatur that sell both cigarettes and e-cigarettes. No one wanted to comment on camera about the city’s decision but one store owner told CBS 46 that he supports the ban. He thinks too many people smoke in busy public areas.

Copyright 2016 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.

photo credit:  https://images.search.yahoo.com

Woodlands Garden's M.A.Y. Fair Sat., May 21 11-3pm

M.A.Y. Fair will take place on Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include an artists’ market with over 20 booths, where youth (grades 2-12), will create and sell their own artwork and crafts. The art booths will be set up on the Garden’s lawn.

In addition to the artists’ market, there will be musical performances by the youth to show off their skills with the guitar, ukulele, voice, piano, and cello. These musical performances will be held in the Pavilion and outdoor performance stage in the Children’s Natural Play Area.
“We are very excited for the first M.A.Y. Fair on May 21, a day of musical performances and an artists’ market set in the natural backdrop of Woodlands Garden,” says Kate Baltzell, Executive Director. “This event is an opportunity to showcase the creative talent of the community and engage the next generation in appreciating all that our greenspace has to offer. Great volunteers, supportive sponsors, and bright artists will ensure this event is fun for all ages.”
A special thanks to the sponsors of M.A.Y. Fair for their support: Rock with Bock, Emory Alliance Credit Union, 2 Crafty Chicks, Kaleidoscope Studio, Color Wheel, and Revisioned Furniture Company.
This event is free to the public and will take place rain or shine.
For more information, contact Baltzell at (404) 373-2222 or visit www.woodlandsgarden.org.


Woodlands Garden's M.A.Y. Fair Sat., May 21 11-3pm

2016 Decatur Lantern Parade Video

Bleu Hanger takes Over Meldora Hair Salon Space

2016 Decatur Lantern Parade (PHOTOS)

more pictures to come

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2nd Annual Classic Rides & Rescues at Decatur Estate Antiques May 15

Video Friday: Bruce Springsteen - Dancing in the Dark

Jason Bourne is Back in July

Decatur's Grind House Killer Burgers just Days away from Grand Opening

 From: https://www.facebook.com

Local artist Caveal just finished adding his hand-painted personal touch to the new Decatur store. We're days away from our grand opening!

Eye on Decatur

Decatur GA. E. Howard Ave.

Pure Barre 1st Year Aniv. Celebration Saturday May 14

 From: thedecaturminute.com
Pure Barre community class on the Square, 10-11 a.m.
Block party following the class until 12 p.m. Enjoy retail discounts, refreshments and giveaways.
Register for the community class at Purebarre.com/GA-Decatur

Eye on Decatur near city limits

     Dekalb Ave.

Learn more about HGTV's Fixer Upper's Chip and Joanna Gaines

From http://www.popsugar.com/home/Facts-About-Fixer-Upper-Chip-Joanna-Gaines-37457565#photo-37457565
It's only been about a year since Fixer Upper debuted on HGTV, but viewers across the country have already fallen hard for husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines. He's a real estate and construction pro who knows how to turn an affordable but "blah" house into a sparkling gem, and she's a designer with an eye for shabby chic flea-market finds. Together, they own and operate Magnolia Homes — and raise four kids. We took a break from watching Chip and Joanna help families purchase and renovate their dream homes on the small screen to talk to the couple in real life. What we learned made us love them even more. Read on for 16 adorable facts about the Gaineses.  To  Learn even more about Chip and Joanna here: Photo credit: www.hgtv.com

Video Friday - The Band Perry - Gentle On My Mind

I love this song so much.

Eye on Grind House Killer Burgers. Look for May Opening

Decatur's new Grind House Killer Burgers. To Open in May (2 to 3 weeks)

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Rize a New Pizza Concept Could be coming to 675 North Highland

 Rize a New Pizza Concept Could be coming to 675 North Highland
from: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2016/04/new-pizza-shop-hoping-to-rize-soon-in.html#more

 New pizza concept in the oven in Atlanta.

A new "artisan" pizza restaurant is scouting Atlanta for its first locations.  Rize Artisan Pizza + Salads, an Atlanta-based restaurant without any physical location, has plans for at least two restaurants in metro Atlanta in the coming months.

While another site inaccurately reported that Rize was opening a physical restaurant at 1510 Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard, that address will instead serve as the company's "Restaurant Support Center." 

Interestingly, in the past few weeks, that other site has corrected their careless error, and more recently Rize seems to have suspended or deleted their facebook page from which the other site obtained their information.  Rize does still have active Twitter and Instagram pages, but each has been quiet for months. 

According to its website, "Rize was born from a passion for pizza, hospitality and great food prepared the right way."

"As hospitality experts with relentless spirit and a true love for our craft, we created this unique concept that will disrupt the fast casual dining world."

From what I've heard from a number of industry sources, Rize is aiming to be a family friendly, high quality, full service, economically priced, pizza restaurant.  Plans reportedly call for the restaurant to offer assorted salads and gelato in addition to the many pizza options.  Rize has no intention of being a "me-too" player in the quick serve pizza space, currently led by Blaze Pizza, Pieology and others like Atlanta's Uncle Maddio's Pizza. 

While the plans for Rize sound good, the menu and plan sound eerily similar to another would-be pizza chain, Treza. Longtime ToNeTo readers will recall the struggles of Treza, which had hoped to become a growth concept in the upscale-casual pizza space.  Opening in 2011 at TOWN Brookhaven, Treza offered gourmet pizza, gelato and assorted salads and tried to be very similar to what Rize is apparently trying to be. While Treza offered counter service rather than table service, the similarities in their growth ambitions and menu are uncanny.  After closing briefly in 2012 to attempt a   rebranding, Treza closed permanently in early 2014. 

John D.  Smith lists himself as Founder & CEO Rize Holdings, LLC ("A private equity backed holding company formed to acquire, develop and operate branded restaurant concepts with the potential to scale to a national footprint) on his LinkedIn page.  The Rize website lists Smith as Founder CEO of Rize Artisan Pizza.  While I found Smith challenging to deal with in my one conversation with him, I'm left to assume that Rize Holdings is the holding company in which Rize Artisan Pizza is being held, and with luck, grown. 
read more http://www.tonetoatl.com

Video Friday - Stevie Nicks - SARA

Remembering Plaza Drugs

The Decatur Lantern Parade is May 13, 2016

for more info visit:  https://decatureducationfoundation.org

A Tribute to Prince "Purple Rain" 4/28 @ The Plaza Theatre

 Sold Out - we are adding a midnight show tickets to be available shortly ! 
 https://twitter.com/PlazaAtlanta/status/723554033764544513/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc^tfw

 info from  : https://www.facebook.com/PlazaAtlanta/

2nd SHOW ADDED

Video Friday - Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Sweet Water 420 Fest April 22-24 Centennial Olympic Park

From: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantaEatsTV

 Are you an ATL Eater who ❤s Sweetwater420 Fest? Use promo code 420FestAtlEats for 15% off http://bit.ly/1vlNS8o

more info:  http://www.sweetwater420fest.com/

Have you Checked out the New Netflix Series "The Ranch"

Beat The Street for Little Feet 5K April 30

From:  http://www.active.com

About This Activity

Pete the Cat is back!
 Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool is proud to host the 9th Annual Beat the Street for Little Feet 5K, 1 mile and Tot Trot, featuring the beloved Pete the Cat t-shirt.

Race day includes a children's activity area, local vendors with discounts, coupons, product demos and samplings. Electronic timing for the 5K.
Family-friendly event with fun for all ages and is a great run through Decatur and Oakhurst. All proceeds from the event directly benefit the Oakhurst Cooperative Preschool.
Race Day Schedule:
7:00 am: Packet pick-up and race day registration open
8:00 am: 5K Race
Immediately after 5K finish: 1 Mile Race
Immediately following the 1 Mile: Tot Trot
9:30 am: Awards

Kids' Activities: Activity tables created and monitored by OCP parents and teachers. May include face painting, sand table play, crafts with recycled and natural materials, etc. Come out and be a kid with your kid!
Beat the Street 5K IS A TEAM DECATUR GRAND SLAM FITNESS CHALLENGE EVENT
Walk-ups welcome! Race day Registration fees: 5K=$35, 1 mile=$25, Tot Trot=$15
**Credit cards accepted for onsite registration.**

Storefront Saturday in Decatur April 23

The Eighteen Decatur shops that are participating:


Participating Shops:
Bleu Hanger
Boogaloos
Boutique Karma
Collage
Furry Tails
HomeGrown
Kismet
Little Shop of Stories
Natural Body
Splash of Olive
Sq/Ft
Squash Blossom
The Great Frame Up
Treehouse Kid and Craft
Tres Jolie
Trinity Mercantile & Design
Wild Oats & Billy Goats
Worthmore Jewelers
 info from facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/561570194021783/

Avondale Tree Walk Sat., April 23 10-12 Noon

From Nancy Martin
Third Annual Avondale Tree Walk Takes Place April 23

WHAT: 3rd Annual Avondale Tree Walk
WHO: Presented by the Avondale Estates Garden Club
WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 23, rain or shine
WHERE: Lake Avondale near the gazebo, Lakeshore Dr.
COST: Free and open to the public

The Avondale Estates Garden Club presents the 3rd Annual Avondale Tree Walk, a conservation project, from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 23. The event is free, and all members of the public, including children and families, are invited. The walk takes place rain or shine.

The registration area is in front of the gazebo, which is just steps away from our "Tree Huggers in Training" talks for children. Other tree talks for adults are also close by. The tree walk will begin after the talks. Arborists and landscape architects will lead six different routes in Avondale Estates. One of those is a walk around Lake Avondale for those who prefer or require a short walk.


Children who participate will get a picture book from Arborguard Tree Specialists. If Avondale Elementary and the Museum School have at least five students from their school attend the walk, they will earn a book about trees by distinguished authors Gail Gibbons and Patricia Lauber for their school library.
All who go on a tree walk will receive a booklet,“75 Native Trees of Georgia,” from the Georgia Forestry Commission.
There will also be an opportunity to consult a panel of experts at the “Ask the Arborist Table” about any concerns homeowners have with trees in their landscapes

The guides at this year’s tree walk will emphasize six major roles that trees play in our environment:
• Trees make oxygen
• Trees save you money (lowering your heating costs)
• Trees keep your drinking water clean
• Trees make useful things for you
• Trees keep streets safe
• Trees Make City Life fun

Special thanks to City of Avondale Estates, the Avondale Estates Tree Board, the Avon Garden Club
and Arborguard Tree Specialists for their contributions to the 2016 Avondale Tree Walk.