Young and Sophisticated in Decatur, Georgia

April 15, 2014

14  comments

Earlier this year, my amazing photographer husband, had a meeting in Decatur, Georgia, and took these photos to show me how the city has changed since I last visited – oh, about 20 years ago.

I remember spending a festive, yet sophisticated Independence Day in Decatur
just before we were married.

Festive, because there were fireworks.
Sophisticated, because we were with college friends who had all
recently graduated, and we all had “real” jobs.

We were grown ups, and it was fun.
I had driven up from Tallahassee where I was teaching summer school, earning extra summer money on top of my regular lucrative teacher pay.

Here’s the Decatur Courthouse, so stately and beautiful.
As grown ups, we appreciated its seriousness.

The wide sidewalks that allow for seating areas make the downtown area friendly and inviting. This area has undergone a great transformation and revival in the past few years.

And this sign, ” New Years Resolution: DRINK BETTER COFFEE”
I don’t even think I was a coffee drinker the last time I was in Decatur.
I wasn’t THAT grown up!

The multi-colored sign marks the MARTA station —Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority.
I was a small town girl and terrified of public transportation. Don’t laugh. The first time I rode MARTA to a Brave’s game in a crushing crowd, I nearly got my arm cut off in the automatic sliding door of the train. Maybe that had nothing to do with being from a small town, but everything to do with being accident prone.

Decatur has many delicious restaurants, and is a walkable area.
Like Fairhope. Only in Georgia.

Look how my #1 photographer lined up the tree in this photo.
I said, “I love it.”
He said, “I knew you would.”
Now I want to go back to Decatur, Georgia.
And try to be young and sophisticated again . . .
knowing that “young” and “sophisticated” are both highly subjective.
  • Georgia is such a great State…so many small towns full of charm! Thanks so much for the tour and for sharing at Amaze Me Monday…
    Blessings,
    Cindy

  • My niece does poetry performances at the Java Monkey in the last photo. Small world!

    • Leslie Anne says:

      I didn’t even realize that is what the building was used for!

  • I love small towns in Georgia. Its been awhile since I went through that area with my hubby. He was born and raised in that area. I could spend months in the car, driving from place to place taking pictures. Thanks for sharing and the memories

    • BTW,,,I haven’t rode MARTA either. My husband just laughs.

  • Great photos of Decatur! The little suburb of Atlanta has an interesting vibe, and you are so right about there being a lot of good places to eat. Try Leon’s the next time you are there. They have a number of different ketchups to eat with your meal. And Kim is right about the Virginia Highlands area (my favorite!) There is a Paper Source there that I can’t resist and my favorite restaurant – Murphy’s. Hope you get to return “young” and “sophisticated” and visit both areas.

    • Leslie Anne says:

      You had me at “different ketchups!”

  • Decatur, Georgia has never been on my wish list to visit, but it is now. Thanks to your colorful pictures.

  • That last image is perfection. The orange and red buildings are just right. I have never been on MARTA and really want to give it a wide berth.

  • You will love Decatur Leslie Anne, it’s a lot like Fairhope. It is sophisticated and very artsy. We often go there while in Atlanta and weekends you have sidewalks full of peoples enjoying the small town feel. Great restaurants and sidewalk cafes. Try Leon’s if you go. Very hip and fast paced, delicious food………….

    Hugs…………..

  • Oh that precious first sculpture of the “olden” couple, on the bench!!!

    And amazing how husband thought to line up that tree!!! Grrrrrreat! I applaud him. 🙂

    Tessa~

  • Very artistic to photograph the bench sculptures from the back. Love it. Good
    work.

  • Jay and I were in Virginia Highlands within the last year. Very quaint area of Atlanta. Love the pics.

  • Love the pics especially the last on with the tree. I also liked the first one from behind the sculptures sitting on the bench.

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