Country Hearth Inn Decatur

Concerts on the Square

by rexvaughan

When we moved to Decatur 30 years ago the square was just a scruffy patch of grass with almost nothing going on. Now the square is a lively place most of the time. The photo is of one of the concerts held here every Sat night in May & September. They also have noon concerts every Wed in those months. Also, there are a lot of other events: Beach Party, Beer Fest, Arts Festival, July 4th Concert & Fireworks. As you can see they are very popular and enjoyable events. People bring snacks or full picnic dinners and just relax, listen and visit. For a full schedule of things, go to
http://www.decatur-ga.com/

Christmas goings on

by rexvaughan

Every year in the weeks leading up to Christmas (November and December) the merchants in Decatur have "Terrific Thursdays." On Thursday evenings merchandise is discounted and most shops have wine and appetizers for the patrons. Cafe Alsace usually does complimentary and delicious Christmas cookies. Some shops have a simple spread and some more elaborate but you can certainly consume quite a bit wandering from shop to shop. Free buses run between the major shopping areas.

Also the first week end in December is the Christmas Tour of Homes. Eight or ten local residents open their homes for people to see. The homes range from the large and luxurious to the small and simple. An attempt is made to have a cross section represented. The moderate admission fee goes to the support of local charities.

Bradley Observatory

by rexvaughan

Even I was surprised when I learned that our neighbor, Agnes Scott College, has a full-fledged observatory and in recent years has added a planetarium as well. The Bradley Observatory has open houses each month and the public is welcome. You can see a calendar, directions and other info on their website. Even if you don't go inside, the plaza in front of the observatory is amazing. It is shown in the photo and is an artistic representation of the solar system and our galaxy. It includes scale representations of the planets and their orbits. It measures 365.25 inches in diameter which corresponds to the number of days in the year. I think it is a wonderful sight.

Hanging Out With Ellis Paul at Eddie's Attic

by ExGuyParis

"Great Place for Great Music"

Ellis Paul has been a favorite of ours since 1996. His poetic music really hits home.

Eddie's attic is a place that showcases some amazing singing talent. Check the website, and REALLY try to see Ellis Paul perform.

515 N Mcdonough St
Decatur, GA 30030

Phone: (404) 377-4976

http://www.eddiesattic.com/

The Woodlands

by rexvaughan

"Nature center"

The gift of this garden by the Morse family is described in my "Off the Beaten Path" tips. Dr. and Mrs. Morse still live there but in the future it will become a fantastic green space and center for enjoyment and education of the whole community. I guess with that in mind, the Decatur Rotary Club has built this amphitheatre. In the meantime, it is a great place to sit and enjoy the woods.

"Brilliant garden"

The gardens the Morses created through the years trace personal histories of friendships and community ties, and are a botanical wonder. Highlighted by a delightful “camellia patch,” the gardens follow natural routes around the house and along the drives. Depending on the season, visitors enjoy the luxuriant hues of more than 50 varieties of camellias, as well as the sights and scents of flowering quince, apple and peach blossoms, Chinese red bud, hydrangeas, Japanese magnolia, hemlocks, hostas and more. Much of Woodlands remains natural and wild. On sunny patches along the slopes and creek banks, native wildflowers abound such as wild ginger, rue anemone, blood root, trillium and orchids. More than 30 species of hardwoods and softwoods tower overhead, including 100-year old oaks and magnificent poplars. (Quoted from the Decatur Preservation Alliance website)

"Gracious donors"

The Morse's are such a gracious couple. Their garden has been open to the public at least 3 times in the past 12 months and I have been twice. Both times they were greeting visitors and thanking them for coming! This tree is doubtless one of the ones they brought in years ago. It is large even for a Southern Magnolia. In bloom it would make the whole area incredibly fragrant.