Dawdling in Decatur's square

In the middle of Metro Atlanta, this community cultivates a charming small-town character.

The delightful courthouse square in Decatur, Georgia, sits chockablock with hip shops, fun eateries, and a park that invites relaxing.

Start on the square-you can either ride a MARTA train from Atlanta to the station beneath the square or park at First Union Bank's deck on North Candler Street (have your ticket validated at a nearby business). The historic buildings around the square and on Ponce de Leon Avenue hold a handful of galleries.

At Square Roots, owner Jennifer Newman and Mako, her friendly weimaraner, welcome customers. The cozy shop features folk art, painted windows, birdhouses, and fresh flowers. Shopkeeper Brenda Leder's style at By Hand South leans to the contemporary, with jewelry, pottery, handwoven clothing, hurled wooden boxes, and fine art glass.

If you favor more traditional home accessories, visit Rue de Leon, which fills up a former gas station with French linens, painted dressers, elegant pillows, and imported antiques. Next door, Jane Robertson has transformed an old house into a blooming business called GardenTopia. She displays garden art, bubbling fountains, and specialty plants.

Meanwhile, two funky boutiques keep clothes shoppers happy. Kaleidoscope concentrates on sleek city fashions, while Squash Blossom focuses on comfortable linens.

When you're ready for a break, there are more than 40 restaurants within walking distance. At the Brick Store Pub, you'll find great food and a stellar selection of beers and single-malt Scotches. Ethnic tastes reign at Santa Fe Cafe, Cafe Alsace, Raging Burrito, and Eurasia Bistro.

For a different kind of repast, visit Java Monkey for coffee, sandwiches, and pastries by day, and beer, wine, appetizers, and live music at night. Students from adjacent Agnes Scott College mingle with locals at Twain's Billiards and Tap, while music lovers flock to Sweet Melissa's Jazz Cafe as well as Eddie's Attic.

After a full day on the square, you'll want to return to sample more of this cool energy. ANNETTE THOMPSON

For more information: Contact the Decatur Downtown Development Authority, (404) 371-8386 or www. decaturga.com.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Sep 2002
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