Travel

Hotel Bennett

Inside Charleston's Grand Hotel, a vision of 25 years Article by Lisa Thibault There are hotels you stay in, and there are hotels that tell a story the moment you walk in that leave you with an experience worth taking home. Hotel Bennett, on the corner of King Street and historic Marion Square in downtown Charleston, is unmistakably both and the perfect escape for the holidays. From the marble-clad Grand Court to the pink-hued glow of Camellias, every inch of this 179-room property was built...

Entertainment

More Than the Punchline

Decatur comedian Emily Holden turns stand-up and everyday interactions into shared laughter. Article by Decatur City Lifestyle You don’t have to buy a ticket to a stand-up show to encounter Emily Holden’s sense of humor. Around Decatur and metro Atlanta, she has hosted fundraisers and community events, produced local comedy shows, portrayed Mrs. Claus during the holidays, and even brought musical trivia to senior centers. Give Emily a microphone and a room full of people, and she seems right...

Life + Culture

People Who Show Up

Decatur is shaped by neighbors who give their time, talents and care to the community. Article by Amanda Sabetai Every city has a few standard defining characteristics, such as boundaries on a map, schools, businesses and public spaces. But what really sets one place apart from another is its sense of community and the people who participate in it. Decatur is shaped by the people who show up, both in visible ways and in quieter ways you may never see. They clean up roadways, serve on...

Life + Culture

Young Voices, Local Impact

Decatur gives teens a voice in their community and a firsthand look at how local government works. Article by Amanda Sabetai | Photography by City of Decatur Decatur residents may not always see the ways teenagers help shape their city. Decatur’s Youth Council gives members a chance to weigh in on city planning, work alongside city departments, organize community events and offer city leaders a perspective they can’t necessarily get from adults. At the same time, the members learn how local...

Shopping

Holiday Fun Starts Now

November brings plenty of reasons to shop local and get a head start on the season. Article by Decatur City Lifestyle The holiday season arrives early around Decatur Square. By the first weeks of November, local shops are rolling out extended hours, seasonal specials, and gift ideas, while holiday events begin popping up around downtown and nearby neighborhoods. There are ornament unveilings, Grinch appearances, Santa photos, artist markets, storytimes, shopping nights, and plenty of small...

Food + Beverage

A New Gathering Space for Food and Community

Vela Park Food Works brings local flavor and community together. Article by Amanda Sabetai | Photography by Southern Exposure Media Group Against the surrounding apartments and neighborhood streets, Vela Park Food Works is hard to miss. Its bright blue exterior rises along Second Avenue like a beacon, but the bigger surprise waits on the other side. The building opens onto an expansive patio and wide-open lawn where kids can play, dogs are welcome, and visitors can settle in with food from six...

Food + Beverage

Fueling a Community With Care

Through meal delivery and catering, Radiant Health Kitchen helps Decatur residents feel nourished, supported, and cared for. Article by Decatur City Lifestyle | Photography by Radiant Health Kitchen A community works because people show up for one another in different ways. For Nancy Campbell, that means caring for others through good food. Teachers teach. Doctors care for patients. Firefighters respond to emergencies. One thing they all have in common: they need nourishment. “I’m not a...

Food + Beverage

Meet the Kitchens

Six distinct food concepts give Vela Park something for everyone. Article by Decatur City Lifestyle | Photography by Southern Exposure Media Group At Vela Park Food Works, everyone can order what sounds good. Kids can grab pizza or tacos while adults try seafood or barbecue, and drinks or dessert can be destinations, too. Good Times Bar adds indoor and outdoor seating, along with specialty cocktails and mocktails. From lunch to family dinners, six kitchens and a bar make it easy to mix things...

Life + Culture

Mahjong Meets a New Generation

Two young Decatur players embrace a classic game that’s growing in popularity. Article by Amanda Sabetai Mahjong is having a moment. American mahjong, a version of the classic Chinese tile game, is attracting a new generation with its mix of strategy, skill, and opportunities to connect in person. Among those young players are Decatur siblings Sidney Rose Weil, 12, and Lucas Weil, 8, who learned to play by watching their mother and grandmother. “Our grandmother taught us,” Sidney said. “She’s...

Local Services

Happy 3 Years of Decatur City Lifestyle

Article and Photography by For three years, Decatur City Lifestyle has had the honor of sharing the people, places, and stories that make this community special. As we celebrate our third anniversary, we want to express our gratitude to the partners who supported the magazine at the very beginning and helped make its launch possible. Thank you for believing in Decatur City Lifestyle and helping us continue to tell Decatur's stories.  Accel Research Sites Network Atlanta Upper Cervical...