A few weeks back, I went to visit my best friend in Decatur, Ga., a charming community just east of the city of Atlanta.
It’s a vibrant, unique town with tons of local restaurants, bars, music venues and outdoor spaces. It’s only an eight-hour drive from Sarasota, but you feel like you’re far from Florida.
So here it is, my guide to a perfect day in Decatur, Ga.
No Decatur visit is complete without a trip to Rise and Dine, next to Emory University. Every time I’ve come here, the place is packed with happy diners. (This time we go in with no wait- score!)
Rise and Dine does not disappoint. Photo by Maggie Clark
Don’t miss the grits with sage and quinoa. It sounds a little strange, but it’s a perfect mix of Thanksgiving and breakfast. And if you’re in a Southern mood, the biscuits are on point.
No leftovers from breakfast at Rise and Dine in Decatur. Photo by Maggie Clark
After a delicious breakfast, it’s time for shopping. Decatur has some great local boutiques: Squash Blossom and Homegrown are two favorites.
Shops of Decatur. Photo by Maggie Clark
Because really, who doesn’t love a Mr. T display?
Mr. T is well represented at Homegrown in Decatur. Photo by Maggie Clark
After you’ve bought some adorable can’t-live-without pieces, it’s on to lunch. And don’t worry, it’s going to be delicious.
This time, we opted for Calle Latina, a Peruvian cafe on Church Street in downtown Decatur. Holy cow was it awesome. We had empanadas, a fresh mango and avocado salad and then the main event — ceviche. It was divine. Limey, fresh and amazing. I could have eaten it all day. And, how could I forget: bottomless sangria. Whoa.
Bottomless sangria at Calle Latino in downtown Decatur. Photo by Maggie Clark
Next, take a walk on the Atlanta Beltline, a citywide redevelopment and recreation project. The Beltline traces the ring of the city, and is decorated with art and frequented by local food vendors.
Courtesy map http://beltline.org/trails/eastside-trail/
If you’re in Decatur, there’s an entrance to the Beltline Eastside Trail next to another Atlanta institution, Kroger. This particular Kroger is trying to rebrand itself as Beltline Kroger, to dump a more unfortunate nickname, Murder Kroger. (There was a murder there in 1991 and the name stuck).
Photo courtesy photo, Beltline Eastside Trail.
But not to worry, this trail (and the whole Beltline, really) offers unique views of the city and is an all-around good time.
Once you’ve burned some calories on the Beltline, it’s time for dinner. In Decatur, you can’t beat Raging Burrito. The margaritas and guacamole are really great. Be sure to ask if you can sit outside. They have a cozy courtyard area and it’s a fun place to hang for a few hours.
Photo credit: bobafred/Flickr
Finally, you’ll want to finish the night off with a drink at The Paper Plane. It’s literally next door to Raging Burrito’s patio, just down a couple of steps. They’ve got unique craft cocktails in a fun atmosphere. Don’t miss it.
Patio time at The Paper Plane. And the Raging Burrito patio is just beyond the heat lamps. Photo by Maggie Clark.
Congratulations! You’ve had a perfect day in Decatur. Now rest up, it’s a long drive back to Sarasota in the morning.