It was wonderful spending time in the Decatur Square this weekend, which is located in the heart…read moreof downtown Decatur. It is said to be one of the Top 10 Best Public Squares in the USA for three years in a row! I believe it too. Everytime I visit here I get the same laid back feel I always get. This square looks like a beautiful picture out of a book. There's plenty of space for kids to run around, nice shaded trees and picnic tables to enjoy a packed lunch or pick up a lunch from the quaint restaurants lined around the square. I was in the square years ago and they were filming a movie here. A lot of popular movies and shows have been filmed here throughout the years. I love that there are good quality places to eat, all in one area within walking distance and ice cream shops too. I also love how friendly strangers smile at each other and everyone is doing there own thing. Sometimes there's music playing throughout the square which makes it a double delight.

Decatur Square is just one of the many reasons I love the City of Decatur! Considered to be one of…read morethe best public squares in the U.S...if it looks recognizable, you're not imagining it. Decatur Square has made its way into plenty of magazines, movies and TV shows filmed around metro Atlanta. With its charming streets, vibrant energy, historic backdrop (like the Old Dekalb County Courthouse in the background) it's an easy pick for film crews, photographers, locals and visitors alike. The Square itself is lively and cute. I love that you can sit street side at restaurants, which gives major NYC or European cafe vibes, where sidewalk dining is where it's at! You're sure to find some of the best chef-driven restaurants in metro Atlanta. Whether you're looking for an upscale dinner, a quick bite, or coffee and people-watching, Decatur Square delivers. Also, there's plenty of local shops and usually something fun and Free happening at any given time, including outdoor concerts, movie nights in the square, art festivals, and other community events, so you'll want to check the calendar ahead of time and bring your lawn chairs. https://visitdecaturga.com/ Bonus fun fact: AJC Decatur Book Festival, one of the largest independent literary festivals in the country is hosted right here. An estimated 80,000 people converge for a celebratory weekend of literature. And, last August, Decatur Square became even more meaningful with the unveiling of a bronze statue honoring civil rights icon John Lewis. Hundreds gathered in front of the Old DeKalb County Courthouse for the ceremony, adding more impact to an already iconic space. Pro Tip: If you're into public transportation, MARTA literally drops you west of the square. Prefer to walk or bike? It's got that covered too. And for drivers: parking is usually manageable at one of the many decks or street parking. If it sounds like Decatur Square is my Fav, you're absolutely right LOL! This was my neighborhood for years (yes, I'm a little partial :-), but even objectively, whether you're a local or just passing through, Decatur Square has a perfect mix of small-town feel and intown access. I'll always have a soft spot for it and I think once you visit, hopefully you will too. Happy Exploring!

I really enjoyed this library. It's quiet and clean. The staff was friendly too…read more They have several programs for kids which I love. I will be back soon

Looking for a free place to get some work done? This is an option. However, in true "you get what…read moreyou pay for" fashion, the Decatur Library is in need of an update. It's tidy, but not clean, and the carpet and furniture is ready for replacement. I'd be able to comfortably stop in here briefly to get something quick done, but would not be comfortable here for a full day. For context: I was seeking a place to do some work remotely while my daughter was in day camp in Decatur. This was one of the first places I tried, but I found better locations after this. I'm certain this is a great resource for the local community. There appears to be a community center next door where small children (maybe a day camp) were out playing in the "backyard" area; there was a small gathering of likely unhoused people on the front lawn of the library (likely a welcomed gathering spot for them during the day); inside the back entrance, there was a beautiful display of award-winning artwork and poetry from children across the county; there are clean restroom facilities; and there is ample parking in the rear of the building plus a rear entrance for easy access after parking.

When parking there today my friend and I were a bit shocked about the price. We were debating on…read morewhether to stay or not and the attendant was there and overheard our conversation. I know he worked there because he had the shirt and he unlocked and opened the payment box. We had just decided that we would stay and was walking back to pay when he told us not to worry about it and that he had us covered. He asked which car was mine so it would be fine. We had lunch and then came back about 45 minutes later. We left the parking lot and about 10 minutes later I noticed something yellow under my windshield wiper. I pulled over and the ticket was so tucked town that it was basically hidden and seemed like it was done on purpose to make sure I was gone from the lot before noticing. So - the guy that we had talked about being so friendly and nice was a jack ... that gave us a ticket! Restaurants around that lot should know what is being done to their customers!

Clerk of the Court - Notary Services…read more I came here for my Notary application & certification. Not too much of a wait even as the department allows one person in at a time for C-19 cleaning. I started my application online, received the 'next step's which made the in-person process quick & efficient. Marcus B. was the Clerk who assisted me with his jovial & welcoming demeanor. He provided me with all the necessary information before he swore me in & asked if I had any questions. The $50 Notary Fee for the four-year term must be paid by money orders, company checks & or cashier's checks, no personal checks. Plus, you will need two endorsers that reside in DeKalb County to vouch on your behalf. If you're lucky to find a parking space in the small lot located in front of the Courthouse, you'll pay roughly $3 an hour via ParkMobile. Free parking is available in the parking deck located at 125 West Trinity Place in the rear of the Courthouse. Or save some money & time by riding MARTA to the Decatur Station, which is adjacent to the courthouse. Courteous & helpful employees throughout the Courthouse with a designated individual serving as the Gatekeeper of Information on the main floor.

A few things: - Park in the parking garage on W. Trinity…read morePlace behind the couthouse; they'll have a code posted in the jury assembly room to exit the parking garage - otherwise pay $6. - Bring magazines or books to read - you'll spend most of your time waiting to see if you get called. Most times you'll probably get to leave around lunch time. - They have a vending machine for snacks; they also have a snack bar in the Basement level and they only take cash. - You'll get paid $15 for your civic duty. - Wear your JUROR sticker when going out to lunch - some places offer discounts (e.g., Souper Jenny will give $2 off combo meals; Raging Burrito offers 15% discount). - Some good food options within walking distance - Victory Sandwich Bar, The Cafe at Cakes & Ale, Sawicki, Souper Jenny, Yogurt Tap, Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream, Raging Burrito.

I recently visited an event going on in the Decatur area. They blocked off streets and it was a…read morehuge event (Largest Book Sale). The sign in front of the garage said $5 parking and an attendant stood with an orange flag to bring people in, so we pulled in to park. Upon exiting, the charge was $9, so I approached him to ask why since his sign stated $5. He said, "yes, did you read the small print? It says, $5 after 5 pm." I am extremely upset about this kind of deception. I feel like me and other people were cheated and this is a dishonest way of making money off people.

I haven't been to a lotta Marta stations but this was okay. Not dirty and some artsy on the walls…read more The only bad thing was some nasty ole lady asking me to "help her get something to eat. She was drunk and it was like 2 in the afternoon. No Marta cops around. I didn't feel scared or anything tho. But it's also right underneath downtown decatur and that's cool lolz

A beautiful station with dirty and urine smell. The floors are dirty and I see a cleaner sleeping…read moreon the center bench for 20 minutes since I arrived. Maybe that's the problem

I visited this location and every single employee down to the security at the front was extremely…read morepleasant. I just felt the need to leave a review about it because court is stressful enough and these exchanges made me feel more at ease. I can tell these people are genuine and love their job and I appreciate the good energy exchange

The Officers & Employees are cool, really laid back...yet don't break any laws though…read more I was picking up some licenses & the overall public service was good. Everyone in different locations were welcoming & helpful. Parking in front of the building is the roll of the dice with limited spots - 1 for EV's. There's 2 Pay stations which helps with the line as the App here sometimes gets funky. Street parking has a fee as with the parking garage for $6. The Decatur Train Center is in close proximity.

This garage is connected to the AMC Theatre and is located across from restaurants and apartment…read morespaces. The garage is free, clean, well lit, and had a working elevator to get to the retail level. Easy and convenient.

Wow. Being that this station is only 3 blocks from home, I was really stoked to check it out. I was…read morea bit apprehensive at first in not knowing if it would be really run down or decent. Happy to report that it is rather well-kept and clean for the most part. Parking is free, constantly policed, and it's easy to access from Oakdale. Happy to use this station to get into Downtown or to go further east if need be.

What can you say about a Marta Station?…read more It's transportationy, kinda dirty sometimes, but cleaner than a subway in NY.. there are a lot of stairs at Candler Park MS, if you're a stair climber. If you're lazy like me, there's an escalator. Then you can walk across Dekalb Avenue up in the sky.. and it's pretty cool. A-OK!