Decatur

A little city within the big city
Word to the wise: Though just six miles east of downtown, reaching Decatur by car can feel like a lifetime. If you're staying in-town, this is the time to take a MARTA train.

A trip to Decatur feels like a journey to another city, because it technically is one, even though it's within the highway perimeter generally considered to be in-town Atlanta. Decatur is entirely insular if it wants to be, which means some people never leave - and with good reason.
Downtown Decatur has an appealing courthouse square, surrounded by inviting and delicious restaurants - Cakes & Ale is a definite destination in itself - and indie boutiques, like Heliotrope. Cookie Studio on College Avenue is said to serve the best cookie in Atlanta, and Brick Store Pub is the city's mecca for beer. A lot of the city's bests are located in this little sub-city, and its MARTA stop is fabulously convenient to them. Most of the prime places are centered close to the square as well; perfect for visitors who like to explore on foot.