Inspiration Avenue

One of my favorite things to do in any city is to take the day to explore, shop, eat, and snap photos. On Saturday, while making deliveries, I puttered around Decatur, a bit. and found that it is the perfect place to spend the day Christmas shopping.




Here's my Christmas window at Donna Van Gogh's Artist Market on Inspiration (I mean, McClendon!) Avenue. The Candler Park area is a fun, funky, walkable neighborhood, full of ingenious little shops. You can start your day with orange scented French toast or gingersnap pancakes at The Flying Biscuit Cafe. DVG's also shares the block with Full Moon Records, home to classic vinyl, $1 records, and a current, popular CD selection. Down the street is Kelly's Closet, a frame shop, a flower market, and a belly dancing studio. If you run out of steam, you can stop in Dr. Bombay's Underwater Tea Party, a tiny book-lined tea shop for a cup of Earl Grey or a latte.





Not too far away is The Decatur Market and Gallery. The Decatur Market is a cooperative gallery, run by an eclectic group of talented potters, mixed media artists, painters, photographers, and jewelers. We even have our own glass blower. On any given day, if you stop by the gallery, you will be greeted by one of the artists, since we share "floor duty" and all work one day a month. The gallery itself is a beautiful space and is located a block off the courthouse square, near Dancing Goats Coffee Bar and Taqueria del Sol, my absolute favorite place in Atlanta to get a fish taco and a margarita.



This is my November installation at the gallery. If it's jewelry or art, you're looking for, you can find it here, but there are also boutiques nearby where you can you can find gifts for most anyone on your Christmas list. There's Heliotrope for unique tableware, bath and body products, and toys, and there are Boogaloo and Squash Blossom for creative clothing and accessories.




I'll be heading back to Decatur today with my own shopping list, so maybe I'll see you there!