Georgia Real Estate Voice

The Decatur Beach Party is back again. On Friday June 18th from 5 p.m. to Midnight downtown Decatur GA will be turned into a beach.  For those that don't know, Decatur is no where near a beach, so this is a lot of fun for us.  

Decatur brings in 60 tons of sand and turns the square into a beach for this annual event. Ponce de Leon Ave will be closed between Church Street and Clairmont Ave. There will be dancing to the beach music from the live band. Activities include children's boardwalk games, face painting and wading pools in the sand. I'm sure some will build sandcastles too.

Adults $6.50 in advance, available for online purchase here, and $10 at the gate; children 12 and under, free (limit two children per paying adult).

Just like anywhere else, there are rules. So, no coolers, glass or pets allowed please. Sponsored by Decatur Business Association. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser benefit downtown improvement projects.

Live Band Schedule

• The Reputations 5-8 p.m. on the Community Bandstand stage
• Terry Lee & the GTs 8 p.m. until midnight on the Plaza Stage

I'll be volunteering at the entry gate for the later part of the night. Come on by and say hello!

The Decatur Beach Party is just one of the events that makes Decatur GA a wonderful place to live, work and play. Homes currently on the market in Decatur range from the low 100's to $1,900,000.  There is quite a range depending on the neighborhood.

See my featured listing in the heart of downtown Decatur - 2 story penthouse loft condo located at 335 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Unit 606. It was showcased on HGTV's Designed to Sell  One of highlights of this home is the rooftop deck overlooking Ponce de Leon. Listed at $399, 000. Call me for an appointment to view it.

If you are considering buying or selling real estate in Decatur GA contact me, Jen Bowman with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners at 404-456-5024.

The Oakhurst Elementary School Online Auction will be open until April 16th, 2010. Proceeds from this auction will benefit students of Oakhurst Elementary School in Decatur, GA by funding 2010-2011 field trip experiences.

Support your local Decatur elementary school by donating to the Online Auction. There is artwork, haircuts, plants, and crafts among the offerings, plus local businesses offer gift certificates or services.  There is also things from teeth whitening to routers.   

The auction will be open for bids April 12 through April 16, 2010. All proceeds benefit Oakhurst Elementary Field Trips. That means it pays for all students for the next full school year of field trips!

Visit online at at http://oakhurstauction.com. If you would like to view the online catalog, go to the website, click on "Catalog" and enter the code: oakhurst2010.

You can also purchase raffle tickets on the aucton site. There are 4 raffles to choose from:  

• 1 year family membership at the YMCA
• Fresh, organic produce delivered weekly from May - December to Oakhurst Community Garden from Riverview Farms
• 50cc International Buddy Scooter from Scooter SuperStore
• an electric bicycle from Twist 'n' Scoot  

Details provided at oakhurstauction.com

This is such a good cause. Last year I bid and won a BBQ dinner for 10. It was great for having friends in to watch the game.  I also bid and won a free room painting and got season tickets to the Fox Theater Summer Film Fest.  Be sure to bid quickly as time is running out.

Thanks for supporting our local Decatur Schools!

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Oakhurst is a City of Decatur Elementary School. Currently there are 68 homes for sale with Oakhurst Elementary as the school. List prices range from $164,900 for a 2 bedroom home on Ansley St to $989,000 for a 5 bedroom home with separate in-law or nanny suite on Pinetree Dr. in Decatur.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Decatur GA, contact Jen Bowman, Broker Associate with Keller Williams Atlanta Partners at 404-456-5024. 

9th Annual Oakhurst Wine Crawl - Tickets are now available for the 9th annual Oakhurst Wine Crawl in Decatur GA. Buy a commemorative tasting glass for $20 and sample 20 different wines from around the world at participating Oakhurst businesses. You must be 21-years-old or older to participate.  This event is coming up on Saturday, February 27th, 2010 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Tickets are limited to the first 750 people.  They are available at local Decatur businesses including:

• Kavarna in Oakhurst
• One Step At A Time in downtown Decatur in the CVS shopping center
• Steinbecks in Oakhurst
• Universal Joint in Oakhurst
• Wahoo

Tickets are $20 in adavance and $25 at the event. If you really want to go, I suggest getting your tickets in advance.

Oakhurst is a neighborhood in the city of Decatur. Currently there are 35 homes for sale in Oakhurst ranging in price from $137,900 for a home built in 1925 to $599,900 for a home built in 2008.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in or around Decatur, GA contact Decatur Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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Decatur for Haiti - Catherine with the Decatur Minute asked that we help to spread the word. Many of our Decatur GA businesses are stepping up to help the Haiti Earthquake victims. The following businesses in downtown Decatur and Oakhurst have agreed to donate a portion of their proceeds from Monday, February 1, 2010 to the American Red Cross.

• Brick Store Pub
• Cakes and Ale will be closed for a private party, but is still donating a portion of its proceeds.
• Chick-Fil-A from 5-8 p.m.
• Fleet Feet
• Fresche, 12-6 p.m., $25 haircuts with all proceeds going towards the cause.
• The Grange donating proceeds from their Saturday renaming party and on Monday.
• Heliotrope
• HairWerks is offering $25 haircuts and $10 brow waxings which will all be donated.
• Iberian Pig
• Little Shop of Stories will hold a special storytime at 7 p.m. about the importance of helping others.
• Matador Cantina
• Mingei
• Nectar
• Palate Cafe and Bar
• Pambili African Artworks
• Peggy's Boutique
• Saba during lunch and dinner.
• Steinbeck's
• Twain's
• UJoint

Come on out and support our local businesses. After all, they are a big part of what makes Decatur a great place to live, work and play. At the same time you'll be making a difference for the Earthquake victims.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in or around Decatur, GA contact Decatur Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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Decatur Holiday Bonfire & Marshmallow Roast

You're invited to the Holiday Bonfire and Marshmallow Roast.  It's Thursday, December 17th from 7 to 8 pm 2009 in downtown Decatur GA. It's also the last day of Terrific Thursdays in Decatur for the season.  Be sure to stop in many of the shops and restaurants while you are there. They will be open late.

The 10' x 10' bonfire will be on the Square. Enjoy the holiday music and visit with Santa.  This free event is open to the public.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

This event is just another thing that makes Decatur GA a great place to live, work and play. 

If you are thinking of of buying or selling real estate in or around Decatur, GA contact Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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Want to do something different? Check out Ghost Tours in Decatur, GA. It's an easy 1 mile walk that takes about 2 hours and leaves from the Bandstand in downtown Decatur. It goes to the old train depot and through the Historic Decatur Cemetary.

I haven't been yet, but one of my friends went on the Ghost Tour recently and said it was awesome! Hmmm, will this change my mind about walking through the old cemetary, as so many people do for their workouts?

The Tour begins at the Bandstand in Decatur Square. They start at 7 p.m. and the days vary, right now they are mostly Friday and Saturday nights. See the schedule on www.DecaturGhostTours.com.

The picture below is one my friend sent me. She said the white dots are orbs or spirits hanging around the cemetary.

Decatur GA is a great place to live. Could it be that the spirits don't want to leave either?

There is always something great to do in Decatur.

• Decatur Arts Festival
• Beer Fest
• Wine Fest
• Decatur Beach Party
• Holiday Shopping
• Holiday Tour of Homes
• Jazz Concerts in Oakhurst
• Concerts on the Square in May and September
• Decatur Book Festival
• Fireworks for the 4th of July
• Decatur BBQ Blues and Bluegrass Fest

There is something for everyone.  Come discover what everyone is talking about! 

If you are thinking of of buying or selling real estate in or around Decatur, GA contact Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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The Decatur Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes 2009 will be Friday & Saturday December 4 & 5 from 5:30-9:30 pm.  The Tour of Homes will focus on the Clairmont - Great Lakes neighborhood in Decatur GA.

Homes on Tour include:

• 716 Clairemont Avenue
• 235 Wilton Drive
• 540 Clairemont Avenue
• 324 Oakland Street
• 332 Oakland Street
• 511 Ponce de Leon Place
• 152 Vidal Boulevard
• 116 Huron Street

Points of Interest include Clairmont Oaks and Holiday Marketplace + Café at Clairmont Elementary School.

Volunteers are needed for the Decatur Holiday Tour of Homes. If you are interested you can Download the Form to sign up.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at:

• The Seventeen Steps 235 Ponce De Leon Pl. #L Decatur, GA 30030

•  Intown Ace Hardware 1404 Scott Blvd. Decatur, GA 30030

•  Bicycle South 2098 N Decatur Rd. Decatur, GA‎ 30030

• The Seen Gallery  321 W Hill St., Decatur, GA‎ 30030

Proceeds benefit the Decatur Youth Fund and Decatur Preservation Alliance.

If you are thinking of of buying or selling real estate in or around Decatur, GA contact Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.

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Wine Tasting - Cooking Class to Benefit Atlanta Community Food Bank - The holidays are upon us and more focus is given to those in need. On Monday December 7, 2009 there is a Simple Abundance class, Wine Makes the Holidays at the Cook's Warehouse in Midtown / Ansley in Atlanta, GA.

The cost is $55 per person and 100% of the tuition benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank's program Open Table.  The demonstration and tasting is from 7 to 9 p.m.

At this class you'll learn how to prepare some delicious appetizers paired perfectly with wine.

• Herbed Cheesecake
• Smoked Trout Mousse
• Roasted Beef Tenderloin
• Tomato Goat Cheese Fondue
• Double Chocolate Pate

Learn to prepare each of these delicious dishes and the perfect wines to serve. The evening includes wine tastings sponsored by Sherlock's Wine Merchant and a chance to win tasty door prizes provided by Atlanta Beverage, Bella Cucina Artful Foods, Cabot Cheese and Via Elisa Authentic Fresh Pasta.

The Simple Abundance Class - Wine Makes the Holidays will be held at The Cook's Warehouse - Midtown/Ansley: 1544 Piedmont Road, Ste. 403-R, Atlanta GA 30324.  Buy Tickets for Wine Makes the Holidays.

Donations of time, money or food can be made to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Lots of help is needed not just around the holidays but all year. Summer time is when there is a great need for donations too.

If you or someone you know is in need of food here is the list of food pantries throughout Georgia provided by United Way of Metro Atlanta.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in or around Atlanta, GA contact Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024. If you are a real estate agent, I'm also looking for people to join my team.

Ready to get out and enjoy this beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon? Check out Junktique at the Solarium in Oakhurst Village in Decatur GA.

Sunday, November 15th from 12 - 6pm at the Solarium, shop an exciting community marketplace and artist market at the first-ever Junktique.

Junktique is a benefit for Oakhurst Elementary School featuring a great artists' market, collectibles sale and yard sale with live music, good food, and beverages.

The Solarium at Old Scottish Rite is located at 321 West Hill Street Decatur GA 30030. It's right up the street from the Oakhurst Community Garden.  Oakhurst is also home to Taj Ma Hound the bakery for dogs.

Once you've gone to Junktique come on over to Kirkwood and see about 30 homes open for Open House from 2 to 5 p.m. Be sure to stop by 49 Clifton St.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in or around Decatur and Atlanta GA contact Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at  404-456-5024.  If you are a real estate agent, I'm also looking for people to join my team.

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8th Annual Decatur Wine Festival - Decatur GA

Come taste over 350 domestic and imported wines and enjoy live music from the community bandstand during the 8th annual Decatur Wine Festival. The weather should be great for this event with high temps in the mid 60's.

• Saturday, November 7, 2009 1pm -  4pm
• Old Courthouse Square in Downtown Decatur, GA
• Tickets are $30 per person
• Admission includes a commemorative wine glass
• No one under 21 allowed
• No animals allowed

The Decatur Wine Fest is sponsored by the Decatur Arts Alliance.

Tickets are available from Ticket Alternative or from the Decatur Package Store on Clairmont Rd in Decatur, GA next to the YMCA. Tickets are limited to 1,500 people.

This event is just one of the many events in Decatur GA and is one of the reasons why Decatur is a great place to live, work and play.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in or around Decatur, GA contact Realtor Jen Bowman, Broker Associate & e-PRO with Success Realty at 404-456-5024.  Homes currently on the market intown Decatur range in price from $89K to $1,500,000. There really is something for everyone.

View more of the Georgia Real Estate Voice.  Search Decatur GA homes for Sale