Don't Miss the Atlanta Greek Festival This Weekend

October is a wonderful time to visit Atlanta's DeKalb County. There are exciting festivals and events througout the month with something for everybody. This weekend is one of the biggest festivals of the year - the Atlanta Greek Festival. If you haven't been yet, you are in for a treat. You'll enjoy greek culture, entertainment and traditional food at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Friday - Sunday, October 2 thru 4, 2009

HOURS

11am - 11pm on Friday & Saturday

12pm - 7 pm on Sunday

LOCATION

Greek Orthodox Cathedral

2500 Clairmont Road, N.E.Atlanta, Georgia 30329

Exit #91 off I-85

(On Clairmont Rd. between Briarcliff Rd. and LaVista Rd.)

ADMISSION

$3.00 for Adults, $1.00 for children under 12 years of age.

For more info, visit Atlanta Greek Festival.

A Tour of Southern Ghosts Video Preview

October Concerts at Eddie's Attic in Decatur

Eddie's Attic draws both fans and artists from all over the world, and continues to be one of the premier music venues in the South. Here is a listing of some great concerts coming up at Eddie's Attic in downtown Decatur:

October 1 - Adrianne & Nervous But Excited

October 2 - Chatham County Line & Slim Chance

October 3 - Matt Brown (of Uncle Green) & Jon Auer (of The Posies & Big Star)

October 7 - Melissa Ferrick, Mal Blum, & Seth Glier

October 8 - Pat McGee & Luke Brindley

October 9 & 10 - Kim Carnes, Matraca Berg, & Dana Cooper

October 14 - Mirah & Norfolk and Western

October 15 - Elizabeth and the Catapult & The Brilliant Inventions

October 16 - Caroline Herring & Cary Hudson

October 17 - Chris Smither & Peter Cooper and Eric Brace

October 20 - Jer Coons

October 21 - Austin Lounge Lizards

October 23 - Mike Doughty

October 24 - Packway Handle Band & Shannon Whitworth

October 25 - Chris Chandler with Paul Benoit

October 27 - Chris Pureka

October 28 - Jill Sobule & Erin McKeown

October 29 - eastmountainsouth (Peter Bradley Adams and Kat Bode) & Luke Doucet

October 30 - Don Dixon & Marti Jones

October 31 - Ari Hest

For more info, visit Eddie's Attic.

Bridal Showcase This Weekend - Sunday, October 4th

DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB) presents a free Bridal Showcase at the Hilton Garden Inn Stonecrest on Sunday, October 4th.The event will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Over 50 wedding vendors will be on-site to assist in the planning of your perfect wedding. Guests are also invited to enjoy an informal fashion show and hotel tours.

Brides are invited to register in advance by calling DCVB at (770) 492-5042 or email sharond@dcvb.org.For more information, visit DCVB.

The Decatur Wine Festival: Metro Atlanta’s Largest Outdoor Wine Festival Slated For November 7

Taste more than 350 wines from around the globe, sample fare from Decatur’s finest eateries, and listen to live jazz and blues at the 2009 Decatur Wine Festival. The annual event, metro Atlanta’s largest outdoor wine festival, is Saturday, November 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the Old Courthouse Square in downtown Decatur.

This year’s music line-up features the Heaven Davis Band, Ernie Quarles and Shaun Anderson.

The Decatur Wine Tasting Festival was created by the owners of Sage on Sycamore and Birdi's restaurants and the Decatur Arts Alliance as a fundraiser and an opportunity to showcase Decatur as a food and wine destination. Decatur already had numerous fine dining restaurants and the Decatur Wine Tasting Festival helped establish Decatur as a wine destination and raise money for local arts organizations. The event has evolved into the single most important fundraiser for the Decatur Arts Alliance.

For more info, visit Decatur Wine Festival.

Grammy Winner Fred Hammond Brings Love Unstoppable To Mall At Stonecrest

For three amazing decades, singer/songwriter/producer/musician Fred Hammond has been a Gospel music arbiter, consistently pushing the genre of Gospel music to new heights. The Grammy Winner will make a rare public appearance on Thursday, October 1st at 7 p.m. at the Mall at Stonecrest in celebration of his new CD LOVE UNSTOPPABLE. Mr. Hammond will perform live in person at this special appearance. Following the live performance, Mr. Hammond will host a VIP CD signing event with purchase of his new CD LOVE UNSTOPPABLE from Borders Stonecrest. Proof of purchase is required to access the meet and greet. LOVE UNSTOPPABLE will be available at Borders Stonecrest beginning Tuesday, September 29th so reserve your copy today.

For more info, visit Mall at Stonecrest.

Tomorrow is Tango Night at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Learn to appreciate authentic Argentine tango. You will learn about the rhythm and movement of Argentine Tango and how to focus on connecting with the music and your partner.

Learn how two bodies can move as one! Dancers of all skill levels are welcome and no partner is necessary.

The evening begins Friday, September 25th at 8:00 pm with an introductory lesson from the expert instructors of Tango Rio. After the introductory lesson, you will be ready to try out your new moves with an open tango dance party, beginning at 9:15 pm.

For more information, visit Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

Chili Cook-Off At Stone Mountain Park This Weekend

Saturday, September 26 at Stone Mountain Park

If you love delicous chili, look no further than Stone Mountain Park this weekend for some of the best chili in the Southeast.

This Saturday, the Great Miller Lite Chili Cook-Off will host its 30th cook-off. The event is expected to draw over 300 teams from across the United States. It is the premiere chili cook-off east of Texas.

Total attendance from last year exceeded 14,000, filling up the meadow at Stone Mountain Park. The cook-off has something for all ages, from great music to great food and games for the whole family.

For more info, visit Stone Mountain Park.

Lawn At Stone Mountain Park To Get $3.5 Million Facelift

AJC.com just ran an article about Stone Mountain Park's Memorial Lawn getting a $3.5 million facelift. Below is an except from the article. To read the complete article, go to AJC.com.

When Stone Mountain Park's Memorial Lawn was built 50 years ago, architects didn't expect so many people would flock to the popular attraction

But now the lawn's 13 walkways have settled and are cracked. And the concession stands and light and sound towers make it difficult for people to walk to the grassy area.

So, it's time for a change, park officials said.

"Part of the responsibility is to maintain that park for future generations," said Gerald Rakestraw, vice president and general manager of Stone Mountain Park.

Landscape architecture firm Robert & Co. is replacing the walkways and overlooks. The firm will have drawings ready within the next five-to-six weeks, landscape architect David Sprinkle said.

"Our goal is to remove the stuff from the lawn itself and restore it back to a memorial," he said. "We're not doing any work on the lawn itself, this is all pushed around the perimeter."

Next Weekend: Decatur Garden Tour

Saturday, Sept. 26 • 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,
Evening Tour 7-9 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 27 • Noon-5 p.m.

Step into autumn and explore 13 gardens both private and public across the charmingly eclectic community of the city of Decatur. From the stately and formal to the artsy and whimsical, and everything in between, the tour blooms with ideas to feed gardening inspiration all year.

Works by local artists will also be displayed. Saturday evening tour will feature the Oakhurst Community Garden and a wonderful modern garden with pool.

For more info, visit Decatur Garden Tour.

Caribbean Cook-Off Tomorrow

A Taste of the Islands on Saturday

Caribbean Cook Off brings a taste of the islands to Atlanta. This all day event will emulate the bright Caribbean sunshine with a great combination of culture, sumptuous food, entertainment and great music. Professionals, amateurs, and others will try their hand at three dishes from a variety of Caribbean countries.

Each dish will be judged on taste, presentation and creativity. A cash prize will be awarded to the winner of each category. While indulging in good eats, there will be activities for both adults and children to enjoy including food/craft vendors, artists and organizations from the area and beyond will be in attendance, providing entertainment for all. The event will be held at New Birth Athletic Field in Lithonia, Georgia.

For more info, visit Caribbean Cook-Off.

Film in IMAX® - Wild Safari at Fernbank Museum

October 2 – February 2, 2010

Take your family on the adventure of a lifetime. Wild Safari puts you in the passenger seat of an open vehicle South African safari, on a quest for the continent’s “Big Five”—the elephant, the Cape buffalo, the rhino, the leopard and the lion.

Stunning IMAX® cinematography immerses you in the action along this 3,000 mile journey from the lush grasslands of the Southern Cape to the arid desert of the Kalahari.

Photo Credit: nWave Pictures. For more information, visit Fernbank Museum.

Gold Exhibit Opening Soon at Fernbank Museum

September 26 – January 3, 2009

Learn the fascinating story of the world’s most desired metal—its natural beauty, unique scientific properties and its influence in shaping global history at the new Gold exhibit at Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Explore a vast array of extraordinary objects including natural specimens of crystallized gold, enormous nuggets, gold bullion, coins from shipwrecks, solid bars, exquisite jewelry, and contemporary objects such as Olympic medals and Oscar statues. Through a combination of magnificent specimens and interactive media, this special exhibit examines the cultural, historical, and scientific underpinnings that have made gold an enduring subject of fascination since the beginning of recorded time.

For more information visit Fernbank Museum.

37th Annual Stone Mountain Highland Games Coming in October

October 17 – 18, 2009 At Stone Mountain Park

For 37 years, the picturesque grounds of the Stone Mountain Park meadow, a short drive northeast of Atlanta, Georgia, have resounded with the sounds of bagpipes, fiddles and harps during the third weekend in October.

This year once again, thousands of Scots (even those that wish to be 'Scot for the Day') from around the world will don their family tartans and gather to greet old friends and make new ones too.

Barry's Tip: This is one of the largest Highland Games festivals in the area and attracts guests from neighboring states and all across the Southeast. You don't have to be Scottish to have fun at this popular festival -everyone is welcome. Get to the Park early and make a day out of this family-oriented festival.

The Highland Games have a long history and are held throughout the year in Scotland and many other countries to celebrate Scottish and Celtic culture. It is believed that formal gatherings began around 1820 as a revival of Tartan and Highland culture. The games are centered around sporting activities, but have grown to include many different aspects of Scottish culture.

There are many exciting events happening throughout the day and great festival food as always. The Athletic Competitions are always fun to watch, especially the Caber Toss, where participants demonstrate their strength and skill by tossing heavy logs into the air. Visit the marketplace for a chance to pick up a variety of clothing, books, music and everything Scottish.

You'll find a variety of different activities on Saturday and Sunday, so you may want to plan on attending both days. The Parade of Tartans on Sunday afternoon is a must-see and a colorful finale for the festival. Give yourself and your family plenty of time to stroll around the grounds. You'll find wonderful Celtic music performed live and dancing throughout the festival grounds. And of course, bag pipers will fill Stone Mountain with their sweet sounds. Look out for performance schedules to make sure you don't miss your favorites.

Events held over the weekend include:

- Highland Athletic Competition
- Pipe Band Performances
- Country Dance Demonstrations
- Musical Stage Performances
- Parade of Tartans
- Falconry Flight Demonstration
- The Kilted Mile
- Scottish Shops and Artisans
- Much More!

For more info, visit Stone Mountain Highland Games.

Going Downtown To Catch The Falcons or the Braves? We Invite You To Stay In DeKalb County

Avoid the hassle and traffic by staying in DeKalb County. Our county has over 100 hotels to choose from and is located just six miles from downtown. DeKalb County has accommodations to fit every budget and is easily accessible by I-85, I-75, I-20 and I-285. DeKalb is also home to Georgia's #1 attraction - Stone Mountain Park.

When planning a trip to Atlanta, DeKalb County is always your best bet for comfortable lodging and convenience to downtown attractions.

Our website has a complete listing of area accommodations for your convenience. Be sure to visit our Hot Deals for current specials and packages.

View up-to-date game schedules for the Falcons or Braves . We look forward to having you as a guest in DeKalb County this fall.

Van Gogh’s Artistry Fills Fernbank’s Five-Story IMAX® Screen

With the full force of the immersive IMAX® format, the extraordinary colors and passionate brushwork of Vincent van Gogh take on new life in the stunning giant screen film Van Gogh: Brush With Genius, showing in Fernbank Museum’s IMAX® Theatre from October 2-December 31, 2009.

Audiences will re-live Van Gogh’s life journey through his letters, visit the landscapes that inspired him, and discover a Van Gogh they never knew before.

Van Gogh: Brush With Genius—told with the stunning visual effects of the IMAX film format—retraces the artist’s journey from the time of his first canvases at the age of 27 to his death on July 29, 1890. Told from the perspectives of three main characters—Ellen Bakhuys, a museum researcher studying Van Gogh’s letters and notebooks; Peter Knapp, a documentary filmmaker, and Vincent van Gogh himself—the film covers the surprisingly short nine-year period of the artist’s career during which he painted more than 900 paintings.

Photo: MacGillivray Freeman Films

For more info, visit Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Stone Mountain Village's Walk and Wine This Weekend

September 19, 2009 - 6:00 - 8:00 PM (3rd Saturday of every month)

Visitors and residents are invited to join in on the monthly "Walk and Wine" sponsored by Main Street Stone Mountain this weekend. Come sample wines from local restaurants and taste some great hors d' oeuvres. This is a free event so come to town to shop and start at the Stone Mountain Old Post Office Emporium. They will give you a list of other participating merchants; watch for the blue balloons.

Stone Mountain Village is located just outside of Stone Mountain Park. There are a number of shops, restaurants and bed & breakfasts located throughout this unique village. Make sure you make a stop at the ART Station and check out their gallery of fine art.

For more information, visit Stone Mountain Village.

True Blood Star Mehcad Brooks to Appear at the Mall at Stonecrest

HBO Star to Make Exclusive Atlanta Appearance at Women’s Expo 2009

Mehcad Brooks who portray Benedict “Eggs” Talley in Alan Ball’s hit HBO series, True Blood will appear at the Mall at Stonecrest on Saturday, October 3 at 3 p.m. during Women’s Expo 2009.

Fans of the hit series are welcome to meet the rising star, asks questions pertaining to his role in TRUE BLOOD, pose for a picture and receive an autograph.


For more information, visit Mall at Stonecrest.

GBA Power Mixed Martial Arts - October 10th at the Atrium in Stone Mountain

Cheer on the world's toughest fighters as they fight power mixed martial arts on Saturday, October 10th at the Atrium Event Center at 5479 Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain, Georgia. The event is hosted by Georgia Boxing & MMA Association.

Tickets are on sale now. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Visit POWERMMAFIGHTS for more information or call the Fight Hotline at (404) 966-8858.

Atlanta Talladega College Alumni Summer Music Fest Concert

The Atlanta Talladega College Alumni will present their 1st Annual Summer Music Fest – Music With a Purpose Fundraiser - featuring jazz vocalist Harley Griffin and friends performing vintage Luther Vandross in concert on Friday, September 25, 2009 at the Retreat of Dunwoody - Villa Christina.

For ticket information, please call (770) 823-1217.

The Retreat of Dunwoody is located at 1001 Summit Blvd, Atlanta, GA. Doors Open at 5:30 p.m. Showtime 7:00 p.m. (Rain or Shine)

NBC Casting Call In The Atlanta Area For The Marriage Ref

NBC is looking for people from the Atlanta area to appear in a new show. NBC is casting real married couples of all ages, and ethnicities for a new comedy/reality show created and produced by Jerry Seinfeld. It is a family oriented show and will air on NBC on Sunday nights in Spring of 2010, but they are casting now. The show is called “The Marriage Ref”. They are looking for couples who have funny arguments and need a Marriage Ref to step in and tell them who is right and who is wrong.

If you are interested, call 877.304.4040. They will be interviewing people over the phone and if they qualify, they will be visiting Atlanta area September 12 – 15th where they can put them on tape for consideration to be on the show. You can also visit Marriage Ref online for more information.

New Fernbank Photography Exhibition Shines Golden Light on Georgia through Artistic Eyes of Students

A new photography exhibition commissioned by Fernbank Museum of Natural History reveals Georgia’s golden history through the work of students at Atlanta’s Portfolio Center. Georgia’s Heart of Gold features 41 photographs that showcase gold’s local and historic influence—from modern-day gold panners to distinguished gold medal winners, from gold records to gold “grillz,” and from Dahlonega’s gold mines to the State Capitol’s gold dome.

Georgia’s Heart of Gold, on view from September 26, 2009-January 3, 2010, was created through a partnership between Fernbank Museum and the Portfolio Center to complement the Museum’s presentation of GOLD, a separate exhibition that combines golden artifacts, nuggets, jewelry and awards to explore the cultural significance and historical fascination with this enduring symbol of wealth, power and beauty.

Georgia’s Heart of Gold highlights the diverse work of seven students and includes close-ups, black-and-whites, action shots, panoramics, worm's-eye views, bird's-eye views and more. Medals, metals, grillz, pans, buildings, musicians, jewelry—the images cover the full spectrum.

Photo by Leigh Anna Thompson - Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association Annual Gathering at the Loud Mine in Dahlonega, GA.

For more information visit Fernbank Museum.

Jamie and Bobby Deen Celebrate New Book Release in Atlanta

Successful Lady and Sons Restauranteurs to Appear at the Mall at Stonecrest

Television personalities and co-owners of Lady and Sons in Savannah, Georgia, Jamie and Bobby Deen will appear at the Mall at Stonecrest on Saturday, September 12th at 1 p.m. to meet fans and sign copies of their new cookbook Take It Easy – Quick and Affordable Meals the Whole Family Will Love.

Fans may access the VIP meet and greet with purchase of Jamie and Bobby’s new book from Borders Stonecrest. Proof of purchase is required to access the book signing event.

For more information, visit the Mall at Stonecrest.

Yellow Daisy Festival This Weekend

If you are into Arts & Crafts, don't miss the 41st Annual Yellow Daisy Festival this weekend, Sept 10 - 13 at Stone Mountain Park. With the cooler weather just around the corner, this is a great family-oriented festival that everyone can enjoy.

More than 500 artists and crafters from 38 States and two countries will display their works for your appreciation and purchase. Enjoy daily live entertainment, Children's Corner activities, clogging and crafter demonstrations throughout the event as well as fabulous festival foods.

It's never too early to start shopping for gifts for the family for the holiday season. You are sure to find great gift ideas for everyone on display at the artists' booths. If you are coming from out-of-town, make it a day at Stone Mountain Park. There are many fun attractions and outdoor activities located throughout the Park. Take the SkyRide to the top of the mountain, or take a scenic train ride around the mountain. With beautiful September weather in DeKalb County, there are so many outdoor activities for you to enjoy at Stone Mountain Park.

For more information, visit Stone Mountain Park

Martinis And IMAX At Fernbank Museum of Natural History

AJC Decatur Book Festival and Concert Wrap-Up

We enjoyed a great weekend of temperate weather here in DeKalb County for the AJC Decatur Book Festival and the Concerts on the Square. The fourth annual book festival was a tremendous success and one of the many reasons why September is a great time to visit DeKalb County. The festival really lives up to its claim as "the king of all book festivals." There is so much to see and so many interesting booths to visit. The turnout was incredible!

I arrived on Sunday to catch the end of the festival and was also able to catch some of the great music onstage on the Community Bandstand during the special Sunday Concert on the Square. Families had their blankets spread out across the Square and many brought picnic baskets with them. Onstage was an energetic bluegrass trio that had parents and children dancing all over the square. It is really great to see visitors and local residents mingling together while enjoying some wonderful live music. I am already looking forward to next year's festival! - Barry

Food, Fun and OPA! Atlanta Greek Festival October 2 - 4

Join in on the traditional Greek dancing, music and fun at this year’s annual festival. Experience the culture and tradition as the Greek community shares its heritage with an Atlanta celebration.

Let the continuous live Greek music and traditional bouzouki fill you while you enjoy a spectacular, energetic live traditional Greek dance performances by Atlanta’s very own national-award winning dancers.

In addition to all the delicious food stands, enjoy live cooking demos by local Greek chefs. The chefs will teach you how to make some of the wonderful Greek meals that you have enjoyed throughout the weekend, including the savory Souvlaki and the decadent Baklava.

Barry's Tip: I've attended the Atlanta Greek Festival several years and am always impressed by the large attendance. This is definitely one of the more popular festivals in the Atlanta area. Even if you've been before, there are always more fun things to see and the food is always awesome. The festival crowds can be very large, so your best bet is to park and take a shuttle to the festival. It really is the best way to get to the festival and much easier than you think The buses are very timely and efficient, so wait time is minimum.

While you are strolling around the grounds, make sure to take a walking tour of the Cathedral and view all the interesting architecture and artwork. Also, don't miss the indoor artist's shops . There is a large variety of paintings, jewelry, sculptures, CDs and photos on display for purchase. This is a great place to find gifts for the upcoming holiday season. If you are coming in from out-of-town, there are hotels nearby that offer convenience to the festival. Check our website for Hot Deals to save money on your travel.

The Atlanta Greek Festival is held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2500 Clairmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30329 - Exit #91 off I-85 (On Clairmont Rd. between Briarcliff Rd. and LaVista Rd.)

Please do NOT park on the side streets around the church, which have the “No Parking” signs. Free Parking & Shuttle Buses from Century Center Office Park on Clairmont Road, adjacent to I-85.

For more information, visit Atlanta Greek Festival.

Video Overview of Stone Mountain Park

Barry's Tip: This video is great for visitors because it gives a good overview of the park and some of the new attractions. I recommend spending at least a full day at the Park. Try to make a weekend out of your visit to see everything at the Park. There are a number of hotels both inside the Park and nearby to make your visit complete. There are so many things for families to do outdoors, it is just incredible. Make sure to check out the upcoming festivals, especially in the Fall, when the Park hosts spectacular festivals like the Highland Games and the Pow Wow & Indian Festival.

We publish a comprehensive Map and Guide to Stone Mountain Park to help you plan your visit. You can pick one up at the front desk at the Georgia Visitor Information Centers or just give us a call at 1-888-633-5252 ext. 1350 to have one sent to you.

Now Showing at Fernbank's IMAX Theatre - Everest and Cirque Du Soleil Journey of Man

Now Showing at the IMAX Theatre at Fernbank Museum of Natural History through Sept. 13. - Everest and Cirque Du Soleil Journey of Man

Immerse yourself in the world’s largest film format on a screen stretching five stories high and 72 feet wide with state-of-the art surround sound. Fernbank’s 315-seat IMAX® Theatre provides the most powerful and involving film experience possible.

Call 404.929.6400 to reserve tickets and confirm show times.

For more info, visit Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

AJC Decatur Book Festival This Weekend

The ACJ Decatur Book Festival will take place this weekend in the City of Decatur on Sept. 4 -6.

For an up-to-date schedule of activities and appearances, visit AJC Decatur Book Festival.

DeKalb Symphony Orchestra Season Opening Concert

Enjoy a season opening concert on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. from the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra featuring Peter Marshall, piano. The performance will be held in the Marvin Cole Auditorium in the Fine Arts Building on the Clarkston Campus of Georgia Perimeter.

Established in 1964, the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra has served the community by offering audiences an enjoyable symphonic experience in a relaxed, unpretentious, affordable setting.

The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra presents concerts of traditional and contemporary symphonic repertoire, seeking both the highest possible level of artistic quality and the advancement of musical awareness and participation among its musicians and diverse audiences.

The DSO plays up to 15 concerts each year including the Subscription Series, Children’s Concert, Picnic Pops Concerts, Free Community Concerts, and special performances.

For more information, visit DeKalb Symphony Orchestra.

2nd Annual Caribbean Cook-Off on Sept. 19th

Caribbean Cook Off brings a taste of the islands to Atlanta. This all day event will emulate the bright Caribbean sunshine with a great combination of culture, sumptuous food, entertainment and great music. Professionals, amateurs, and others will try their hand at three dishes from a variety of Caribbean countries.

Each dish will be judged on taste, presentation and creativity. A cash prize will be awarded to the winner of each category. While indulging in good eats, there will be activities for both adults and children to enjoy including food/craft vendors, artists and organizations from the area and beyond will be in attendance, providing entertainment for all. The event will be held at New Birth Athletic Field in Lithonia, Georgia.

Free Bridal Showcase - Oct. 4th at the Hilton Garden Inn Stonecrest

DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB) presents a free Bridal Showcase at the Hilton Garden Inn Stonecrest on Sunday, October 4th.

The event will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Over 50 wedding vendors will be on-site to assist in the planning of your perfect wedding. Guests are also invited to enjoy an informal fashion show and hotel tours.

Brides are invited to register in advance by calling DCVB at (770) 492-5042 or email sharond@dcvb.org.

For more information, visit DCVB.

Elise Witt CD Release Concert on November 1st at Callanwolde FIne Arts Center

Popular Atlanta singer/songwriter Elise Witt will premiere her new CD Valise at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta GA 30306, on Sunday November 1, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.

Recorded with ace engineer Ken Gregory at 800 East Studio in Atlanta, and co-produced by Gregory, Witt, and Mick Kinney for EMWorld Records, Elise Witt's new CD Valise is a suitcase full of surprises. Known for her eclectic taste in music, her community activism, and her travels around the world, Elise's original songs include Ma Roulotte (My Caravan, a French gypsy jazz waltz, co-written with partner Mick Kinney), Clothes Swap (a funky ode to the virtues of re-cycling and girl gatherings), Set Us Free (inspired by the words of Reverend Timothy MacDonald at Martin Luther King Jr.'s 80th birthday celebration at the National Historic Site), Venus Between Us (a Motown tribute), Butterfly's Mysteries (a scientific boogie, written at the Callaway Garden Butterfly House), Dunkel War Es (Light in the Dark, a German paradox poem à la Oh Suzanna), and Blessed Be (original music by Elise Witt to a poem by folk icon Pete Seeger, featuring John McCutcheon and Frank Hamilton).

For more info, visit Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

Concerts on the Square in the City of Decatur

September 5, 12, 19, 26

Spread out a blanket and enjoy an evening of musical entertainment each Saturday night in September featuring a variety of bands at the Community Bandstand on the Square in the city of Decatur.

For more info, visit the City of Decatur.

DeKalb County Is The Home Of Family Reunions

Why host your reunion anywhere else?

Atlanta's DeKalb County has everything families look for in a desination for reunions. DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau provides an array of free reunion services including Welcome Bags and all aspects of planning.

Upcoming Reunion Planning Workshops:
September 19 – Hampton Inn - Stone Mountain
October 10 – Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center
October 17 – Holiday Inn Express - North Decatur

To register for Free Family Reunion Planning Workshops, call (770) 492-5016 or visit DCVB.

Upcoming Art Exhibit at the Spruill Gallery

The Spruill Gallery Presents:
on the FLIP side
September 25 - November 7, 2009

Artists explore the influence of cell phone technology. Featuring: Lucinda Bunnen, Jorge Colombo, Michael David Murphy, Rob Pettit, Shawn Rocco and Gil Weinberg.

The Spruill Gallery is located 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30338

For more info, visit The Spruill Gallery.

Mark Your Calendar: A Tour of Southern Ghosts Coming in October to Stone Mountain Park

Atlanta’s favorite Halloween event, the 24th annual “A Tour of Southern Ghosts” will be presented by ART Station at Stone Mountain Park from October 15 – 31.

Join the Atlanta family tradition and meet professional storytellers weaving their tales of famous (and not-so-famous) Southern Ghosts along the lantern-lit paths of the Antebellum Plantation at Georgia’s Stone Mountain Park. “A Tour of Southern Ghosts” is held during the Halloween season so the stories are a little scary, many times humorous, but never too frightening and always appropriate for young children.

For the 24th consecutive year, Stone Mountain Park's "A Tour of Southern Ghosts" will feature frightful tales from a half-dozen professional storytellers, who will weave their spooky Southern yarns while leading visitors on a candle- and lantern-lit path around the grounds of the Antebellum Plantation.

For more info, vist the ART Station.

Four Days of Non-Stop Shopping At Stone Mountain Park’s Yellow Daisy Festival

After 41 years of arts and crafts, Stone Mountain Park’s Yellow Daisy Festival is still among the top in its game. The festival has grown to become one of the most prestigious venues for crafters and has been consistently voted one of the top arts and crafts shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine’s Annual “200 Best” survey. This year’s show will be held September 10, 11, 12 and 13 at Stone Mountain Park.

The Yellow Daisy Festival includes over 500 crafters and artists from all over the United States. These top artisans display their hand-made work, in categories such as Pottery, Fabric, Painting, Jewelry, Sculpture, Dolls, Photography, Fine Arts & Crafts and Traditional Arts & Crafts.

The annual event draws an estimated 200,000 shopping enthusiasts out to the four day event. In addition to the unique arts and crafts, the festival offers free entertainment and an assortment of festival foods to meet a variety of tastes. The Children’s Corner provides a stage featuring the Backyard Circus Show, where the kids are the stars of the circus. The Children’s Corner also includes a 40’ inflatable obstacle course, 40’ coloring mural, face painting and Fair Hair (a fun and funky hairdo vendor). The Men’s Den is a great venue for the gentlemen coming to the event that don’t want to miss the big game. The Men’s Den is outfitted with recliners and big screen TVs showing fall football.

For more info, visit Stone Mountain Park.