in this issue: February/March 2025
features
There’s No Place Like Home
For generations, Decatur residents have possessed the brains to create a vision, the heart to believe it will work, and the courage to see it through. Sometimes all we need to move forward is a reminder that life is better than we think.
Cover Illustration by Shani Goss.
Gene, Green and the Soybean Special
By 1936, thanks to the magic bean’s courageous patron and promoter, A. E. “Gene” Staley, Decatur was first recognized in print as the nation’s soybean capital.
In Pursuit of Knowledge
How fitting that a community treasure — one charged with housing a total of 196,780 books — traces its 150-year history with two great stories, including a chapter on the Carnegie Building.
Online supplements:
The Rest of the Story…
Celebrating 150 Years
Decatur Public Library Anniversary Events
Built By Nature, Crafted By Hand
Using local timber and experienced craftsmen, the dedicated staff at Friends Creek Conservation Area stayed true to their mission of using natural resources to construct an amazing and impressive new structure.
Hometown Appeal
The Kiplinger Letter launched in 1923 is considered the most widely read economic forecasting periodical in the world. In its highly anticipated 2024 annual rankings, Decatur scored a No. 1 spot.
columns

arts & entertainment
50 Reasons to Love Decatur
In celebration of our 25th year of publication, we double down and offer 50 of our personal favorite things to do, see, eat, hear, feel and experience in Decatur. Because we love this town — and here’s why you should, too.
Party Pix: Whiskers & Tails
The annual fundraiser for the Macon County Animal Shelter brings loyal supporters together to celebrate the good work and success of a valued community organization. Pictures tell the story…
Only in Decatur
Located inside the Madden Arts Center, the Anne Lloyd Gallery hosts exhibits featuring fine local talent, outstanding regional artists and art from cultures around the world.

travel & leisure
Hike of A Lifetime
The Appalachian Trail extends almost 2,200 miles between Springer Mountain, Georgia and Mount Katahdin, Maine and passes through 14 states. Decatur resident John Funk shares his adventures as he hikes the entire distance.
Westward Ho!
What started as a simple blog turned into a whirlwind with a Food Network show and cookbooks, and blossomed into a renaissance of downtown Pawhuska, Oklahoma. A group of Decatur residents made the trek to experience the stylings of Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman.

home & garden
Centennial Gardening
Regardless of their specific horticultural interest, each member of the Garden Club of Decatur finds joy connecting with others who share their passion for flowers and gardening, staying true to a mission that has flourished for 100 years.
For Love of the Grape
The most popular white wine at Decatur’s gK9 Wine & Spirits is Dr. Loosen riesling from Germany. Shop owner Jack Kiley gives us a lesson about this extremely complex grape.

departments
Contributors
Meet the writers, photographers and artists who share their talents to bring you the best of Decatur in each issue.
Calendar of Events
From concerts at Kirkland Fine Arts Center and First Friday Gallery Walks to dinner theater and charity fundraising events, use our handy calendar to plan your entertainment during February and March.
Buyers Guide
Local companies want you as a customer. Find out where to request information about products and services and place your order with trusted business owners in the Decatur area.
departments
CONTRIBUTORS*
HERE & THERE*
PARTY PIX*
CALENDAR OF EVENTS*
DINING OUT*
ONLY IN DECATUR*
*Available Online