One of our travel guides partners, Not For Tourists, has several unique offerings on their website this week. Check out the following highlights from their Atlanta correspondents this week...

A New and Loving Addition

Posted By:  Jim Hunt

Thumbs Up Diner

This is merely a warning to let you know of the impeding stampede that will descend upon downtown Decatur sometime in the next few weeks. The institution that is Thumbs Up Diner is coming home to Decatur--in the form of its fourth Thumbs Up offshoot--in the space that formerly housed Crescent Moon. If you've never been to one of the other three Thumbs Up Diners, please understand that this is an expansion of the highest order, and to have a Thumbs Up on every corner, a la Starbucks or McDonalds, would make the world a better, happier place. Chicken and Waffles, Fried Catfish and Eggs, and Steak and Eggs are a gospel you can't understand until you've experienced them. Keep your eye on 174 W. Ponce de Leon, and prepare to rejoice.

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The Smells of a Sandwich

Posted By:  Jim Hunt

Sawicki's

If you were raised on fish and cold cuts, eating in Sawicki's will be like coming home. They've got some of the freshest meats and seafood in town, and a pretty good bakery to boot. It seems most people stop by for one of their delectable sandwiches, and I can say from firsthand experience that the genoa, hot soppresata, and finnochiona salami on ciabatta will do its best to pique your tastebuds and satisfy your stomach in the best possible way; simply delicious. Be advised: If you didn't grow up on a wharf and/or harbor, the smell of fresh seafood might be a bit strong. Get your sandwich to go.

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Whither Goest Thou, Foodie?

Posted By:  Jim Hunt

Cakes & Ale

Deriving its name from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the food at Cakes & Ale is so inspiring you'll be speaking Olde English for days. Foodies will love the emphasis on fresh and local but anyone can appreciate that the food is just damn good. There is also a wee bar towards the front that is perfect for cozying up to after any day at work, good or bad. Do keep in mind if you don't have a job to put you in any kind of mood, all this deliciousness doesn't come cheap, with main courses ranging in price from the mid-teens to low-twenties. Also, check their website before you set off to re-experience the amazing stuffed pork loin, as the menu changes fairly frequently.

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Run, Peach, Run

Posted By:  Jim Hunt

Big Peach Running

Big Peach Running Company is so much more than a shoe store. Not only does it obviate braving the big box shoe store or crappy mall chain that only carries two pairs of running shoes, the Big Peach Running Company is almost scarily obsessed with helping people find the right shoes for their running/walking lifestyle. Hell, they have an intense "fit process" that takes into account things like biomechanics, foot characteristics, and something called 'fit, feel, & ride.' You're also going to hear a lot about P.A.L., a lovely little acronym that stands for Pedestrian Active Lifestyle. Try not to snicker when they insist that you lead a 'P.A.L.' because you walk your dog around the block. Enjoy the fact that you can buy sneakers from someone who actually knows what they're talking about.

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Something Completely Different

Posted By:  Jim Hunt

Greene's Fine Foods

When I drove past the former Wordsmith's building and saw the green oval sign that appropriately read "Greene's," I thought that is seemed like a nice building for the iconic liquor store to move into. Of course, I found out that this is a completely different Greene's altogether. Imagine what you would hope for a candy store to look like for a child or when you were a child, and the inside of Greene's will probably look pretty similar. A large, horseshoe glass counter protects mounds of multi-variety fudge, candy coated and plain nuts, and gummies galore. The only thing that spoiled it for me was going right after school let out, when it was packed with members of Decatur High School. Greene's is definitely worth a visit, for young relatives or friends, or your own sweet tooth.

Check out their website - they have free downloadable guides, maps, gear, and of course, the travel guide books. Not to mention, they are pretty funny people. I am always laughing when I visit their site, or read their newsletter.