I mentioned a few days ago that we recently arrived home from a trip to Georgia. Much like when I wrote about our dream trip to Hawaii, I’m taking a short break from home décor posts to share some travel memories. I always enjoy writing these while the details are fresh—otherwise I’m likely to forget small moments that made the trip special.
So fasten your seat belt. We’re heading to Georgia.
Some vacations are planned down to the minute: research, reservations, and an itinerary mapped out weeks in advance. This one wasn’t. Although we’d been looking forward to this break for months, our plans were intentionally simple. The basics were set—arrive in Atlanta (the busiest airport in the world, or so we’re told) and my husband would continue on to a leadership course a couple of hours away. I pictured a calm solo stay: a comfortable hotel room, time to read, write, catch up on blogs, maybe do a little shopping and visit coffee shops. I’d never vacationed alone in a big city before, but after working through some fears over the past year, I decided not to worry and to be brave.
Oh, what a surprise awaited me.
The hotel we’d reserved near the airport looked appealing online, but in person it was a different story. Thin walls, loud music, and noisy neighbors made it impossible to relax or focus. There was also nothing nearby in terms of restaurants or shops. It quickly became clear I needed a Plan B.
I took the hotel’s free shuttle back to the airport and settled into the beautiful lounge with my laptop. While a pianist played in the corner, I researched Atlanta and public transit until I found a helpful travel forum post from a woman asking where it would be safe to stay near transit. Her suggestions pointed me to a new neighborhood—that was my answer.
After a few phone calls and a visit to the helpful travel information center at the airport, a new plan fell into place. For a small-town country girl traveling alone in an unfamiliar city, it was a big step. I took a deep breath and told myself to be courageous. It was time to meet Marta.
“Marta” is Atlanta’s city train system, and it became my trusted way around the city. With just one transfer, in about thirty minutes I stepped off the train and into the charming town of Decatur, Georgia.
The hotel staff at the station gave me clear walking directions, and in two blocks I arrived at my new home away from home—the Courtyard Marriott in Decatur. From the moment I walked in I felt a sigh of relief. The property was welcoming and tasteful, the staff kind and attentive, and the neighborhood felt safe.
My room on the fourth floor looked down into a calm courtyard. It was quiet, comfortable, and appointed with thoughtful touches and pleasant furnishings—just what I had imagined when I’d hoped for a peaceful solo stay.
The room’s cozy setup made it easy to relax. I caught up on blogging, FaceTimed my sister, read, and watched lighthearted television. When the urge to explore hit, I strolled into Decatur’s town square, grabbed a Starbucks, and wandered through some of the most charming little shops I’ve seen in a long time.
Every shop I entered felt curated and creative, filled with unique items and beautiful displays that sparked decorating ideas. I found the owners and staff to be warm and welcoming; when I asked if I could take photos to share what I loved with you, they happily agreed.
Walking those streets was exactly what I needed: safe, restorative, and inspiring. The experience reminded me that sometimes the best travel memories come from unplanned changes and the willingness to try something new. A trip that started with disappointment turned into one of my favorite kinds of getaways—quiet, simple, and full of small discoveries.
I’ll be back tomorrow with a photo tour of the shops I explored—so if you love browsing pretty stores and spotting clever décor ideas, come along. It’s Shopping in Decatur day.