Justin

Suit, shirt, tie, and pocket square: Square Threads. Pocket watch: Old Clocks at DuPre’s Antique Market.

How long have you lived in Marietta?

I was born and raised in Smyrna, so Marietta has always been in my backyard and part of my life, but I’ve lived in Marietta proper for about five years. The first year, I had a small apartment right off the Square that was converted from an officers’ barracks on the original perimeter of Dobbins. For the last few years, I’ve lived a little farther out on Roswell, but I’m moving back toward the Square soon.

What brings you to downtown Marietta?

I live here. I work here. I raise my flag here and hold court. It feels like home here–a place I can make my stake in the world. A home base to operate from.

What’s your favorite thing about downtown Marietta?

The community, far and away. My friends, my neighbors, the bustle, and the simplicity of life. I’ve lived for a time in the city–Savannah, during college–and it chewed me up and spit me out. I was made for slow living. I’m a being who needs to be able to get to the woods from time to time, to breathe natural air, but I also need life, a hustle, and a nightlife. Marietta offers a pivot point between the two. I know I can raise a family here. I know I can walk down the street and see ten of my neighbors on the way to get some coffee. I know I can meet an author, an actor, a tradesperson, and a mover-and-shaker from block-to-block and their doors will be open any time, any day for whatever reason. That is a beautiful, unique aspect of this town to me, and I have found it nowhere else.