Candler Park puts out the welcome mat Oct. 13 and 14th for its Fall Fest, the annual party that showcases one of Atlanta's earliest planned communities.

The neighborhood dates back to 1890, when it was part of the independent town of Edgewood.

It split off as a separate community from Edgewood, developing as one of Atlanta's in-town suburbs alongside Inman Park, Grant Park and Druid Hills, as well as the Edgewood community.

Its original bungalow homes, as well as more modern houses, characterize the neighborhood, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Of course, its signature namesake park, named for Coca-Cola magnate Asa Candler, is a source of community pride and serves as the neighborhood's gathering center.

The neighborhood also boasts one of Atlanta's most desirable school clusters — Mary Lin Elementary, Inman Middle and Grady High schools.

All that explains why Candler Park native Mark Clement, who is raising his family in the home he was born in, continues to call the neighborhood home.

East Atlanta Patch caught up with Clement recently to talk about neighborhood, Fall Fest and what makes it stand out.

If you go: Fall Fest is Oct. 13 and 14, features live bands (click here for the full music schedule), an artists' market of more than 150 vendors, a kids play area and 5K run on the 13th at 10 a.m. (Register for the race _here_.) All proceeds go to support the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization.

The fest is at the corner of McLendon Avenue and Candler Park Drive. Click here for map and directions.

The fest is 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 13 and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 14.