Walking through Roswell is like taking a walk through another time — quaint buildings surrounded by lush greenery, all while listening to the calming sounds of the ‘Hooch streaming nearby. Located about 25 minutes north of Atlanta, Roswell is one of the sweetest OTP neighborhoods, overlooking picturesque Georgia.
A quick history lesson about Roswell — the city was founded by Roswell King in 1839, who established the Roswell Manufacturing Company and built a mill to harness river power to create his textiles. The reason I mention these historical factoids is because Roswell residents are a proud bunch, and as you walk through the neighborhood, you will come across sign after sign spouting info about Roswell King’s mill, the manufacturing process and more. For real, the Roswell Visitors Center has a lifelike reproduction of the wheel used to capture power from the river. Local kids must do pretty great on their Roswell civic tests because they’re surrounded by so much history … and an appreciation for their city’s founding. Whether you love a place with a rich history or care more about what’s happening right now, Roswell has great attractions for all.
DINING OUT
Table & Main
1028 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075 • (678) 869-5178
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In my opinion, the best way to truly discover a neighborhood is by enjoying the food (I probably rely on that belief a bit too often). And you will get a great “taste” of Roswell restaurants by heading out to Table & Main. This Southern tavern was voted one of the top 50 restaurants in Atlanta by Atlanta Magazine, and it’s easy to understand why — the fried chicken has been gaining popularity from native Southerners and transplants alike. The attention is on producing simple, delicious Southern staples, like fried okra, shrimp and grits, catfish and some of the best veggies that stand on their own instead of on the side (and make sure to hit up the sour cream pound cake with honey-roasted local peaches). Table & Main resides in a renovated homestead with a great patio to enjoy Roswell’s lovely scenery.
Osteria Mattone
1095 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075 • (678) 878-3378
Hours: Lunch: Tuesday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Opened by the same people who brought Table & Main to life, Osteria Mattone is a delicious Italian restaurant serving regional cuisine focused on Roman fare. So what does all that mean for your stomach? The full menu features authentic Italian dishes like carciofi alla griglia (grilled artichoke hearts with mint and cloves), cozze (steamed mussels), agnolotti di oxo (braised short ribs) and much more. Need brunch plans? Osteria Mattone offers a killer weekend brunch menu, including their house pancakes with mascarpone and seasonal berries. And like any proper Italian restaurant, Osteria Mattone has an in-depth wine menu, complete with notes about respective wines from their sommelier.
The Mill Kitchen & Bar
590 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell, GA 30075 • (770) 817-9345
Hours: Lunch: Monday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Midday Menu: Tuesday through Sunday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Dinner: Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m; Brunch: Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Remember Roswell King’s mill? I told you there was a lot of pride for that manufacturing tool, and The Mill Kitchen & Bar, located adjacent to it, is aptly named in its honor. This fantastic restaurant offers a contemporary take on American comfort food — all created with ingredients from local farmers and purveyors. When it comes to small plates, you need to order Southern stars like the pimento cheese fritters and deviled eggs, as well as a charcuterie platter that includes roasted pumpkin seeds, sweet and spicy pickles, smoked duck breast and much more. The Mill offers their own delicious take on ahi tuna, venison tenderloin and an extensive steak menu. You NEED to leave room for dessert — the s’mores mousse pie is just too rich and wonderful to skip!
Foundation Social Eatery
1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd #810, Roswell, GA 30076 • (770) 641-8877
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sunday: Brunch, noon to 3 p.m. Dinner, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Foundation Social Eatery’s chef/owner Mel Toledo isn’t a stranger to Atlanta’s fine culinary world and brought his 15 years of skilled experience to Roswell. Foundation Social Eatery, or FSE to its loyal diners, offers a creative menu for both lunch and dinner that will keep you coming back for more. Highlights include the celery root soup, crisp Spanish octopus and the house focaccia to start, followed by the wonderful Alaskan halibut, complemented by cauliflower, mushrooms and a currant-pinenut relish. If brunch is more your thing, FSE has a special menu with tasty dishes like French toast bread pudding and corned beef hash, which of course needs to be served with a classic brunch booze (ahem … Bloody Mary).
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The Fickle Pickle
1085 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075 • (770) 650-9838
Hours: Monday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Whether you’re fickle or steadfast about pickles, you need to grab lunch or dinner at Roswell’s own The Fickle Pickle (and yes, they serve more than just pickles). Located in a quaint 1890s Victorian house, The Fickle Pickle opened about 15 years ago, serving gourmet sandwiches, salads and of course, homemade pickles of every variety (dill, bread and butter, Cajun). I always order a fried green tomato sandwich if it’s on the menu, and The Fickle Pickle’s version comes with spicy pepper jack cheese, tomato jam, arugula and basil mayo on sourdough bread. Other standouts include the horseradish beef sandwich, brie BLT and fried green tomato salad (I’m telling you, I have a problem). And start those meals out with pickle-centric starters like their famous Cajun fried pickles, a pickle bowl or just by hanging out with Freddy the Pickle outside.
Sugar Shack in the Back
1085 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075 • (770) 650-9838
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday
You read that address right — The Fickle Pickle expanded its offerings and opened the Sugar Shack in the Back … well, in the back. This bakery, which opened in 2014, serves the tastiest breakfast pastries and coffee in the morning, awesome biscuit sandwiches on the weekends and delicious desserts to end your evening on a sweet note. The amount of scrumptious items seems endless — my personal Sugar Shack top five list includes the goat cheese quiche, brown butter banana cake, cream cheese brownie, fried green tomato biscuit (only served on Friday and Saturday) and the apple cake, in no particular order. Figure out your favorites by visiting the Shack soon.
Peach & The Porkchop
12040 Etris Rd D100, Roswell, GA 30075 • (770) 696-5409
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Closed Monday
Peach & The Porkchop is the perfect melding of Southern cuisine and fine Northern meats (hence the name). Besides combining these regional cuisines, Peach & The Porkchop focuses on farm-to-table fare with an emphasis on high quality, locally sourced products. And these fresh ingredients highlight each other and unite to create a wonderful menu that pays homage to both North and South. For example, their Coca-Cola braised north Georgia pork belly screams Southern, home-cooked meal; the north gets represented with the hot Italian sausage sub and the grilled kielbasa, both of which feature meat from Parma Sausage Company in Pittsburgh and are served with authentic toppings. The menu is massive so whether you prefer food from the South, the North or somewhere in between, you’re sure to find something delicious at Peach & The Porkchop.
From The Earth Brewing Co.
1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell, GA 30076 • (770) 910-9799
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.; Closed Monday
Atlanta is bursting with breweries, and Roswell has entered the beer-making game with some great options. From The Earth Brewing Co. (FTE) made this list because it fuses the best in craft beer with fresh, farm-to-table fare. We won’t go into detail about FTE’s quality brews, but we will say a must-try is one of their house draughts. They pair great with something savory from the food menu, perhaps the brisket tacos, fish sandwich, or even the vegan pasta dish. Stop by on Thursday and besides all that great food and beer, you can enjoy live music from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Honorable mentions: Roswell Provisions, Adele’s, Vin 25, Plum Café, Land of a Thousand Hills, 1920 Tavern, Roux on Canton, Little Alley Steak, Douceur de France, Brookwood Grill, Lucky’s Burgers and Brew, Crazy Love Coffeehouse, Ceviche, The Pie Hole, Zest
SHOP
Chef Brulee Chocolates and Gâteaux
1140 Alpharetta Street, 500, Roswell, GA 30075 • (404) 953-0369
Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday
We will ease you from Roswell’s fine dining into Roswell’s fine shopping with a shop that straddles both lines. Chef Brulee Chocolates and Gâteaux creates handcrafted artisan chocolates in small batches that show off the fresh ingredients and love put it into every delectable candy. Amazing flavors that complement all of Chef Brulee’s chocolate include hazelnuts, fresh roasted pecans and almonds, rich caramel, dulce de leche, juicy purees of orange, raspberry, lemon and other fruits, as well as fine liqueurs. These delicious — and gorgeously decorated — chocolates make wonderful hostess gifts as well as great ways to satisfy any late-night sweet cravings.
4 Elizabeth Way, Roswell, GA 30075 • (770) 992-3200
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
All you outdoorsy folk will love shopping at Go With The Flow, a retailer specializing in paddle sports (that’s the “flow” you’re supposed to “go” with). The company originally opened its doors in 1983 in a different Roswell location; later, two brothers acquired the company and relocated the shop in the heart of historic Roswell. Besides selling a huge selection of paddleboards, canoes and kayaks for those locals looking to shoot down the ‘Hooch, Go With The Flow also sells a huge amount of outdoor-related products, including footwear, across the country through their website. Get inspired and enjoy Roswell’s wonderful scenery by hitting up The Flow and getting some great advice from the paddle experts.
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Oli+Ve
1003 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075 • (770) 587-4244
Hours: Monday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Whether you know how to cook or not, you’ll love making a stop into Oli+Ve (pronounced Olly and Vee). The shop (with an additional location in Vinings) offers the finest extra virgin olive oil from around the world — from flavored versions infused with peppers, herbs and other ingredients to single varietals. Oli+Ve also sells aged traditional balsamics and flavored varieties (ever had pomegranate balsamic?), as well as other vinegars, imported pastas, salts and additional cute items for the kitchen. Oli+Ve can also help host a girls’ night out or birthday party by arranging a private tasting.
The Drake Closet
825 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell, GA 30075 • (678) 682-3551
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday
The Drake Closet is a worthwhile shop with a worthwhile cause. This boutique, offering new and gently-used ladies clothing, shoes and accessories, benefits The Drake House — an organization that offers support programs and housing solutions for homeless single mothers and their children. You never know what you’re going to find at The Drake Closet, but if you love scouring racks for rare pieces to grow your closet AND supporting at-risk families, it’s the place to visit.
Honey Butter Boutique
625 W Crossville Rd, Roswell, GA 30075 • (770) 992-5288
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Shopping local is so easy in Roswell because many of the restaurants and retailers are based in the neighborhood. Honey Butter Boutique is one of these shops, selling super cute, wearable clothes and accessories for ladies of all shapes and sizes.
Brilliant Atlanta
1144 Canton St #103, Roswell, GA 30075 • (770) 649-1901
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, by appointment
Of course our shopping section has to have a custom-design jewelry studio! Brilliant Atlanta connects old world craftsmanship with modern techniques and designs. Those interested in a one-of-a-kind piece can set an appointment with the Brilliant jewelers to design a custom item; those who would prefer to peruse diamond jewelry in the case can always stop by. Just need a quick fix? Brilliant Atlanta also offers repair services and insurance replacement documents.
Linen & Flax Home
1025 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075 • (770) 274-4663
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Closed Sunday
If you’ve already been to Roswell, you know how sweet the surrounding homes are; if you have yet to head to this OTP wonderland, be warned that you will fall in love with the neighborhood. And with lovely homes inevitably comes the lovely furnishings that must fill them up. This is where Linen & Flax Home, or L&F Home, enters. L&F Home is an interior design service and online marketplace that brings the look of casual elegance, rustic warmth and contemporary charm into any space. Designer Chaz Easterly founded L&F Home, and if you can’t get enough of her lovely aesthetic, head down the road a bit further and stop in their sister shop, L&F Clothing Co.
Lilly Sage Apothecary
1097 Alpharetta St, Roswell, GA 30075 • (770) 545-8811
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.; Closed Monday
When I see the word “apothecary,” I’m already into these bath and body shops. Lilly Sage Apothecary, you had me at your signage and kept me coming back for your sweet-smelling soaps, lotions and potions. Lilly Sage Apothecary has some of the most creative soaps and candles I’ve seen (i.e. frankincense scent), and the brand also sells their own line of deodorants and Himalayan bath salts. All their products are handcrafted and created with sustainable, pure, high-quality ingredients.
Historic Roswell Antiques & Interiors
970 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075 • (678) 587-5774
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Roswell is a historic city within the Atlanta region, and local antique hunting seems like a natural outcome of this history. Historic Roswell Antiques & Interiors is a multivendor design center that sells everything from rugs and furniture to jewelry and handbags. Like most antique shops, the best way to peruse Historic Roswell Antiques & Interiors’ merchandise is the old-fashioned way — actually going down to the store and walking through the aisles to see what fabulous finds they’re offering.
The Downtown Pooch
1045 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075 • (678) 536-8471
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Of course four-legged residents of Roswell need their own place to shop! The Downtown Pooch sells the very best in high-quality products and holistic pet cuisine so Fido will know you love him as much as he loves you. The Downtown Pooch is focused on ensuring the longevity, health and happiness for man’s best friend, and they’re super welcoming to any human or canine visitors that would like to stop by their historic cottage on Canton Street.
Honorable mentions: Steel and Cotton, Schakolad Chocolates, Spirited Boutiques, Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room, Serendipity Gifts and Boutique, Findlay Rowe Designs, La Bella Vie, Belle Mode
CREATIVE EXPRESSION
My Art Studio and Gallery
51 Park Avenue Court, Roswell, GA 30075 • (404) 513-8502
Hours: Friday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally open by appointment and when an artist is painting inside
Think of My Art Studio as an artist co-op, where a bunch of creative people use one space, at various times throughout the week, to paint/draw/design whatever imaginative ideas are floating inside their minds. These completed works hang on the walls for passers-by to admire and purchase. When I stopped by, it was a bit thrilling watching the three artists actually create the work live, seeing how much effort and thought goes into each canvas hanging on their nearby displays.
Red Door Playhouse
587 Atlanta St, Roswell, GA 30075 • (770) 649-9994
Hours: Determined by events and programming
Red Door Playhouse opened about 15 years ago as a resource for north Atlanta children and adults in the areas of theater, music and visual art. Red Door offers many youth programs, like summer drama camp, and after-school drama and studio art classes, as well as adult programming in the areas of improv classes and shows. The playhouse also rents out its space for outside events and parties.
FlameTree Glass
470 S Atlanta St, Roswell, GA 30075 • (678) 795-1702
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and workshop schedule
Glass art has a delicate yet powerful beauty, and FlameTree Glass is an art gallery that celebrates this amazing art form. Not only does this gallery show off amazing pieces of glass jewelry, crystals, pendants, blown glass and sculptures, they also provide glass-blowing supplies to artists as well as offer workshops in their modern teaching facility.
Ann Jackson Gallery
1101 Alpharetta St, Roswell, GA 30075 • (770) 993-4783
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Ann Jackson Gallery is one of the most well-known and trusted galleries not just in Roswell but in the greater Atlanta area. The gallery showcases contemporary art from artists across the Southeastern region, including offering one of the largest collections of Dr. Seuss (Ted “Dr. Seuss” Geisel) art, both a permanent display and a touring exhibition. Note: The gallery just moved from its original Canton Street location to the current spot on Alpharetta Street.
My Clayground
12050 Etris Rd E130, Roswell, GA 30075 • (770) 998-2983
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
If the little artists in your family need to express themselves — and you would like your house to no longer serve as their life-size canvas — stop by My Clayground. This open art studio welcomes all ages and offers up to five different project mediums artists can choose from. In addition to dropping by, artists can have a private event, like a birthday party, in the space. My Clayground also hosts summer art camps, field trips and more events throughout the year.
Raiford Gallery
1169 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075 • (770) 645-2050
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday
The power of art will compel all your senses after visiting the epic Raiford Gallery, housed in a 9,000-square-foot wood-framed building built by Judie Raiford, a talented gold- and silversmith herself. Raiford Gallery represents more than 400 artists in various mediums, including glass, ceramics, paintings, wood, jewelry and more. This gallery has received various awards and accolades, both in Atlanta and beyond, and you’ll see why when you stop by.
Honorable mentions: Taylor Kinzel Gallery, Regency Fine Art, Shard Art Studio, Vinings Gallery
MIND AND BODY WELLNESS
Plum Tree Yoga
1055 Canton St., Roswell, GA 30075 • (678) 585-0500
Hours: Check class schedule
There are scenic views in Roswell to connect with nature; connect with your own body and mind by taking a class at Plum Tree Yoga. The light-filled studio focuses on the ancient practices of yoga and meditation in order to connect mind, body and spirit. Plum Tree Yoga offers about 20 classes per week in various skill levels of yoga, prenatal yoga, meditation, Pilates and even a class called Angelic Insight and Healing, which consists of a circle of people who meditate together and then share, support, receive and guide in the art of gentle healing.
Bristow Hair Company
934 Canton St, Roswell, GA 30075 • (404) 376-9349
Hours: By appointment
Some artists use paint and canvas; others use hair and scissors. The talented stylists at Bristow Hair Company will have you bursting with confidence as you wander through downtown Roswell. Whether you need a cut, color, blowout or something else entirely, your locks will be thanking you.
Honorable mentions: Shear Bliss, I Heart Pilates, Salon Arcaro, Live UR Yoga
There is SO much to do in Roswell, and this article only scratches the surface of all the amazing things (we didn’t even have time to include the area’s scenic outdoor trails and walks). Have fun exploring and make sure to tag us on social media during your time in Roswell!
*****
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