Creative minds come together to create memorable experiences in a city where whiskey meets Dr. Seuss and art merges with supercomputers
ROSWELL, GEORGIA—JULY 2019—More than just a suburb, Roswell, Georgia, about 20 minutes north of Atlanta, is the genesis of a burgeoning dining and arts movement, meshing modern-day experiences with the deep roots of an historic Southern backdrop, fueled by the hard work of makers determined to build community through unforgettable experiences.
Provisions
When it comes to gathering over memorable food and drink, Roswell delivers.
Founded by makers Brian Borngesser and Pat Rains in 2015, Gate City Brewing Company (43 Magnolia Street), Roswell’s first craft brewery, prioritizes community and craft beer. Housed in a converted mechanic shop, the brewery now encompasses a 30-barrel brewhouse and 3,000-square-foot taproom with up to 20 house-brewed beers on draft, all spanning a two-story space in the heart of Historic Roswell. Weekends at the establishment bring live music, taproom exclusive beers, six-pack tastings to-go, community-based events and an overall good time. In addition to seasonal specialties, these year-round beers serve as the brewery’s foundation suds: Copperhead, 1864, Terminus, 20 Grand and OTP. Check the brewery’s website and social media channels for ongoing special events, including food trucks, yoga, painting classes and other unique happenings that bridge the gap between beer and community.
Nearby, it’s easy to kick-start the day with coffee or ease into the weekend with wine. Whatever the craving, quell it at Fellows Café (1088 Green Street) where founders and Roswell makers, natives and graduates of Roswell High School, Christina DeVictor and Zachary Bramblett, spent over 17 months making their dream of having a friendly neighborhood cafe a reality. The power duo behind popular Roux on Canton (946 Canton Street) bring to the more recently opened Fellows Café a warm neighborhood feel, excellent multi-roaster coffee program and nourishing, delicious food that fuses together Australia’s forward-thinking culinary scene and Europe’s Old World design. From cappuccinos and Avocado Toast to the Fellows Spritz, featuring lemongrass and pink peppercorn vodka with Cappelletti and Prosecco, relax at Fellows most days until 2 p.m., later on the weekends.
A standout within the already sought-after Roswell dining scene, The Whiskey Project (45 Oak Street) offers varieties of whiskey and craft cocktails, with over 1,000 spirits on-hand, along with modern American dining, all in the heart of Roswell. Cuban sandwiches, duck, filet and, of course, whiskey, satisfy from brunch through after-dinner cocktails. Plan to visit during special events where tastings engage guests with stories, insights and education while while offering the experience of coursed food and whiskey pairings from the restaurant’s Chef Kevin Leveille.
Roswell embodies that something special and the theme is continued through the specialty shops dotting the city’s landscape. Oli+Ve (1003 Canton Street), the first of its kind in Atlanta, joined the Roswell family in 2012 as a tasting shop. Founder Suzanne Davidson’s passion for quality olive oil, the desire to own a business and the memories of good food and fellowship around a table with family and friends prompted the opening of the shop. A graduate of Florida State University, Suzanne considers every day an opportunity to learn and continues to educate herself in olive oil, vinegars and much more. She enjoys reading, art, music, cooking and maintains a flower garden, herb garden and Little Free Bookhouse beside her Roswell shop. At the shop, both the cook and non-cook will find the finest Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) from around the world, from Single Varietal Extra Virgin Olive Oils to flavored extra virgin olive oils that have been fused (with the actual pepper, citrus fruit or herb) or infused with natural flavors (using the extract or essence of)–never man-made ingredients–and a selection of gourmet oils. Additionally, nearly 30 different balsamic vinegars, both darks and whites, as well as imported and locally handcrafted items, from Italian pastas to Spanish olives, olive wood pieces from France, bread boards and dipping bowls, locally made items and more, round out the experience. The shop also hosts special events, from “Girl’s Night Out” to options for corporate team building.
Sugar Shack in the Back (1085 Canton Street) joined the Roswell culinary landscape in 2014 as a bakery located in a separate building but on the same property as sister restaurant and gourmet sandwich shop, The Fickle Pickle, the second oldest restaurant on Canton Street. Roswell maker Andy Padgett, owner of both restaurants, is a Culinary Institute of America graduate who years ago made his way to the Peach State where his wife had roots. Sugar Shack in the Back, is the sweetest place to satisfy a bakery craving, from Bagel Bombs (stuffed bagel rolls) to quiche. Silence a sweet tooth with ice cream, brownie sundaes, cinnamon rolls and more. Visit on Fridays and Saturdays for breakfast where the Ooey Gooey Biscuit, complete with pimento cheese, pepper jelly, bacon and an egg any style, will have you planning a Roswell return trip just to satisfy a craving.
Glitter and gloss
Speaking of sweets, find eye candy at Raiford Gallery (1159 Canton Street), located in the historic district of Roswell and housed in a beautiful, light-filled gallery with a window that looks into owner Judie Raiford’s workshop. A quintessential Roswell maker, Raiford has been practicing since 1970 using traditional metal-smith techniques to create one-of-a kind designs and incorporates recycled and upcycled metals in her works of art. She continues working 60 hours a week in her absurdly equipped studio, listening to audio books, playing with her ridiculously expensive toys and dodging the wet tongues of the dogs who rescued her.
A gallery in and of itself, Roswell inspires with natural vistas overlooking the Chattahoochee River, and a stroll around town reveals another layer to this destination masterpiece: gallery upon gallery of one-of-a-kind artistic pieces.
Take for instance, Ann Jackson Gallery (1101 Alpharetta Street) which has been family owned and operated for more than 40 years. The gallery exhibits and sells art including oils, acrylics, works on paper, sculpture and glass from local, national and international artists as well as from founder, Ann Jackson, and is one of only 30 galleries in the world licensed to represent the art of Dr. Seuss.
Engage the senses with artistic explorations through the free ArtAround Roswell Tour which offers visitors “a museum without walls” through an initiative of Roswell Arts Fund and partnership with the City of Roswell. Each year from April to March find temporary sculptures on loan to the city of Roswell by their artists. In addition to the temporary sculptures, ArtAround Roswell includes permanent sculptures which have been purchased from the previous tours. All temporary sculptures are available for purchase. View and print the walkable map of masterpieces, here.
TIP: Plan to visit during Alive in Roswell, when art comes to life and culture is on display during this street party complete with food, music and entertainment held the third Thursday of each month, April-October.
Merging past and present
Computer Museum of America (CMoA) (5000 Commerce Parkway) opened its doors July 2019 in Roswell as one of the largest technology museums in the United States with over 250,000 artifacts, including the largest collection of CRAY supercomputers and one of the largest and significant collections of Apple artifacts. A project that has been decades in the making, the museum aims to inspire visitors through the preservation of the history of computing and innovation that touches everyday lives.
“Roswell maker, Lonnie Mimms, the collector behind the vast museum, began collecting as a kid in the late 70s. Today, with over 250,000 artifacts, he has one of the largest collections in the world, and Roswell, located in North Fulton County, about 20 miles North of Atlanta, is surrounded by nearly 1,000 high-tech companies within a 10-mile radius, making it an ideal location for showcasing these masterpieces,” said Todd Peneguy, Chief Advocacy Officer, CMoA.
Here, get immersed into the creative processes of the digital age, hear the stories of the giants of the digital revolution and understand how they connected disparate dots and propelled us into the Space Age and the 21st Century. Celebrate the technology that got us safely to the moon and back, peer inside supercomputers (over 70 in the exhibit); view an incredibly rare P-I-X-A-R computer, artwork and many other inspiring artifacts.
Sidebar
Crafty cocktails
Navigate the Roswell bar scene with a colorful guide, Crafted in Roswell, found at the Visit Roswell Visitors Center (617 Atlanta Street) or participating restaurants. The guide showcases the city’s best sips, including brews native to Roswell. Make cocktail hour even more rewarding by earning a souvenir to remember the experience. Participants who gather stamps on the brochure from six or more restaurants can stop by the Visit Roswell Visitors Center to collect a free engraved glass. Participants must be 21 years of age or older.