Guide to Roswell
Located along the Chattahoochee River north of Atlanta, Roswell, Georgia, is full of things to do, places to stay, great restaurants and events all year.
Roswell's history dates back to the early days of Georgia's statehood. In the 1830s, a man named Roswell King visited the area and built a cotton mill on Vickery Creek. He was joined by other settlers, and cotton became the main industry, even after damage during the Civil War. Today, many of these buildings make up a 640-acre historic district. The city's location along the Chattahoochee River makes it popular for outdoor recreation, and the downtown has no shortage of shops and restaurants.
Things to Do
Bulloch Hall
Bulloch Hall was named and built for Major James Stephens Bulloch, an early Roswell settler, in 1839. The Greek Revival home is one of the most significant in the state and was the site of the wedding between Mittie Bulloch and Theodore Roosevelt Sr., father of the president.
Barrington Hall
One of the best examples of Greek Revival Temple architecture, Barrington Hall was built as the home of the King family over 160 years ago. It's set on 7 acres and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Roswell Ghost Tour
See the city's historic landmarks by night with the Roswell Ghost Tour. It tells eerie stories like the hauntings of mill workers' apartments and dark tales from the mansions. Reservations are required and it’s not recommended for small children.
Canton Street
Canton Street is home to Roswell's dining and shopping scene, named a Great Georgia Street. During the spring and fall, this area hosts Alive in Roswell and the third Thursday of every month allows diners to walk with drinks on the pedestrian street.
Gate City Brewing Company
Roswell's first brewery, Gate City Brewing Company, turned two former mechanic shops into a sprawling brewery and taproom. They serve their 20 house-brewed beers on tap and also have live music and events.
Variant Brewing Company
A few blocks away is Variant Brewing Company, which has a diverse lineup of four year-round beers along with seasonals and specialty "variants."
Chattahoochee Nature Center
The 127-acre Chattahoochee Nature Center is an interpretive and educational center to teach visitors about the river and its ecosystem. Set in a LEED-certified building and museum, the center has miles of trails and native plant gardens.
Chattahoochee River & Trails
Once inhabited by the Creek and Cherokee people, the Chattahoochee River & Trails include a 7-mile park and recreation areas with playgrounds, picnic areas, fishing, cycling paths, boat ramps, and access points for tubing.
Old Mill Park
Visit the ruins of the Roswell Manufacturing Co. Mills at Old Mill Park (Vickery Creek and Pedestrian Bridge), which were constructed in 1839 but were burned by Union forces during the Civil War. A covered pedestrian bridge allows the best views and access to the walking trails.
Find more things to do in Roswell
Places to Stay
Lay your head at one of the full-service hotels in Roswell.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlanta - Roswell
The DoubleTree Roswell is only 15 miles from downtown Atlanta but is also close to the highway and corporate office parks. The property has 172 guestrooms, 24 suites, and a complimentary area shuttle.
Holiday Inn Atlanta/Roswell
Settle in at the Holiday Inn, which is within walking distance of Canton Street. They have a complimentary shuttle to the North Springs MARTA station, a 24-hour business center, and plentiful meeting space.
Best Western Plus Roswell/Alpharetta
Over at the Best Western Plus, guests can enjoy downtown Roswell’s shopping and dining along with amenities like complimentary daily breakfast, an outdoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, high speed Internet, and televisions equipped with HBO.
Holiday Inn Express Alpharetta - Roswell
Enjoy access to North Point Mall and area companies at the Holiday Inn Express. The hotel boasts free WiFi, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, a business center, and free hot breakfast daily.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Guests of the Country Inn & Suites have access to an airport shuttle, meeting space, a business center, free WiFi, free weekday newspapers, and free daily breakfast. The hotel is only one mile from Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.
Find more places to stay in Roswell
Where to Eat
Dine out at one of Roswell’s many great restaurants.
Table & Main
Table & Main is a Southern eatery set in a former home. Their fried chicken has won them a number of accolades, but other favorites include their burger and vegetable plate.
Hugo's Oyster Bar
The plentiful seating and sports on the televisions make Hugo's Oyster Bar a popular spot for fans. The menu is created by the team behind C&S Seafood and Oyster Bar and includes chargrilled oysters, Crab Louis, and shrimp po boys.
Sugar Shack in the Back
Sugar Shack in the Back is a cute coffee shop behind the team from the Fickle Pickle. They offer baked goods and pastries like croissants, brownies, and cookies as well as breakfast biscuits.
From the Earth Brewing Company
For locally sourced cuisine, world-class beer, and craft cocktails, head to From the Earth Brewing Company. Beer is brewed in house and the menu includes farm-to-table items like sandwiches, salads, and hearty entrees.
Douceur de France
You don't have to book a flight to enjoy authentic French pastries! Douceur de France is run by a French pastry chef and has lunch dishes like soups, quiches, and sandwiches, including the croque monsieur.
Roux on Canton
Easily one of the most popular restaurants in town, Roux on Canton has a rotating craft beer menu and Louisiana-inspired dishes like po' boys, jambalaya, oysters, and Southern-style catfish.
Ceviche
Ceviche offers authentic Mexican food with a twist, a wide variety of tequilas, and an awesome atmosphere. Share the mango salsa and guacamole with friends and enjoy tacos, fajitas, and, of course, ceviche.
1920 Tavern
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 1920 Tavern has a "speakeasy" style decor but no password is required to enjoy the chef-inspired dishes. The restaurant boasts an impressive bar program and approachable cuisine.
Find more places to eat in Roswell
Events
There's always something going on in Roswell, no matter when you visit.
Alive in Roswell
Alive in Roswell is a monthly street festival from April to October that features live music, family-friendly programming, and vendors.
Riverside Sounds
Held on Saturdays from May to October, Riverside Sounds is a free concert series open to the public. There is a diverse lineup of acts along with local food and beer vendors. Guests can also bring their own picnic and chairs.
Roswell Arts Festival
Every September, the Roswell Arts Festival brings together local singers and dance companies, children's activities like painting and balloon animals, and fundraising through art sales. It’s been a community favorite since 1966.
Roswell Wine Festival
Held in October, the Roswell Wine Festival was founded in 2012 by local wine enthusiasts. Attendees can stroll down Canton Street, sampling wines along the way from participating restaurants and businesses. Plus, you get to keep the glass!
Roswell Beer Festival
In March, the Roswell Beer Festival offers souvenir tasting glasses to try over 300 beers, along with local food from Roswell's best restaurants and live music. There are both general admission and VIP tickets for added perks.
Butterfly Festival
The Butterfly Festival at the Chattahoochee Nature Center every June celebrates when monarch and milkweed butterflies take center stage for their role as pollinators. The event includes butterfly releases, a plant sale, exhibits and vendors.
Roswell Lavender Festival
In June, the Roswell Lavender Festival takes over Barrington Hall with family-friendly activities, live music, food, arts and crafts for sale, and a beer and wine garden. The festival celebrates the many uses of lavender in medicine.
