Guide to Roswell
Located along the Chattahoochee River north of Atlanta, Roswell, Georgia, is a laid-back community surrounded by nature, steeped in history, and has plenty of adventure to experience.
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. King’s decision to build a mill led to a place connected to the Civil War, United States presidents, and an architect who designed many buildings in Atlanta. Today, there is a 640-acre historic district that makes up part of downtown Roswell and is a popular area for outdoor recreation, dining, shopping, and learning about the area’s history.
Things to Do
Historic House Museums
Roswell is home to three historic house museums: Bulloch Hall, Barrington Hall, and Smith Plantation. Each home has its own unique tie to Roswell’s history.
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.
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.
Smith Plantation
Smith Plantation is the home of Archibald Smith, who traveled to Roswell in 1845 with his wife, children, and 30 enslaved people. They built their home on a 300+ acre plantation.
A Different Way to Experience History
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.
Mimms Museum of Technology and Art
The Mimms Museum of Technology and Art preserves the history of computing and educates visitors on the past and future of computing. Exhibits include a STEAM timeline of computer history showing technology milestones in the context of transportation, pop culture, and more; a Tribute to Apollo with an almost full-scale replica of the lunar module, an Apollo Guidance Computer, and DSKY; and one of the world's largest collections of Cray supercomputers.
Canton Street
Canton Street is the “main street” in downtown Roswell. It’s lined with restaurants, galleries, and shops. Take a stroll and pop into one of the many restaurants and enjoy a wide variety of cuisines. Check out Roswell’s event calendar throughout the year, as many downtown events are along Canton Street.
Local Watering Holes
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. Part of the brewery compound, check out The Artillery Room for a craft cocktail experience.
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."
From the Earth Brewing Company
The first brewpub in Roswell, From the Earth Brewing Company features locally sourced cuisine, world-class beer, and craft cocktails in a fun, easygoing environment.
Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room
Have Napa wines in the heart of downtown Roswell at Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room. Reds, whites, and bubbles are all available for tastings, half glass, full glass, or buy the bottle to enjoy!
Pop Alleigh
With the largest selection of bubbles in the Southeast, Pop Alleigh is Roswell's very own champagne bar. Stop in for a glass or a flight.
Outdoors & Nature
Chattahoochee Nature Center
The 127-acre Chattahoochee Nature Center was created to bring fun and education to the outdoors. As you take in the grounds covered with beautiful, native plants, observe the birds of prey habitats, including two bald eagles. Enjoy a walk on the boardwalk through the trees and along the Chattahoochee River.
Chattahoochee River & Trails
Roswell stretches nine miles along the Chattahoochee River, and there are several parks that provide either access or views to the river – Garrard Landing, Don White Memorial Park, Riverside Park, Azalea Park, and Willeo Park (check each park for more details). These recreation areas provide playgrounds and picnic areas. The Roswell Riverwalk is a seven-mile path including paved and boardwalk sections that offer views of the Chattahoochee River, making it a great spot to walk, bike, or just enjoy nature. Looking to enjoy the river from the water? Bring your own watercraft and put in at one of the parks with access, or rent tubes, kayaks, and more from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, the official outfitter, located next to Azalea Park.
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. Walk across the covered pedestrian bridge for great views and access to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area trails at the Vickery Creek Unit for miles of trails for a hike.
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Places to Stay
We're happy you're here. Roswell has a place just for you.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlanta - Roswell
The DoubleTree Roswell is a newly restored full-service hotel that offers a complimentary shuttle to take guests within a five-mile radius of the hotel, including downtown Roswell.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Roswell
Home2 Suites is an all-suite hotel near the Chattahoochee River, attractions in Roswell, and many dining options around the city.
Springhill Suites by Marriott Atlanta/Alpharetta/Roswell
This all-suite hotel seamlessly blends design and functionality. Springhill Suites offers the modern amenities you need to stay refreshed and focused.
Holiday Inn Atlanta/Roswell
Settle in at the Holiday Inn, which is close to 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.
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Where to Eat
Roswell has become known for its dining scene, with close to 200 independent restaurants and a variety of cuisines from around the world.
Table & Main
Table & Main is a Southern tavern set in a former home along Canton Street. They are known for their fried chicken, but their seasonal menu is a favorite. Table & Main has won many accolades, including a 2024 Michelin Bib Gourmand.
1920 Tavern
Open for lunch and dinner, 1920 Tavern has a "speakeasy" style decor, but no password is required to enjoy the chef-inspired dishes that feature American favorites to more unique dishes inspired by international cuisine.
Chelo
Experience the warm and inviting ambiance at Chelo for authentic Persian cuisine.
Bask Steakhouse
The menu at Bask features unexpected takes on familiar dishes along with highly selective prime meats. The bar program is top-notch, so make sure to try a cocktail.
Roswell Junction
Stop into Roswell Junction, a food hall that offers unique food concepts, three bars, outdoor patios, and entertainment.
Lucky’s Burger & Brew
Stop in to Lucky’s for a delicious burger, and you can bring your furry four-legged family member as their outdoor patio is dog-friendly.
Zest
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at Zest, which is known for its sushi and Asian-focused small plates menu.
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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 the fourth Saturday of each month April - July, Riverside Sounds is a free concert series open to the public at Riverside Park. 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
Each year on the third weekend of September, the Roswell Arts Festival brings together local entertainment, children’s activities, artists, and food trucks. It’s been a community favorite since 1966.
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.
Flying Colors 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.
Grandiose Grape Wine Festival
Each November, this festival presents a curated collection of 100+ wines to taste and explore with live entertainment and food pairings at The Mill Kitchen and Bar.
