Christmas in Roswell

The lights and decorations are up and the events are planned. All that’s needed are people to enjoy Christmas in Roswell. Christmas in Roswell isn’t one event - it’s over a month’s worth of historic homes decorated and ready for tours, all kinds of activities, theatrical performances, music, dance, high teas, candlelight tours and much more all around the city. Chosen as a “Top Twenty Event” three times by the Southeastern Tourism Society, Christmas in Roswell is not to be missed.

The “Southern Trilogy – The Historic Homes of Roswell” are where most folks start their experience. Each year, the homes choose new themes so it’s fun to go each year and see the magical transformation of the homes. Normal tour prices apply to day time tours.

Barrington Hall’s theme is “I Collect Christmas” featuring fascinating and whimsical Christmas collectibles. Whether an extensive collection of 19th century antique ornaments, or vintage nutcrackers, there is something to thrill the collector in each of us. The home is decorated in traditional Southern style! Tours on the hour from 10 A.M. – 3 P.M. Mon. – Sat. and from 1 – 3 P.M. on Sundays (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).

It’s “The 12 Days of Christmas” at Historic Bulloch Hall. Beginning with a perfect partridge nestled in a Pear tree, visitors will go from room-to-room (you may sing if you wish) experiencing the many delightful interpretations of those melodious 12 days. Self-guided tours of the home decorated for the holidays in this favorite (and fun) theme. Mon. - Sat. 10 A.M. - 4 P.M.; Sun. 1 P.M. - 4 P.M. (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).

Come visit the “Winter Wonderland on the Plantation” at Smith Plantation Home. Heritage flora and fauna native to Smith Plantation is this year’s theme, featuring antebellum plants, birds and wildlife as the Roswell Garden Club takes Smith Plantation to new heights with seasonal décor. Tours on the hour from 10 A.M. – 3 P.M. Mon. – Sat. and from 1 – 3 P.M. on Sundays (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).

Special Events at the Historic Homes of Roswell:
Note: Most of these events require reservations and do sell out. Please call the phone number listed with the event to make reservations.

December 3, 8, 10, 14, 16
Christmas High Tea at Bulloch Hall. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon is enjoying “High Tea” served in Bulloch Hall by ladies in period clothing. Reservations required; 770-992-1731.

December 12
Christmas For Kids at Bulloch Hall from 10 A.M. – Noon. Yule Log hunt, Candy Cane hunt, storytelling, Christmas crafts, a tour of the house decorated for Christmas, light snack and lots of fun. Reservations required; $10 per person; 770-992-1731.

Saturday, December 12, 5pm-9pm Visit all three of Roswell's historic sites in beautiful candlelight and enjoy festive holiday decorations and entertainment. One private home in Historic Roswell will also be open to the public on this day only! Smith Plantation will feature "Winter Wonderland on the Plantation" featuring decorations by the Roswell Garden Club highlighting historic flora and fauna. Barrington Hall's theme "I Collect Christmas" will display decorations from personal Christmas collections, and Bulloch Hall will be celebrating "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Admission is $20 in advance $25 at the door for adults, and $10 in advance and $15 at the door for children 6 years and younger.

December 17
Reenactment of Mittie Bulloch’s Christmastime 1853 Wedding to Theodore Roosevelt (Sr.) Step back in time to the chilly December 1853 evening in the sleepy little village of Roswell, GA and be a guest at a wedding that will wake up the 20th Century. This marriage resulted in our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt and our 34th First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. Enjoy a charming evening with the Bullochs and the Roosevelts and the Roswell townspeople. First tour begins at 6:30 P.M. and then every ½ hour until 8:30 P.M. Reservations are required. 770-992-1731.

December 19
Gingerbread Christmas at Smith Plantation Home. Four 30 minute workshops include preparing and decorating Christmas themed cookies. Participants assist with baking cookies over the open hearth of the plantation outdoor cookhouse. Ages 5 and up; each workshop limited to 10 children. Advance reservations required; $10 per child; 770-641-3978.

But wait, there’s more. Check out http://www.visitroswellga.com/include-new/2009ChristmasInRoswellBrochure.pdf for information on all of the events.

Merry Christmas!

Shoppers – Start Your Engines and Head to Roswell

As the infamous “Black Friday” approaches, have you mapped out your shopping plans for this gift-giving season? Ready for miles and miles of parked cars? How about standing in long lines to pay for your goodies? Hmm, sounds like too much work for me.

How about something more laid back? How about gifts as unique as the family members and friends on your shopping list?

Roswell is a shopper’s paradise from the period storefronts of the historic district to the eclectic treasures throughout the city. A great selection of items in a delightful setting, mixed with friendly service and warm smiling faces, makes shopping in Roswell an experience to remember. We invite you to enjoy the variety and great prices you will find in the Shops of Roswell. The perfect gift at the perfect price awaits you.

First on your list: Stop in the Roswell Visitors Center (617 Atlanta Street) and pick up your FREE Find It All Roswell VIP Card. Roswell’s merchants have great special offers to anyone presenting the VIP card. Offers change weekly, so make sure you have the current list of offers before heading out. The current offers list can be downloaded from www.finditallroswell.com/vip-card.html There are even restaurant specials on the list and we all know that power shopping requires great food for fuel to keep you going.

From Thanksgiving week through New Years, Roswell is decked out for Christmas and full of special events at venues all over the city to celebrate the season. Christmas in Roswell has been featured as a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Society for several years. For full details, check out the brochure at: www.visitroswellga.com/include-new/2009ChristmasInRoswellBrochure.pdf

Several of Roswell’s shopping opportunities are featured in this year’s brochure:

December 3
From 7 – 9 pm, The Chandlery will donate 10% of all proceeds to the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

December 4 & 5
Picture with Santa at The Chandlery on Canton Street. From 2 – 5 P.M. Have your picture, your child’s picture or your family’s picture taken with Santa surrounded by Christmas wonder. Enjoy shopping while you wait. 770-993-5962

December 4 - 6
Works In Clay Holiday Show & Pottery Sale at Art Center West; 1355 Woodstock Road. Show features work of over 45 ceramic artists and highlights collectible wheel-thrown functional pottery, figurative sculpture and affordable gift items. 10 A.M. - 8 P.M. on Friday; 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. on Saturday; Noon – 5 P.M. on Sunday. 770-641-3990; http://www.roswellclaycollective.com/

December 5
Back to Nature Holiday Market and Festival at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. 10 am to 4 pm. Shop over 40 vendors selling local, handmade products including candles, knits, unique bags, preserves, jewelry, toys, one-of-a-kind gifts, coffee, teas and more. Activities for the children including arts & crafts, face painting, scavenger hunts, hikes an animal encounters. Fee with admission to CNC.

December 5 & 6
Dr. Seuss Show at Ann Jackson Gallery on Canton Street. The Secret Art collection of the whacky Dr. Seuss. Show includes sculpture, book illustrations, and the political work. Saturday from Noon – 9 P.M.; Sunday Noon – 5 P.M.; Show will continue on display through January. 770-993-4783.

December 5 & 6
A Classy Clutter Christmas Open House at Classy Clutter on Alpharetta Street. 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.; browse the unique and affordable collection of gifts for the holidays. Refreshments & Surprises await you. 770-587-4599

December 11 & 12
Canton Street Merchants Holiday Open House Weekend. Merchants will be open late just like they do for Alive After Five. Shopping, food, and beverage specials.

December 12
Christmas at the Coffee House. Live acoustic music, Christmas tree lighting, special holiday drinks and desserts, Christmas gifts and gift boxes on sale and book signing at Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee, 352 South Atlanta Street. General audience, family friendly, date night appropriate. 7-11 P.M.; 770-645-1149

All of this has given me some great ideas for those on my gift list. I just can’t wait to get out and get started. See you in Roswell!

More Bicycling Fun in Roswell!

Is off-road bicycling your thing? RAMBO (Roswell, Alpharetta Mountain Bike Organization) shared the following as a supplement to last week’s BLOG:

The City of Roswell’s “Bike Friendly Community” status is also due to Roswell’s Big Creek Park Mountain biking trails. These mountain bike trails have been built and maintained by RAMBO, a 100% volunteer group that is chapter of SORBA/IMBA. Over 7000 volunteer hours have been spent and continue to be spent on these trails. We have all levels of riding and all 6 or so miles of single-track trails are very well marked. Big Creek trails also boasts it own “freeride” area with jumps, berms and the infamous “gully run”.

Big Creek Park is located at 1600 Old Alabama Road in Roswell. At the park there is access to the Big Creek Greenway. Roswell’s greenway boasts about 2 miles of concrete greenways and boardwalks which boarder a wetlands area. Roswell’s portion of the Greenway is now connected to City of Alpharetta’s 6 miles of greenway. There is also another RAMBO mountain bike trail at the very north end of the Alpharetta Greenway (called Mt Adams). We dare you to try and ride them all.

Please visit the RAMBO website (www.rambo-mtb.org) for directions, trail maps and info about meetings, rides, camping trips and the ever popular “trail work party”! or a least check out the photo gallery to see all the fun you have been missing!

Cycling Fun in Roswell Georgia

Whether your current bicycle harkens back to the days when a Schwinn with balloon tires was cool or you have a high-tech mountain or road bicycle, Roswell has the trails, bike lanes, and group bicycling activities for you.

A Bicycle Friendly Community
Roswell is the first bicycle friendly city in Georgia! This designation is awarded by the League of American Bicyclists to cities that have demonstrated their commitment to all aspects of cycling. Bicycle trails, both on-road and off-road, allow cyclists to enjoy the beauty of Roswell. From river trails, the Big Creek Park, and miles of bike lanes, the city encourages bicycling for health, an alternative mode of transportation, and recreation.

Roswell Cycling Festival… Alive & Rolling!
Each year, Roswell is host to the Roswell Criterium, a race of high-speeds on short laps along a course that loops through the Historic District. This race course provides spectators the opportunity to view top professional and amateur cyclists in a format that is often called the most spectator-friendly form of cycling. High speeds and challenging turns provide thrills for spectators and cyclists alike. Drawing top contenders in the professional and amateur divisions, the Criterium is host to large crowds who enjoy the competition. There is something for each member of the family. www.roswellcriterium.com

The day of bicycling fun begins with the Mayor’s Recreational Ride. This popular ride offers a 6-mile jaunt around Roswell’s Historic District or more challenging 20 and 40 mile options for experienced cyclists. The Mayor’s Ride is a great way to start the day prior to the chills and thrills of the Roswell Criterium.

Criterium Day in Roswell offers something for everyone – and that includes children. A Kids Bicycle Safety Rodeo, an organized class where children learn about cycling safety and bicycling handling skills, is part of the day’s events. Afterwards, the children will have an obstacle course to navigate in order to “graduate” and be eligible to race in the Kids Races held on the same race course as the Pro races. Children must participate in the Safety Rodeo in order to participate in the races.

Hospitality Highway Century Ride to benefit Georgia Transplant Foundation
There is nothing like it as thousands of riders mount their bicycles to ride on Georgia’s official Hospitality Highway – Georgia 400! Once cyclists exit Georgia 400 the ride course winds through beautiful areas of cities in North Fulton County, areas of Cherokee and Forsyth Counties. For those who are not up to the full 100 mile Century, there are shorter routes available, giving all levels an opportunity to be part of an exciting event that benefits Georgia Transplant Foundation. Routes include rest stops, complete with bathrooms, full technical support, and a variety of snacks and drinks. www.visitroswellga.com
or www.400century.com

Georgia Rides to the Capitol
Each March, this motorcycle escorted ride encourages bicycle friendly legislation, raises awareness and promotes bicycling as an alternative source of transportation. Gather with bicycle enthusiasts in Roswell to begin this ride that ends at the State Capitol in Atlanta. www.georgiaridestothecapitol.org

In Roswell, two organizations support Bicycling and provide opportunities for cyclists to gather with other cycling enthusiasts for activities including classes and rides.

Bike Roswell Georgia
From recreation to sport to alternative modes of transportation, Bike Roswell strives to actively promote safe cycling, provide an advocacy platform for Roswell citizens and implement programs to encourage participation with improved parks, roadways and cycling facilities. Bike Roswell offers weekly road rides and a variety of rides and events throughout the year, for all skill levels. For a schedule of Bike Roswell events and rides, please visit www.bikeroswell.com

RAMBO: Roswell Alpharetta Mountain Bike Organization
Affiliated with the Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association, RAMBO organizes mountain bike rides for all levels of experience on a scheduled weekly basis and augments these with day trips and weekend outings. For information and schedules: www.rambo-mtb.org

While riding in Roswell, please obey all bicycle laws in order to ensure the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.

If you currently ride in Roswell we’d love your input to our survey about the economic impact of Bicycling in Roswell. Just go to our home page and click on the survey link at the top of the page: www.visitroswellga.com

Thank You Veterans!

My earliest Veterans Day remembrances are of a day off from school, which is a special treat to almost every child I know. That was long before I realized just what a Veteran was. As I progressed through my American History courses, I slowly began to realize that everyday men and women had answered the call through many wars to serve their country. Today, we honor those men and women for their sacrifices to ensure our freedom.

Throughout my life, I’ve been privileged to know veterans of all wars since WWII. Many served their time, came home, and for years didn’t speak about their experiences. My dad’s cousin served in WWII in Europe and only began to speak about the war in the past 10 years. My aunts and uncles served in WWII and the Korean War but I mainly only know their branches of the service and maybe where they were stationed. I didn’t know until fairly recently, that my mom was an airplane spotter during WWII. Do you know your family Veterans History?

The Library of Congress American Folk Life Center has an exciting project to “collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.” If you have a veteran in your family, consider checking out this project and encouraging your family member to add their memories to the project. More information can be found at www.loc.gov/vets/about.html

One of the hidden treasures of Roswell is the “Faces of War Memorial” on the grounds of City Hall. This fourteen by twenty feet bronze monument captures 50 faces showing the fear, grief, and courage of people in war. One figure in the sculpture is a soldier who reaches out of the memorial to clasp the hand of a little girl who is in front of the sculpture. It’s a great place to remember and be thankful for our veterans.

Take a moment today to thank a veteran. The best things we can do for them are very easy:
1. Acknowledge their sacrifices. Even if they didn’t see a single minute of battle, they spent time in a strange place far away from family and friends.
2. Listen to their story. Many of our older veterans, especially, hunger for someone to hear about their experiences.
3. Let them know that you appreciate all they’ve done for you.

And now for my fellow history buffs, here’s some information from the Veterans Affairs website about the history of Veterans Day.

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m. The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926. In 1954, the holiday was officially renamed Veterans Day by Congress.

Grave Matters

Ever since I was a small child, I’ve been fascinated with cemeteries. I love reading the inscriptions on the tombstones and trying to catch a glimpse into the lives of the people laid to rest there. In my genealogy research it’s been more exciting to actually see the cemeteries where my ancestors are buried instead of just reading a piece of paper where their names and dates are listed. I’ve enjoyed visiting cemeteries that range from one with graves that predate the Revolutionary War to reliving Georgia History on the Georgia coast to falling over a cowboy boot left on John Wayne’s grave in California.

Apparently, I’m not alone in my quest to visit cemeteries. According to a 10/30/09 article on cnn.com titled Cemeteries Breathe Life Into Tourists, “For visitors who seek out headstones, this sort of destination travel is about more than death and grief-seeking. It can be a form of entertainment and inspiration, a history and architecture lesson, a cultural appreciation course, a genealogical journey and a source of relaxation.”

For lovers of www.findagrave.com, Roswell Georgia’s modern Greenlawn Cemetery is the final resting place of AWA Southern Heavyweight Champion “Ravishing Rick Rude” (Rick Rood) and major league baseball player, Harold Lewis “Corky” Valentine. Corky played for the Atlanta Crackers minor league team before heading to the Cincinnati Reds in the 1950s.

For those of us who love older grave markers, Roswell is a treasure trove with four historic cemeteries.

Founder’s Cemetery (1840)

Founder’s Cemetery was the original municipal graveyard, established by Roswell King, the founder of Roswell, for use by the community. It contains the graves of some of Roswell’s founding families, including Roswell King, James Bulloch (grandfather of President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt), and John Dunwody. Burials occurred from the 1840s through the 1860s. Twenty-eight graves have formal markers which include headstones, die in socket, table tombs, and obelisks, plus two granite markers. Sixty-seven known unmarked graves are indicated by fieldstones. Local history says that some of the fieldstones are original and others were added during a 1984 geophysical survey. Unmarked graves are generally agreed to be house servants and mill workers who could not afford formal headstones.

The cemetery is located on Sloan Street. Parking is available at the entrance to the cemetery.

Presbyterian Church Cemetery (1840)

The Presbyterian Cemetery was established by the Roswell Presbyterian Church. The church was organized in 1839 by 15 charter members, representatives of the founding families of Roswell. The church was built in 1840. At that time, the cemetery would have been part of the church grounds. Later construction of Atlanta Street separated the cemetery from the church. The church was used by Union troops as a hospital during the Civil War. Many of Roswell’s prominent citizens are buried here, including Smith Plantation’s owner Archibald Smith, his wife Anne Margaret McGill Smith, and Reverend Francis R. Goulding, inventor of the first sewing machine.

At least one of the graves tells of tragic love. John Henry Lang, of a prominent family in England, is buried in the King Family Plot so that he could be close to the family for eternity. In 1884, he came to Roswell to be the manager of the Roswell Manufacturing Company and was soon courting Fannie Baker, great-granddaughter of Roswell King. The family approved of him but before their marriage, he was killed supervising an installation at the mill.

The Presbyterian Cemetery has a large variety of monument types and materials including headstones, footstones, die on base, die in socket, die, base & cap, bedsteads, lawn makers, raised top, obelisk, pulpit marker, and ornately carved monuments. This cemetery is still active.

The cemetery is located at the intersection of Atlanta Street and Oak Street. Parking is available at the Presbyterian Church or at the Shops on Oak Street shopping center.

Old Roswell Cemetery (1848)

The Old Roswell Cemetery was originally affiliated with the Mount Carmel Methodist Church, which was established in 1836. When the church expanded and moved to a new location, the cemetery was opened to the public. It was officially renamed the Old Roswell Cemetery in 1975.

The Old Roswell Cemetery has a large variety of monument types and materials including headstones, footstones, die on base, die in socket, die, base & cap, bedsteads, lawn makers, raised top, obelisk, pulpit marker, and specialty stones like Modern Woodmen of America tree stumps and intricately carved monuments. This cemetery is still active.

The cemetery is located at the intersection of Alpharetta Street and Woodstock Road. Parking is available on Woodstock Road near the water tower.

Pleasant Hill Cemetery (1855)
Pleasant Hill Cemetery was established when African American members of the Lebanon Baptist Church organized their own church. Burials continued until the early 1960s. The first Pleasant Hill Church site was on the south side of the cemetery. The current church is located in Roswell’s historic district on Pleasant Hill Street. As Roswell grew, a commercial district sprang up around the cemetery. Many pass by its fenced boundaries, surprised to see headstones on the road leading into a shopping center and probably wondering who is buried there.

The cemetery is located off Old Roswell Place, half way between Holcomb Bridge Road and Old Roswell Road, behind the Roswell Town Center shopping area. Parking lots are adjacent to the cemetery.

Cemetery Etiquette
Due to the fragile nature of historic grave markers, gravestone rubbings are not encouraged. Photography and sketches are great ways to take home your memories of Roswell’s historic cemeteries.

Preserve America Historic Cemetery Project
Roswell is one of only thirteen communities in Georgia designated as a Preserve America community. Preserve America is a White House initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our priceless cultural and natural heritage.

In 2006 the City of Roswell, with the support of the Roswell Historical Society, applied for and received a Preserve America Grant for Cemetery Preservation. Available only to Georgia's Preserve America communities, this one-time-only grant program provides funds for activities related to the historic cemeteries in their communities.

As part of this grant, a professionally prepared assessment and conditions report is complete. The City is seeking additional funding for a walking tour brochure and additional interpretive signs for each cemetery.

Volunteers from the Roswell Historical Society have compiled data on Founders, Presbyterian, and the Old Roswell (Methodist) cemeteries. In about a year this data will be in a database that will allow researchers to search for family names and locate graves. The plan is to expand the recording process to additional historic cemeteries in the Roswell area.

Extra Credit: Roswell, Georgia Genealogy Research Source
For those who just can’t wait until the Roswell cemetery data is online, the Roswell Historical Society/ City of Roswell Research Library and Archives is a great source of information. They are located on the second floor of the Roswell Cultural Arts Center at 950 Forest Street, Roswell, GA 30075, and are open Monday & Thursday, 1 - 4:30 pm.

Girlfriend’s Getaway

Admit it – you need a getaway! You deserve one. And so do your best girlfriends. Whether they be sisters, daughters or friends, gather them together and take the time to celebrate just being girlfriends. Roswell provides all you need for a fun time together. You provide the laughs, love, and late night girl talk. Pack your bags, don’t forget all the accessories you need for a grown-up pajama party, and head to Roswell to create memories that will keep that sisterhood bond strong.

Once you get here, what are you going to do? Roswell has something for everyone’s unique tastes.

Accommodations: Check into one of our hotels and let someone else make the beds and pick up after you for a change. With eleven different properties in all price ranges, you’ll be sure to find exactly what you need. From full service hotels to all suite accommodations, Roswell has it all. Just click on www.visitroswellga.com/lodging.html to choose the perfect place for you.

Daytime is Fun Time: Decision, decisions. Day of beauty? Shop ‘til you drop? Nature? History? A little of each?

Day of Beauty: Are you going to go wild and create a new you? Roswell’s spas and salons offer everything from a new hair style or color to different types of anti-aging treatments. Just up for some pampering with a manicure & pedicure or message? Go to www.visitroswellga.com/businesses2.html and click on the Beauty link for many different choices. Hmm, I think a full body massage has my name written all over it!

Shopping: Roswell is a shopper's paradise, from the period storefronts of the historic district to the eclectic treasures throughout the city. A great selection of items in a delightful setting, mixed with friendly service and warm smiling faces, makes shopping in Roswell an experience to remember. Enjoy the variety and great prices you will find in the Shops of Roswell. For a sampling of the variety of shops, click on www.visitroswellga.com/shopping2.html and map out your strategy.

If your shopping tastes are more artistic in nature, Roswell has an active and thriving arts community. Many galleries and artists call Roswell home. Click on www.visitroswellga.com/arts.html for a sampling of the galleries.

Food: If all of this activity is making you hungry, there are many great food choices for everything from tea and coffee to unique soup, salad, and sandwich restaurants. Several of the restaurants that are open only for breakfast and lunch are one-of-a-kind restaurants that reflect tastes as varied as the owners. Click on www.visitroswellga.com/restaurants.html and get those taste buds revved up.

Nature: Tired of cookie-cutter attractions? Ready to get back to nature, but still enjoy the amenities of a city? Roswell, Georgia, is just the place for you to “Walk on the Wild Side.”

One of the most beautiful areas in Roswell is Old Mill Park. This park has an interpretive walk highlighting the old mill ruins of Roswell and allows visitors to get close to Vickery Creek and its dam. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is linked by the Vickery Creek Covered Pedestrian Bridge. Throughout Roswell you will find 16 miles of trails that allow you to enjoy the history and the natural beauty of the area. The 7-mile linear park along the Chattahoochee River provides the opportunity to follow one of Georgia's most unique resources as it winds its way through Roswell. Along the river, you’ll find playgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing, raft rentals, and more.

For more information, click on www.visitroswellga.com/chattahoochee-river.html

History: Around every corner in Roswell sits a piece of history. Roswell’s Historic District offers 640 acres of vintage homes, historic sites, museums, monuments, churches and cemeteries, with 122 acres of area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Begin your exploration at the Historic Roswell Visitors Center where you’ll enjoy a video of the area, view exhibits including the new Heritage Center which houses exhibits showcasing the history of the Roswell Mills and Mill Life, and pick up maps and brochures. The Visitors Center is located at 617 Atlanta Street at the intersection of Atlanta Street (Hwy 9) and Sloan Street.

Roswell was founded as a Cotton Mill town prior to the Civil War. During the war, only the cotton mills and a woolen mill were burned, leaving beautiful antebellum homes and buildings for you to enjoy. Click on www.visitroswellga.com/attractions-tours.html to find out more about the historic sites and tours available. A self-guided walking tour is available at www.visitroswellga.com/historic-district.html and our newest tour option is the downloadable MP3 Mill Village Walking tour at www.visitroswellga.com/roswell-mills.html

Evening Activities: After your fun-filled day, it’s time for a change of pace while you enjoy dinner at one of Roswell’s many restaurants. There’s plenty to choose from ranging from casual to elegant atmospheres. Yummy food choices include Italian, French, Thai, upscale southern and authentic Georgia barbecue plus many more unique tastes. Click on www.visitroswellga.com/restaurants.html for a great choice.

Before retiring to your hotel to enjoy your adult pajama party, consider taking in a play at one of Roswell’s theatres or a performance at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Links to information about each venue and their schedules can be found at www.visitroswellga.com/arts.html

If you’re here during late November through December, Christmas in Roswell offers many evening activities to celebrate the season. Full details on all events is at www.visitroswellga.com/christmas-in-roswell.html NOTE: Many events offered by “A Southern Trilogy – The Historic Homes of Roswell” such as the reenactment of Mittie Bulloch’s wedding sell out early so advance reservations are required.

Regardless of your tastes, Roswell has everything to offer to you for the perfect Girlfriends Getaway! Hope to see you soon.

Halloween Fun in Roswell

As much as we “grown-ups” hate to admit it, Halloween brings out the child in all of us. I remember fondly the costumes my mom made for me and the excitement of wondering what treats the neighbors would have each year. Even more fun were the parties. Between sipping on ice-cold cider, eating homemade popcorn balls, and bobbing for apples, I was in kid-heaven.

This Halloween season, Roswell has many Halloween treats for young and old.

Chattahoochee Nature Center Halloween Hikes:
Take your child on a well-lit hike through the forest to meet woodland and wetland creatures and hear about their lives. It's the perfect non-scary alternative to traditional Halloween events.

On these hikes, you will experience the mystery of a guided night hike! Each group of 20 - 25 people will have a guide lead them safely on a lighted trail where they will meet nature-costumed characters including everyone’s favorites, the Box Turtle and the Opossum. At the end of the hike, or while waiting for your hike to start, create fun crafts in the gym such as cat magnets, pumpkin headbands and sun catchers, spider mobiles and more. Crafts are prepared by crafts by Cadette Troop 2346 from Marietta!

For even more fun, show off your Halloween spirit by having your face painted with one of CNC’s “wild” Halloween designs. It’s also a great time to visit with some of the non-releasable wildlife in the pavilion and to explore the Discovery Center and take home a fun nature souvenir.

Don’t forget those Halloween treats: Purchase a cup of coffee or hot cocoa provided by Whole Foods and Harry’s Farmers Market and enjoy some popcorn and candy treats! Relax and enjoy your treat and the bonfire as you play along with world music provided by Scott Douglas

Ticket sales begin at 6:30 PM and end at 9:00 PM each evening. Hikes begin at 7 PM and run continuously throughout the evening. You will receive an approximate time that you will meet for your hike on your ticket.

Halloween Hikes:
Friday and Saturday, October 23, 24, 30
7:00 – 10:00 PM
No Pre-Registration Needed
Admission: $8 all ages, Children 2 and under are free (Trails are not suitable for strollers).
www.chattnaturecenter.org/halloween-hikes.html


The Manor Haunted House:
If you’re looking for screams and thrills this Halloween, visit the latest addition of Roswell’s spine-chilling and bloodcurdling adventures at The Manor Haunted House, sponsored by Roswell Recreation and Parks Department. The Manor will be open October 23-31 (closed on Sunday, October 25) beginning at 7:30 p.m. The Manor is located at 9100 Fouts Road in Roswell. Tickets are $10 per person.

The story of The Manor: In 1939, the Crawford family began a dream of a warm, welcoming Bed & Breakfast on the outskirts of a historic town in Georgia. Then, four years later, something happened, something went terribly, horrifyingly, grotesquely wrong. The family, their guest, their dream was never the same. Today, some of the Crawford family tries to continue the family business, but the spirits of the past lives.....on.

For the little ones, or those less brave, there will be a much less scary experience held from 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 24. Tickets are $7 per person.

For more details, visit www.roswellgov.com/themanorhauntedhouse, or call 770-641-3705.


Roswell Ghost Tours:
Experience the charm and mystery of the Deep South while learning about Roswell’s deep history from Roswell Ghost Tours’ guides. In the heart of this historic village, one will be surprised by how many spirits reside behind the walls of the antebellum mansions which General Sherman never burned. The deep ravines with their ruined mills hold secrets of exiled mill workers whose toilsome moans may still be heard.

Your experienced guide will lead you on this approximately two hour tour through the historic district of Roswell. One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to Founders Cemetery, the burial site of the founder of Roswell, Roswell King. Grand Greek revival mansions and humble mill worker’s apartments are some of the haunted sites you’ll see on this mile of easy walking. All tour guides are active paranormal investigators who promise to thrill, educate and enlighten with this experience.

For more information or to reserve your tour, go to http://www.roswellghosttour.com/ or call 770-649-9922. Tours are held on weekends, year round, with additional tours scheduled during the month of October. Reservations are required for all tours.


Beasties at Barrington Hall:
Two nights of fun and slightly eerie folk tales at Barrington Hall. Stroll the grounds and encounter storytellers whose tales of old Roswell and of bygone days will delight the whole family! A great way to get into the Halloween spirit! Admission is $5 per person, October 30 & 31. Guides will take small groups every 15 minutes beginning at 7 p.m., last group will leave at 9 p.m. The tour is outside on the grounds of Barrington Hall and will consist of four stories. Allow one hour.

Taste of Roswell - October 17, noon - 5:30 pm

The annual Taste of Roswell is a great chance to enjoy a beautiful fall day while sampling yummy food from Roswell’s favorite restaurants. Throw in a radio station playing oldies and live music from local favorites and you have a great recipe for a fun afternoon.

On Saturday, October 17th from noon to 5:30 pm, over 25 Roswell eateries will be selling samples of some of the items on their menus on the square in downtown Roswell. Make the ticket tent your first stop to visit the smiling volunteers and purchase your food tickets for 50 cents each. Samples are one to six tickets (50 cents to $3 in value). I usually start with $5 worth of tickets, scope out the tents to see what each restaurant is selling, buy my samples and chow down. If I still have room left in my stomach (sometimes the “tastes” are so large that I’m already full), I figure out how many more tickets I need and purchase a few more and start the fun all over again.

After you’ve eaten your fill, make sure you stop back by the ticket tent and vote on your favorite restaurants. One restaurant has won the “best food” category each year so you know that the others will be vying to stop the winning streak. I’d tell you which restaurant this is, but that would spoil the fun!

While you’re digesting your food and deciding if you really need just one or two more “tastes,” grab a chair in front of the bandstand and enjoy the entertainment. In addition to the DJ spinning oldies from 106.7 Atlanta’s True Oldies Radio Station, the following will be performing:

The Reminiscents is a girl group that covers the music of the late 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s. Members have varied resumes, including degrees in Vocal Performance, experience in theatre arts, and dance. They entertain with music that will have audiences singing along and remembering earlier decades. A fun and delightful episode.

Barry Etris is a singer/songwriter recognized internationally as well as popular with Roswell audiences. He has been published by some of the nation’s leading publishers and his most famous song, Reuben James, has sold in excess of thirty million copies world-wide. Audiences enjoy his unassuming style as he leads them on a path of remembering some of their favorites from years gone by.

Adam Komesar is a professional vocalist who enthralls audiences with his one-man tribute to “old Blue Eyes,” Frank Sinatra. In addition to recreating the Sinatra sound and style, he often tells the story behind the songs.

The Taste of Roswell …. Food and Music You Will Remember!
Some of the participating restaurants:
Aqua blue Restaurant
Artisan Foods Café and Bakery
Artuzzi’s Italian Kitchen
Bella Italia
Brick House Pizza & Pasta
Bridge Mexican Gourmet
Brookwood Grill
Café Zest at DoubleTree Atlanta/Roswell
Da Cajun Kitchen
Diesel Pizza
Ethyl’s at Andretti’s
Froots
India Chef
Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee House
Magnolia Café at Holiday Inn Atlanta/Roswell
McAlister’s Deli
Moe’s Southwestern Grill
Moksha restaurant
Pollo Campero
Relish
Shallots Sushi and Thai
Shane’s Rib Shack
Spiced Right Ribhouse
Sugo Restaurant and Tapas
Taco Mac
Thai Emerald
The Fickle Pickle

Presented by:
Roswell Visitors Center
Roswell Restaurant Marketing Council
Roswell Recreation & Parks Department

And Our 2009 Sponsors:
106.7 Atlanta’s True Oldies Radio Station
Adler Family Chiropractic and Sudano Family Chiropractic
Bank of North Georgia
Dixie Homecrafters
Facelogic Spa
MetroPCS
The Home Depot #0146
Trader Joe’s

The annual Taste of Roswell is a promotional effort to elevate awareness of the many outstanding restaurants in Roswell and is an extension of the Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau’s on-going promotions.

Find It All Roswell - Coming Soon!

What happens when a city and a convention and visitors bureau brainstorm ways to promote the local businesses in the city? In Roswell, Georgia, the “Find It All Roswell” campaign was born.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of a community. They give the community its special character. Successful businesses bring dollars into a community which funds growth opportunities for the residents, local causes, non-profits, and more city services which improve the quality of life for the residents.

Residents of Roswell will shop, dine, and purchase goods and services anyway. By becoming aware of and frequenting businesses within their own community, each and every purchase contributes to the community in which they live.

The official campaign rolls out on August 7th with an event in the Roswell town square. Roswell businesses will have an opportunity to become part of the program. Those that choose to participate will be listed on the http://www.finditallroswell.com/ webpage, have a special decal to display in the window of their business, and will be able to entice more residents to come to their business with specials for those with Find It All Roswell VIP Cards.

To get ready for the kick-off, the Convention and Visitors Bureau has set up a Facebook fan page called “FindItAll Roswell Georgia.” As the program progresses, updates will be made to the fan page as well as the http://www.finditallroswell.com/ webpage.

Additional information can be found in an article on the Eturbonews website http://www.eturbonews.com/10140/new-program-promotes-local-small-businesses

Help us as we create a prosperous community in Roswell! Find It All Roswell!

New Discovery Center at the Chattahoochee Nature Center

Georgia’s first Interpretive Center for the Chattahoochee River is now open. The Discovery Center houses exciting interactive exhibits for all ages, non-releasable wildlife, the Nature Exchange, and a rooftop terrace for community activities. From the Forests to the wetlands to the river, visitors discover what makes the Chattahoochee River Watershed so unique. More importantly, the new center helps visitors find their way to more adventures and ultimately how to become a part of this amazing environment.

The Nature Exchange concept started in Ontario, Canada about 10 years ago. All a child has to do to participate is to bring in anything that excites their curiosity – leaves, rocks, shells or other items found in nature. A naturalist will spend time explaining the object and then the child can trade their item for other cool items in the Exchange. Or, they can “bank” their points to trade for rare and unusual items like fossils, sharks teeth, gems and more! They get to take their new items home to keep. Trading can go on for ever.

The Chattahoochee Nature Center is the oldest and largest private non-profit natural science learning center in the Southeast. This environmental sanctuary encompasses 27 species of native wildlife and 127 acres of native plants and gardens. The Center grows more than 50% of the rare and endangered plant species found in Georgia, in their gardens. Some gardens reflect Georgia's Living Wetlands, depicting 5 different wetland habitats that are threatened throughout the State of Georgia. A Butterfly Garden, Bog Garden with carnivorous plants, river boardwalk, and woodland trails add to the experience.

This weekend is the 10th Annual Flying Colors Butterfly Festival. Butterfly releases, insect scavenger hunt, butterfly parades, native plants, photography, arts & crafts, entomology exhibits, puppets, music, and much more. A great time to see the new Discovery Center and Lakeside Pavilion. 770-992-2055 or http://www.chattnaturecenter.com/ Sat: 9 - 2 pm, Sunday, 12 - 5 pm

Create your own Civil War Adventure

It wasn’t all moonlight and magnolias and there was nothing

‘civil’ about it

Roswell lets you see the Civil War your way with ‘Southern Belles to Rebel Yells’

No, there was nothing civil about the War Between the States—but that doesn’t mean you can’t be polite. Two historic Georgia gems, Roswell and Marietta, located north of Atlanta, have created a new guide and have the good manners to let visitors experience the Civil War as they like through a multitude of sites, sounds and stories. Download the “Southern Belles to Rebel Yells” guide (www.belles-rebels.com) and create your own adventure: antebellum house museums; ghost tours; a new giant mill wheel stationed in a Heritage Center; a Teaching Museum that is all about being hands-on. See the slave quarters of plantation farmers; and learn about the Southern ladies General Sherman arrested in Roswell.

Create your own Civil War Adventure: Roswell is a place where visitors can truly experience the authentic story of the American South by visiting its three historic house museums. At the circa 1839 Bulloch Hall, learn about the life and times of a real Southern Belle: Mittie Bulloch grew up to become the mother of President Teddy Roosevelt and the grandmother of Eleanor Roosevelt. Her childhood home is located among the historic sites, museums, monuments, churches and cemeteries of Roswell’s 640-acre historic district, 122 acres of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Bulloch Hall was the site of her celebrated 1853 wedding to northerner Theodore Roosevelt, Sr. See Mittie’s delicate little ivory hand fan, the oh-so feminine ladies parlor, and Cook’s beehive oven in the basement kitchen. Walk the grounds where reconstructed slave quarters narrate the story of “Slave Life in The Piedmont.”

Learn how a well-to-do farming family survived the (Civil) war years at Smith Plantation Home, a living history farm that looks today much as it did 164 years ago, right down to its original furnishings and 10 outbuildings that include corn crib, carriage house and slave quarters. See the circa 1842 home, Barrington Hall, that was built by the son of town founder Roswell King and is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the U.S. Purchase “A Southern Trilogy” pass (www.visitroswellga.com/triology-tours.html) to save money while experiencing the authentic story of the American South.

Download an audio tour of the “Roswell Mills Exhibit” (www.visitroswellga.com/roswell-mills.html), located in The Heritage Center at the Roswell Visitors Bureau and learn about the women who were charged with treason, removed from their homes on General Sherman’s order and packed up part and parcel and banished north to prison and an uncertain future. Then explore Roswell’s Antiques Alley or its hodgepodge of specialty shops and choose from a slew of original, chef-owned eateries for dinner before heading to one of 11 hotels.
Ghosts in the cemeteries and streets! Rebels retreating from the advancing Union troops!
Ghosts prowl the streets, historic sites, and cemeteries in Roswell. Unearth the bodies on an award-winning Roswell Ghost Tour (www.roswellghosttour.com) and hear the toilsome tales of the mill village and the spirits that reside behind the mansion walls. The tour traverses Founders Cemetery, the “better place” of some of the Bullochs and Roswell King, among others.

Pick up your Trilogy Pass and head to your Civil War adventurePick up a Roswell Trilogy Pass and you’re on your way to experiencing a most un-Civil War in an adventure you design. Living history museums and heritage sites, theatres, gardens, shopping and dining and special events, like re-enactments at the historic homes, plus a storytelling festival in June and special Christmas celebrations—any and all can be part of your Civil War adventure. Click on http://www.belles-rebels.com/ to get started on your planning.

Area hotels also offer packages:

Courtyard Atlanta Roswell “A Southern Trilogy Package”Enjoy a stay in a king or a double suite. Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation celebrate their heritage: Tour each of the houses and learn about Roswell’s founding families.

Package includes:∙King or double suite accommodations∙Complimentary breakfast buffet for two adults daily∙One set of tickets for two adults to “A Southern Trilogy – The Authentic Story of the American South” per stay
Deal: Stay two consecutive nights and receive 50 percent off of your second night's room rate. Deal valid through August 31, 2009.

Courtyard Atlanta Roswell1500 Market BoulevardRoswell, GA 30076(770) 992-7200 http://www.marriott.com/

Holiday Inn’s “Southern Belles to Rebel Yells Southern Trilogy Package”Rest and relax in Roswell's newest lodging facility (flat screen TVs, WiFi, outdoor pool, full service restaurant and lounge and onsite health/fitness center) and tour its Historic Homes to experience the authentic story of the American South.

Package includes:∙Sleeping room for two (your choice of 2 Queens or 1 King)∙Full hot breakfast buffet for 2∙Trilogy Pass for 2 ∙2 Roswell Key Cards for discounts at participating restaurants and shops

Price: $149 plus applicable tax; an additional night of rest and relaxation may be added for $89 per night (plus applicable tax). Package valid through Dec. 31, 2009.

Holiday Inn Atlanta/Roswell909 Holcomb Bridge RoadRoswell, GA 30076770-817-1414 or 1-877-817-1414 www.holidayinn.com/roswellga

Ride Will Shut Down Georgia 400!

Be a part of history as GA 400 is temporarily shut down on Sunday, July 12 for the inaugural “Hospitality Highway Century” to benefit the Georgia Transplant Foundation (GTF).

Registered riders will promptly start at 6:30 a.m. from the former Home Depot parking lot in Roswell, at the intersection of Holcomb Bridge Rd. and Market Blvd., and pedal their way down GA 400 from exit 7 to exit 6. Cyclists will then wind through the cities of Roswell, Sandy Springs, Milton, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, and other scenic areas of north Fulton, Forsyth, and Cherokee counties. The route includes rest stops, complete with bathrooms, full technical support, and a variety of snacks and drinks. Whether it’s the 9-mile “I Did It” ride or the 35-mile, 62-mile, or 100-mile option, this event promises to be filled with fun, excitement, and the opportunity to say, “I closed down 400!”

“We’re excited about teaming up with the cities of Roswell, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton, and Alpharetta for this historic event,” said David Bakelman, Executive Director of the Georgia Transplant Foundation. “The funds raised through the Hospitality Highway Century will help us provide essential services to Georgia’s organ transplant community.”

Only registered cyclists, ready to go at 6:30 a.m., will be able to ride on GA 400 during the specific window of time allotted by the Department of Transportation. The early bird registration fee of $35 will be in effect until July 3 for all route options. The fee rises to $40 if received after July 3, including the day of the event. Registration includes a t-shirt, food, water, and full technical support along the way. The ride is open to anyone 14-years-of- age or older. To register for the “Hospitality Highway Century,” please visit http://www.400century.com/

For Roswell lodging special rates, check out www.visitroswellga.com/lodging-special-offers.html

Founded in Atlanta in 1992, the Georgia Transplant Foundation is a non-profit organization providing financial, educational, and emotional support to transplant candidates, recipients, living donors, and their families throughout the state of Georgia. GTF is funded through the generosity of the Carlos and Marguerite Mason Trust, corporations and individuals. Eighty-four percent of all funds raised directly supports Georgia’s organ transplant community. For more information, please visit http://www.gatransplant.org/

Roswell Magnolia Storytelling Festival

When someone mentions storytelling do you immediately think of the library lady reading a story to an eager group of preschoolers? Let’s see if I can broaden your perspective about storytelling!

Storytelling has roots that go back to the dawn of verbal communication. Stories were used to teach valuable lessons and to pass on culture long before words were written down. In many villages an elder in the village had the valued responsibility to be the teller of tales. Those stories were learned verbatim so that they could be passed down to future generations in their original form. Good speakers, today, use stories in their presentations, knowing that long after their audience forgets the exact opening and closing of the presentation, they will remember the main points of the presentation through the stories.

Each June, folks from throughout the southeastern United States gather in Roswell GA to honor this tradition with performances by nationally-known and regional storytellers. From under a tent on the grounds of historic Bulloch Hall, laughter and applause can be heard as audiences enjoy stories as varied as folk tales, personal stories, and an occasional tall tale. There are almost as many styles of telling stories as there are storytellers. Unless you came for the special Children’s Hour on Friday afternoon, almost the entire audience is adults. Are you getting the idea that stories aren’t just for children???

The Roswell Magnolia Storytelling Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, June 19-20. Workshops will be offered during the day, both days, and a special Mill Village storytelling tour will be offered Saturday morning. Both evenings, telling under the big tent begins around 5:45 pm and goes on until 9 pm. There’s even a ghost tour on Friday night at 9:15 pm.

This year, we are honored to have Sheila Kay Adams, Sheila Klein, and Randel McGee as our featured tellers plus an array of regional tellers and workshop leaders. More information about all of the tellers can be found at www.visitroswellga.com/storytelling-festival-tellers.html

Full registration information and the schedule of events is at www.visitroswellga.com/storytelling.html

For those coming from out of town, our host hotels are listed at the bottom of the registration page. All of our hotels are listed at www.visitroswellga.com/lodging2.html

Come join us and experience storytelling at its best. Warning, hearing great stories is addictive! Most folks come back year after year!

Roswell Remembers

Memorial Day is a great time to stop and remember all of the men and women who gave their all in our Armed Forces to ensure that American continues to have the freedoms and liberties that we often take for granted.

Roswell, Georgia hosts the largest Memorial Day Ceremony in Georgia on the grounds of City Hall. The grassy lawn between City Hall and the Faces of War Memorial is a fitting location for the ceremony. My favorite part of the ceremony is the playing of the service hymns for each branch of service. It’s hard not to shed a tear or two when veterans who are normally bent with age, stand at attention proudly saluting their branch of the service.

From it’s beginnings in 1997, this ceremony has grown to over 7,000 people from all over Georgia and the southeast in attendance.

Program:
10:00 am Displays Open to the Public
10:15 am Pre-Ceremony Music
11:00 am Official Start of Program
12:30 pm Conclusion of Program
12:45 pm Food Tent Opens and Concert on the Lawn

This year’s key note speaker is Colonel Benjamin H. Purcell. Colonel Purcell was serving as the Deputy Commander, DaNang Sub Area Command, and Executive Officer, 80th General Support Group in Vietnam when the helicopter on which he was a passenger was shot down south of Quang Tri City, South Vietnam, in February 1968. He spent more than five (5) years as a prisoner of war, 58 months of that time in solitary confinement. Longer in solitary than any other American POW, Colonel Purcell was the highest ranking Army officer returnee from the Vietnam conflict and was released on March 27, 1973.

How well do you know Roswell?

Are the following statements True or False?

Roswell Georgia hosts an annual Alien Festival.
The largest Memorial Day Celebration in Georgia is held in Roswell.
Roswell has a connection to three United States presidents.
During the Civil War, 400 women and children were tried for treason and deported.
Sixteen miles of walking trails wind through the city of Roswell, including a 7-mile linear trail along the Chattahoochee River.
Paranormal Investigators have discovered paranormal activity in many of the old buildings in Roswell.
Confederate Gray, a wool and cotton blend, was manufactured in the Roswell mills during the Civil War.
The antebellum homes in Roswell were not burned during the Civil War.
The Chattahoochee Nature Center is the oldest and largest private non-profit natural science learning center in the Southeast.
After the Confederate soldiers burned the bridge over the Chattahoochee River the Union soldiers discovered that part of the river was shallow enough to walk across as they began their march on Atlanta.
Roswell King, the founder of Roswell, was not a Southerner.
The Chattahoochee River, in Roswell, was the southern boundary of the Cherokee Nation.
The City of Roswell is a “Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community” as certified by the League of American Bicyclists.
The Gold Rush in Dahlonega caused Roswell King to discover the Roswell area.
A Frenchman attempted to save the woolen mill during the Civil War by flying a French Flag over the mill and claiming that it was neutral territory.
The 43rd Annual Roswell Arts Festival will be held the third weekend in September.
Nathanial Pratt, the Presbyterian minister, protected the family valuables during the Union occupation of Roswell by sending them to Augusta and Macon without them ever leaving the family home.

Except for the first statement, all of the statements are “True.” Roswell, New Mexico is home to the annual Alien Festival.

Come discover all there is to know about Roswell at the Roswell Visitors Center – 617 Atlanta Street, Roswell, GA 30075. At the Visitors Center, view the free video, learn some more about the Cotton Mills from the new Heritage Center displays and pick up information about walking tours, ghost tours, and historic home tours that will share even more of Roswell’s fun history with you.

There is even a FREE Mill Village walking tour you can download onto your favorite MP3 player www.visitroswellga.com/roswell-mill-village-walking-tour.html

For a self-guided walking tour of the historic district, go to: www.visitroswellga.com/historic-district.html

Don’t Forget Mom!

Calling all husbands, fathers, and children, this is your warning that Mother’s Day will be here in less than two weeks. Unless you’re of an age where the Tooth Fairy regularly visits, you probably have outgrown simply giving Mom a great big kiss to go with the card you made in school. Husbands – as much as your wife might let you think that a new washing machine or vacuum cleaner is just what she wanted, take it from me, your stock will rise measurably if you’re a little more creative.

If picking out gifts for Mom isn’t your thing, don’t worry - Roswell has you covered!

19th Annual Colors Festival of Arts is Saturday and Sunday, May 9th and 10th. Admission to the show is free. The festival is held on the Historic Town Square, which is located at the intersection of Highways 9 & 120, 10 am. - 6 pm. Historic Town Square will be filled with fine arts, original crafts, children’s activities, fun food, and entertainment.

Entertainment will be provided by Elkins Pointe Middle School Chamber Orchestra, the Peggy Still School of Music, Adam Komesar and the Inflatable Zoo/Magic Show, Jessie O’Sullivan & The Irish Dancers, vocalist Haley Tucker, Rhythm and Shoes Dance Team, RISPA Dance Group, and more.

Treat Mom to a day off from cooking! We have many unique and fun restaurants in Roswell. Mother’s Day lunch can be a very busy time so reservations are recommended. For restaurant ideas, check out www.visitroswellga.com/restaurants.html

Let Mom Shop Until She Drops – This is easy for you and fun for her! Take your wife or mom to visit the unique shops on Canton Street and SoCA (that’s “South of Canton” street for the uninformed). Better yet, partner with some fellow husbands or your siblings and make it a “Girls Day Out” for all of the wives/moms. With so many interesting shops and fun eating opportunities, I’ve known ladies to have a great time looking, eating, and shopping for hours. Check out the shops at www.visitroswellga.com/specialty-shopping.html and www.visitroswellga.com/antique-alleys.html

Treat Mom to a Make-Over or Spa Day – Hmm, wonder if my husband is reading this blog because this is so me! A little pampering can go a long way to making Mom feel special. We have a lot of great spas and salons that are ready to work their magic on Mom. Check the out under the Beauty tab on www.visitroswellga.com/weddings.html

Treat Mom to a mini-Getaway – Book a babysitter and whisk Mom away to one of our hotels for a weekend where the two of you can unwind and get re-acquainted. We have lodging options to fit all budgets. Check out www.visitroswellga.com/lodging.html and book your favorite. During the day, there are many, many attractions for you that Mom would just love. www.visitroswellga.com/attractions-tours.html has lots to keep you busy.

You can Find It All in Roswell, GA!

Another Criterium Article

Another great article on the Historic Roswell Criterium: www.northfulton.com/Articles-c-2009-04-15-177444.114126-sub_Roswell_Criterium_ready_to_roll_April_26.html

It's going to be a great day in Roswell!

Roswell Criterium Article

Great article in 4/22/2009 Roswell Neighbor -
Bicycle Event Wheels Through Historic Roswell

“Some of the nation’s best bicycle racers will be in Roswell on Sunday for the 8th annual Historic Roswell Criterium, one of the top single-day races in the country.”

To see the entire article, go to: www.neighbornewspapers.com/detail/147916.html?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=criterium&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=&town_id=&page=

For information, go to http://www.roswellcriterium.com/

For great hotel deals for the race, go to www.visitroswellga.com/lodging-special-offers.html

Walk on the Wild Side

Tired of cookie-cutter restaurants and attractions? Ready to get back to nature, but still enjoy the amenities of a city? Roswell, Georgia, is just the place for you to “Walk on the Wild Side.”

One of the most beautiful areas in Roswell is the City's Vickery Creek Park. This park has an interpretive walk highlighting the old mill ruins of Roswell and allows visitors to get close to Vickery Creek and its dam. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is linked by the Vickery Creek Covered Pedestrian Bridge.Throughout Roswell you will find numerous trails that allow you to enjoy the history and the natural beauty of the area.The 7-mile linear park along the Chattahoochee River provides the opportunity to follow one of Georgia's most unique resources as it winds its way through Roswell. Playgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing, and more. To enjoy the Chattahoochee River visit Azalea Park on Azalea Drive, Don White Memorial Park on Riverside Road; and Riverside Park on Riverside Road.

Some fun places to visit while you’re walking the trails in Roswell include:
Lover's Rock
This rock shelter is a scenic and cultural resource similar to others found along the Chattahoochee & its tributaries. The shelters were used by Native American inhabitants as living quarters. Located at the end of the old railroad cut.

Vickery Creek & Dam
A 30-foot dam and millrace were constructed on Vickery Creek in the mid-to-late 1830s to supply power for the mills. The trail to view the dam and the old mill ruins begins at the old Machine Shop and the Vickery Creek Covered Pedestrian Bridge. It is recommended you wear proper hiking shoes.

Machine Shop
The 1853 Machine Shop is the only extant building left of the original 1839 Roswell Manufacturing Company. The building is a two story brick building and is late Georgian in style. The trail to the left of the Machine Shop will lead to the old mill ruins and the dam.

Vickery Creek Covered Pedestrian Bridge
This bridge was constructed in 2005 to connect Vickery Creek Park and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, just across the creek. The National Park property contains Allenbrook, an antebellum home constructed between 1845 and1857.

Laurel/Ivy Mill
These remains are located on Big Creek near its confluence with the Chattahoochee River. The woolen mill was burned by federal troops in 1864, during the Atlanta Campaign. Mill workers, mainly women and children, were sent north after Roswell's capture so that their skills would not benefit the Confederacy. The mill stood from about 1855 until 1864 and then was rebuilt by Barrington King and his son, James Roswell King.

Trail maps are available at the Roswell Visitors Center, 617 Atlanta Street, Roswell, GA 30075.

But wait, there’s more:

Chattahoochee Nature Center – 9135 Willeo Road: The Chattahoochee Nature Center is the oldest and largest private non-profit natural science learning center in the Southeast. This environmental sanctuary encompasses 27 species of native wildlife and 127 acres of native plants and gardens. The Center grows more than 50% of the rare and endangered plant species found in Georgia, in their gardens. Some gardens reflect Georgia's Living Wetlands, depicting 5 different wetland habitats that are threatened throughout the State of Georgia. A Butterfly Garden, Bog Garden with carnivorous plants, river boardwalk, and woodland trails add to the experience. During the year, guided hikes are offered, canoeing trips, and other fun events.

Roswell Skate Park – 830 Grimes Bridge Road: Skateboarders and in-line skaters can experience half pipes, quarter pipes, ramps, and rails. Helmets, knee pads (or long pants), shirts and shoes (skateboarders) are required. Elbow and wrist pads are encouraged. Park is open seven days a week with the exception of rain or other wet weather conditions. Skate park hours are subject to change so call 770-641-3996 for daily hours. Daily rates and quarterly passes are available.

Canoes - Kayaks - Rafts
Jump in a raft, canoe, kayak, tube or pedal boat and take a fun and relaxing trip down the Chattahoochee River. Choose from ½ mile, 3-mile or 6-mile trips. Shuttle service is available. A concession stand is also available for your convenience. Call 770-650-1008 for more information.

Trail Bikes
Trail Bikes are available to rent for the entire family. For more information call 770-650-1008.

The East Roswell Park Disc Golf Course – 9000 Fouts Road
This course is a wooded 18-hole course that provides challenging and fun play for all ages and abilities. We have 3 sets of tees per hole to allow enjoyment from the beginner to the professional. This course is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the top places to play in the area. Come experience what many touring pros and local players consider the most fun and challenging layout around.

Hembree Park Campsite – 850 Hembree Road, 770-569-9746
Make reservations now for your family, group or organization to spend the night at Hembree Park. Located just off the trail, this camping area features multiple tent pads of various sizes as well as a designated campfire site. Enjoy sing-a longs, roasting marshmallows, ghost stories and sleeping under stars!

Lodging - Roswell has a room for you
Whether you seek quiet, easy-going convenience or modern, business-friendly pampering of a quality hotel, Roswell has a room for you. Our safe, clean and inviting accommodations are perfect for families and business travelers alike. Stay a week, or just a day-enjoy all of the modern amenities we have to offer. The Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau will be happy to assist you in planning your next stay in Roswell. 770-640-3253 or toll-free: 800-776-7935

Check out all of your lodging options at www.visitroswellga.com/lodging.html

Reunion Time in Roswell

How long has it been since your family had a reunion? Let’s face it, some of your most treasured family members are not getting any younger. A family reunion is a great opportunity to get everyone together to share in the joys that make your family unique.

My family has a tradition of reunions. Ours have run the gamut from gathering for a single meal to multiple day events where we have fun experiencing the restaurants and attractions of the area where the event is held. The common thread that runs through all of the events is getting to know our ever-expanding family and hearing our grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles share their stories.

If this sounds like a great idea but you’re just not sure how to start, Roswell GA has a solution for you. Our Marketing Director has helped countless families plan reunions. She works with each family to determine what unique needs their reunion will have. Some just need help getting quotes for hotel rooms. Others need catering. For multi-day events, she has helped secure restaurants and scheduled tours.

One of those reunions was held this past month. Here’s what the family had to say: “Our 2009 Family Reunion was wonderful! Everyone, from ages 7 to 91, had a great time. As the sole planner for the first family reunion in 20 years, I felt overwhelmed and had no idea where to begin. Your workshop got me started. You were so supportive, holding my hand along the way. Thank you for showing me hotels and menus and staying neutral. Thank you for asking questions that steered me in directions to make the reunion even more successful.”

Reunions aren’t just for families. Roswell has helped plan High School reunions (even for schools not in Roswell), “Girls-Only” Get-Aways for friends who get together every few years, and even activities for spouse and family groups to keep them busy while one family member attends a local convention.

Roswell has it all:
. One-of-a-kind restaurants
. Spa packages
. The natural side – miles of walking trails, rafting or canoeing down the Chattahoochee, and the Chattahoochee Nature Center
. Walking Tours of the Historic District
. Ghost Tours on the weekend
. Antebellum House tours
. Arts – plays at our 3 local theatres, art galleries galore, two major annual Arts Festivals and many other art-focused events throughout the year
. Shopping - antiques, collectibles, and many unique shops
. Family Fun – skate park, Andretti Indoor Karting and Games, Professional Disc Golf course, StarTime

To get started just contact Marsha Saum (msaum@roswellgov.com 800-776-7935, or 770-640-3253) and she will help you every step of the way.

Historic Roswell Criterium

Speed, spectators, scenery – Historic Roswell Criterium has it all. 4/26/2009 in downtown Historic Roswell. Check out http://www.roswellcriterium.com/ for full details on the races.

Never heard of a Criterium? According to the Criterium’s website, a Criterium is: The most common form of American racing, the criterium, is a multi-lap race of 25 to 60 miles held on a closed course generally a mile or less in length. These races, which usually last one to two hours, are extremely fast -- 30 mph and up -- as the cyclists jockey for position and sprint for lap “primes” (cash or merchandise prizes, pronounced “preems”). The short closed course, generally with both right- and left-hand corners, makes this type of racing easy to watch for spectators and more accessible for the media.In criteriums, it’s “go” from the gun as the strong riders force the pace and the weaker ones struggle to hang on. Quick acceleration and bike-handling ability are paramount -- a successful criterium rider will be able to dive into a tight corner at high speed, leaning the bike over at a gravity-defying angle, then power out of the turn and instantly set up for the next. It’s important to stay near the front; the first few riders in a pack can take a corner with little or no braking. Those toward the back jockey for the best “line” through the turn, brake, then sprint to catch up with the pack as it accelerates, developing an “accordion” effect.

Race Times: Races begin at 11 am and the last race of the day is an 80 minute professional race that begins at 6 pm. There is even a children’s race where children who complete the 3-5 pm Bicycle Safety Rodeo come out on the professional track for a 200 yard race.

Spectators will gather all along the route so bring your chairs and come prepared for a fun day. For those who prefer retail therapy over sports, part of the race route is right next to a quaint shopping district on Canton Street. Art, antiques, gifts, clothing, and many one of a kind items are found in the shops in the area, as well as fun restaurants, coffee houses, and tea rooms. There’s something for all ages to enjoy.

Special Hotel Rates: Five Roswell Hotels (Best Western Roswell Suites, Comfort Suites, Country Inns & Suites, DoubleTree Hotel Atlanta / Roswell, and Holiday Inn Atlanta/Roswell) are all offering special rates for the race. Check out www.visitroswellga.com/lodging-special-offers.html for rates and reservation information.

"Staycation" in Roswell

You live in the metro-Atlanta area and are looking for inexpensive things to do. What’s fun to do in Roswell that doesn’t break the bank?

Chattahoochee Nature Center – 9135 Willeo Road: Chattahoochee Nature Center is the oldest and largest private non-profit natural science learning center in the Southeast. This environmental sanctuary encompasses 27 species of native wildlife and 127 acres of native plants and gardens. The Center grows more than 50% of the rare and endangered plant species found in Georgia, in their gardens. Some gardens reflect Georgia's Living Wetlands, depicting 5 different wetland habitats that are threatened throughout the State of Georgia. A Butterfly Garden, Bog Garden with carnivorous plants, river boardwalk, and woodland trails add to the experience. This place is a bargain - $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for children 2 and under. During the year, it offers hikes with guides, canoeing trips, and other fun events.

Roswell Visitors Center – 617 Atlanta Street: The Visitors Center has two free videos that give you an overview of the town and its history – one is 12 minutes and the other is 25 minutes and goes into more detail. While in the Visitors Center, take advantage of the new “Roswell Mills and Mill Life” exhibit, including a recreation of the mill wheel that powered the cotton mills, interactive displays, and a free booklet that explains the importance of cotton and woolen mills to the development of Georgia. There’s even a large display case of Civil War artifacts for Civil War buffs.

While in the Visitors Center, be sure to get your FREE copy of the walking tour map of the Historic District. You can create your own at-your-pace tour of the historic buildings that played a part in Roswell’s history. For a more detailed tour, the Roswell Historical Society offers a docent-led walking tour on Wednesday morning at 10 am and Saturday afternoon at 1 pm. Reservations are required and a $5 per person fee applies. If those times don’t suit your schedule, there’s a taped version of the tour that rents for just $5, regardless of the number of people in your party.

Roswell Mills and Mill Life: FREE walking tour that gives you a glimpse into the lives of the Mill Workers in Roswell just before the Civil War and lets you in on the mystery of the 400 women and children who were charged with treason and deported during the war. Just go to www.visitroswellga.com/roswell-mills.html and download a copy for your favorite MP3 player. If walking is not your thing, you may check out a driving tour version in the Roswell Visitors Center.

Trilogy Pass to Bulloch Hall, Barrington Hall, and Smith Plantation homes: The pass is $18 for adults, $15 for children which saves you $2 per house off of the normal admission price. Passes may be purchased at the Roswell Visitors Center or at the first house you visit. At this time, the pass does not expire, so you can see one house on one day and then save your pass and see the other house(s) on another day.

Hike the Trails in Roswell: Sixteen miles of trails wind through the city. Vickery Creek Park, with an interpretive walk highlighting the old mill ruins, allows visitors to get close to Vickery Creek and its dam. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is linked to the trail by the Old Mill Covered Pedestrian Bridge. Enjoy the beauty of the Chattahoochee River at Azalea Park on Azalea Drive; Don White Memorial Park on Riverside Rd; Riverside Park on Riverside Road. Maps and information about the trails is available at the Roswell Visitors Center.

Riverside Sounds: These outdoor concerts occur the first Saturday of the month, from May through October at Riverside Park (575 Riverside Road). A great gathering of family, friends and young people. Bring chairs or blanket and a picnic and enjoy some of the area’s best musical artists. FREE http://www.roswellgov.com/ or 770-641-3705.

Sundays on the Square: These outdoor concerts occur May 17th, 24th, 31st and June 7th, 14tth and 21st, from 3 to 4:30 pm. Come to the Square (corner of Atlanta Street and Marietta Highway) and bring chairs or blanket and a picnic and enjoy great music. FREE http://www.roswellgov.com/ or 770-641-3705.

Outdoor Movies at Riverside Park: May 23rd – Madagascar 2; July 18th – Kung Fu Panda; August 22nd – Journey to the Center of the Earth. FREE. Bring a picnic along with your lawn chairs and blankets, enjoy great music, play on the playgrounds, and then settle in for movie fun. Food and drinks may be purchased at the concession stand. Movies begin at dark.

Alive After Five: Every third Thursday from April through October, Canton Street in Beautiful Historic Roswell celebrates Alive After Five from 5:00 PM till 9:00 PM, You will find storefront merchants and street vendors with specials for the evening, restaurants ready to serve your favorite meal, galleries with fabulous art and craft, and nonprofit organizations to inform and educate! Check out http://www.aliveafterfiveroswell.com/ for full details.

Roswell Skate Park – 830 Grimes Bridge Road: Skateboarders and in-line skaters can experience half pipes, quarter pipes, ramps, and rails. Helmets, knee pads (or long pants), shirts and shoes (skateboarders) are required. Elbow and wrist pads are encouraged. Park is open seven days a week with the exception of rain or other wet weather conditions. Skate park hours are subject to change so call 770-641-3996 for daily hours. Daily rates and quarterly passes are available.

Make It a REAL Getaway: With all that there is to do in Roswell, you'll just have to spend the night. Check out our wonderful lodging opportunities http://www.visitroswellga.com/lodging.html and transform your "Staycation" into a real Get Away!