Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog

If you have out-of-town company and you're taking them out to dinner, where is the one place you would take them? If you said Canton Street in Roswell, you would have plenty of company.

It is a street that has found charm and appeal that makes it a place where people want to be. The restaurants, pubs, art galleries and shops that make up a quarter-mile of the Historic District seem to have hit on just the right recipe for trendiness.

As far as Mayor Jere Wood is concerned, Canton Street is better than the Chamber of Commerce.

"It is the city's best selling point, no question," he said. "It is the best generator of businesses. It's where things are happening. We hope to expand that model in the Groveway District to the Square and Highway 9."

The city recently cut the ribbon for the new streetscape on Ga. 9 (Atlanta Street), and at the ceremony the city Transportation Director Steve Acenbrak boasted since the project began four years ago, 10 new businesses had located in empty storefronts along the road.

But Canton Street boasts nine new business openings since February. Realtors monitor the properties on Canton because when they become available, they go quickly. Property values have proven to be well nigh recession-proof.

Of course, Canton Street is really more than one street. It is a warren of side streets such as Goulding Place, Plum Street and Cherry Way that provide more retail and residential space in the area.

Michael Curling's company New Kent Capital is among the most active investors in Canton Street owning several properties. Renovating the old properties is no small expense, but the rewards have made the efforts worthwhile.

A big part of Canton Street's success has been its pedestrian atmosphere. People don't mind parking and then walking up and down the street, Curling said.

"It definitely contributes to the charm of Canton and the people who live in the district add to the mix. They are fiercely loyal to the shops on Canton," he said.

Curling's Roswell High School friend Ryan Pernice realized a dream when he came back home to open his own restaurant on Canton called Table and Main.

"If you wanted Park Avenue in Roswell, Canton Street is it," Pernice said. "This is an amazing vibrant community. You see it happening on the street and it is a really cool feeling. There is a cafeteria effect of people walking up and down choosing this shop or that.

"And every new business brings more capital and development. And that raises the lowest common denominator [on Canton.]"

His popular restaurant is only 10 months old, but Pernice says Table and Main already fits right in with the regulars.

"It's like we've been here forever," Pernice said.

Among the newest businesses on Canton Street the attraction ranged from "love at first sight," to biding one's time.

For Cheryl Taylor and Laurie Clarke it was a bit of both. They opened Taylor Clarke Bridals, in one of the classic addresses on the north end at 1175 Canton Street, in what is called The Perry House, built in the 1880s.

But they had been working on Canton Street for 15 years.

"The real estate lady took me all over Atlanta, but when we crossed the Chattahoochee and came up Canton, that was it," Taylor said. "We waited a long time for the right place to open our own shop."

Clarke is equally charmed by their building, but also by the closeness of the business community on Canton.

"Everyone refers their customers to other shops on Canton. There is real sense of community here," Clarke said.

Jenna Cao couldn't resist the charm of Canton either. She has the successful Chateau de Nails in Crabapple, but she kept an eye out for a spot on Canton to open Chateau de Nails II.

"I always knew if I opened a second business it would be here," Cao said. "It's pretty popping around here. And when this building [at 1159 Canton] became available – I just went, 'oooh.' I feel like the area chose me too."

Oli + ve is a unique new shop on Canton specializing in selling olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Started by Suzanne Davidson and Deborah Hardee, it is a curious business. But one that seems to have plenty of satisfied customers who leave carrying sacks of virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

They also have pasta, rubs, spices and herbs. But it is the 10- to 18-year-old balsamic vinegar poured over ice cream that piques customers' taste buds.

Davidson said it was the foot traffic along Canton that appealed to them.

"Day in and day out, people are passing by. It almost has a European feel. People just enjoy being outdoors and going shop to shop," Davidson said.

Like fine wines, aged balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil are best sampled. And to do that, the palate must be educated. Thus, a dozen or more varieties of olive oil are offered for the tasting.

"We want to educate people to what is on the label versus what is in the bottle," Davidson said. "We love to see people's reaction after trying it for the first time. They keep coming back."

At Little Alley Steak, people know what they are getting. Hicham Ashari and his partner Fikret Kovac just opened their third eatery on Canton Street. Little Alley Steak is a white tablecloth, upscale restaurant on Canton that follows his gastro-pub Salt Factory (formerly Red Salt) and Inc. Table Food, a Mexican pub.

"I've been in this business 16 years," Ashari said. "To me, this street is the heart and history of Roswell and old Atlanta."

With its galleries, antique stores and other shops, he says it is an ideal place to dine and shop – or shop and dine.

"This street has an originality you can't find just anywhere. Why a steak house? It was a concept that was needed. Canton needs a good steak place that is not corporate-owned, "he said.

Already it has been voted among the top four steak places in Atlanta along with McKendrick's, Bones and Hal's.

The mayor said Canton Street is the best thing going for Roswell right now, culturally and business-wise.

"The biggest problem we have on Canton Street is there is not enough parking. And that's a good problem to have, because it means a lot of people want to go there," Wood said.

"Simply put, Canton Street is the economic engine of Roswell," he said.

Labels: canton street, downtown roswell, Roswell, Salt

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 goes like this: 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.

The Manor is currently looking for volunteers and individuals to work the event. Opportunities include actors, set designers, set decorators and general assistants. If you are interested in working, please contact Lauren Clowney at 770.594.6134 or lclowney@roswellgov.com.

Tickets are available at the door or pre-registration is accepted online at www.roswellgov.com. For online registration, please allow 24-hours for processing new households. Program numbers for online registration are 12014-01 for the regular admission and 12014-02 for the October 24, 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. admission.

For more details, visit www.roswellgov.com/themanorhauntedhouse, or call 770.641.3705.

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Brian and Jennifer Vanderhoff
North Fulton County REALTORS
Vanderhoff Real Estate
(770) 888-9269
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Labels: 42nd annual roswell, City of Roswell, downtown roswell, Halloween

Bundle up your family in their favorite sweats, grab a reusable grocery bag (for candy catching, of course) and head to Historic Canton Street in Downtown Roswell for the 58th Annual Frances McGahee Youth Day Parade on Saturday, October 11 at 10 a.m.

A long-standing tradition in Roswell, Youth Day was started in 1950 by a group of concerned parents and has become one of the most successful events in City history. The City of Roswell celebrates Youth Day annually on the second Saturday of October with a parade and festival. This event gives local youth organizations, such as scout troops, schools, dance and performing arts students, the opportunity to be recognized for their accomplishments. Each year, the event grows with even more floats, marching bands and spectators.

This year’s theme is “Go Green” and promises to showcase some exceptional environmental messages. So come out with your family, bring a blanket and enjoy this truly unique event!

Don’t head home after the parade! Stop at Roswell Area Park football field where children 15 & under may receive a free lunch courtesy of StarTime Entertainment while supplies last. Kids will also enjoy activities including inflatable slides and
moonwalk, pony rides, a climbing wall, entertain-ment and much more.

If you or your group would like to participate in the Youth Day Parade, call the Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department at 770.641.3705 for an application.

Labels: 58th annual frances mcgahee youth day parade, City of Roswell, downtown roswell, Georgia, historic canton street, youth day parade