Atlanta According to Doria Roberts

Singer/activist/restaurant owner Doria Roberts has lived in Midtown on and off for 19 years, “moved here April 1996 right before the Olympics,” she says. A prolific performing artist, Roberts repped Atlanta at the original Lilith Fair in 1999 and has toured all over the U.S., France, Canada, Sweden, Japan, and Australia. She is currently affiliated with myriad food, arts, and community organizations including Georgia Organics, Slow Food USA, the Southern Foodways Alliance, C4 Atlanta, and is a member of the Center for Civil and Human Rights. On a typical Friday night Roberts says, “My wife Calavino and I find ourselves in our restaurants getting ready for the openings! Hopefully we can enjoy a night out soon!” Here are some of Roberts’ favorite things about life in Atlanta.

The first 3 words that come to mind when I think of Atlanta are music, civil rights and dogwood trees (my favorite).

Virginia-Highland is my favorite neighborhood because there’s something for just about everyone.

One of the most inspiring things about Atlanta is its arts and activist communities and how they intersect to get real work done.

My home office is my favorite spot in the city to think deep thoughts by myself.

Kimball House is where I take my visiting foodie friends for dinner.

One thing I think might make Atlanta a little bit better is a more developed downtown that’s not just for tourists and includes more locally owned businesses.

Variety Playhouse is my favorite place to play live music in Atlanta.

My favorite view in Atlanta is anywhere I can get an unobstructed view of a full moon.

When I need to feel rejuvenated home is where I go. I really love our house. We’re always so busy so it feels like a retreat after a long day of being in the public eye.

Our new restaurants Madre + Mason, Urban Cannibals, and especially Tipple + Rose Tea Parlor and Apothecary are something I feel really passionate about right now. I’m so excited to learn more about tea and be able to teach people about it.

The nearest King of Pops stand is my favorite place to go when it is really freakin’ hot.

Wisteria is where I go for a chill weeknight dinner. They always get it right and it’s never fussy.

The best advice you could give an Atlanta visitor is try to stay away from tourist trap attractions, definitely get to Piedmont Park, visit the smaller neighborhoods and ask random locals what to do.

Atlanta’s motto should be: You’re never a stranger here.