The 64-mile highway that circles Atlanta is the unofficial perimeter that marks the end of the city and the beginning of the ’burbs. Inside, you’re ITP (inside the perimeter); outside, you’re OTP. The merits of each have long been argued, and recent census data have fanned the fl ames by showing OTP population numbers skyrocketing while ITP numbers stagnate. Fighting for their location’s honor, two Atlanta restaurateurs—one ITP, one OTP—step into the ring to battle it out. Stacey Eames owns Highland Bakery (with three ITP locations) and lives in Old Fourth Ward. Barbara DiJames owns grace 1720 in Norcross and lives a few miles away from her restaurant.

Ladies, your arguments please.

DIJAMES: I think the reason more people are migrating OTP is because it aff ords you your “cake-and-eat-it-too;” you get the best of both worlds. The air is cleaner, there are plenty of parks (The Greenway, Jones Bridge Park) and open spaces to hike, bike and enjoy.

EAMES: You can find lots of parks and green spaces within the city. Since I spend so much time in the kitchen, I love to be outdoors whenever possible. I enjoy taking a quick jog through Grant Park. Since I’m only a few miles from work, I love riding my bike or jogging to work. I’m especially excited about the new Historic Fourth Ward Park. I would never move OTP. I love the ITP vibe. I love the diversity of the people who come into our restaurants. There’s something special about meeting people from all walks of life—and yet there’s a commonality. I’m not sure I can pinpoint it, but there’s a common thread that definitely exists within the ITP demographic.

DIJAMES: The international culture and diversity of ITP is finding its way out here, too. I see a multinational clientele showing up everywhere OTP. I am blessed to live and work OTP and yet still be able to be ITP in just 20 minutes when I feel the need to test my survival instincts, pay double for a great meal and see all my good friends that I truly do miss.

EAMES: Maybe your friends like living ITP for the same reasons I do—the accessibility to art galleries like Inman Park’s Whitespace and cool movie theaters like the historic Plaza Theatre and Midtown Art Cinema. For cool shoes and casual wear I love hip shopping destinations like Junkman’s Daughter and Abbadabba’s in Little Five Points.

DIJAMES: For those of us who are honest enough to know we’d look ridiculous still buying our clothes in a hip Little Five Points boutique, we’re running as fast as we can to fi nd our new “happy place” OTP. I’m speaking for myself and many others when I tell you that when you reach the point you’re not “cool enough” to deal with all the ITP excitement, you move OTP. You know the excitement I’m talking about—the late-night noise from the club a block from your condo, the sirens that wake you up in the middle of the night and the bad parking situation whenever you want to go hit the next “it” restaurant.

EAMES: If you ever stood on my back porch, you’d understand that living ITP doesn’t have to be synonymous with snarling traffic and buzzing BlackBerries. I overlook an organic garden and a creek that fl ows nearly year-round. Coastal oaks are flecked with local birds; even the majestic red-tailed hawk makes an occasional appearance. Mix in some Georgia plume, fl owering hydrangeas and blue false indigo, and you’ll understand why my ITP “well-being” is just that.

ITP or OTP? That is still the question.