City of Forsyth marker in front of the capital

7 Reasons to Get Away to Forsyth

Sometimes you don't have to go far to get away from it all. Cruising down Georgia’s I-75, stop an hour south of downtown Atlanta to discover a place with natural beauty, a star-studded past, and captivating small-town charm. Stay awhile and make Forsyth your home base for exploring nearby attractions. Escape for the weekend, or make it a unique stop on a road trip to or from the state’s beaches. Here are just seven of the reasons to pack up for a Forsyth getaway.

*Before venturing out, check the locations and events below for special dates, hours, and policies.
 

2 kids paddleboard on the lake

1. Park It and Play

Take in the fresh air, soak up incredible views, and explore wide-open spaces with countless outdoor activities. Head to High Falls State Park and admire the tumbling cascades of the Towaliga River, the tallest waterfall south of Atlanta. Kayak, canoe, and fish in the lake, golf, or traverse a hilly forest on the park’s pet-friendly hiking trails. Stay under the stars at nearby Dames Ferry State Park, home to campgrounds on the shores of Lake Juliette. Make Forsyth’s six-city parks your playground! Have a picnic, or pump up on the skate track, or cool down at the Splash Pad at the Country Club Park.

two women look at a case of strawberries outside of the red Hamilin Hills barn

2. Spend a Day at the Farm

It’s all local-grown family fun and games at Hamlin Hills Farm. Take an educational tour, and visit the farm animals. Eat like a local and try iconic Georgia peaches, or get your fill of smoked brisket and fresh-cooked barbecue. Here, you’ll also find a variety of antiques on display. See vintage tractors and trucks, and even climb inside a Vietnam-era helicopter. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for local wines, moonshine, and uniquely delicious canned foods, jams, and jellies.

Photo by Ralph Daniel of a man and woman sitting on a porch at the Whistle Stop Cafe

3. Go On Location

Visit the locations of movies and television shows filmed in and around Forsyth. The Whistle Stop Café in Juliette is best known from the iconic film, Fried Green Tomatoes. Stroll McCracken street, for tributes to the film like “Ruth+Idgie,” Buddy’s arm, and the smokehouse. Right outside Juliette, you’ll find the bridge from Baby Driver.

Rose Theater sign light up in neon at night

4. Explore Vibrant Arts & Culture

Home to theaters, museums, galleries, and more, Forsyth’s vibrant art & culture scene lets you explore your creative side. The Rose Theater in the heart of downtown Forsyth is home to the Backlot Players, a community theater group.  Also, check out the cultural programs at the Monroe County Fine Arts Center. This 1,200 seat performance, vintage theater venue presents a variety of pro-touring entertainment. Visit the 1823 Artisan Guild to browse the inspiring work from local artists. If you’re looking for a creative outlet, attend a workshop to learn from the artisans themselves. Check out the annual Art Walk in September.

big burger with fried green tomato and a knife through the top with a side of sweet potato fries

5. Get a Taste of Hometown Eats

Dine at Forsyth’s local restaurants to experience warm Southern hospitality and delicious eats from comfort food to modern menus. The Whistle Stop Café in Juliette is a top lunch spot for fans of the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes.” For more, good Southern fusion cooking, try Grits Café, a hometown staple since 1999. Enjoy your favorite pie outside in the heart of the downtown at Jonah’s on Johnston, a family-owned, brick oven pizza shop. Catch the pop-up kitchen Her Majesty and indulge in a New Orleans-inspired menu including Creole and Cajun cuisines to Spanish and French.

2 women walk out of a strip mall

6. Stroll Downtown Shops

Take an afternoon stroll through Forsyth’s unique shops, boutiques, and the spa. We love Hometown Treasures for souvenirs, home décor, and gifts that can be personalized on the spot. Or update your wardrobe at Cotique Boutique and Sage & Sparrow, with the latest trends in women’s and girls' fashion and accessories. 

aerial view of the street during a festival filled with people

7. Find Year-Round Festival Fun

Take a break from the every day and plan your trip around Forsyth’s top festivals and events. In March, the award-winning Forsythia Festival signals the start of spring with a two-day art show, children’s fair, 5k race, live entertainment, FaithFest singing competition, and more. Follow the sounds of summer concerts in the historic downtown square during the Night Market Festival. 

When the leaves start to change, head over to Hamlin Hills Farm for the Fall Music & Arts Festival. Find your way through the corn maze, pick a pumpkin, or stop by the petting zoo while you enjoy local art and music. Get into the Halloween spirit and bob for apples at the Fall Festival on the Square, or head to High Falls Spook Fest for s’mores and trick-or-treating. 

Fall is a great time to explore nearby Juliette when the entire town comes to life with live music, arts and crafts, and local vendors filling the streets at the Green Tomato Festival.
 

Enjoy some safe distance from home and retreat to Forsyth, Georgia. View our Visit Forsyth video on YouTube, explore more or call 478-974-1460 for travel information. 

Published: July 2020

Sponsored Content

Scroll To Top