A Beautiful Collaboration | | |
A little back story … the CVB started Tourism Partners meetings about eight years ago to build connections and support between local businesses.
One of the early goals was to create a map, to use from the hoteliers POV, to help them provide visitors with answers to their most frequently asked questions.
Usually that includes a request for recommendations to a good restaurant or shopping experience. “We wanted to create a map that is both attractive and functional. The CVB has been the catalyst for creating public art opportunities in Forsyth and we saw the downtown map as a natural extension to the Welcome Mural and other efforts to support the creative economy.” stated Gilda Stanbery, the Forsyth Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director and CEO. The first map was a collaboration with the hoteliers, downtown merchants, and local artist, Elizabeth Hickman.
Many of the shops and restaurants have changed over the years and it was time to start fresh. Stanbery sought help from CVB Authority member and 1823 Artisan Guild founder, Denise Buff. Ms. Denise was uniquely qualified to advise Stanbery, as a Forsyth native, a Tift College alumna, retired public school teacher, and most importantly as an artist herself. “When Gilda and I discussed the next version of the map for historic downtown Forsyth, we knew we wanted to keep it a work of art as much as a visitors’ tool to get around town. I was familiar with Kari Waltz’s watercolor sketching and journaling and thought this is exactly what we are looking for.” And the rest as they say, was the beginning of a beautiful collaboration.
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Kari Waltz was clearly born to create! She is a versatile artist who works in oils, gouache, watercolor, pastels, and occasionally pyrography (wood burning). She grew up in Texas and New Mexico, received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Georgia College and State University. She taught in the Texas and Georgia public school systems for 30 years and has lived in Macon since 1986. “Helping others capture what is important to them allows me to pass forward an appreciation for observation, gratitude, and mindful reflection. Through teaching, I hope to encourage others to slow down, to communicate in both words and pictures, and to create visual diaries that hold personal significance.” Ms. Kari even created a bonus video about our map project: Mapping your way: Tips For Creating A Visitors Map.
Stanbery shared, “We are looking forward to sharing the new maps at the Welcome Center and 12 hotels and the KOA later this month. Ms. Kari’s work really highlights the beauty of Forsyth and enriches the visitors’ experience through art. She did a phenomenal job.”
| | Photos Courtesy: Kari Waltz | | |
It was big smiles all around at the ribbon cutting and re-opening of the Forsyth Golf Club.
Members and guests were excited to get out and play after four months of work on the fully renovated greens.
With the new irrigation, removal of trees and stumps, and reshaped and widened greens, Dean Darden, President of Forsyth Golf Club, was pleased to report that “Course conditions are excellent!”
Forsyth Golf Club is proud of its 90-year history and with this major renovation completed they are positioned to provide an exceptional playing experience for local players and visitors.
Golf Superintendent Kyle Weaver shared that roughly 22,000 rounds are played per year on the historic WPA course.
Forsyth’s Mayor, Eric Wilson, noted “It is exciting to see the course reopen after the new greens and irrigation was installed. Forsyth Golf Club is a gem for our community. Many golfers from near and far enjoy playing our course.”
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City council member and Golf Club liaison, Mike Dodd, explained that the city-owned golf course is a unique situation. It is fully managed and maintained by the volunteer board with costs of upkeep and operations covered through membership and greens fees. “The golf course is truly a win-win for the citizens of Forsyth.”
The 18-hole course draws visitors from across the state which is also a benefit to the local community as those players often spend additional time in Forsyth.
There’s plenty of opportunity for all ages and skill to enjoy the Forsyth Golf Club.
It is open 7 days a week (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas).
Club Fees for non-members start at just $20.
| For more information visit their Facebook page at the button below! | |
It'll Soon Be Fall, Y'all!
Fall in Forsyth is here and we’re excited for the cooler weather, corn mazes and cozy vibes of autumn! If you’re already in the Fall mindset like we are, be sure to check out our new blog titled It’ll Soon Be Fall Y’all! We get into all of the best pumpkin-spiced moments, like taking a trip to one of Forsyth’s local parks and trails. If you’re trying to time your next adventure around the changing colors of the leaves, we’ve got the Fall Foliage Map for you to browse through! This map shows you the best time for leaf peeping in Forsyth, perfect for taking pictures or going on scenic hikes.
| Photo Courtesy: John Belknap | Then, we dive into some fun autumn foliage facts to help bring the Fall spirit to life! One of the fun facts revealed is the reason why not all types of leaves change colors. If you’ve noticed during the autumn season, while most of the beautiful yellows, oranges and reds come to life for the trees, some trees stay green. The reason is that those types of trees don’t have regular leaves; they have needles. The needles are coated in a wax that helps protect the chlorophyll, which creates the green color. | Photo Courtesy: Yolanda Santiago White | Check out our Fall blog for more about the cozy season and find some inspiration for your upcoming Forsyth visit! | | |
A Great Spooky Season Read From a Tift Grad!
Between the Realms is not your typical ghost book. You will meet the ghosts and get their stories because author Dawn “Boo” Newell went to each location and personally worked with each ghost. This book is both historical and paranormal. Each story is told in the words of the ghost. Dawn “Boo” Newell went not only to get their story, but also to help them find the peace needed to move on to where they truly belong- on the Other Side.
“Boo” Newell, a Daytona Beach, Florida native, came to Tift College because her cousin, Stella Center, was an alumna.
“As a little girl my mom would bring me and my younger sister to visit Stella. She would always tell us about Tift and show us around the campus. I remember thinking how great it would be to attend Tift. Stella, in her generosity, left money in her will, to help make that possible.”
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One of “Boo” Newell’s favorite Tift stories was the big snow storm of 1973. “The snow was inches deep and classes had been cancelled. Everyone was so excited! Before we knew it, all four floors of my dorm, Upshaw, had emptied out into the snow. A huge snowball fight erupted. It was chaotic, and one never knew where the next snowball was going to come from. We got soaked, but boy did we have fun! There are plenty more stories and memories from my time at Tift, but the overall memory that had the most impact was the camaraderie and support for each other among the Tift students which has led to lifelong friendships.”
You have a chance to hear more on the paranormal and meet “Boo” Newell at the next Tift Talks on October 4th.
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The History is in the Details
What are those things?!
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They are vents. Several buildings around the Monroe County courthouse square in downtown Forsyth, have in their facades decorative metal vents.
The purpose of these vents is not for decoration, but for function. These lovely additions help to reduce the heat build-up in the structure especially during our hot summer months.
These medallion vents seem to have been most popular in the last quarter of the 19th century when most of Forsyth’s examples came into existence.
The use of these manufactured vents reflects developments in metallurgy too, when wrought (hand-made) iron gave way to cast iron. Cast iron was easily mass produced and therefore less expensive.
Even though the Bramblett brothers at 7 West Johnston Street were metalsmiths, they most likely bought from a manufacturer the three metal vents in the forefront of their building.
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In addition to the vents on those storefronts, there is another example at once was the long-time home of the Monroe County Bank. It is now 11 West Johnston St. and houses professional offices.
Originally, there were vents in the facade of Forsyth Mercantile next door to the Rose Theater, but after the Grits Café fire of 2012, those vents were destroyed and not replaced.
Keep an eye out for these vents on North Lee Street where some of the oldest downtown buildings can be found. How many vents will you find strolling downtown Forsyth?
—Ralph Bass, local historian
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These New Signs Sure Have Forsyth Looking Good!
City Hall
The city of Forsyth’s new City Hall, completed in 2021, is a hub for municipal services and community gatherings.
A new digital sign has been installed as a central part of the city's effort to keep the community informed. #GoTeamForsyth!
The Rose Theater
Gone are the nostalgic neon lights from the Rose's marquee! After the fire next door last year, they had to be replaced. The Backlot Players chose vivid new LED lettering and a digital screen reminiscent of its days as a movie theater.
Keep an eye on the marquee for this season's shows and ticket information.
#SeeYouAtTheShow 🌹
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Have Y'all Met Hazel?
Say hello to Hazel our sun-loving employee. Hazel is a Dracaena trifasciata, also known as a “snake plant,” “mother-in-law’s tongue,” “Saint George’s sword,” or “Viper’s bowstring hemp.”
That last nickname came about because there was a time when the hemp fibers from these plants were used to make bowstrings.
Hazel came to the CVB about a year ago, leaving her former home at the Monroe County History Museum, when they were renovating their exhibits.
We are not sure how old Hazel is (and a lady never tells), but she had been cared for by Jimmy Zellner for the last five or six years.
Hazel is currently in her blooming era as shown by the shorter green and white stalk in the front. Come by the Welcome Center and say hi!
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Making Headlines!
The Visit Forsyth team received an alert this week when Family Destinations Guide published a scrumptious tale of their visit to Juliette and the Whistle Stop Cafe! Check out:
The Homemade Pies At This Cafe In Georgia Are So Good, They’re Worth The Road Trip
By: Anna Taylor
There’s something almost magical about a perfect slice of homemade pie.
That moment when your fork breaks through the flaky crust, revealing the treasure within, and you know you’re about to experience something transcendent.
In the tiny town of Juliette, Georgia, that magic happens daily at The Whistle Stop Cafe.
This unassuming little eatery might look like just another roadside stop from the outside, but locals and in-the-know travelers understand it’s actually pie paradise disguised as a humble Southern cafe.
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Hungry for More? Another Foodie Story From Travel, Taste + Tour
Our ears are buzzing over here at the Forsyth Convention & Visitors Bureau, as Forsyth was featured in yet another publication this month, this time Travel, Taste + Tour! And we don't mean to toot our own horns, but...we're even getting some time on their homepage! (Toot, toot!)
Check out:
Sip & Savor in Forsyth: A Foodie’s Paradise
Every meal tells a story, and in Forsyth, Georgia, you’ll find no shortage of delicious dishes and local stories. We are home to Chef Chelsia Ogletree, the recent winner of Food Network’s hit television show Chopped, and the nearby iconic film location, the Whistle Stop Cafe. Get ready to explore, Forsyth is a foodie’s paradise all wrapped up in small-town charm.
| | | On The Calendar Highlights | | | | |
Still Standing: A Tribute to Elton John
Get ready for an incredible night celebrating the legendary music of Elton John! Join us on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 7:30PM for Still Standing: A Tribute to Elton John, a spectacular musical journey that brings Elton’s greatest hits to life. From the soaring melodies of Rocket Man and Tiny Dancer to the heartfelt ballads of Candle in the Wind and Your Song, this electrifying tribute captures the magic, energy, and showmanship of one of music’s most iconic artists.
Purchase Tickets Here!
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Forsyth Main Street Fall Festival & Community Yard Sale
Fall into deals and fun at the Fall Festival & Community Yard Sale on Jackson St in downtown Forsyth! The event takes place on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 11AM – 3PM.
Sign Up Here!
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High Falls State Park Junior Fishing Rodeo
Celebrate Your State Parks Day at High Falls State Park! This year the park is hosting a Junior Fishing Rodeo on Saturday September 27, 2025 from 9AM – 12PM! There will be loaner poles available, first come, first served!
Call (478) 993-3053 to register.
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Forsyth Main Street Presents: The Ray Howard Band
Jam to the sounds of The Ray Howard Band and enjoy celebrating fall in downtown Forsyth! The concert starts at 7:30PM. Bring your table, chairs, and don't forget the family. Y'all are sure to have a blast!
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The 1823 Artisan Guild Presents: 2nd Annual Plein Air Middle Georgia Event
The 1823 Artisan Guild is hosting their 2nd Annual Plein Air Middle Georgia Event on Saturday, October 18, 2025. This year artists will travel to the small town of Juliette, famous for being the film set of Fried Green Tomatoes and home to the world renowned Whistle Stop Cafe, for a "Quick Draw" Paint Out from 9:00AM – 11:30AM. The paintings will be judged on site and prizes will be awarded. Whistle Stop Cafe will also offer a special lunch for those registered event participants. This is a can’t miss day of sightseeing and artistry!
Sign Up Here!
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Green Tomato Festival
Missed getting your fried green tomatoes? Head over to nearby Juliette for the Green Tomato Festival, October 25-26, 2025 in celebration of the movie, Fried Green Tomatoes, that makes Juliette world-famous. Eat at the delicious Whistle Stop Cafe, browse booths of goods made by local artisans, enjoy live music and partake in the unique shops and boutiques of Juliette! #GetFried #Towanda!
| | | | | To make sure you have all the information you need to plan a memorable visit to Forsyth, we gladly provide plenty of resources, guides and tools to help you along the way. | | | | |
