Forsyth pitching slower, affordable summer getaway experience

Visit Forsyth leaders say families are increasingly looking for affordable, walkable destinations closer to home.

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Due to high prices in today’s economy, some families may not be able to take a summer vacation, and others may stay closer to home.  

That’s why Glinda Stanbery, the executive director and CEO of Visit Forsyth, says they use the hometown approach for visitors.      

“The downtown, hometown vibe of slowing down and relaxing, that’s what you get when you’re here,” she said. “It’s very walkable. We have lots of restaurants and unique shops, and those things help you unplug. It’s not a hurry; were rushing to some zip line or some kind of excursion, you can go fishing, those kinds of things.”

Stanbery’s message to those traveling through Monroe County, or looking to vacation in Forsyth, is that the city offers a great family environment. 

“Some of it is seasonal because it is,” she said. “Kids have gotten out of school, people are moving around. And being here off the interstate, we get to capture those folks that are moving up and down the interstate. But we also talk to those that are family friendly who want a different kind of vacation. They want to detox and unplug.”

While there isn’t one particular attraction, she says the city offers something for everyone no matter your age. 

“So when people come in and you have a half dozen folks, everything from grandma to the active six-year-old, we talk about where the family friendly dining is: ‘Did you go on the fox hunt?’ That kind of thing. We get solo travelers that just want a good trail, where are they best safe, those kinds of things. So, we look at it in terms of what the visitor asks us, then we develop our answer or suggestion accordingly.”

According to Stanbery, the summer concert series helps bring visitors to the community. But she says the fun doesn’t stop when summer ends. 

“Because that ties people of all ages together with community and music and good food,” she said. “Then it moves into late October, November, where we’re wrapping things up with the Green Tomato Festival. Then you have a have a few holiday shopping excursions, then before you know it, it’s New Year’s.” 

She also adds that most restaurants and shops are affordable for families, and all the Main Street summer concerts are free.