Drive about an hour south of Atlanta and you will find one of the South’s sweetest small towns full of friendly people, historic sites, great restaurants and enough shops to keep you busy for a day or more. If you haven’t planned a visit to Forsyth, Georgia and Monroe County, what are you waiting for? This charming area nestled between Atlanta and Macon has a major claim to fame and a lot of things for you to discover. It’s worth that short drive to see them all.

Have lunch on a “movie set”

Forsyth and Monroe County have their own claim to fame. The movie “Fried Green Tomatoes” was shot in Juliette in the early 90s. The Whistle Stop Cafe attracts thousands of visitors each year. If you’ve seen the movie, you will quickly recognize the cash register and front porch. And yes, they do serve their famous Fried Green Tomatoes there, of course. You can’t go there and not order them!

After you eat, wander through beautiful Juliette. You will find many places adapted from the movie. I don’t remember if this is what the police department looked like in the film, though.

If you enjoy antique shopping, you will find several in Juliette. I could spend hours in the stores. Now, I purchased a few things but I still regret not taking this guy home. I did get a cool T-shirt. It says “Towanda!” of course. If you’ve seen the movie, you get it.

Just past the town is Lake Juliette. It’s known for its fishing. I just enjoyed sitting by the water.

Visit downtown

If you go downtown when you visit Forsyth, Georgia, you are missing out on some of the best the town has to offer. The centerpiece of the town is the county courthouse. Built in 1896, it is on the National Register of Historic Places. Surrounding the courthouse you will find a time capsule buried in September 2021 as part of the county’s 200th anniversary celebration. Walk around to the other side to view the Monroe County-Forsyth War Memorial created to honor residents who served in the armed services. 

History buffs can learn more about the town at the Historic Brick Train Depot that houses the Monroe County Museum. Trains traveling between Savannah and Atlanta stopped regularly at the depot. Forsyth residents could take the train to Atlanta, shop and return home the same day. 

Just across the tracks from the depot is the old Tift College campus, which served female students from 1849 until it closed in 1987. Several collections in the stone depot depict life at the college. t

Downtown Forsyth is a shopper’s paradise for those looking for things you can’t find in a mall. Women will love the selection at Branded Starr and BMonroe Boutique. You can find unique gifts at the Girl and the Goat. Soaps and bath bombs are popular now. A Girl & a Goat has a wonderful selection of bath bombs and other homemade soaps. You will find some pretty cool artwork there, too. 

The 1823 Artisan Guild is also a must-see when you visit Forsyth, Georgia. It was located downtown when we first visited. It is now located at 30 East Main Street. I purchased the original artwork that is the centerpiece of our living room while I was there. Local can sign up for one of their many classes.

Theaters were once central to southern small towns. The historic Rose Theater is a gorgeous centerpiece downtown and is beautiful when lit. Plan a visit when the Backlot Players are performing and take in a show. 

Don’t forget to eat when visiting Forsyth, Georgia

You don’t have to move your car to find a great restaurant to quell your hunger. Downtown Forsyth has something for every palate. Enjoy lunch or dinner at Grits Cafe, one of the town’s most recognizable eateries. If you are lucky, you will visit when they are serving their delectable steak.

For those wanting a spicy cuisine from south of the border, try the tacos at Sol Tacos and Tequilas. Are you craving pizza? Grab a slice at Jonah’s on Johnston. I had to try the Forsythian Ultimo while I was there. It’s the perfect combination of ingredients.

Her Majesty’s Kitchen is a delight you don’t want to miss. When we visited, Chef Chelsia Ogletree was still operating a pop-up restaurant. She has not only moved to a larger location on Adams Street, but she also won an episode of the Food Network’s Chopped! Chef Chelsia Ogletree won me over with this incredible charcuterie board that began our meal. I ate a crawdad for the first time when I was there. The fish is still the best I have ever tasted. I still dream about her cornbread. We have a complete review here.

More to do

Downtown Forsyth is the hub of Monroe County but you will find more on the outskirts of town. Hamlin Farms has great produce and several pieces of interesting art. I can attest that their outhouse is the cleanest one in Georgia based on my experience. 

We also spent a great few hours at High Falls State Park. You can see several beautiful waterfalls without having to hike a lot of hills. I hope to return and stay in one of their yurts.

You will also find plenty of comfortable accommodations for a weekend stay or longer. We were hosted at Comfort Suites. We slept so well and the breakfast was excellent. It’s conveniently located off I-75. You can find a complete list of accommodations here.

Visiting Forsyth, Georgia is easy to plan thanks to the great resources at the Forsyth Convention and Visitors Bureau. Be sure to stop by and say hello to them when you are in town.