Dear Mr. and Mrs. Frustrated Vacationer,

In the eternal pursuit of a getaway that doesn't involve inflated beach house prices or campgrounds demanding a second mortgage, my beloved partner and I stumbled upon a revelation—why not ditch the chaos and explore a smaller town? And what better companion for this adventure than a film festival? Welcome to Tryon, NC, our unsuspecting hero in the battle against vacation woes.

Bid farewell to the days of sandy shores and reasonably priced beach house rentals; they now exist solely in our nostalgic daydreams. The once-beloved beaches have morphed into bustling metropolises, with rental prices that would make even a real estate broker blush—$5,000 to $8,000 a week, anyone? A steal, I'm sure. And don't even get me started on campgrounds; pitching a tent now requires a small fortune.

Enter Tryon, the North Carolinian oasis that promises not just tranquility but a temporary escape from reality itself. In a town where time meanders instead of races, and the only rush is the gentle breeze, we found ourselves recognizing Tryon, NC as a cocoon of serenity. Who needs overpriced beachside mansions when you can revel in the comforting rustle of leaves and earn approving nods from locals who've mastered the art of just chilling?

As fate would have it, we stumbled upon the Tryon International Film Festival—a seemingly perfect addition to anyone's escape. Because, clearly, nothing says relaxation like immersing yourself in the world of cinema, right? Who needs the crashing waves when you can have riveting narratives unfold on the silver screen or in the form of a podcast listening room?

Choosing Tryon over the mainstream tourist traps turned out to be nothing short of genius. Accommodations that don’t require a second mortgage? Check. Quaint streets, inviting cafes, art studios, and friendly locals? Check, check, and check. Brace yourself for a refreshing departure from the commercialized chaos we've come to expect.

So, in conclusion, heed this word to the wise: pack your bags, opt for the road less traveled, and let it lead you straight to Tryon, NC and undoubtedly, a damn good story.

Here's to last night's great dinner discussion!

Cheers,

Kirk Gollwitzer