Valdosta, GA

Freedom Park is the place to be for outdoor recreation in Valdosta. This 250-acre park contains eight baseball diamonds with concessions and restrooms, 10 acres of soccer fields, a playground, and an 18-hole disc golf course. A small paved walking trail and a longer shaded hiking trail also wind through the park.

Guests can bring their four-legged friends to the complex’s large dog park, with sections for both large and small-breed canines. Freedom Park hosts baseball, softball, and disc golf tournaments throughout the season and holds a regional Olympic tournament each spring. Park facilities are available for rental for large events.

Address: Freedom Park, 3795 Guest Rd. Valdosta, GA 31605

The Grand Bay Wetland Education Center is part of the 8,700-acre Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area. The goal of the center is to teach children about the local wetland habitat. Students and children can learn about the wetlands, and the plants and animals who live there as well as their relationships to each other.

The center offers hands-on educational experiences and contains a 54-foot tower where visitors can get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area.

Address: Grand Bay Wetland Education Center, 4661 Knight Academy Rd, Valdosta, GA, Phone: 229-546-4094

The historic Pittman House dates back to 1915, when it was built as a family residence for the prominent entrepreneur and inventor, E.R. Barber.

The house is an excellent example of early 20th century domestic Neo Classicism and contains design elements which were way ahead of the times. The exterior is characterized by a simple but striking columned entrance, linteled windows and the fanlight over the front door. When Mr. Barber passed away the house was left to his daughter, Ola Barber, who bequeathed it to the “people of Valdosta”. Today the building is home to the Valdosta Chamber of Commerce. Visitors may download a detailed walking tour to use when visiting.

Address: Ola Barber - Pittman House, 416 N. Ashley Street, Valdosta, GA 31601, Phone: 229 247 8100

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

The Lowndes County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the rich history of Valdosta and the surrounding area. Their museum covers roughly 10,000 square feet and includes a vast archive full of photographs and documents from the early days of the city and a large research library full of books, government documents, and genealogy records.

There are also exhibits dedicated to Valdosta’s military history, and a large collection of textiles that showcases uniforms and clothing from various historical periods.

Address: Lowndes County Historical Society and Museum, 305 West Central Ave Valdosta, GA 31601, Phone: 229-247-4780

For over 100 years, the South Georgia Pecan Company has been processing and selling the finest pecans harvested in the area. The company owns four plants that clean, shell, and package the nuts for consumers to purchase.

Visitors to Valdosta can stop at the gift shop and purchase pecans, almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, peanuts, and snack mixes. The store sells relishes, BBQ sauces, chutneys, jams, jellies, hot sauces, and gift baskets as well. The company can also arrange for bulk and wholesale orders.

Address: South Georgia Pecan Company, 401 East Hill Ave Valdosta, GA 31601, Phone: 229-244-0686

Named for its crescent-shaped front porch, “The Crescent” is a 23-room Southern mansion built by Senator William S. West in 1898. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The home is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and is an ideal venue for weddings, parties, receptions, and club meetings. Several area garden clubs also meet here. Special events such as flower shows and antique sales are held at the gardens throughout the year.

Address: The Crescent, 904 North Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31604, Phone: 229-244-6747

The arts are alive in Valdosta! Turner Center for the Arts contains six galleries and over 17,000 square feet of space. The galleries house works both regional and international, old and new. Permanent exhibits include a large collection of East African art and a small collection of European porcelains.

With approximately 30 exhibits displayed annually, there is always something new at the Turner Center. Visitors can stop by the center’s large gift shop before leaving. The shop sells unique jewelry, pottery, and art items as well as books, CDs, and more.

Address: Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson St Valdosta, GA 31601 Phone: 229-247-ARTS

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Adventure awaits at Wild Adventures! This theme park has rides, games, and attractions for adventurers of all ages. Their newest attraction is Ohana Bay, which features seven water slides and is part of their Splash Island water park. The park also has rides such as roller coasters, carousels, Ferris wheels, a zoo with exotic animals and birds, an arcade, mini golf, go kart racing, and more!

Dining, shopping, concerts, and live shows are also offered at the park. Wild Adventures is open from March until the end of December and is closed January and February. Splash Island is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Address: Wild Adventures, 3766 Old Clyattville Rd Valdosta, GA 31601

Celebrating their 34th Season of live entertainment, the Theatre Guild Valdosta is once again rolling out a full calendar of marvelous shows to suit all ages. The guild was established in 1989 and bought their own theatre (a dilapidated old movie house) in 1992. Since then the guild has not looked back and continues to wow the crowds and to educate the next generation of actors, known as the Gingerbread Players. These young artists produce 2 productions each year – auditions are open to children from 6 years of age. Season 34 will include several well-loved productions including Shrek – the Musical, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White and the Play that goes Wrong.

Address: Theatre Guild Valdosta, 122 N. Ashley Street, Valdosta, GA 31601, Phone: 229-24STAGE

Owned and operated by a pair of beer-loving friends who met at university, the Georgia Beer Company is the southern-most brewery in the state.

While their beers may be brewed according to traditional methods, the owners of Georgia Beer Company intend their brews to be a tribute to Georgia and go out of their way to source as many of their ingredients as possible from local suppliers. While the beers available at the Tap Room are constantly changing, there are a few flagship brews which are always available. These include blonde ale, a fruited IPA, their Coffee Milk Stout and 2 fruited blonde ales. Several more choices are available seasonally.

Address: Georgia Beer Company, 109 S. Briggs Street, Valdosta, GA 31601, Phone: 229 588 4664