Valdosta is a city located in the flat coastal plains of southern Georgia, just a few miles from the state’s border with Florida. It was founded in 1860, just a few months before the outbreak of the American Civil War. At a long distance from combat, it had grown rapidly, and by 1910 was counted as the richest city in America. Still prized for its standard of living, it has turned into a thriving college city. Attractive, passionate about sports, and full of sightseeing potential, ‘Azalea City’ is a great family stopover on the way to Florida’s beaches and theme parks. These are The Best Things to Do in Valdosta- fun attractions to top everything off.
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Visit The Annette Turner Center for the Arts
The Annette Turner Center for the Arts is the centerpiece of the art scene of Valdosta. This art center covers about 17,000 square feet and contains seven galleries that showcase the work of local and national artists.
There are several exhibitions on display all year round that showcases the work of up-and-coming artists. The permanent exhibits include an impressively large 600 piece collection of East African art, a 30 piece European porcelain collection, and much more. The art center displays more than 30 exhibits annually, so no matter when you visit this art space, you will see the wondrous works of talented artists.
If you are an enthusiast, this place will be the perfect location for relishing the local art scene. You can even buy the art pieces on display.
There is a gift shop on the premises where you can purchase several amazing things such as handmade soaps, stained glass, regional books, candles, wood carvings, palette knife paintings, and so much more fantastic stuff.
Wild Adventures
In fact, you don’t even need to cross the state border into Florida to get the adrenaline flowing at a theme park. Wild Adventures is well-named, combining eight major roller coasters and other thrill rides with a Polynesian-themed water park called Splash Island and a zoo.
There are rides suitable for younger children as well as adults, and a safari train which allows visitors to get up close to native animals and the likes of lions and elephants. Wild Adventures is located 10 miles south of Valdosta, just off Interstate 75 in Clyattville.
Nightlife & Entertainment
For nightlife and entertainment, downtown Valdosta is the best place to hang out. Downtown Valdosta is home to many cafes, upscale restaurants and theaters. If you are looking for live music and entertainment venues, Taqueria del Sureste and Maria’s Restaurant & Lounge are two great places that feature live bands, games and salsa nights.
If you are looking for more entertainment in Valdosta, the Valdosta State University is also home to a variety of arts and dance performances worth checking out.
Valdosta Wake Compound
Valdosta Wake Compound is a cable park made by riders for riders. Their priority is the safety of the visitors over everything else, and their cables are tested to be the safest. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. The instructors are accommodating and knowledgeable and will make your experience even more enjoyable.
The cable park is open every day from 11 in the morning to 7 in the evening, and the prices for the cable start as low as $20 for one hour. If you want to make an extended visit, the park offers accommodation for the visitors at a fair price.
Catch a show at Peach State Summer Theatre
Welcome to the very professional Peach State Summer Theater. Being located inside the campus area of the Valdosta State University- Peach State Summer Theater creates some of the best shows.
But, the most impressive ones are the summer shows that almost go on for 9 nines at a stretch. The company gathers some of the best theater actors, technicians, musicians, and dancers to come and perform at this show that is filled with people from far and wide. Also, the most impressive part in which the theater takes pride in the fact that in Georgia this one is the Official Musical Theatre.
Tallahassee
Florida’s state capital, Tallahassee, lies just an hour and a half southwest of Valdosta. As such, it is home to some important points of interest, including the Museum of Florida History, which spans literally millions of years – as demonstrated by its display of a rare mastodon skeleton.
The museum also cares for Knott House, from where Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was read out during the Civil War, guaranteeing the freedom of slaves in the Florida panhandle, and where Florida’s first black doctor had his surgery.
Elsewhere, the Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park preserves a hub of the Fort Walton Native American culture, which was active from around 1050-1500 AD.
