The final stop on my tour of Georgia was the city of Valdosta. This beautiful little town is full of life and has much to offer for the whole family.
Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn
This Valdosta hotel caught my eye with its good reviews and long list of amenities.
Coffee: Hug In A Mug Coffee Company
To me, Valdosta is a small town. So when I performed a Google search to find the best coffee shop, I was really surprised that there were multiple options. Hug In A Mug has a very fun and friendly sounding name, which is why it caught my attention. The philosophy at this shop involves supporting farmers who grow the coffee beans, which I am all for. I like that the cafe has a brew bar in-house for customers to enjoy coffee that has been brewed using various methods.
Breakfast: Zacadoo’s Grill
Zacadoo’s is a tiny chain with a location in Valdosta and a location in Tennessee. The name is interesting, and the restaurant is known for its “Breakfast in a Cup.” I’m not sure what a “Breakfast in a Cup” is, but I would be more than willing to visit to satisfy both my curiosity and my hunger.
Morning Excursion: The Crescent at Valdosta Garden Center
Named for its crescent-shaped porch, this home was built in 1898 and now serves as a community garden center. The Crescent is absolutely beautiful. My inner Plant Lady would love to spend an afternoon learning about gardening from some of the Garden Club members.
Lunch: Steel Magnolias
This restaurant takes Southern classics and gives them a modern twist. I love that the food is locally sourced.
Afternoon Trek: Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area
Image via Flickr by Thomson20192
This land has a boardwalk trail that takes pedestrians through areas containing wetlands and wildlife. The boardwalk concludes with a tower that hikers can climb to enjoy views of the area.
Dinner: Empanadas and More
What appeals to me most about this Dominican restaurant is the unexpected factor. This isn’t something I expected to see in the South, so I definitely want to give it a try.
Art Appreciation: Dedo Maranville Fine Arts Gallery
I enjoy touring art galleries because they offer multifaceted learning opportunities.
Just for Fun: Wild Adventure Theme Park
I hesitated to add this to the list because I’m not a fan of roller coasters. But when I visited the park website, I was pleasantly surprised to learn about this local favorite. This theme park is a combination zoo and amusement park with plenty of entertainment options for all ages and preferences.
Shopping: FOL Back Door Book Store
I absolutely LOVE bookstores hosted by Friends of the Library. The bookworm in me considers these stores to be a treasure trove. With book prices maxing out at $1, I know I’d spend quite a bit of time here.
Out of all the cities I visited on my trip to Georgia, this one was probably my favorite. I love the diversity of activities that Valdosta has to offer, which has made it the perfect destination for my next family vacation.