Are you thinking about planning a weekend in Valdosta, Georgia?
Then you are in the right place!
I just got back from the most amazing weekend getaway in Valdosta, Georgia, and I’m so excited to share my adventure with you!
This hidden gem in South Georgia completely stole my heart with its perfect mix of small-town charm and surprising attractions.
Let me walk you through my perfect 48 hours in what locals proudly call “Azalea City.”
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Key Takeaways:
- Experience Southern hospitality at the McKey Hotel, known for its historic presence and convenient amenities.
- Enjoy a cozy coffee break at Gud Coffee, a local favorite in downtown Valdosta.
- Explore vibrant downtown Valdosta, which hosts various special events and festivals throughout the year.
- Spend an exciting day at Wild Adventures Theme Park, featuring rides, exotic animals, and a water park.
- Conclude your weekend with brunch at Fairway Tavern, reflecting on the fun-filled experiences Valdosta has to offer.
Keep reading to get everything you need to know for the most amazing Georgia weekend getaway!
Stop 1: Check Into the McKey Hotel
My weekend kicked off at The McKey, a beautiful boutique hotel that instantly felt like home.
The moment I walked in, I was greeted with that famous Southern hospitality and a cold bottle of water to help beat the Georgia heat.
In my opinion, The McKey has the perfect blend of modern comfort and historic charm in its newly renovated building in the heart of Valdosta.
My room was spotlessly clean with the comfiest bed I’ve slept in for ages!
The rooms also have a nice Southern charm to them, and they even have cute names on the doors for each room.
There’s a station on each floor that has any of those little essentials that you may have forgotten at home.
You’ll even find a coffee station, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a water dispenser here as well. It had everything I needed, so it made my stay at McKey Hotel super convenient.
I love boutique hotels and this one feels more along the lines of a Bed & Breakfast since you’re able to chat with other guests in such an intimate setting if you wanted.
My favorite part about staying at McKey Hotel was the location.
As I mentioned earlier, it’s in the heart of downtown Valdosta, which makes it super easy to walk to the local shops and restaurants.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Be sure to look out for an email before you’re supposed to check-in. The email will include parking information (street parking) and the code to enter your room once you arrive.
Stop 2: Have Coffee at Gud Coffee Company
After settling in, I needed my caffeine fix, and the owner recommended Gud Coffee, which is attached to the hotel on the first floor.
This place is a coffee lover’s dream!
Their hand-crafted lattes are pure magic, and the cozy atmosphere had me hanging out longer than I had planned.
The baristas knew everyone by name and soon were treating me like a regular too!
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Try their signature Honey Lavender Latte, it’s life-changing.
Stop 3: Explore Downtown Valdosta
Fueled by caffeine, I set out to explore downtown Valdosta.
The historic district is absolutely gorgeous with its brick buildings and charming storefronts.
I spent hours popping into local boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops.
The Black American locals kept stopping to chat with me and were sharing stories about their town’s history.
I love stuff like this, and one of the men who chatted with me was an Alumnus from my former college, Florida A & M University. Go Rattlers!
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Don’t miss the courthouse square as it’s perfect for people-watching and photos.
Special Events and Festivals in Valdosta, Georgia
When you are planning your trip to Georgia, try to catch one of Valdosta’s amazing events or festivals. I lucked out with the BBQ Competition happening during my stay!
It was as if the travel gods made sure that everything lined up perfectly for me.
The city comes alive during these celebrations with music, food, and that unmistakable community spirit.
Stop 4: Enjoy Dinner at The Southern Cellar Wine Bar
For dinner, I treated myself to The Southern Cellar Wine Bar, and it was one of my highlights of my trip to Valdosta, Georgia!
I felt that it was an upscale yet unpretentious spot that perfectly captured the essence of Valdosta.
The menu features locally-sourced ingredients transformed into sophisticated Southern dishes.
My charcuterie board was heavenly, and the sommelier’s wine pairing recommendations were spot-on!
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Be sure to make reservations as this place fills up fast, especially on weekends.
Stop 5: Hangout at the Downtown Social
After dinner, I followed the sound of laughter to the Downtown Social. This buzzing spot is where locals and visitors mix over craft cocktails and live music.
I ended up chatting with a group of locals who shared fascinating stories about the area and gave me even more insider tips that made Valdosta feel even more special.
Before I knew it, I felt comfortable enough to be dancing to the music. They were playing the best pop songs and even enjoyed a game of mini-bowling with a refreshing glass of Chardonnay!
Stop 6: Spend the Day at Wild Adventures Theme Park
Day two began with excitement as I headed to Wild Adventures Theme Park.
Spanning 170 acres, this place is so much more than just rides!
I screamed my way through roller coasters, cooled off at Splash Island water park, and got up close with exotic animals.
In my opinion, this theme park gives you the best of both worlds with thrills and animals from all over the world.
The combination made it one incredibly wild Georgia vacation at Wild Adventures Theme Park!
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Be sure to visit the animal feeding station early in the day when they are most active.
Stop 7: Grab a Drink at Georgia Beer Co.
After a day of amusement park adventures, I spent some time unwinding at Georgia Beer Co., Valdosta’s craft brewery sensation.
The converted warehouse space has this perfect laid-back feel that I immediately vibed with.
I sampled their flight of locally-brewed beers while chatting with a couple who owned the catering company called Munchie Box.
They provided all of the food at the brewery, and they were both so kind.
They kept feeding me and I didn’t say no to a single thing!
Just make sure that you ask them to make you a Philly Me Up Ribeye Cheesesteak. It’s absolutely incredible!
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Stop 8: Checkout of the McKey Hotel and Have Brunch at Fairway Tavern
On my final morning, I reluctantly checked out of The McKey and headed to Fairway Tavern for a farewell brunch.
This golfer’s paradise serves up comfort food that’ll make your heart sing.
Their chicken and waffles with spiced honey butter nearly made me want to stay another night in Valdosta, Georgia, just so I could come back again for brunch at Fairway Tavern.
Trust me, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here!
I recommend trying any of these brunch dishes on the menu at Fairway Tavern:
- French Toast
- Pitching Wedge Salad
- Deviled Eggs
- Eggs Benedict
They also have patio seating with a relaxing vibe, and the indoor setting was perfect for me to sit back and think about my incredible weekend in Valdosta, Georgia.
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My Weekend in Valdosta Revealed Southern Charm at Its Finest
As I drove away from Valdosta back to Orlando, I couldn’t believe how much this small town had captured my heart in just one weekend.
The genuine warmth of the people, the unexpected variety of activities, and the undeniable charm of this South Georgia gem left me planning my return visit before I’d even hit the highway.
Valdosta might not be on everyone’s radar, but that’s what makes it special. It is one of those hidden gems that you simply can’t miss!
It’s the definition of a hidden gem and a place where Southern hospitality isn’t just a saying, it’s a way of life. You need to experience it for yourselves!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About Contributors
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
