Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Vidalia, GA

  • Published 2022/07/24

Vidalia is a picturesque city in Toombs County, Georgia.

The city produces the signature Vidalia “sweet” onions, used in many local dishes.

It’s also home to the annual Vidalia Onion Festival, which draws visitors from all over the country.

Vidalia also has a strong arts community with many galleries and museums on its main street.

You can tour the historic downtown area or check out some local art galleries and museums.

If you love history, you’ll want to stop by the Vidalia Onion Museum or the Altama Museum of Art & History.

There are also many great restaurants in Vidalia where you can enjoy some good food and drink.

Here are the best things to do in Vidalia, Georgia:

Learn Local History at the Vidalia Onion Museum

Exterior of Vidalia Onion Museum

Dominique James / Shutterstock.com

Vidalia Onion Museum is a great place to visit for people who enjoy history and want to learn more about Vidalia’s sweet onions.

You can find everything related to the history of Vidalia’s onions here in the Vidalia Onion Museum, from photographs to tools used in farming onions.

Likewise, you can check out a living museum where you can see real onions growing in the onion field in front of the building.

Welcome sign of Vidalia Onion Museum

Dominique James / Shutterstock.com

The best thing about this museum is that admission is free.

You can also visit the museum at your convenience or take a self-guided tour.

This is a great place to visit for people who want to learn more about onions or are interested in local history.

Signage of Vidalia Onion Museum

Joanne Dale / Shutterstock.com

Check Out the Exhibits at the Altama Museum of Art & History

The Altama Museum of Art & History is an exciting and fun place to visit in Vidalia, Georgia.

In 1980, the museum began as a public art gallery.

Today, the gallery has become an award-winning museum near downtown Vidalia.

Explore the history of Vidalia, learn about its rich culture, and see exhibits that celebrate the arts.

On the outside, you can see its impressive structures with massive columns and breathtaking porches.

When you enter the museum, you will see a vast collection of artifacts, antique prints, costumes, and vintage furniture.

You can also explore an exhibit of Girl Scout history, which the Sweet Onion Service Unit of the Girl Scouts arranged.

The Altama Museum of Art & History offers more activities for visitors.

These activities include gallery openings, concerts, social events, classes, and many more.

Visit the Paul Anderson Youth Home

The “World’s Strongest Man” Paul Anderson once lived in the Paul Anderson Youth Home.

You can find his name on the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s strongest man for lifting more than 6,000 pounds.

Today, Paul’s home provides a safe and nurturing environment for children at risk of becoming homeless or delinquent.

The Youth Home also offers souvenirs such as weightlifting materials, books, and sauces made from Vidalia onions.

You can join a tour around the Youth Home, but you need to set an appointment.

Paul Anderson Youth Home is a historic house with a purpose.

Make sure to stop by this destination in Vidalia for some inspiration.

Admire the Vidalia Downtown Mural

The Vidalia Downtown Mural is in the heart of Vidalia, showcasing a wide range of talent from local artists and designers.

Local artist Ruth Williams English spent weeks painting the giant mural.

The Vidalia Downtown Mural has become an iconic work.

It has attracted visitors from all over who came to see this beautiful work of art in person.

English wanted to show the multi-faceted nature of the city, which she captured in her mural.

You can take photos with this work of art as the background, which makes for a stunning visual experience.

Catch Live Entertainment at PAL Theatre

Signage of PAL Theatre

Joanne Dale / Shutterstock.com

Since 1927, the PAL Theatre has become the go-to place for people to watch live performances in Vidalia.

The three-story renovated building features an expanded concession area where you can buy snacks, a green room or dressing rooms, a banquet hall, and an elevator.

The mezzanine on the second floor is home to rotating art exhibits open to the public for free.

You can see the latest movies or catch a live performance from outstanding local and international artists.

Visiting PAL Theater is like hitting two birds with one stone.

You can watch some movies and see the exhibits featured in the gallery.

Get the best of both worlds here in PAL Theatre, so stop by and check out this historic entertainment center in Vidalia.

Beat the Heat at the Vidalia Splash Pad

Are you looking for a place to cool down on a scorching hot day?

Look no further because Vidalia Splash Pad at Ben Smith Park is the answer.

In 2015, the park installed a new splash pad, which provided a fantastic summer spot for the children and families in Vidalia.

You can activate the Splash Pad by pushing buttons built around the water outlets.

Enjoy different heights and sizes when you press the button.

There are plenty of seats around the splash pad.

If you want to keep an eye out for your kids, you can take a seat on one of the benches.

The Vidalia Splash Pad at Ben Smith Park is a fantastic place to spend the day with your friends and family.

Spend a Few Hours at Ladson Genealogical Library

If you’re interested in learning more about your family history or genealogy, the Ladson Genealogical Library is an excellent place to start.

The library has operated for over one hundred years and serves as an excellent resource for genealogy research in the area.

The Ladson Genealogical Library is the only public library in Vidalia that focuses on genealogy and history.

The library offers free access to books, newspapers, and other resources that can help you with your research.

They also have access to Ancestry.com’s massive database of historical records, which you can use to learn more about your ancestors and their lives in the past.

Visiting the library can also be an opportunity to learn more about yourself and your family history.

Snap Pictures at the Vidalia Onion Fountain

Daytime view of the Vidalia Onion Fountain

Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Your trip to Vidalia isn’t complete without taking a picture with the iconic Vidalia Onion Fountain.

You can find this picturesque landmark that symbolizes the city’s character behind the city hall.

Built in 2015, the Vidalia Onion Fountain commemorates the Vidalia Onion Festival.

The structure stands six feet tall with a 20-inch basin that contains water.

The onion sits in the middle.

Visit the fountain at night to see the colorful lights and waters dancing to the beat of the music played at the park.

Relax Your Body at Salt & Stone

The Salt & Stone Spa in Vidalia, Georgia, is a unique place that offers several different services, from massages to facials and more.

This spa will satisfy anyone’s needs.

The Salt & Stone Spa offers many types of massages, including therapeutic, traditional Hawaiian, Thai foot, hot stone, and salt and stone.

Each type has its benefits, designed to give you relief from any stressors or aches that may bother you.

If you’re looking for an indulgent day at the spa, they also offer yoga and fitness classes.

These treatments and classes are great ways to relax your mind and body after a long day.

Salt & Stone Spa offers a variety of treatments that will bring out the best in you.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing massage or something more intensive, you can find it at this spa.

Play with Your Friends at TNT Bowling Center

TNT Bowling Center is a fun place to visit in Vidalia, Georgia.

It’s a great place to go with family or friends.

The bowling center has many lanes and a snack bar, where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks.

TNT Bowling Center also offers laser tag, arcade machines, billiards tables, and other activities for children and adults.

The center offers birthday parties and special events like corporate outings or private parties for groups.

If you’re looking for something to do in Vidalia, Georgia, TNT Bowling Center is a good choice.

Fill Your Empty Stomach at Rialto Italian Eatery & Deli

Rialto Italian Eatery is a restaurant in downtown Vidalia that serves excellent Italian food.

The restaurant’s menu features many Italian favorites.

Diners have voted Rialto as one of the best Italian restaurants in the area for several years.

The Rialto Italian Eatery offers an extensive lunch menu and dinner options for those looking to grab a bite while exploring Vidalia.

The atmosphere is casual, but the food is upscale.

You can feel comfortable dining here with your family or friends.

If you’re looking for a fantastic meal in Vidalia, Georgia, look no further than Rialto Italian Eatery.

Stroll around Downtown Vidalia Historic District

A building at Downtown Vidalia Historic District

Judson McCranie, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Vidalia Historic District is a perfect place for you to take your family on a day trip.

It has plenty of family-friendly activities that will keep your kids entertained.

If you’re looking for a little bit of culture, you can visit plenty of historic buildings in the Downtown Vidalia Historic District.

If you’re looking for a place to eat delicious meals, there are many restaurants and cafes in every corner of the historic district.

Shops along Downtown Vidalia Historic District

Judson McCranie, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are also various shops you can visit where you can find something for everyone’s taste.

Downtown Vidalia Historic District is jam-packed with places you can visit and activities you can do.

Don’t forget to include this place in your itinerary.

Municipal building at Downtown Vidalia Historic District

Joanne Dale / Shutterstock.com

Other Things to Do Nearby

Enjoy the Outdoors in Ohoopee River Campground

The Ohoopee River Campground is a great place to stay if you are looking for a small, rustic campground.

Find it in Lyons, Georgia, approximately 28 minutes from Vidalia, Georgia.

This campground features an unspoiled river as its backdrop.

Ohoopee River Campground offers everything from riverfront camping to tent sites.

There are also cabins available for rent on the property.

You can find the Ohoopee River Campground on a bend in the river, which gives an excellent view of wildlife.

The campground is open year-round, so you can enjoy camping with your family or friends at this beautiful location.

Have a Good Time in Red Stag Tavern

If you’re looking for a fun spot to spend time with friends or family, Red Stag Tavern has plenty of space for everyone to sit together and enjoy themselves.

The food menu at Red Stag Tavern offers something for everyone.

You can choose from appetizers like nachos or wings that are sure to satisfy your craving for Mexican cuisine.

Otherwise, try their burgers or sandwiches if you prefer something heavier.

The bar offers a wide selection of drinks, including many local brews and wines.

With live music on the weekends, it’s a great place to enjoy some tunes while sipping your favorite drink.

There are also plenty of tables outside where guests can take in some fresh air while they enjoy their drinks.

This place has a great atmosphere that makes it easy to relax but still get all your business done.

You can find it in Lyons, Georgia, nine minutes from Vidalia.

Tour the UGA Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center

The UGA Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center is an agricultural research facility in Lyons, 28 minutes from Vidalia.

Established in 1999, this center conducts various research projects on topics related to onions and other vegetables.

The UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences runs the center, offering classes and research opportunities.

Besides an educational experience, the UGA Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center is also a beautiful place to visit.

You can tour the facility and see the different kinds of vegetables grown in the six to seven-acre plots.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new adventure to spice up your life, why not try the best things to do in Vidalia, Georgia?

Vidalia is a small town in Georgia that has a lot to offer.

Whether you’re looking for something fun or relaxing, Vidalia has it all.

It is also known for its annual Vidalia Onion Festival, celebrating the Vidalia onion harvest season.

The festival features arts and crafts, music, and food vendors.

This city of sweet onions will undoubtedly give you the best experience you will treasure for the rest of your life.

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