Valdosta: Meeting in Winnersville
Want to break out of the boardroom?
The 47,000-sq. ft. James H. Rainwater Conference Center has a 4,000-sq. ft. covered pavilion for outdoor exhibit, meeting or reception space. Downtown has more than 50 historic sites including the 1898 Crescent House and Gardens, which has a circular veranda with 13 columns representing the original American colonies, and the neoclassical Converse-Dalton-Ferrell House. Reach for the stars with a reception held at the Valdosta State University Planetarium.
Want to surround your group with culture?
The 17,000-sq. ft. Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts has five galleries for seminars or receptions, a sculpture garden, a commercial kitchen, and art, yoga and cooking classes planners can use for team-building or spousal programs. First Fridays bring art lovers, vendors, guest artists and musical acts to the historic downtown area, and are an interesting backdrop for progressive events or dinners.
Want evening entertainment?
Broadway touring shows perform at the Mathis Auditorium. The Theatre Guild of Valdosta presents shows for adults and children at the historic ’Dosta Playhouse. Valdosta State University also contributes to the cultural life of the city with its Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Steel Drum Band, Chamber Singers and Peach State Summer Theatre. Planners can create a pub crawl through the historic Remerton Mill Village, now home to specialty shops, bars and restaurants.
“Large groups should check out Ole Times Country Buffet, where the sweet tea and fried pork chops cause traffic jams!”
— Lacy Dixon
Director, Tourism & Convention Sales
Valdosta-Lowndes County CVB
Want group activities?
Golf outings at Kinderlou Forest or Stone Creek Golf Course can include meals functions. Groups can explore the wetlands of the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area by boat or canoe; the area also is open to fishing and hunting expeditions. Hunting and related recreational activities are available at locations such as the Good Hope Plantation and the Quail Creek Shooting Preserve. Other activities include golfing, walking the azalea trail (March through May citywide), and visiting Wild Adventures or Splash Island amusement parks.
Want group dining?
The Wooden Nickel Pub is a local favorite that serves pub grub and seats 166, with additional seats available in a private meeting room and a screened-in porch. 306 North can put together wine and cheese tastings for groups of up to 60 people, and serves upscale Southern food and sushi in its main dining room. The Bistro, which has a dueling piano bar and jazz combos for entertainment, is another option for small groups. Large groups will feel at home at the Ole Times Country Buffet, which serves up Southern staples buffet-style and has been voted the No. 1 Southern Cooking and Best Country Buffet restaurant by locals for several years running. The Crescent House is available for high teas, seating up to 150 people.
