"Yumion," Vidalia Onion Museum's mascot, walking down an onion field in Vidalia, Georgia.

Yumion, Vidalia Onion Ambassador

Discover Vidalia’s Sweet Onions & Hidden Gems

There’s more sweetness to this town located just two hours west of Savannah than the Vidalia onion it’s known for. Spend a day winding your way through its authentic farm markets, slow-paced and historical downtown, and local attractions.

The General Store in Vidalia, Georgia

The Market on Church in Vidalia, Georgia. Photo by Evan Riekhof of EZE Photography.

Fill Your Basket

Vidalia is famous for its namesake onion, first grown during the Great Depression by local farmers looking for another cash crop … that turned up surprisingly sweet and unique! You can grab your share of this delectable, aromatic vegetable April through August, but don’t sleep on the area’s other colorful and delicious produce, including Silver Queen corn, kale, cabbage, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, watermelon, boiled peanuts and more. Toombs County Farmers Market, The Market on Church, and Pittman Family Farms & Country Market are three places to load up, get recipes, and pick up jams, salsas, honeys and other straight-from-the-farm snacks.

Exhibit at the Vidalia Onion Museum in Vidalia, Georgia.

Vidalia Onion Museum in Vidalia, Georgia.

Find Out What Makes Vidalia Onions Special

So what does it take to make an onion famous? South Georgia’s climate and low-sulfur soil contribute to the magic of this crisp, sweet, hand-planted vegetable. Pop into the Vidalia Onion Museum to see how Georgia’s official vegetable protects its name from imposters, the science of harvesting them, their place in pop culture and more. Kids can play in a hands-on exhibit and meet Yumion the mascot. Don’t leave town without stopping for a pic at two other onion-related hot spots: the 6-foot stainless-steel, musical, colorfully lit onion fountain and the selfie-perfect “Be Sweet” mural downtown.

Vidalia Onion Street Mural

Vidalia Onion Mural in Vidalia, Georgia.

Celebrate the Local Bounty

Schedule your visit in April to coincide with the four-day Vidalia Onion Festival, packed with small-town charms, including a movie under the stars, concerts, arts and crafts, a carnival, an onion run, fireworks and — of course — cookoffs, recipe contests, and onion-eating contests. The atmosphere is one of the reasons we’ve named it one of Georgia’s 5 Food Festivals Perfect for Families. Other events throughout the year include Sweet Saturdays held on the 2nd Saturday of the month May — October; a Fourth of July celebration concert and fireworks show; and harvest and Halloween festivities in the fall.

Exterior of the PAL Theatre in Vidalia, Georgia.

The PAL Theatre in Vidalia, Georgia.

Other Things to Do in Vidalia

Downtown Vidalia Historic District

Stroll downtown’s coffee shops and bakeries, boutiques and home-goods stores, all housed in historical buildings. Have lunch in a local cafe or sandwich shop and enjoy the town’s Southern hospitality.

Altama Museum of Art & History

The architecture of this 1911 gem is worth a visit alone. Occupying the Neoclassical Brazell House, see the museum’s collection of 20th-century paintings, prints, furniture, Staffordshire porcelain and historical costumes.

Vidalia Splash Pad at Ben Smith Park

Within walking distance of shops and restaurants, this family favorite cools folks off during the summer, entertaining wet ones with shooting mini fountains that light up at night for a summer spectacle. 

Paddle the Altamaha River

Rent a canoe or kayak to explore Georgia’s Mightiest River with outfitters who can get you on the water within a 20-minute drive of Vidalia. 

The PAL Theatre

Built in 1927, this nostalgic venue is home to first-run movies and performing arts throughout the year. Check their site for events like theater camps, art classes and open mics.

Sunny photo of the exterior of a pink two-story building and a boutique across the street. Buildings located in downtown Vidalia, Georgia. Photo by The Davis House.

Downtown Vidalia, Georgia. Photo by The Davis House.

Plan Your Trip

There are several places to stay in Vidalia — from hotels to inns and cabins — that can serve as home base for discovering all the tastes of the area. 

Visit the Vidalia Onion Museum & Welcome Center or the Downtown Vidalia Association Main Street Office for directions and more tips when you’re in town.

 

Learn more about Vidalia >>

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