Guide to Albany
The home of music icon Ray Charles, Albany is filled with things to see and do that are sure to keep Georgia on your mind. Follow these tips when planning your trip.
Located in southwest Georgia, Albany has a rich music history and a number of vibrant college and university campuses. It's also a short drive to two places with ties to American presidents: Plains and Warm Springs. And, of course, Albany continues to have a center of agriculture with you-pick farms open seasonally.
Things to Do
There is no shortage of attractions to enjoy in Albany.
Chehaw Park
The 700-acre Chehaw Park is South Georgia’s best wildlife attraction, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In addition to the many animal habitats - including camels, meerkats and screech owls - Chehaw has BMX bike trails, frisbee golf and campsites.
Radium Springs Gardens
Named one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders, Radium Springs Gardens has more than 70,000 gallons of natural 68-degree water from an underground spring. A casino once stood on this site, where visitors could play games in between dips in the springs. Today, the site has gardens and gazebos.
Flint RiverQuarium
Similarly, the Flint RiverQuarium interprets the history of the Flint River, which has a unique ecosystem. The facility has a blue hole spring, more than 100 species and educational lessons for visitors.
Albany Museum of Art
The diverse collection at the Albany Museum of Art has been welcoming visitors for more than 30 years, with works spanning thousands of years of art history. The exhibitions include one of the largest collections of sub-Saharan African art in the Southeast United States. Best of all, it’s free to visit.
Ray Charles Plaza
Pay tribute to Albany’s most famous native son at Ray Charles Plaza, which features a life-size bronze sculpture of him singing at his piano. It lights up and plays his music. The sculpture is located within a park that has a sidewalk designed like piano keys that wind down to the Flint River.
Thronateeska Heritage Center
Thronateeska Heritage Center is three museums for the price of one, including a history museum, science museum and planetarium. Set in a 1913 Union Station depot, the community first repurposed this building in 1974.
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Places to Stay
Merry Acres Inn & Event Center
You're sure to feel like part of the family at Merry Acres Inn & Event Center, which has more than 100 boutique-style rooms. Originally built in 1952, their cocktail hour is popular among guests and locals alike. They offer free buffet breakfast daily as well as shuttles to their partner restaurants.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Albany
Albany also has a number of larger properties. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Albany is a smoke-free property with free WiFi, a business center, fitness center, an indoor pool and complimentary hot breakfast.
Hilton Garden Inn Albany
Hilton Garden Inn Albany offers similar amenities, including complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers and more than 13,000 square feet of event space.
Park Inn, Hampton Inn & Fairfield Inn
The Park Inn by Radisson Albany also has a breakfast bar, fitness center and rooms with microwaves and fridges. Known for their comfy beds, Hampton Inn & Suites Albany also has in-room microwaves and fridges, as well as free WiFi and breakfast. Also with free WiFi and flat screen televisions, Fairfield Inn & Suites Albany is a great place to rest your head.
Country Inn & Suites, Baymont Inn & Suites and Courtyard Albany
The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson - Albany has complimentary breakfast, daily cookies, a business center and indoor pool. Start your day with continental breakfast at Baymont Inn & Suites Albany before exploring the area. Courtyard Albany also has free WiFi and breakfast.
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Where to Eat
Henry Campbell's Steakhouse
Albany has a fantastic selection of locally owned restaurants, serving just about every type of cuisine. Splurge on a night out at Henry Campbell's Steakhouse, Albany’s steakhouse that serves only the finest steaks and seafood. There’s also a fully stocked bar with top-shelf liquor and wine.
Albany Fish Company
Enjoy the freshest coastal fare at Albany Fish Company, which features menu items like oysters, catfish po boys and low country boil.
Harvest Moon
Chow down on pizza with a side of live music at Harvest Moon, a local favorite. In addition to daily specials, menu highlights include their loaded cheesy bread, homemade chicken pot pie and the signature Full Moon pie.
The Bread House
Set in a 1908 building downtown, The Bread House is equal parts farm to table restaurant, bakery, and juice and coffee bar. The restaurant benefits a non-profit charity called GraceWay Recovery Residence, a women’s drug and alcohol rehab facility.
Blackbeard's B&B Bar-B-Que
Blackbeard's B&B Bar-B-Que serves up barbecue, as the name implies, along with burgers, sandwiches, and Southern food like Brunswick stew and country fried steak.
The Cookie Shoppe
The Cookie Shoppe has been open for 28 years, serving homemade sandwiches, soups and salads, baked goods, and authentic baklava for breakfast and lunch.
Pearly's Famous Country Cooking
Family owned Pearly's Famous Country Cooking is always busy, open for breakfast and lunch. Their biscuits are the stuff of legend, but daily meat and three specials are also favorites like turkey with dressing.
Jimmie's Hot Dogs
Old-fashioned hot dog joint Jimmie's Hot Dogs has been a part of the Albany community since 1940. There aren’t any tables inside, and it’s cash only, so come prepared.
San Joe's to Go
Grab your Mexican favorites on the go or on the patio at San Joe's to Go. They have tacos, burritos, tortas and salads.
Villa Garganos
Dine on Italian fare at a reasonable price at Villa Garganos, serving items like bruschetta, veal Parmigiana and lasagna.
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Events
There’s always something happening in Albany!
Combos Marathon
The Combos Marathon in March is a popular race for those training for other marathons and half marathons thanks to the relatively flat course that passes many local attractions.
Chehaw Park events
Celebrate the holiday season at the Festival of Lights, held every year at Chehaw Park. The park also holds the Native American Festival, which honors the history of the Native American tribes with crafts and demonstrations. Chehaw’s Frontier Festival recreates the 1700s frontier days in America with costumed performers and artisan demonstrations.
