Below you will find a listing of area attractions and outdoor adventures.
Ailey Jail
Scenic Montgomery County is home to Ailey, Georgia - which some say is reminiscent of a New England town. From T.A. Blocker's, continue on Highway 15/29 toward Tarrytown and Soperton. Turn left at the next road - County Highway 227. Follow Co. Hwy 227 along its 7 mile stretch of blue skies, green timber forests and dainty wildflowers to Ailey. Each road that intersects with downtown Ailey meets Highway 280 West, so you can easily explore Ailey. Be sure to look for the original Ailey Jail when you turn left at the downtown intersection. This one-room jail cell once helped keep the peace, and now it maintains its place on the National Register of Historic Places.
Altama Museum of Art & History
The Altama Museum collection is housed in the neoclassic-style Brazell House, which was built in 1911 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The permanent collection includes the Norma Damon Libby Collection of Staffordshire porcelain, and a group of 24 first-edition, hand-colored prints by John James Audubon from his Quadrupeds of North America. Other permanent collections include hand-colored bird prints by John Gould and William Morris, and chromographs of birds by Jacob Studer. Wooden sculptures, a 200-piece collection of 20th century Southern art, and a collection of 18th and 19th century botanicals are also part of the permanent collection. The Girl Scout room, dedicated to Girl Scouts of all ages, exhibits scouting memorabilia dating back to 1929. Call 912-537-1911 for more information.
Altamaha Plantation
Located 18 miles south of Lyons, this 1,000-acre plantation backs up to the Altamaha River and is available to hunters and vacationers alike. We offer a variety of wildlife, including quail, dove, deer, and hogs. Lodging is available. Contact Burke or Tim Barnett at 912-565-8333 or visit www.huntthealtamaha.com.
Braddy Farms
Farming is a family tradition at Braddy Farms. They grow onions, soybeans, and field corn. They delight in providing seasonal crop tours! Pick up a bag or box of Vidalia Onions before leaving! Located on Highway 221 North, about five miles north of Mount Vernon. Schedule a tour at 912-583-4414.
Buckhorn Creek Ranch
Come enjoy wagon ride while feeding over 100 exotic and domestic animals such as bison, Watusi cattle, and Moulfon sheep on Buckhorn Creek Ranch. Take a walking tour to hand feed animals such as "Baby" the camel, "Prissy" the miniature horse and "Dolly" the mule. Let the kids grind corn to throw to the chickens and turkeys hoping to pull a few tail feathers as souvenirs. Minimum $40 for 1-5 people, $8/person for larger groups. On Hwy 280 west toward Mt. Vernon, turn left at Hwy 135 junction. Buckhorn Creek Ranch is 3.5 miles on right hand side of road. Call 912-583-2737 or 912-245-4042 to schedule your tour.
If your idea of heaven is astride a saddle, schedule a horse riding lesson. Lessons are $30/hour and by appointment only. On Highway 280 East to Lyons, turn right onto Bulldog Road, go about 8 miles and turn right at the white sign, "Cooper's Towing and Trailer Sales." Take the second driveway with the white fence. Contact 912-526-8406 or 912-293-3708 for more information.
Glass Blowing
While in the Vidalia area, stop by Prince Books and Glass in downtown Lyons to see one-of-a-kind glass blowing. These unique glass pieces are the perfect souvenir to bring home from your trip to the Vidalia area. For more information, call 912-526-4458.
Golf
The newly renovated Hawk's Point Golf Club offers golfers of every level a premier, championship course to challenge their skills. The 18-hole course now offers increased yardage to 6,845 or greater, new greens, added bunkers, and tee boxes shaped and positioned to fit each hole and increased greatly in size. Also, Hawk's Point hosts LPGA Future's Tour events. Call 912-537-9256 or visit www.hawkspointgolfclub.com for more information.
Love golf? Then hit the links at Rocky Creek Golf Club! Vidalia's championship 18-hole golf course is easily accessible, reasonably priced, and located less than 10 minutes from downtown. With a year-round mild climate and 18 challenging holes, golf enthusiasts will not be disappointed! Located at 1916 Foxfire Drive, 912-538-1110 or visit www.rockycreekgolfclub.com.
Historic Village at Brewton-Parker College
Just a few blocks from Highway 280 is the Historic Village at Brewton-Parker College. Follow the signs from Louisville Road just off of Highway 280 for the Cooper-Conner House (c. 1798) and the Thompson House (c. 1842). Take a stretch while walking through the grounds of this historic village. The Cooper-Conner House is considered the oldest house in Montgomery County. It was originally built by slave labor on Old River Road by the Dead River (near the fork of the Oconee and Ocmulgee Rivers) in 1779 for Richard Cooper. Cooper was a Revolutionary soldier and was buried in the Dead River Cemetery in 1821. The Cooper-Conner House was once being torn down by hunters to fuel their campfires, so it was moved to the Brewton-Parker College campus, and restored with handmade nails, wooden pegs, and hewn with hand axes. The holes in the walls were designed to use guns for protection from Indian attacks if necessary. Often in conjuntion with Alumni Day at Brewton-Parker College, activities such as soap making, syrup boiling, cane grinding and open-fire baking are demonstrated at the house. On these special occasions, costumes and music from the period are featured attractions. For more information, please call 912-583-2241.
Held on Saturday morning during the Vidalia Onion Festival and drawing people of all ages, the run consists of a 5K and 10K onion run and walk and a one-mile fun run and walk. An estimated 1,500 people participate in this annual event. Whether you are a runner or just prefer to take a brisk walk, the Kiwanis Onion Run is sure to please. Visit www.vidaliaonionfestival.com for more information.
Ladson Genealogical Library
While downtown, visit the Ladson Genealogy Library. What started as Mr. Ladson's hobby and passion now sees on average 4,500 visitors a year. Trace your family's history and enjoy thumbing through all of the books in the Ladson collection. The Ladson Library's normal hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 10am-1pm, and Fridays from 2pm-5pm, Saturdays 10am-1pm. Call 912-537-8186 for information, or click here to visit their website.
Long Pond Community
Established in 1877, Long Pond Community is located in Montgomery County, on Highway 221 South. Long Pond is a place of quiet beauty nearly frozen in time. The community is home to the Long Pond Methodist Church, the Long Pond Baptist Church, the old Long Pond School, the McAllister Cemetery, the Peter Johnson house, and Uncle Bruce's old store. For more historical information about the Long Pond Community or to set up a personalized tour, please contact Sid Johnson at 912-538-9642.
Lyons Post Office
This ordinary Post Office houses a very extraordinary piece of history. The Lyons Post Office is home of one of the very few remaining sculptures commissioned by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s. Once considered to be white-collar work done by boondogglers, the artwork and murals that still exist are modern-day treasures. Turn to the right when you enter the Post Office, the sculpture is hanging on the wall.
Montgomery County Courthouse
See a radio from the early 1900s, a silver penny and a gun that was actually used in the Civil War. The Courthouse showcases historical documents, photos, artifacts, and weapons, not to mention rare money, antiques, and farm supplies. Located just 15 minutes from Vidalia, the Montgomery County Courthouse is a must-see for the history lover. Established in 1793, Montgomery County was named for Continental Army general Richard Montgomery, who was mortally wounded during the American Revolution in the attack upon British Quebec in 1775. In 1813, Montgomery County was designated a county seat, and the courthouse was built. Despite being originally a wooden structure, this courthouse has never seen a fire - quite amazing since it had four woodburning furnaces and paper-wrapped wiring. The magnificent brick, neoclassical revival structure that you see today was designed by Alexander Blair and built in 1907.
Learn all about pesticide-free organic gardening at Open Creek Farms. Before you leave, be sure to fill a bag or two with fresh-picked produce to take home at the fresh food market on site. Located at 236 Ziegman Whonic Road in Lyons, just off of Highway 147. Contact 912-565-9394 or 912-293-2397 for more information.
Partin Park
Located in the City of Lyons, Partin Park features a putt-putt golf course, skate park, walking trails, ball fields, and playgrounds for the kids. This is a great place to picnic with the family, exercise, or just take a stroll.
Paul Anderson Youth Home
Paul Anderson was known as the "World's Strongest Man." He is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records, as well as Famous First Facts, for lifting an incredible 6,270 pounds, the greatest weight ever raised by a human being. He was the last American to win the Olympic Gold medal in the Super Heavyweight division, in 1956. Paul's legacy continues to live at the Christian home that he and his wife established for troubled teens. Purchase souvenirs, including books, weightlifting materials, and a line of Vidalia Onion sauces. www.pahy.org, 800-559-PAYH.
Peter Johnson House
The Peter Johnson House was built in 1882, by Peter Johnson, a Civil War veteran who had been left for dead on the Gettysburg battlefield. Mr. Johnson was in the timber business and constructed his house entirely with heart pine. The house, side-gabled and two-storied with a wing, contains seven bedrooms and a parlor. The kitchen and dining room are separate, as was the custom, and connected to the house by a breezeway where the well is located. The kitchen, reputed to have been built in the early 1840s, pre-dates the main house and was occupied by the family during the construction of the house. Amazingly, ownership of the Peter Johnson House has never left the family. For more information or to set up a personalized tour, please contact Sid Johnson at 912-538-9642.
River Excursions
Altamaha, Ohoopee, Ocmulgee, Oconee...plan an entertaining day along one of our picturesque rivers. We have just the ticket for your outdoor adventure! Whether you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, camping, or fishing, we can outfit your family with all the essentials needed for an exciting river trip. Call the Vidalia Area CVB at 912-538-8687 or Three Rivers Outdoors at 912-594-8379 for more information. www.explorethreerivers.com
Rose Allen Plantation
Enjoy a quail hunt with friends or introduce your children to game hunting! Choose from many hunting and fishing packages, including day hunts or individual and corporate packages. Packages vary according to preferences. Contact 912-293-5014 or visit www. roseallenplantation.com for more information.
Did you know that there are only two cities in the world named Santa Claus? Georgia has one of them! Santa Claus, Georgia is located only 15 minutes from Vidalia. Santa Claus boasts Christmas themed streets, such as Candy Cane Lane and Reindeer Street, and Santa Claus City Hall sits at 25 December Drive. Give your friends and family a treat by bringing your Christmas cards to Santa Claus City Hall to have them postmarked. Just drop them off and Santa's elves will do the rest!
Shopping
Browse the shops of downtown Lyons, Vidalia, and historic Montgomery County. Downtown districts feature coffee shops, jewelry stores, and gift shops. With so many choices, these downtown stores are sure to please! Looking for a special gift? Contact us to discover just the place to find it. Call Lyons Better Hometown at 912-526-6445, Main Street Vidalia at 912-537-8033, and Historic Montgomery County at 912-583-4676.
Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby
The Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby takes place in Lyons, Georgia every May. Thirty-five to forty participants compete every year in this event that draws 200- 300 spectators. The participants race down Darby Hill in Lyons for a chance to win the first place trip to Akron, OH to compete in the Soapbox Derby World Championship finals. Call 912-526-3626 for more information.
Sweet Onion Century
Like to ride? Join the Sweet Onion Cyclists for the Sweet Onion Century bicycle ride in early May. This event draws over 150-170 bicycle riders from around the Souteast. With 31, 50, 62 and a half (metric), 100 (century) and 125 (double metric) mile loops, you are sure to find the stretch that suits you. The ride begins and ends in Vidalia and travels through five counties with nine rest stops along the way. For more information, call 912-538-8687.
Are you a sportsman looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Hop on the quail buggy and enjoy a whole or half-day professional bird hunt with a personal guide. Prices range from $450-950.
Located on Loop Rd. in Vidalia, near Hawks Point Golf Club. Call 912-537-0523 for more information.
Tales from the Altamaha
This Georgia folk-life play draws from the writings of Colonel T. Ross Sharpe, who wrote more than 800 essays depicting the history of the area in a column for the Lyons newspaper, from 1955 to 1965. His stories bring to life colorful characters from the past, the regional settlers of a five-county radius. Each April, the Lyons Better Hometown selects a different set of stories and creates a brand new experience on the state at the Blue Marquee Theater. Call 912-526-6445 or visit www.talesfromthealtamaha.com for more information.
The Blue Marquee Theater
The Blue Marquee, built over 70 years ago, came equipped with a stage, orchestra pit area and good acoustics - ideal for live performances. Three-hundred and twenty seats, a movie screen, state-of-the-art sound equipment, and over-head projector make the facility ideal for meetings. The theater has become the cornerstone of Lyons revitalization and serves as an anchor to our economic and cultural base. New businesses have opened and numerous historic buildings have been restored. For more information, please contact Clint Williams at 912-526-8106.
The Real Squeal Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival
This Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event is held every October in Lyons. There are two barbeque contests - a professional and a backyard - both with cash prizes, as well as a cruise-in car show on Saturday and live bluegrass music throughout the weekend. The backyard contest begins Friday night in downtown Lyons. The professional team event takes place in Partin Park on Saturday, with $15,000 in total cash prizes.
Three Rivers Outdoors, Inc.
Experience the peacefulness and serenity of Southeast Georgia's beautiful rivers! Three Rivers Outdoors can outfit your family or group with all of the essentials needed for an adventurous day along one of our three rivers. Three Rivers Outdoors provides canoe or kayak rentals, guided tours, and an area history lesson. Oconee, Ocmulgee, Altamaha - the choice is up to you! Packages start at just $25 per person.
To schedule your river adventure, contact Three Rivers Outdoors at 912-594-8379.
Check out the Toombs-Montgomery agri-business tour to get a glimpse of the vast industry. Visit Vidalia Valley to see how Vidalia Onions are processed and used in condiments. Stop by R&K Greenhouses to learn about the crop growing season. Cut your own Christmas tree at the Secret Forest or the Wagon Hammock. Go to Browning Mulch to see the mulching process. Tour Mixon Pecan to see how pecans are packaged for sale, the shelling/cleaning plant, and how a pecan sample is run. Call 912-538-8687 for seasonal tour information.
UGA Vidalia® Onion and Vegetable Research Center
Ever wonder what makes a Vidalia Onion a Vidalia? Visitors to the Research Center will gain insight into vegetable crop plot research. Seasonal onion tours of the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center are available from late April through mid-June. Other crop research tours are available throughout the year. Open Monday through Friday, from 8 am until 5 pm; tours are free. On Highway 178, near the Georgia State Prison, about 15 miles south of Lyons. Call 912-565-7822 to schedule your tour.
Uvalda Ol' Time Farm Festival
Enjoy a day of yesteryear at the Ol' Time Farm Festival in Uvalda, Georgia, located just 10 minutes from downtown Vidalia. The events take place one weekend during the fall, and they are always crowd-pleasers. The Ol' Time Farm Festival features country, bluegrass, oldies, and gospel music. You can also enjoy pony rides, clogging, line dancing, a cake walk, a beauty pageant, and a car show. Stop by the arts and crafts booth to purchase tee-shirts and souvenirs. Catch the gospel sing on Saturday night and the old-fashioned church service on Sunday morning.
Each spring, Vidalia anticipates the harvest of Georgia's Official State Vegetable, the internationally known, Vidalia Sweet Onion. Since 1978, we have celebrated this special occasion with an array of fun-filled events.
Friday brings the Vidalia Onion Festival opening ceremonies and a street dance where you can enjoy time with friends and neighbors. On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy the arts and crafts festival and attend the air show for a glimpse of the dynamic acts. Don't miss the Vidalia Sweet Onion cook-off, the Kiwanis Onion Run, and the Culinary Extravaganza.
Discover the story behind the Vidalia Sweet Onion! The Vidalia Onion Museum provides guests with an interactive, historical experience. The 1,300-square-foot space is filled with an array of educational exhibits that highlight the sweet onion's economic, cultural and culinary significance. The museum is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is just off Highway 280, beside Southeastern Technical College and behind the Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. Call 912-538-8687 for more information.
Yamassee Bicycle Trail
Montgomery County's 17-mile bicycle trail offers an opportunity for you and your family to enjoy the countryside of southern Georgia. The path is "billboard free" and filled with beautiful farms, historic churches, and huge forests. You will be riding parallel to the beautiful Oconee River. Just downstream, the Oconee meets the Ocmulgee River to form the Altamaha River. The land between the Oconee and the Ocmulgee is called "Tama Country," and once served as the location for the 1700's trading post owned by Mary Musgrove, an interpreter to James Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia.
A particular point of interest along the route is the Long Pond Community, established in 1877. It is here that Peter Johnson, a Confederate War hero, built his postwar dwelling. The colonial style house still stands, and is as beautiful as it is historic. Other high points include the rural communities of Uvalda and Alston. Call local bike enthusiast, Dan Brown, at 912-537-2155 or 912-537-4545 for bike rentals and guided tours of the historic landmarks along the route.
Scenic Montgomery County is home to Ailey, Georgia - which some say is reminiscent of a New England town. From T.A. Blocker's, continue on Highway 15/29 toward Tarrytown and Soperton. Turn left at the next road - County Highway 227. Follow Co. Hwy 227 along its 7 mile stretch of blue skies, green timber forests and dainty wildflowers to Ailey. Each road that intersects with downtown Ailey meets Highway 280 West, so you can easily explore Ailey. Be sure to look for the original Ailey Jail when you turn left at the downtown intersection. This one-room jail cell once helped keep the peace, and now it maintains its place on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Altama Museum collection is housed in the neoclassic-style Brazell House, which was built in 1911 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The permanent collection includes the Norma Damon Libby Collection of Staffordshire porcelain, and a group of 24 first-edition, hand-colored prints by John James Audubon from his Quadrupeds of North America. Other permanent collections include hand-colored bird prints by John Gould and William Morris, and chromographs of birds by Jacob Studer. Wooden sculptures, a 200-piece collection of 20th century Southern art, and a collection of 18th and 19th century botanicals are also part of the permanent collection. The Girl Scout room, dedicated to Girl Scouts of all ages, exhibits scouting memorabilia dating back to 1929. Call 912-537-1911 for more information.
Come enjoy wagon ride while feeding over 100 exotic and domestic animals such as bison, Watusi cattle, and Moulfon sheep on Buckhorn Creek Ranch. Take a walking tour to hand feed animals such as "Baby" the camel, "Prissy" the miniature horse and "Dolly" the mule. Let the kids grind corn to throw to the chickens and turkeys hoping to pull a few tail feathers as souvenirs. Minimum $40 for 1-5 people, $8/person for larger groups. On Hwy 280 west toward Mt. Vernon, turn left at Hwy 135 junction. Buckhorn Creek Ranch is 3.5 miles on right hand side of road. Call 912-583-2737 or 912-245-4042 to schedule your tour.
If your idea of heaven is astride a saddle, schedule a horse riding lesson. Lessons are $30/hour and by appointment only. On Highway 280 East to Lyons, turn right onto Bulldog Road, go about 8 miles and turn right at the white sign, "Cooper's Towing and Trailer Sales." Take the second driveway with the white fence. Contact 912-526-8406 or 912-293-3708 for more information.
The newly renovated Hawk's Point Golf Club offers golfers of every level a premier, championship course to challenge their skills. The 18-hole course now offers increased yardage to 6,845 or greater, new greens, added bunkers, and tee boxes shaped and positioned to fit each hole and increased greatly in size. Also, Hawk's Point hosts LPGA Future's Tour events. Call 912-537-9256 or visit 
Just a few blocks from Highway 280 is the Historic Village at Brewton-Parker College. Follow the signs from Louisville Road just off of Highway 280 for the Cooper-Conner House (c. 1798) and the Thompson House (c. 1842). Take a stretch while walking through the grounds of this historic village. The Cooper-Conner House is considered the oldest house in Montgomery County. It was originally built by slave labor on Old River Road by the Dead River (near the fork of the Oconee and Ocmulgee Rivers) in 1779 for Richard Cooper. Cooper was a Revolutionary soldier and was buried in the Dead River Cemetery in 1821. The Cooper-Conner House was once being torn down by hunters to fuel their campfires, so it was moved to the Brewton-Parker College campus, and restored with handmade nails, wooden pegs, and hewn with hand axes. The holes in the walls were designed to use guns for protection from Indian attacks if necessary. Often in conjuntion with Alumni Day at Brewton-Parker College, activities such as soap making, syrup boiling, cane grinding and open-fire baking are demonstrated at the house. On these special occasions, costumes and music from the period are featured attractions. For more information, please call 912-583-2241.
Established in 1877, Long Pond Community is located in Montgomery County, on Highway 221 South. Long Pond is a place of quiet beauty nearly frozen in time. The community is home to the Long Pond Methodist Church, the Long Pond Baptist Church, the old Long Pond School, the McAllister Cemetery, the Peter Johnson house, and Uncle Bruce's old store. For more historical information about the Long Pond Community or to set up a personalized tour, please contact Sid Johnson at 912-538-9642.
See a radio from the early 1900s, a silver penny and a gun that was actually used in the Civil War. The Courthouse showcases historical documents, photos, artifacts, and weapons, not to mention rare money, antiques, and farm supplies. Located just 15 minutes from Vidalia, the Montgomery County Courthouse is a must-see for the history lover. Established in 1793, Montgomery County was named for Continental Army general Richard Montgomery, who was mortally wounded during the American Revolution in the attack upon British Quebec in 1775. In 1813, Montgomery County was designated a county seat, and the courthouse was built. Despite being originally a wooden structure, this courthouse has never seen a fire - quite amazing since it had four woodburning furnaces and paper-wrapped wiring. The magnificent brick, neoclassical revival structure that you see today was designed by Alexander Blair and built in 1907.
Located in the City of Lyons, Partin Park features a putt-putt golf course, skate park, walking trails, ball fields, and playgrounds for the kids. This is a great place to picnic with the family, exercise, or just take a stroll.
Paul Anderson was known as the "World's Strongest Man." He is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records, as well as Famous First Facts, for lifting an incredible 6,270 pounds, the greatest weight ever raised by a human being. He was the last American to win the Olympic Gold medal in the Super Heavyweight division, in 1956. Paul's legacy continues to live at the Christian home that he and his wife established for troubled teens. Purchase souvenirs, including books, weightlifting materials, and a line of Vidalia Onion sauces. www.pahy.org, 800-559-PAYH.
The Peter Johnson House was built in 1882, by Peter Johnson, a Civil War veteran who had been left for dead on the Gettysburg battlefield. Mr. Johnson was in the timber business and constructed his house entirely with heart pine. The house, side-gabled and two-storied with a wing, contains seven bedrooms and a parlor. The kitchen and dining room are separate, as was the custom, and connected to the house by a breezeway where the well is located. The kitchen, reputed to have been built in the early 1840s, pre-dates the main house and was occupied by the family during the construction of the house. Amazingly, ownership of the Peter Johnson House has never left the family. For more information or to set up a personalized tour, please contact Sid Johnson at 912-538-9642.
Altamaha, Ohoopee, Ocmulgee, Oconee...plan an entertaining day along one of our picturesque rivers. We have just the ticket for your outdoor adventure! Whether you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, camping, or fishing, we can outfit your family with all the essentials needed for an exciting river trip. Call the Vidalia Area CVB at 912-538-8687 or Three Rivers Outdoors at 912-594-8379 for more information. 
Did you know that there are only two cities in the world named Santa Claus? Georgia has one of them! Santa Claus, Georgia is located only 15 minutes from Vidalia. Santa Claus boasts Christmas themed streets, such as Candy Cane Lane and Reindeer Street, and Santa Claus City Hall sits at 25 December Drive. Give your friends and family a treat by bringing your Christmas cards to Santa Claus City Hall to have them postmarked. Just drop them off and Santa's elves will do the rest! 
Browse the shops of downtown Lyons, Vidalia, and historic Montgomery County. Downtown districts feature coffee shops, jewelry stores, and gift shops. With so many choices, these downtown stores are sure to please! Looking for a special gift? Contact us to discover just the place to find it. Call Lyons Better Hometown at 912-526-6445, Main Street Vidalia at 912-537-8033, and Historic Montgomery County at 912-583-4676.
The Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby takes place in Lyons, Georgia every May. Thirty-five to forty participants compete every year in this event that draws 200- 300 spectators. The participants race down Darby Hill in Lyons for a chance to win the first place trip to Akron, OH to compete in the Soapbox Derby World Championship finals. Call 912-526-3626 for more information.
This Georgia folk-life play draws from the writings of Colonel T. Ross Sharpe, who wrote more than 800 essays depicting the history of the area in a column for the Lyons newspaper, from 1955 to 1965. His stories bring to life colorful characters from the past, the regional settlers of a five-county radius. Each April, the Lyons Better Hometown selects a different set of stories and creates a brand new experience on the state at the Blue Marquee Theater. Call 912-526-6445 or visit 
This Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event is held every October in Lyons. There are two barbeque contests - a professional and a backyard - both with cash prizes, as well as a cruise-in car show on Saturday and live bluegrass music throughout the weekend. The backyard contest begins Friday night in downtown Lyons. The professional team event takes place in Partin Park on Saturday, with $15,000 in total cash prizes.
Check out the Toombs-Montgomery agri-business tour to get a glimpse of the vast industry. Visit Vidalia Valley to see how Vidalia Onions are processed and used in condiments. Stop by R&K Greenhouses to learn about the crop growing season. Cut your own Christmas tree at the Secret Forest or the Wagon Hammock. Go to Browning Mulch to see the mulching process. Tour Mixon Pecan to see how pecans are packaged for sale, the shelling/cleaning plant, and how a pecan sample is run. Call 912-538-8687 for seasonal tour information.
Enjoy a day of yesteryear at the Ol' Time Farm Festival in Uvalda, Georgia, located just 10 minutes from downtown Vidalia. The events take place one weekend during the fall, and they are always crowd-pleasers. The Ol' Time Farm Festival features country, bluegrass, oldies, and gospel music. You can also enjoy pony rides, clogging, line dancing, a cake walk, a beauty pageant, and a car show. Stop by the arts and crafts booth to purchase tee-shirts and souvenirs. Catch the gospel sing on Saturday night and the old-fashioned church service on Sunday morning. 
Each spring, Vidalia anticipates the harvest of Georgia's Official State Vegetable, the internationally known, Vidalia Sweet Onion. Since 1978, we have celebrated this special occasion with an array of fun-filled events. 
Discover the story behind the Vidalia Sweet Onion! The Vidalia Onion Museum provides guests with an interactive, historical experience. The 1,300-square-foot space is filled with an array of educational exhibits that highlight the sweet onion's economic, cultural and culinary significance. The museum is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is just off Highway 280, beside Southeastern Technical College and behind the Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. Call 912-538-8687 for more information.
Montgomery County's 17-mile bicycle trail offers an opportunity for you and your family to enjoy the countryside of southern Georgia. The path is "billboard free" and filled with beautiful farms, historic churches, and huge forests. You will be riding parallel to the beautiful Oconee River. Just downstream, the Oconee meets the Ocmulgee River to form the Altamaha River. The land between the Oconee and the Ocmulgee is called "Tama Country," and once served as the location for the 1700's trading post owned by Mary Musgrove, an interpreter to James Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia.
