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ALBANY — Since moving to the Albany area in July, I’ve had many friends and family come to visit me at my new home.

I was the butt of many jokes in the months leading up to my move, as my peers headed to their post-grad, big-city jobs and I prepared to move to the more rural South. However, just like I quickly grew to appreciate the area’s charm and community, so did the people who visited me. Many have made plans for second trips.

Many Albanians complain about the lack of things to do and see in the area. It was something I feared as I prepared for the move. However, after five months, I’ve developed a list of my favorite spots and activities. I hope my newcomer’s perspective can help those who might have forgotten some of the region’s gems over time.

As you welcome friends and family for the holidays, here are some of the spots I think you should take them to showcase the best of the Albany area:

Albany Museum of Art

The Albany Museum of Art’s mission is to bring the art of the South to the world and the art of the world to the South. Its building is filled with inspiring and interesting exhibitions by artists both from and outside the South. Current exhibitions like “Familias” by Ramiro Davaro-Comas and “Land That I Love” by Ashley Cecil communicate messages that challenge viewers to understand unique perspectives. I love bringing friends through the museum as it completely immerses you into the art and is also the perfect size for a quick trip that isn’t overwhelming. Admission is free with ample parking.

Spend a Friday or Saturday evening in the heart of Albany’s downtown

When I first started bringing friends to Albany’s downtown, I found myself prefacing the trip with: “Don’t expect much to be going on.” However, I’ve quickly dismissed this, as every time I bring someone to Albany’s downtown, they are thrilled by its unique charm.

On Friday or Saturday evenings, downtown Albany and Riverfront Park are filled with families playing ball, going to dinner or enjoying local events. Laughter and conversation fill the air, creating a safe and warm environment. I love to take people to the kayak launch along the Flint so that they can be near the water and witness the beautiful nature. The immediate awe on their faces is something that fills me with pride for the river every time.

Then, I like to take them to dinner at The Flint restaurant, where they can enjoy unique Southern dishes like fried catfish or peach cobbler. The restaurant provides a “big-city” vibe right in Albany’s small downtown. To close the night, my friends have loved listening to live music at Pretoria Fields Brewery. I’ve heard Albany’s downtown be dismissed as too dangerous or desolate, but since moving to the area, it’s become one of my favorite places. I can see the potential for new businesses and more community gathering in every corner. My friends love the cute string lights and beautiful old architecture.

Tift Park Community Market

The first time I brought a friend to the market at Tift Park, we got into the car after making our way to each vendor, and she turned to me with a huge smile on her face. She said she was shocked by how kind and outgoing everybody was. She wasn’t used to such positive interactions with strangers in Florida. This kindness is something I’ve noticed since moving to the area as well and it’s on display at Tift Park each Saturday. The market features anywhere from 10-15 local vendors each weekend. You can shop for anything from homemade pot holders to fresh produce and honey. I loved buying strong scented soap from Chambliss Homestead and bold jewelry from Genotra’s Gems. It’s lovely to stop at each booth and chat with the business owners who have high spirits even in the intense summer heat.

The Albany Civil Rights Institute

I am ashamed to admit I had very little knowledge of Albany’s rich Civil Rights history before moving here. I had no idea of the strong grassroots movement that was developed by strong local activists or that Martin Luther King Jr. came to Albany to help the movement before he ever went to Selma or Montgomery. It’s been incredible learning about the history, and one of the best ways to do so is visiting the Albany Civil Rights Institute. It’s an enriching experience visiting the rehabilitated Old Mount Zion Baptist Church, which was the birthplace of the Albany movement. The museum provides exhibits, interactive displays and a digital oral history database that give a clear picture of life in Georgia during the Civil Rights Movement.

Kayaking along Kinchafoonee Creek

Being on the water is a huge part of my identity as a Floridian. I wasn’t sure what opportunities southwest Georgia presented to enjoy water sports like kayaking. I’ve found solace in the river trails along the Flint River system. One of my favorite kayak trips is along Kinchafoonee Creek in Lee County. I like to begin at the Sandy Beach launch on the corner of Sandy Beach Road and Century Park, and end at Sutton’s Landing at 3016 U.S. Highway 19 South. It’s a simple trip for beginner kayakers and provides about three hours worth of tranquility and ample sightseeing.

The highlights of this trail are the blue hole and tiny waterfalls. My friends and I enjoyed seeing wildlife like ducks and even a baby gator. The river trails provide a sweet escape from reality and launches are conveniently placed throughout the region. It’s easy to rent kayaks and schedule pick-ups and drop-offs with one of the numerous kayak and canoe outpost businesses. It’s a great way to showcase southwest Georgia’s beauty and nature to friends and family visiting from other places.

Lunch Spots: New Flavor Restaurant, The Cookie Shoppe, El Caribe Restaurant

These are just some of the unique, local spots I’ve grown to love since moving to the Albany area. New Flavor Restaurant is located at 1205 E. Clark Ave. and offers delicious soul food. I had to take a moment to process the level of tasty when I first took a bite of the dish I ordered. The roasted chicken is flavorful and juicy, and the mac and cheese is baked perfectly. One of my favorite menu items is the fried broccoli, which was generously recommended to me while I waited in line during my first visit.

The Cookie Shop is a local gem filled with Albany history located at 115 N. Jackson St. Its soups and sandwiches are delicious, and you’re always sure to run into someone you know during the busy lunch hours. It’s only open on the weekdays, so I suggest friends go there while I’m at work, and they always come back with good reviews. The old copies of The Albany Herald showcased on the walls is also one of my favorite touches.

Most of my friends who visit are Floridians, and we are used to high-quality Latin American food. El Caribe exceeds expectations every time. Located at 425 W. Oglethorpe Blvd., the restaurant offers a wide array of beans, rice and meat dishes. It’s known for its Oxtail Fridays. I’m a huge fan of its empanadas.

Radium Springs

Radium Springs is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia located right here in Albany. It’s a natural spring where 70,000 gallons of clear blue water are pumped per minute from an underground cave. It’s a very pretty landscape with a terrace, sidewalks and gazebos, and benches to sit and enjoy the scenery. There’s a flow restoration project underway to make the spring even better and to bring it back to a healthy flow. Springs are something very dear to Floridians, and I love showcasing Albany’s very own to my friends and family.

Staff Photo: Lucille LanniganStaff Photo: Lucille Lannigan[email protected]