MOODY AFB | VALDOSTA, GA
This blog post is part of a series of posts written by a collaboration of US military spouses throughout the world. This information is meant to be a jumping off point for military spouses, new to an area, to get some info that probably won’t be handed to you through your spouse’s command.
Introductions:
Amy is a former military spouse, originally from Albuquerque, NM who spent 7 years in Valdosta, GA while her husband was assigned there as a Pararescueman. For context, her husband was stationed at Moody Air Force Base from the time she was 26 and a newlywed until she was 33. They also had 2 children while stationed at Moody AFB. She worked outside the home at a daycare until she had her children. In total, Amy has 7 years experience as a military spouse.
Overall, how did you feel about this assignment?
We absolutely loved it! 5 out of 5 stars!
Any Ins & outs about the base or local area?
Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) at Moody AFB is fantastic! The local area is super military family friendly!
The area around Moody Air Force Base is definitely a small town with not a lot of big things to do but it is definitely a family oriented area. The Hahira HoneyBee Festival and Azalea Festival are both two tiny but great local festivals to enjoy!
THE LIVING SITUATION: Housing, utilities, areas, etc.
We rented off base. The Hahira & Lakeland are wonderful cities for families. Off base just make sure you’re anywhere north of Inner Perimeter. We used both Colquitt Electric & Georgia Power and didn’t have issues. Water utilities were through MJS Utilities and Investments, trash pickup was through Advance Disposal, and we used AT&T for phone services. Windstream is by far the best internet in the area!
For pest control we used Title Town Pest Control, owned by Lanny Pike and he is the nicest man on the planet! The number to Title Town Pest Control is 229.251.5112
THE PETS
We absolutely loved Valdosta Animal Hospital, they were the best. We also used Gogi’s Great Escape for dog boarding – Gogi is fantastic and the facility is so nice!
For the kids
Schools
Our children attended CrossPointe Preschool and we loved it. They fill up so fast so call EARLY, like ASAP! They also offer Military Discounts.
Extracurriculars, Museums, Zoos, Parks or other Kid Activities
- Friday Frolic at the YMCA Gymnastics is just a free for all open gym for ages 1-5.
- Story time at the libraries off and on base were all wonderful.
- We went to PetSmart to look at fish – it’s quite a small town!
- Freedom Park was the #1 playground to go to – has a playground, dog park, disc golf, track and all the sports fields.
- Mission Lake on base has a great playground as well.
- Fifth Day Farms has a great petting zoo type place year round for kiddo and has a pumpkin patch in the fall.
- Southern Grace Farms has an amazing playground and offers seasonal berry and peach picking.
CHURCHES & RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
We attended Perimeter Road Baptist Church, they had wonderful Sunday morning small groups!
Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) has a wonderful group locally and is a great way to make non-military friends.
DATE NIGHT & EATING OUT
For date night:
- Mom’s & Dad’s Italian Restaurant. People wear anything form casual to fancy-ish attire. It’s pretty laid back but absolutely delicious Italian food.
- Georgia Beer Company for a laid back brewery atmosphere.
- Skroll for an axe throwing fun night out
- Epic Escape Rooms
For Take-Out:
- Tase of China – Chinese
- CupWorks – Japanese/Sushi
- Hug in a Mug – coffee & pretzilla dog – these are LIFE changing
- Taqueria – Mexican restaurant across rom base and it’s AMAZING
- Surcheros – like Chipotle but better
For Coffee:
- Hug in a Mug – a small sit down area inside or drive through. They have great breakfast foods & baked goods.
- Red Owl – drive through only but the best coffee & smoothies in town.
- Just Love Coffee – has a bigger sit down area, great food and is perfect for squadron spouse get togethers.
FOR THE LADIES
Nail Salons:
New York Nails 2 is up by base and definitely has the best pedicures.
TRAVEL
Day Trips:
Blue Springs, FL was a great swimming hole to take day trips to. There was also tubing that was a lot of fun!
Weekend Getaways:
Definitely head to Savannah, Georgia and take the trolly tours & walk Riverstreet. You also can’t go wrong with St Augustine, FL for the beach and historic tours!
Local photographer recommendations
Carmen Simpson was a wonderful photographer we used while stationed at Moody AFB!
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