Have you ever been to Henry County? Chances are you have driven through on a trip to Savannah or Florida while cruising down Interstate 75. Henry County is “Better Explored” meaning when you leave the interstate behind, you find hidden gems that are the real heart of Henry.
FOODIE FINDS
On a visit to Locust Grove, stop for breakfast at Southern Fusion Dining. Whether it is the colossal cinnamon rolls or Chef Paul’s legendary shrimp and grits, you’ll leave full and feeling like family. Eat lunch at a family-owned and operated restaurant more than 50 years in the making. Green Front Café’s new owners offer soul food with a Jamaican flair in Stockbridge. If you want a blend of lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks after work, visit Black Rose Café in Locust Grove where you can get authentic Mexican cuisine, a latte or a mixed drink from the bar alongside homemade baked goods. In Hampton, enjoy homemade soups and sandwiches at Rutabaga’s Market and Cafe before taking a few steps down the street for award-winning banana pudding ice cream at Welcome Home Creamery. When dinner calls for date night with a glass of wine, the newly renovated Serafino’s Italian Bistro will deliver not only delicious food, but upscale ambiance.
SHOPPING PARADISE
You probably already know about the more than 70 brand name outlets available at Tanger Outlets, but Locust Grove also offers western wear at Cavender’s Horsetown, vintage finds at Planter’s Walk Antique Mall, and new and used books at Birdsong Books for children and adults. If boutiques are your love language, head over to Hampton to visit A’More Uniquely Me or Stockbridge to shop at Doll’d Up Boutique and McDonough to check out Inside Tag Boutique. Audiophiles can browse the thousands of records, 8-tracks and vintage video games at Media Mania.
THRILL-SEEKING
Fast cars and helicopter rides await thrill-seekers in Henry County. Atlanta Motor Speedway features the thrill of two NASCAR races, track tours and hosts the Bobby Ore Motorsports Stunt Driving School. Learn to make 180 degree turns or slide into a parallel parking space during the class. Just behind Atlanta Motor Speedway, the Atlanta Speedway Airport offers not one, but two opportunities to take to the sky. Tier-1 Helicopters offers customized helicopter tours, including a sunset tour to view the Atlanta Skyline. The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation offers a monthly ride program where you can book a ride in a Cobra helicopter or the icon of the Vietnam War – the Huey – where the wind whips through the open doors and gives you “Huey hair.” For a different kind of thrill, get your tickets to see music legends perform live at the Stockbridge Amphitheater.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Children are certainly not left out of the fun in Henry County. Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in Locust Grove offers an opportunity to see tigers, bears, monkeys and more, each in their own large, natural habitat. In addition to the “You-Pick” strawberries, peaches, blackberries, blueberries and flowers, Southern Belle Farm’s fall season offers pig races, jumping pillows, a corn maze and so much more. Take the kids tree climbing at Panola Mountain State Park. This is not the tree climbing of your childhood. Here, you are strapped into a safety harness with a reverse pulley system where you “climb” into the
treetops without ever having to set foot on a single branch.
OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST
In addition to the virtual outdoor playground offered by Panola Mountain State Park, Henry County has 1,400 acres of recreation facilities. While enjoying a round of disc golf at J.P. Moseley Park or the Veterans Wall of Honor at Heritage Park you might also be lucky enough to see one of the 31 squirrel picnic tables that make up the Bushy Tail Art Trail. Grab a fishing pole and head to Nash Farm Park to fish in the stocked lake. If you get there early enough, you may also witness one of the most beautiful sunrise views in Henry County.
These are just a few of the ways to explore Henry County.
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