Not only is Henry County, Georgia, a great destination to spend your Spring Break vacation, it’s also full of unique attractions to stop and experience while you’re traveling through the area.
Maybe you’re headed to nearby Atlanta and need to kill some time until your room is ready. Or you’re making the trek to Disney World and need to stop overnight. Henry County has plenty of activities ranging from active adventures, hiking trails, shopping, and places to stop and get a refreshment.
Adventures Along the Way
If you have more time to kill, there are a variety of adventurous activities in the communities of Henry County to keep you busy for a couple hours or less.
You could visit the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation Museum in Hampton, GA, for a free tour Tuesday-Saturday. But make sure you call ahead to reserve your space! The Foundation’s museum tells the story of Army Aviation in a fun and interesting way.
The Foundation’s mission is to obtain, restore and maintain in flyable condition, examples of historic aircraft representing Army Aviation from Vietnam to present. Another activity you can participate in at the museum is a helicopter ride. These are available on select Saturdays to those 5 years old and older. Check their calendar for dates.
For the animal lovers in your group, the Walk on the Wild Side Tour at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in Locust Grove, GA, is a great choice. Tours are about 1.5 hours long, and you get to learn each of the animal’s heartfelt stories. Make sure to call ahead and reserve the tour before you head down!
When you’re traveling with kids who might need to burn off a little more energy to make it through the rest of the drive, there are some even more active choices. Like playing a game of foot golf at Rum Creek Sports & Events Center.
Not sure how to play? No worries! It’s easy and the rules are on their website. So put on your tennis shoes, grab a ball and see if mom and dad can keep up with the kids in this unique game!
Are you feeling even more adventurous than that? Try a tree climbing excursion at Panola Mountain State Park. There are various types of climbs depending on your group size, ages, and what time you want to climb.
You can schedule these private group tree climbing events, but the introduction class is typically offered once a month. Check out their website for more information and call ahead to reserve!
Another unique tour opportunity can be found at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, where thousands of fans gather twice a year to stand at the sidelines of the exciting NASCAR Cup Series. But the rest of the year, this premier racing facility is open to the public for tours.
Tours start at 10 a.m. Monday-Friday, and go every hour. Call ahead to reserve your time, then come down to learn a brief history of the track, visit Petty Garden, visit Bootlegger’s Bar, stop at the start/finish line in the grandstands, tour through the infield, and stop at Victory Lane!
Stretching Legs for Free
If you’re looking for ways to get out in nature, stretch your legs, breathe in fresh air, and not spend any money, there are plenty of places to accomplish that, as well.
Noah’s Ark also offers self-guided tour opportunities. Entrance into the sanctuary is free, but donations are always happily accepted! Walk around and view the rehabilitated animals they have rescued over the years. Your visit can be as quick or as long as you’d like. Noah’s Ark is open 12-3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
If you’re traveling through Stockbridge, you won’t be disappointed in a stop at Reeves Creek Trail. This beautiful, well-maintained trail spans three miles, but is also great for a short stroll. It can be accessed from either Flippen Road or Memorial Park, with parking available at both sites.
The Flippen Road entrance also includes a Little Free Library and exercise equipment. Take a quick walk, jog, walk your dog, let your kids trade in their road trip reading material – all while enjoying the beautiful nature of Henry County.
A visit to the Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center in Stockbridge is enjoyable for both kids and adults alike. There are multiple trails that make up the center. The red and blue trails are two miles long and travel around the outdoor center for a good look at the entire campus. The loop trail is nearly 8 miles long and includes serene views of the water along the Towaliga River.
The trails are all open year-round Monday-Friday. While walking through Cubihatcha, you may spot various types of native plants and animals. If you’re short on time, a self-guided tour is best. However, prearranged tours led by a staff naturalist are also available.
Shopping Break
What’s better than a little retail therapy to make a road trip go by faster? Henry County has many local and national shops for everyone’s taste.
A stop at Tanger Outlets in Locust Grove is perfect for everyone in your group with more than 60 shops and restaurants, you’re sure to find a great souvenir or gifts for loved ones back home.
What’s a road trip without some great reading material? You can find amazing books – new or old – at Birdsong Books in Locust Grove.
Sweet Treats & Caffeine Fix
Speaking of coffee, sometimes a little treat or a cup of joe is all you need to make it through the rest of a road trip. Luckily, Henry County has several coffee shops and bakeries that can’t wait to serve you your next sweet fix.
Stop for a delicious iced coffee, chai tea, or smoothie at Drip-Thru Coffee or The Lazy Llama. Give your sweet tooth what it’s been craving with a pastry from ELF’s Cakery or Crumbles. Share an “extreme” milkshake with your kids at Cake ‘n Shake.
No matter where you choose, these locally-owned shops are sure to give you the energy you need to finish your trip strong!