If you ever visit Georgia, chances are high Atlanta will be the main destination.
Yet as much as we love visiting The Big Peach / Hollywood of the South / Hotlanta / The Big A, we’d typically rather not trade one big-city experience for another.
The solution? Henry County, Georgia.
It’s easy to fly nonstop into the busiest airport in the United States on Southwest Airlines or American Airlines, rent a car and then drive 30 miles to the southeast of Atlanta to Henry County.
We had the privilege of visiting late last year and it was such a refreshing change of pace: tranquil when we needed it, but adrenaline-pumping when we craved it. A side trip to Henry County makes for a great add-on itinerary, too, if you’re visiting Atlanta for other reasons (such as Atlanta Pride in October).
Read on for some of the experiences that make Henry County one of our favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations and one we hope to return to soon.
What To Do In Henry County
Throughout Henry County, you’ll find an abundance of small towns that feel right out of a 1950s movie and they’re fun to explore. We drove through several, but Locust Grove deserved a few hours of our time thanks to its picturesque appeal. Grab a bite to eat, do a little shopping, then sit in the pavilion off Main Street and wait for one of 40 daily trains to zip by. Yep, it’s the kind of town where people participate in a little trainspotting to pass the time. But don’t get too relaxed as a result of the slower pace, because what we loved most about our Henry County experience will take your breath away—and get your heart racing.
If you’ve never flown in a helicopter before, this is the place to give flying high a try. We recommend starting with a sunset flight in a modern helicopter with Tier 1 Helicopters. The Veteran-owned business takes up to three people on tours of the area, flying over Atlanta Motor Speedway (which also has some adrenaline-pumping experiences), shooting locations for The Walking Dead, as well as the spectacular Atlanta skyline after nightfall. It’s utterly breathtaking. (Note: You must request helicopter tours five days in advance).
Once you’ve gotten your sky-high sea legs, so to speak, you’ll be ready for two of the most incredible helicopter flight options imaginable at Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum. With a military Veteran at the controls, take flight in a Vietnam-era Huey, complete with open doors to give you a thrill bigger than anything you’ll find on even the scariest roller coaster. Not only do you get awe-inspiring views, when you imagine yourself in a soldier’s boots and know that they had to jump out of these aircraft into unknown peril below, it’s as inspiring as it is terrifying—both in the best ways possible. For an even more rare flight experience, you can go up in a two-seater Cobra. It’s the only place in the world where you can get a ride in one of these incredible flying machines. (Trust us, you’ll be glad you did the high-tech helicopter sunset flight first.)
After such an exhilarating excursion above Georgia, you’ll appreciate having your feet firmly planted back on earth. But might as well enjoy some gorgeous views from the ground, too. Rent bikes at the Nature Center in Panola Mountain State Park (or take a hike) and head to the scenic overlook followed by a trip across the boardwalk over Alexander Lake. The air smells fresher, the birds sound sweeter (though birds still freak us out), and the exercise feels so much more rewarding than anything you’ll get back home at the gym.
Where To Eat In Henry County
As you’d expect from a southern state, food plays a pivotal role in daily life and the overall sense of hospitality that accompanies it. We ate well—and often—during our quick, two-night vacation, which in hindsight makes it feel like we were gone so much longer. Besides our amazing morning spread of eggs, bacon and apple-covered pancakes with Chef Todd at Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast, we ate our way across the county to support local businesses any chance we got.
For your caffeine fix, make sure to drive up to the window at one of the area locations of Drip-Thru Coffee. We suggest a large Iced Americano so you can sip on it for a couple of hours and keep that energy level high. Enjoy surprisingly good outside-of-Texas Mexican food at Black Rose Café & Bar in Locust Grove and some truly crazy pizzas at 15th Street Pizza & Pub in McDonough, including their beloved Wine & Cheese pizza, the dill-centric Pickle pizza and if you’re still missing Dallas, the Texan topped with smoked brisket and BBQ sauce. Also in McDonough, full-on barbecue can be procured at Sweet Auburn Barbecue with an unexpected Asian twist.
You’ll also want to set aside one lunch to dine at the history-packed Green Front Café, which got its start back in the 1940s and skillfully merges soul food with flavors of Jamaica. Finally, if you take us up on our recommendation to do the state park (or any outdoor excursion) order a picnic to go from Rutabaga’s Market & Cafe in Hampton. After getting banana pudding ice cream at Welcome Home Creamery & Coffee, because “Dessert First” is often our vacation mantra.
Where To stay In Henry County
Skip the chain motels and hotels. Half the charm of vacationing in rural destinations is getting the local experience and it doesn’t get more quaint than Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast. As owners of Henry County’s first bed and breakfast, Anita and Marvin Johnson treat every guest like a member of the family—but unlike family, they leave you alone when you go to your room and shut the door. They embrace everyone who steps foot in their home, including members of the LGBTQ community, and from snacks and sips throughout the day to a traditional southern breakfast and optional chef-driven private dinner, you’ll definitely not leave this place hungry.
Sit outside under a shade tree and gaze at the property’s pond, take a paddle boat out for sunset, or book a massage in the cozy treatment suite to truly experience some quality B&B R&R. Its location within Henry County makes it convenient to get to some of the region’s best attractions. With only three rooms in the main house and a private one-bedroom apartment, even if the whole place gets booked, you’re getting a nice break from the hotel crowds.
Build Your Own Henry County Itinerary
Even though we stand behind each of our personal recommendations, you’ll likely have some other interests to explore. So head to Visit Henry County, Georgia’s website to see everything there is to discover in this beautiful neck of the woods.
Visit Henry County, Georgia
visithenrycountygeorgia.comPhotos courtesy of Visit Henry County, Georgia
