Take flight, sleep in a tree, race past the speed limit and add a twist to a dinner date, all just outside Atlanta’s city limits
From first dates to golden anniversaries–date night never looked this good! Spend a day, evening or weekend in Henry County, Georgia, only 30 minutes south of Atlanta. Race around the track, take flight with a veteran pilot and sleep up in the tree canopy. Whatever adventure you choose, love is on the horizon in Henry County.
Ride on
Take a date to new heights with a trip to the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation which honors the military’s “Sky Soldiers” by restoring and maintaining vintage aircrafts from the Vietnam War. The experience takes flight when climbing aboard a UH-1H Huey, where a veteran pilot brings guests high into the clouds aboard this impressive chopper. Thrill-seekers will enjoy a more intense ride by taking a seat inside the AH-1F Cobra attack helicopter. The hangars that serve as the home for the flying museum of Vietnam-era Huey and Cobra helicopters are located in Hampton at the Atlanta Speedway Airport (formerly Henry County Airport). Admission is free, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday. The Foundation connects the American soldier to the American public as an active, accepted, and admired member of the American family by presenting the story of Army Aviation and the American soldier. https://armyav.org/about/
Embrace Mother Nature
Outdoor enthusiasts can play Cupid at Panola Mountain State Park. Spend a date night taking a “Basic Indoor Archery” class where you can learn a new skill together or hone existing talent. All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary.
Elevate the mountain experience with an adventure exploring the canopy above through tree climbing. Exercise buffs will enjoy this strenuous activity which has participants using a rope and a harness to ascend into a large tree where they can climb, swing and test athletic prowess. Climbers can choose how high they would like to go and even swing to and walk on branches 30-plus feet off the ground. After a long day of outdoor fun, catch some ZZZ’s in the Trees. Soak in a tranquil night in the canopy as you lay in your “treeboat,” viewing stars through glistening branches.
Continue the outdoor experience while humming “A Bicycle Built for Two” as you grab a set of wheels from Atlanta Trek (120 Westridge Parkway, McDonough), which offers rentals for bikes, mountain bikes and electric bikes. Panola Mountain also rents bikes. Hit the trails throughout Henry County. Paved PATH Foundation trails connect to the Monastary of the Holy Spirit and go all the way to the Mall at Stonecrest. For more information: GastateParks.org/panolamountain, 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge
Sweet reward
Forgo a traditional restaurant and take the farm-to-table experience to a new level of sweetness at Southern Belle Farm, where seasonal produce like strawberries and peaches are fresh-picked from the fields and top homemade mouth-watering pound cake, ooze from cobblers or fried pies and complement swirls of cool ice cream. Savor sweet, decadent bites as you sway gently in a rocking chair on the porch of the farm’s market. For more information: www.SouthernBelleFarm.com, 1658 Turner Church Road, McDonough
Creative pursuits
Free your imaginative spirit at Creativity Café where, after 6 p.m., guests can “free paint.” Translation: you can bring your own wine or adult beverage! While there is not an instructor to guide you step-by-step through the process, you can still pick a design out of a book and have it stenciled on a canvas. Or, let the wine serve as creative juice and create your own masterpiece on canvas. Pottery painting and jewelry making are available, too; but, for a date night, couples may want to stick to canvas painting as these masterpieces can be taken with the artist without a waiting period for firing and other finishing processes. Creativity Café is open until 9 p.m. most evenings, 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, and until 6 p.m., Sundays. For more information: www.Cre8tvtCafe.com, 2005 Jonesboro Rd., McDonough
For more artistic inspiration, try a Hammer & Stain workshop or class. Instructors guide couples through a rustic creation, from front door signs to wooden barn quilts. Put your unique stamp on a project you can display for years to come. For more information: HammerandStainlg.com/collections/frontpage, 501 A Stanley K Tanger Boulevard, Locust Grove
Rev your engine
EchoPark Speedway (formerly known as the Atlanta Speedway) offers several opportunities to express your need for speed. Participate in a driving school class and ride along in a real race car or try on a fire suit and take control behind the wheel. For more information: www.AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com/events/driving-schools/, 1500 Tara Place, Hampton
Not “Just Dinner”
End the day on a tasty note. Hone skills with cooking classes at Olive in a Bottle. The price includes a meal, recipe and a sample-sized bottle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar. Classes are usually available once a month. A retailer of Ultra Premium extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegars from around the world, their extensive selection of olive oils and vinegars are uniquely harvested to bring new flavors to your home. The chef, Marian Minugh, teaches guests how to use local, first-rate ingredients to enliven menu repertoires and bring the luxury of fine cuisine back to the home kitchen. Call (770) 897-4785 for class schedules. For more information: www.OliveinaBottle.com/home, 3836 Highway 42, Locust Grove
If you go
Visitors can rest easy, choosing from a variety of lodging options, including name brand hotels or sleeping under the stars at one of the beautiful campsites in the area. Whether looking for an adventure-packed date or romantic weekend escape, Henry County sets the scene for creative getaways. www.VisitHenryCountyGeorgia.com