Road trips are the cornerstone of today’s travel and destinations like Henry County make for memories on the back roads of Georgia’s Peach State
HENRY COUNTY, GEORGIA—DECEMBER 2020—Folks are scampering to find road trips that offer fun, excitement and adventure without breaking the bank. Thirty minutes south of Atlanta, Henry County is poised to offer all these elements plus a culture of unique delights that the entire family will enjoy. Find out why Henry County is a hidden gem amongst Georgia communities.
A visit to the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum (next to the EchoPark Speedway) is in order for any group touring this destination. The Hampton, Georgia, Legacy Chapter offers free hangar tours and there’s ample opportunity to get up close and personal with elements of Army Aviation like the helicopter ride program. In finding ways to connect the public to the American soldier, the AAHF has created patriotic flying presentations, aircraft and equipment displays alongside the ride program which allows folks a chance to take flight in a Bell UH-1H or Bell AH-1 Cobra helicopter piloted by a military veteran. (Note: rides are currently grounded until February 2021 so be sure and check the website if you are interested in a ride.) Don’t miss a chance to wander the free Flying Museum for an education experience through narrated static displays. Before stopping by, please call ahead to make an appointment for the complimentary tour.
Be sure and check out Heritage Park Veterans Museum in McDonough where our nation’s history is promoted in an educational way to help future generations understand military significance through the display of artifacts and information dating back to WWI, as explained by the military veterans who volunteer as guides. Visitors will see a meaningful collection of uniforms, equipment, supplies and personal belongings on display thanks to many generous benefactors in search of ways to keep a family member’s military experience alive. Guests hear the soldiers’ stories, often by name, learning more about the war or battle through their personal experiences. Free admission (but please consider a contribution) also allows for a look at real-life military aviation thanks to a Huey combat helicopter on the side lawn. Take home a souvenir from the Ship’s Store and don’t skip the Wall of Honor room recognized by Gold Star Mothers. The room houses pictures of fallen soldiers and is a place to remember, honor and reflect. This is a special room as it is the only memorial of its kind outside of a military installation allowing family members and the public free and easy access. Other prominent exhibits/displays include the granite Veterans Wall of Honor located just up the hill from the museum and honoring veterans from all conflicts, the Veterans Walk of Honor paved with inscribed bricks and the POW/MIA Tribute.
Continue exploring the area and take a self-guided tour along Henry County’s Artisan Trail, a collection of places featuring artisan goods and art throughout the area. Experience agritourism at Southern Belle Farm and other area farms. Delight in custom barnwood furniture, leather goods and more at area retailers. Satisfy a craving at local restaurants like Drip-Thru Coffee and Made Fresh Juice Co. Take home a Georgia-made souvenir as a reminder of your getaway.
Get outdoors and breathe the fresh air at Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge. Panola Mountain is a granite outcrop known as a monadnock and is similar to Stone Mountain and Arabia Mountain. Activities include hiking, archery, tree climbing, birding, geocaching and so much more for your family to love about the great outdoors. Panola Mountain additionally has a designation as a conservation area, home to rare plant life. The mountain itself is only accessible with a guide for this reason so that protection may be maintained for these plants. The Park’s ecosystem is pristine and your family will no doubt enjoy adding this venue to the “Must Do” list for Henry County travel.
NASCAR anyone? EchoPark Speedway (formerly known as the Atlanta Speedway) in Hampton is the state’s only NASCAR track offering year-round fun for motorsport aficionados as well as people interested in learning more about the sport. EchoPark Speedway sits on about 850 acres and hosts the NASCAR Cup Series annually. Aside from that, the track plays host to Monster Jam and the Georgia State Fair among other events. Take a track tour or even a few laps around the track in the Speedway van with a behind-the-scenes peek at Petty Garden, the garages, Victory Lane and more! Two races are planned for 2024. Fun Fact: Richard Petty’s final race was at EchoPark Speedway and Jeff Gordon’s first race was as well, and incidentally, both phenomenal events were in the same year—1992.
Finally, Floyd Chapel Baptist Church is a great, history-filled stop to put on your touring list. Located in Stockbridge, Floyd Chapel Baptist Church has long since been recognized as a haven for black worshippers. Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr. worshipped at this church with his mother Delia Lindsay King during his childhood. Later King was ordained and preached his first sermon at Floyd Chapel. In 2015, Stockbridge unveiled the MLK Sr. Heritage Trail and a marker stands in front of Floyd Chapel honoring his legacy. Learn more about the King family legacy by viewing a commemorative plaque located at the Stockbridge City Hall close-by. The church is not currently open for tours, but visitors can attend worship services on Sundays.
Glam up your winter with an affordable getaway exploring unique Georgia cities in Henry County. For more information and help with planning, head over to VisitHenryCountygeorgia.com.