Travel ideas and adventure for road trippers looking for safe getaways in the Peach State
For folks itching to plan a road trip filled with all things fall, point your compass just south of Atlanta (about 30 minutes actually) and visit Henry County, a destination with an abundance of outdoor adventure, heritage and culture, foodie delights and endless memories. You simply can’t go wrong with a Georgia getaway in Henry County.
Outdoor adventure
Fall is special at Southern Belle Farm where old-fashioned harvest celebrations are an everyday affair. Families are welcome at the Farm and will love all the activities available in the great outdoors. Enjoy the pumpkin patch, a four-acre corn maze and many more outdoor attractions. Don’t miss the U-Pick Flowers, Farm Market and Bakery for fun souvenirs to take back home. It’s strongly advised to buy your tickets online to save time and to guarantee entry since capacity is limited this season and entry may sell out.
Visit Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, take a self-guided tour or “Walk on the Wild Side” with a guided tour led by a volunteer for an incredible, unforgettable adventure allowing guests between the fences and including stories of each animal along the way. Another unique option, “Painting with Doc” pairs guests with the head Animal Husbandry Manager also granting entry between the fences for a front row seat to watch as Doc the Tiger or Anna Lou the Grizzly Bear paint a picture just for you, using their face and paws. What a unique and special take-home souvenir!
The Georgia State Fair always puts excitement in the air and this year is no different. Enjoy exciting attractions and shows along with live music, carnival rides and your favorite fair foods that will take your mind quickly to memories of yesteryear. The event is held at the EchoPark Speedway (formerly known as the Atlanta Speedway) from September 30-October 9, 2022 and will follow strict COVID guidelines listed on the website. Another fun option, Drive In At The Speedway features a series of concerts with a tailgate friendly atmosphere. Bring your own food and beverage to the show or partake in on-site concessions as you rock to the beat of concerts at the EchoPark Speedway.
For the athletic traveler or even a competitive family outing, check out Rum Creek Golf at Eagles Landing. This venue offers a Par 3, 9-hole executive golf course, Footgolf (great for families), a driving range, putting green and batting cages. Outdoor activities make it easier to stay socially distanced and this is an affordable option conveniently located off I-75. Also, J.P. Moseley Park offers a free championship-caliber Disc Golf Course, another fantastic, family-friendly venue.
Panola Mountain State Park is a 100-acre granite outcrop much like Stone Mountain, only smaller and more pristine. Guests can take a guided hike to the top of the outcrop and see its rare ecosystem in the same manner that the Native Americans did centuries ago. Panola Mountain showcases much of Mother Nature’s playground for visitors who want to picnic, fish, rent a boat, hike, bike or practice archery. Other fabulous choices for outdoor frolic at Panola includes birding, geocaching and tree-climbing! Look for rare plants and animals in this special place among the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, one of only three National Heritage Areas in Georgia.
Experience shopping with all your favorite brands in one place at Tanger Outlets in nearby Locust Grove. Discover great deals on designer labels and know that COVID enforcements are followed as listed on the website. Curbside pick-up zones are available for shoppers wishing to utilize this touchless service.
Safe options for dining
Shopping, playing and exploring are bound to bring on the hunger pangs. When dining inside a restaurant doesn’t make sense, look for opportunities at eateries who offer patios or outside seating. Henry County has plenty and below is a good list to get you started.
- Graffiti’s Pizza – A Greek Taverna is a great place to grab made-from-scratch gourmet pizzas, vegan pizzas, calzones, Gyros and sandwiches. Dine-in or order online for takeout, delivery or curbside pickup.
- Tierra Mia is a scrumptious Mexican cuisine restaurant with an expansive menu and lots of drink choices. Order online, dine in or enjoy the quaint outdoor, bistro-like setting that will really wow you.
- The Original Shane’s Rib Shack has lots of outdoor options or order online and pickup curbside. Don’t skip the sandwiches, wings, burgers and more at Shane’s with lots of delicious sauces.
- French Market and Tavern is located in Historic Downtown Locust Grove. This hot dining venue serves an eclectic mix of Southern and New Orleans cuisine along with ice cold brews and creative martinis. Order take out, dine in or dine on the patio.
- The Peach Pit Bar & Grill is a local and visitor favorite serving American classics with a lengthy list of rotating craft beers (with a local focus) available. Guests can enjoy the open-air atmosphere with outdoor tables.
- 15th Street Pizza and Pub is the place for great pies, Georgia brews, big screen TV’s and a patio atmosphere.
Cabin fever is a real thing and when the travel bug bites, think Henry County for a quick getaway with lots of space for safe, socially responsible travel. For more information, please visit VisitHenryCountyGeorgia.com.