Put Some Spring in Your Break With a Visit to Henry County, Georgia

© Michie Turpin of Michie Turpin Photography

Put Some Spring in Your Break With a Visit to Henry County, Georgia

Winter is finally melting away, and with the warmer weather returning, there’s no better time to step into springtime magic in Henry County, Georgia. This charming town has no shortage of things to do, from shopping to indulging in history—and of course, there are countless exciting ways to ring in the season.

With the start of April, the tiny white flowers on strawberry plants turn into big, beautiful, and juicy red strawberries at Southern Belle Farm just south of Atlanta in McDonough, Georgia. The farm offers U-Pick, pre-picked strawberries, mouthwatering homemade strawberry shortcake, and strawberry ice cream. Although Southern Belle strawberries are a sweet reason to visit, they are not the only reason Henry County, Georgia, is “Better Explored.”

Tucked away in a hangar at the Atlanta Speedway Airport are military veterans and the veterans who fly these historic aircraft. Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum is an organization that rebuilds, maintains, and flies Vietnam-era Huey and Cobra helicopters. Not only does this flying museum allow guests to walk through the hangar and learn about the aircraft, but it also offers rides.

While the flight in a Huey or Cobra is the ride of a lifetime, Tier-1 Helicopters offers customizable one-hour tours, including sunset flights over the Atlanta skyline, for those who want a more scenic helicopter tour.

Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies can test their skills during a two-hour stunt driving experience at the Bobby Ore Motorsports Stunt Driving School at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Two and three-day classes are also available for the serious enthusiast. The Speedway also offers a one-hour track tour with a few laps around the famous track. All tour reservations are made through the gift shop.

Spring is a great time not only for adventure but also for enjoying music outdoors in a state-of-the-art venue. The Stockbridge Amphitheater’s concert series kicks off in the spring and runs through October.

Visit Henry County in March or April and have the opportunity to see a rare sight in the solution pits on the top of Panola Mountain State Parks: tiny pink plants called Diamorpha bloom. These plants only grow in these pools on granite monadnocks like Panola Mountain. Scheduled guided hikes are available to access this conservation area and see this unique ecosystem. For a two-for-one show-stopping experience, book a Sunset Mountain tour during this time and see the beautiful Diamorpha and the sunset over the Atlanta skyline.

Food is not merely necessary for this adventure; it should be a priority. Restaurants like Southern Fusion Dining in Locust Grove specialize in breakfast with colossal cinnamon rolls, chicken, waffles, shrimp, and grits. Welcome Home Creamery in Hampton offers homemade ice cream, like their award-winning banana pudding ice cream. Green Front Café is a historic restaurant that has been re-opened with a fresh new twist on southern staples. Sweet Auburn BBQ in McDonough takes Texas-style barbeque and blends it beautifully with Asian flavors that create a taste sensation.

Shopping should not be ignored, and the options are plentiful and unique—if you know where to look! Speakeasy Bookstore and Birdsong Books offer the perfect vacation reads, and Cavender’s Horsetown is the place to find boots, hats, and all-western wear essentials.

Why wait? Book your trip to Henry County today. Learn more at visithenrycountygeorgia.com