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17 Surprising Things to Do in Henry County, GA South of ATL

ByPaige Watts

Did you know you could learn stunt driving and fly in an open-door Huey helicopter just 40 minutes from Atlanta? I’ve got the scoop on all the fun things to do in Henry County, Georgia!

I never expected to be flying high over the EchoPark Speedway, facing straight down from the gunner seat of a Vietnam-era helicopter with nothing but a lap belt. I especially didn’t expect to experience that in Henry County, the place that’s only been on my radar for its outlet mall and for driving through to get other places south of Atlanta.

And yet, here I am with countless other surprising experiences under my belt, all thanks to Henry County! If you’re looking for a high-octane escape from Atlanta that’s not too far away, you’re going to find it in Henry County, GA.

A special thanks to Visit Henry County, GA for hosting my trip! As always, all opinions are my own.

Hot Air Balloons floating against a colorful sunset sky at the Atlanta Hot Air Balloon Festival at EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. One balloon has stars and stripes, while others show vibrant stripes. A lively crowd gathers below.

Fun Things to Do in Henry County, GA

1. Learn to Drive a Stunt Car at the Bobby Ore Stunt Driving Experience

Paige driving a black, slightly damaged stunt car at the Bobby Ore Stunt Driving Experience at EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia.
Paige and 15 others pose outdoors at a racetrack under a partly cloudy sky for the Bobby Ore Stunt Driving Experience at EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia.

One of my favorite experiences in Henry County was doing the Bobby Ore Stunt Driving Experience at the EchoPark Speedway.

Bobby Ore Motorsports gives driver training to stunt drivers, law enforcement, military personnel, and even the public.

I did their 2-hour experience, which they offer at EchoPark Speedway on a Saturday about once a month.

We started in the car with the professional driver who showed us the course that they require their driving school students to complete. Then it was our turn to try some of the skills, like slaloms through cones, a 180° turn, and a sliding 90° turn.

I did so well at the 180 that I even got praise from Bobby Ore himself, which apparently is no easy feat!

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2. Fly in a Vietnam-era Helicopter at the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation & Flying Museum

An olive green United States Army Vietnam-era Huey Helicopter on an airstrip at the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation & Flying Museum in Hampton, Georgia. Two men in green uniforms enter the helicopter under a clear blue sky with grassy fields in the background.
Aerial view of the EchoPark Speedway (formerly the Atlanta Motor Speedway), a large, oval racetrack surrounded by green fields and dense forests. The image is taken from onboard a Vietnam-era Huey Helicopter at the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation & Flying Museum in Hampton, Georgia.
Paige smiling in sunglasses and a blue top, standing on a tarmac with a Vietnam-era Huey Helicopter in the background at the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation & Flying Museum in Hampton, Georgia. The sky is clear with a few clouds.

The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation & Flying Museum is a volunteer-run gem that restores Huey and Cobra helicopters. They offer flyovers, rides, demonstrations, and free hangar tours.

You might see them at airshows in the Southeast, and they’ve been in films and productions. They even landed a helicopter during a live theater production at nearby Serenbe, which is crazy!

The real treat is getting to ride in a helicopter with their veteran pilots. We rode in the UH-1 “Huey” for a doors-open experience. The pilot did maneuvers they would have used during the Vietnam War during search and rescue missions, which means you spend a good amount of time looking straight down at the ground.

I highly recommend getting one of the 4 gunner seats. These are the seats on the side toward the back of the helicopter that face straight out. So when the pilot banks, you look straight down! This is where I sat, and it was incredible.

Be sure to spend some time chatting with the veterans to hear their stories of riding in the helicopters during the Vietnam War, many of them when they were just barely 18.

3. Take a Sunset Mountain Hike at Panola Mountain State Park

Sunset on a hike on Panola Mountain, looking our over a forest viewed from the granite mountaintop at Panola Mountain State Park in Henry County, Georgia. The sky transitions from soft orange to light blue, with silhouetted trees.
Paige smiling with sunglasses in front of a sunset on a hike on Panola Mountain, looking our over a forest viewed from the granite mountaintop at Panola Mountain State Park in Henry County, Georgia. The sky transitions from soft orange to light blue, with silhouetted trees.
Sunset on a hike on Panola Mountain, looking our over a forest viewed from the granite mountaintop at Panola Mountain State Park in Henry County, Georgia. The sky transitions from soft orange to purple, with silhouetted trees.
Sunset on a hike on Panola Mountain, looking our over a forest viewed from the granite mountaintop at Panola Mountain State Park in Henry County, Georgia. The sky transitions from soft orange to light blue, with silhouetted trees.

Panola Mountain State Park is a 1,815-acre park with hiking, lakes, a nature center, and playgrounds. It’s focal point is the 100-acre granite outcropping of Panola Mountain that’s similar to Stone Mountain and Arabia Mountain.

But unlike the other two mountains, Panola Mountain was never quarried for its granite. As such, the mountain is a protected conservation area and it can only be accessed by ranger-led hikes.

They offer guided hikes throughout the month, and occasionally they’ll offer a sunset hike. During the hike, you’ll learn about the monadnock’s unique ecology and history. The hike covers about 3.5 miles and you’ll get great views of the city, which is beautiful at sunset.

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4. Tour EchoPark Speedway

An empty racetrack at EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway) in Hampton, Georgia. There is an expansive blue sky, grandstand seating, and high fences.
Paige in sunglasses smiling in the foreground at the racetrack at EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway) in Hampton, Georgia. Three cars and two people are visible behind her on a sunny day.
Wide-angle view of a sunlit, empty racetrack with a steeply banked curve at EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway) in Hampton, Georgia. Safety fence lines the outer edge, and a clear blue sky shines above.
Paige stands on the 28-degree bank on the racetrack at EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway) in Hampton, Georgia. Behind her is a barrier with "Visit Henry" and "FR8 Racing" logos under a clear blue sky.

EchoPark Speedway (formerly the Atlanta Motor Speedway) is a 1.54-mile superspeedway race track that hosts the NASCAR Cup Series twice a year. When it’s not holding a race, there are tons of events going on from air shows to Monster Truck.

And you can tour the speedway!

A track tour gives you a behind-the-scnes look at the facility, a tour of a suite, a look at the garages and Victory Lane, plus three laps around the track in the Speedway van.

We even got to hop out and climb the 28° bank!

5. See a Race at EchoPark Speedway

Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, a bustling race track with colorful cars zipping around and packed grandstands filled with spectators, all under an expansive cloudy sky.

If you time your visit right, you can catch a race at EchoPark Speedway. They have spring and summer NASCAR events.

I didn’t catch a race on this trip, but I have been to a race before and even as someone who knows nothing about racing, it was still a lot of fun.

6. Stay in a Condo Overlooking the EchoPark Speedway

A row of theater-style seats faces a large window overlooking a nighttime view of EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway) in Hampton, Georgia with vibrant billboards and colorful hot air balloons.
Elegant bedroom at a condo at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia with a dark wooden sleigh bed, patchwork quilt, two matching bedside tables with lamps, and car mufflers decorating the wall above.
A view out a large window overlooking a nighttime view of EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway) in Hampton, Georgia with vibrant billboards and colorful hot air balloons.

Did you know that there are condos above the grandstands at EchoPark Speedway? And there’s one available to rent!

We spent the evening in this condo overlooking the speedway during the Hot Air Balloon Festival, and we spent the night watching the drone and light show from the comfort of the condo’s theater seating in front of giant picture windows.

If you’re a racing fan, this would be an incredible way to experience a race! And it’s a great place to stay for non-racing events at the speedway too.

7. Get Up-Close to Exotic Animals at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary

A close-up of a black bear behind a fence at Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary in Locust Grove, Georgia. The bear's mouth is open slightly showing teeth, with a playful expression.
A brown bear stands in a grassy enclosure Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary in Locust Grove, Georgia, surrounded by trees and a tall fence.
Paige wearing sunglasses crouches, smiling, in front of a fenced enclosure with a black bear behind her at Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary in Locust Grove, Georgia.
Paige leans toward a fenced enclosure with a black bear, coming face-to-face with the bear, at Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary in Locust Grove, Georgia.

Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary is a home for abused, abandoned, and neglected animals. They mostly have exotic animals and livestock.

For years, they were the home of the famous BLT (Bear, Lion, & Tiger), a trio of animals who were kept as pets and treated poorly, but who had developed an unlikely bond and continued to live together even after being rescued by the sanctuary. Each member has since passed, but their legacy lives on.

The beautiful park-like setting is a budget-friendly place to see a lot of animals, and they have a lot of bears, so I love it!

You can also pay extra for the WOW (Walk on the Wild Side) Tour. A professional guide will take you between the gates to put you as close to the animals as possible. If timed right, you can see a lot of the animals feeding, which will bring them closer to the fence. A lot of the animals can be pretty socialable, so they’ll come greet you.

My favorites are the bears, of course. You couldn’t hardly pull me away! But the lion and tiger were incredible too. This was hands-down my favorite Henry County experience because I love anything that can ethically put me face-to-face with a bear.

8. Attend the Atlanta Hot Air Balloon Festival

Hot air balloons rise at sunset at the Atlanta Hot Air Balloon Festival at EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. One balloon features an American flag pattern and another rainbow stripes, as they rise over a grassy area near the racetrack stadium.
Paige smiling in sunglasses standing in front of hot air balloons rising at sunset at the Atlanta Hot Air Balloon Festival at EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. The balloons behind her feature rainbow stripes.

The Atlanta Hot Air Balloon Festival is an annual event held at EchoPark Speedway. There are festival foods, craft vendors, a live DJ, and a kids’ zone.

But the best part is the tethered hot air balloon rides! It’s a thrilling ride that lifts you up over the speedway. It doesn’t last very long, but it’s worth it!

The festival also has a balloon glow after dark, and they put on a laser and drone light show.

9. Make Your Own Candle at The Maker on Main

Tray with candle-making tools on a wooden table, including a metal pouring pot on a digital scale, thermometer, wick, and a glass of red wine for a candle making class at The Maker on Main in Hampton, Georgia.
Small black pot with a wooden stick in hardening candle wax, sitting on a tray with a background of glassware and bottles on a wooden table, during a candle making class at The Maker on Main in Hampton, Georgia.
A rustic display of colorful handmade soaps, oils, and candles arranged on wooden shelves at The Maker on Main in Hampton, Georgia. A sign spelling "SOAP" is on the floor, and a vase with white flowers adds charm, while people browse in the background.

The Maker on Main in downtown Hampton makes handcrafted, local, organic candles and soap. The shop smells heavenly when you walk in!

Beyond shopping their amazing creations, you can also learn how to make your own candles and soap.

I did their candle making class where owner Joey showed us how she makes her candles and guided us through making our own. I picked a fall scent because fall is my favorite, but she had so many scents to choose from. With Joey’s help, making a candle was surprisingly easy to do!

10. Stay in a Classic B&B at Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast

Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast in Stockbridge, Georgia, a blue house with a large front porch, surrounded by neatly trimmed shrubs, sitting by a lake. An American flag flutters near the steps on a sunny day.
The common area at Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast in Stockbridge, Georgia, an inviting room with floral wallpaper, antique furniture, a snack area, a vase of pink flowers on a table, and a chandelier.
A cozy bedroom at Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast in Stockbridge, Georgia, featuring a neatly made bed with pale blue linens, a decorative headboard, pillows, a table lamp, framed art, and butterfly decals.

Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast is the only B&B in Henry County. You’ll find it in quaint Stockbridge overlooking a serene lake.

The B&B has 3 standard rooms, an apartment-style suite, and a private cottage with 2 bedrooms and a full kitchen. Breakfast is included in their indoor and outdoor dining areas, plus they have a 24-hour hospitality area with complimentary treats.

Owners Anita and Marvin work really hard to make your experience amazing. They also offer romantic dinner packages, professional photoshoots, birthday and anniversary packages, and spa services.

While I didn’t stay here, I did have a lakeside dinner here and I got to meet Anita and Marvin and take a look around the property.

11. Have Dinner by the Lake at Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast

A plate with roasted chicken, seasoned potatoes, and sautéed zucchini with onions for dinner served at Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast in Stockbridge, Georgia. A glass of iced tea is in the background, set on a textured tablecloth.
A fresh salad of mixed greens, cranberries, and seeds is served in a red, leaf-shaped dish on a silver platter for dinner served at Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast in Stockbridge, Georgia.
Elegant outdoor dining setup under a gazebo by a serene lake, with cozy seating at Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast in Stockbridge, Georgia. Sunlight filters through the trees.

Even if you can’t stay at Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast, you can still book a lakeside dinner.

This is such a beautiful spot, and their Chef is amazing! We had a 5-course meal with BBQ Hawaiian meatballs, chayote squash soup, a spring salad, mango chutney chicken, and banana pudding.

12. Stay in a Historic Home in Hampton

A bronze bull statue stands in front of The Columns on Oak Street in Hampton, Georgia, a grand white colonial house with tall columns.
Elegant bedroom with a vintage vibe at The Columns on Oak Street in Hampton, Georgia, featuring a striped bedspread on a large bed, ornate wood furniture, richly patterned red curtains, and dim lighting.

Hampton is a cute little town in Henry County, and you can stay in a historic home that’s within walking distance of Main Street and is a super quick drive from EchoPark Speedway.

The Columns on Oak Street is a remodeled historic home with 5 bedrooms, so it’s great for big groups. I stayed here during my weekend in Henry County and it was such a peaceful stay.

I love that they’ve kept the charm of a historic home look, but the bathrooms and kitchen have been fully updated. There are two sitting rooms inside and a large covered porch for hanging out.

13. Explore the Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail

Floyd Chapel Baptist Church in Stockbridge, Georgia, a quaint yellow church with a steeple sitting beside a lush garden. An informational sign stands near green shrubs under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Stockbridge is the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Sr. The city established the Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail in 2015 that connects downtown to the historic Black community where Daddy King was born.

A major stop is the Floyd Chapel Baptist Church that King, Sr. attended growing up and where he preached his first sermon.

Another stop is the Green Front Café, a popular gathering place opened by Carrie Mae Hambrick in the 1940s. It’s considered the first restaurant in Stockbridge, and Carrie Mae welcomed both Black and white diners despite segregation

14. Explore the Bushy Tail Art Trail

A small, squirrel-sized carved wooden picnic table attached to a tree, displaying a string art squarrel and the words "Nuts About Georgia" and "#BushyTailArtTrail" as part of the Bushy Tail Art Trail throughout Henry County. This installation is found at Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast in Stockbridge, Georgia.

The Bushy Tail Art Trail is a public art installation of tiny squirrel picnic tables that are scattered around Henry County. Each table has its own unique design, often that corresponds to the area in which the table sits.

These tiny spots are the perfect place for Visit Henry County, GA ambassador Nuthaniel to spend some time!

You can get the free guide to all the Bushy Tail Art Trail locations here.

15. Visit Filming Locations from Your Favorite TV Shows and Movies

Paige playfully poses on the ground of an alley near a green wall with a sign reading "The Walking Dead #GeorgiaFilm" at a filming location for The Walking Dead in Hampton, Georgia.

Are you a fan of Stranger Things, The Walking Dead, or The Hunger Games: Catching Fire? How about Zombieland, Furious 7, or Black Panther? All of these were filmed in Henry County. And that’s just a few!

The high school and middle school from Stranger Things were filmed at the former Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge (most Stranger Things film locations tours will bring you by here).

Hampton was the filming location for scenes from a couple seasons of The Walking Dead. You can still find the location of the season six dumpster scene in an alleyway downtown.

And the chariot scene from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was filmed at the motor speedway.

You can find a free map of all the filming locations in Henry County here.

16. Find Your New Favorite Restaurant

A wooden board topped with a variety of foods, including ribs, chicken, fries, green beans, pickles, slaw, mac and cheese, and brussels sprouts at Sweet Auburn BBA in McDonough, Georgia.
A black plate holds golden-brown egg rolls filled with a savory mixture of ground beef and cheese, with a cup of marinara sauce sprinkled with parmesan cheese sitting at the center at 15th Street Pizza & Pub in McDonough, Georgia.

If you’ve only driven through Henry County on I-75 and stopped at only fast food, then you’re missing out big time on the local cuisine!

Throughout Henry County, you’ll find delicious restaurants with showstoppers like New York bagels flown in multiple times a week from NYC, an Army grenade instructor-turned gourmet-chef making the best breakfast you’ve ever had, and a family-owned pizza joint that has wild specialty pizza creations.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Check out even more delicious restaurants in Henry County here.

17. Go Shopping at Tanger Outlets

Path leading to a white gazebo with a blue roof surrounded by colorful flowers and shrubs at Tanger Outlets in Savannah, Georgia. Brick buildings display store signs in the background, under a clear blue sky.

Tanger Outlets in Locust Grove is the perfect place to go shopping right off I-75. You can go on a shopping spree at over 60 of your favorite name-brand and designer outlet stores and get a great deal.

Henry County Things to Do Map

Ready to explore all these fun things to do in Henry County, GA? Use the map below to plan out your trip!

I hope you have the best time visiting Henry County!

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Where to Stay in Henry County, GA

More Things to Do South of Atlanta

Ready to visit Henry County, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.

  • Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
  • Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Henry County using Expedia.
  • Save on Attractions: Save 49% on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.

Cheers!

Paige

17 Surprising Things to Do in Henry County, GA South of ATL

What are your favorite things to do in Henry County, Georgia? Let me know in the comments!

Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta?, a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

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