Experience Big Thrills Just Thirty Minutes South of Atlanta
Thirty minutes south of Atlanta, Henry County, Georgia, is packed with high-energy experiences—from stunt driving school and helicopter rides to racing adventures and outdoor escapes.
I spent a few days diving into everything Henry County has to offer and I was genuinely surprised by how many unique experiences you can find in this area.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the best things to do, where to eat, and where to stay so you can plan an unforgettable getaway that’s close to the city but feels like a whole different world.
If you’re an adventurous traveler looking for new thrills, this guide is for you. Whether you’re road-tripping through Georgia or need a quick escape from the city, Henry County offers plenty to do without the big crowds.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going! I was hosted by Visit Henry County, GA for this trip. All opinions are my own.
Things to Do in Henry County, GA
Pro tip: Many of these things are only offered on certain days, so make sure to check each event calendar before you book your trip.
Fly in a Vietnam-era Huey Helicopter
One of the most unforgettable experiences I had here in Henry County was flying in a Vietnam-era UH-1 “Huey” helicopter at the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.
During their Ride Saturday events you can take a ride in either a Huey or an AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter. These events are open to the public, but you do need to purchase your ticket in advance.
I got to ride in the gunner seat, and let me tell you, words don’t do it justice. The doors are wide open, and the pilot maneuvers the aircraft to mimic the kind of flights soldiers would have taken during the Vietnam War.
Even though this is an amazing experience and an absolute adrenaline rush, it’s also incredibly sobering. Speaking with the veterans afterward made the whole experience even more powerful.
Attend a Race at EchoPark Speedway (previously Atlanta Motor Speedway)
If you’ve got any NASCAR fans in your life, then I’m sure EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway) is already on your radar. Since they redid the track, it’s become one of the hottest tickets in the circuit!
My husband is a huge fan, so he was very jealous when I told him I got to tour the track facilities and ride around in the pace car. If you’re planning on buying a ticket to one of their spring or summer races, consider their Club One experience, especially if you don’t want to sit out in that Georgia heat for the whole race.
They also host big events throughout the year at the Speedway like the Georgia State Fair, Atlanta Hot Air Balloon Festival, and Noel Magic Lights during the holidays. Check out their event calendar to see what else is going on.
Learn to Drive a Stunt Car at the Bobby Ore Stunt Driving Experience
The Bobby Ore Stunt Driving School was easily one of the coolest experiences of my life. And yes, I understand I’ve said that about two Henry County experiences. That should be your sign.
This two-hour session puts you in the car with a professional stunt driver and instructor, so you not only get to ride, but you get to learn how to do the maneuvers yourself.
We practiced a few different techniques, but my favorite by far was the 180-degree turn. I wasn’t expecting the feeling of confidence and the excitement after pulling it off!
These experiences are only offered once a month during select months, so you’ll want to check the schedule and plan ahead. They typically set up in the infield of EchoPark Speedway unless an event is happening that takes up that space. Then they move to a large parking lot just outside the Speedway.
I can promise you that you’ll be thinking about this for years to come.
Take a Sunset Tour with Tier-1 Helicopters
While this one may not spike your adrenaline, you really can’t beat seeing this area from the sky. You get to choose what you want to see on the tour like the EchoPark Speedway, filming locations for The Walking Dead, or downtown Atlanta.
Pro tip: You need to give five days’ notice if you want to take a tour with them.
Tier-1 can carry up to three people on the tour and I highly recommend going around sunset. We did our tour around this time and seeing the sun slowly fade away and day turn to night from above was so special.
Explore Panola Mountain State Park
Another unique thing to do here is the Tree Top Excursion, which is a type of rope-assisted technical tree climbing. They offer various types of climbs, from once-a-month introductory climbs to night climbs and even a ZZZ’s in the Trees excursion.
This definitely requires a bit of coordination as the ropes can be a little difficult to get the hang of for first-timers.
Other popular things to do in the park are to ride bikes on the seven miles of paved trails. If you don’t have your own, bike rentals are available for a fee.
There are a few hiking trails as well, but to access the granite mountain, you must take a ranger-led hike and reservations are required.
We didn’t have time for a guided hike, but we did the Outcrop Trail and the view of Panola Mountain is nice!
Visit Southern Belle Farm
Do yourself a favor and come here to get some pound cake and ice cream. I grew up on my grandma’s pound cake so I’m very picky. Let me tell you, this one did not disappoint.
In their Country Market you’ll find all kinds of products like fresh seasonal produce, jams & jellies, local honey, a variety of pickled items, and more. This is also where Mimi’s Bakery is located.
They have a wide variety of activities going on throughout the year, but the schedule varies so you’ll want to check their website. In the spring, you can come out to pick strawberries and flowers while in summer they have blackberries, blueberries, and peaches.
Fall is a busy time on the farm when you can get lost in their corn maze, pick pumpkins, and participate in over 20 outdoor attractions.
Last but not least, they have plenty of animals you can come see! The goats were fun to watch and the horses were beautiful, but I think a fan favorite is probably the highland cows.
Places to Eat in Henry County, GA
15th Street Pizza & Pub
15th Street Pizza & Pub is the kind of local spot you’ll want to come back to more than once. It’s got that laid-back, family-friendly vibe with an outdoor patio, tons of beers on tap, and a menu full of creative pizzas you won’t find anywhere else.
Popular options include the pickle pizza or the wine & cheese, which includes a wine and cheese base, grilled chicken, provolone, and bacon. The Texan is also a local favorite which is topped with smoked brisket, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, red onion, and banana peppers.
The pizzas were delicious, but personally, I loved the Pepperoni Roll and Meat Lovers Egg Roll appetizers. I could have eaten those for my whole meal!
Southern Fusion Dining
You may think I’m crazy when you pull up to this place, but PLEASE eat here for breakfast. Chef Paul was previously a partner at Pecan Restaurant in College Park, GA, but eventually decided to go out on his own.
I was with a big group and we were able to share some plates. One thing you absolutely have to order is the Colossal Cinnamon Roll.
Other favorites for me included the shrimp & grits, chicken & waffles, and the biscuits & gravy. The frittata was also fantastic.
Rutabaga’s Market & Cafe
This adorable café is located in the town of Hampton and when you walk in, the first thing you notice is the walls are covered in movie, music, and other quirky memorabilia.
The owners started out with a wholesale line of relish and have since branched out to other items like gourmet dips, rubs, and many other items. Eventually, they decided to open a small market & cafe where they serve freshly made salads, sandwiches, and soups.
I had their steak & cheese panini with broccoli salad. The sandwich had the perfect ratio of steak to cheese and onions and the broccoli was crunchy and had just the right amount of dressing.
Serafino’s Italian Bistro
If you’re looking for a place with the best vibes and amazing Italian food, head to Serafino’s. They specialize in pairing wines with their cuisine but are also known for their cocktails.
The Baked Ravioli was cheesy with a rich marinara sauce and the portion size was huge! This would be the perfect date night spot or dinner with the girls.
Green Front Café
Located in the Stockbridge Heritage District, the Green Front Café was established in 1947 by Ms. Carrie Mae Hambrick. Today, Diane Miller and her family carry on the legacy serving up hearty soul food to the community.
We were lucky enough to try a variety of dishes here like their shrimp & grits, the Soul Burger, and fried catfish. All the sides were delicious, from the mac & cheese to the black eyed peas.
They also have a few Jamaican specialties like oxtails, jerk chicken, and fried plantains that are very popular. Don’t miss the drink Ting, which is a sparkling grapefruit soda.
Sweet Auburn BBQ
Now this was a memorable meal. What makes this BBQ spot unique is the Asian influence you’ll find in many menu items like their pimento cheese wontons, tok fries, and char siu spare ribs.
We tried the BBQ Omakase which says feeds four people but could easily feed more. It includes the wontons, smoked brisket egg rolls, pulled pork, brisket, 1/2 rack of baby backs, 6 wutang wings, Texas toast, and your choice of three sides. *Deep breath.*
Their desserts are also absolutely divine—I was partial to the banana pudding. This laid-back spot really is perfect for a nice night out and they have a full bar as well as a great beer selection.
SDK’s Cafe and Coffee
Perfect for a mid-morning pick-me-up or a quick breakfast SDK’s has fantastic coffee, tasty pastries, and light bites. But the real standout is their bagels. They have authentic New York bagels shipped in every week, and you can taste the difference.
Whether you opt for a classic bagel and cream cheese or a loaded breakfast sandwich, you can’t go wrong.
Black Rose Café & Bar
If you’re looking for a cute, Instagram-worthy spot with amazing food and coffee, Black Rose Cafe & Bakehouse should be at the top of your list.
They serve brunch and dinner with a Mexican twist—think chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and fajitas. If you have a sweet tooth, then you’ll definitely want to order something from their bakery!
Where to Stay
Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast
For a peaceful place to stay with plenty of charm, Stockbridge Lakes Bed & Breakfast is a great pick. You’ll have your choice of three cozy rooms with ensuite baths, a private lower-level suite, or a separate cottage if you want a little extra space.
A full-service breakfast is included (or you can go for a breakfast basket if you’re heading out early), and there are fun on-site activities like fishing, paddle boating, ping pong, and even a pool table.
Atlanta Motor Speedway Condos
This condo is an absolute dream for NASCAR fans. The living room has floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the track complete with a row of upscale stadium seats where you can watch the action.
The 2 bedroom/2.5 bath condo sleeps four, includes free parking, and comes with a fully stocked kitchen, making it perfect for a weekend getaway with friends or family.
Note: They haven’t updated the track name on the Airbnb listing, but the Atlanta Motor Speedway is now EchoPark Speedway.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
If you’re looking for a more traditional hotel stay, the Fairfield Inn & Suites is a solid choice. It’s in a convenient location with super friendly staff, a good breakfast buffet, and spacious, clean rooms that make it easy to relax after a busy day.
This is where we stayed during our Henry County adventure and it was perfect for what we needed.
➡️ Book your stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites here. ⬅️
Wrap Up: Henry County, GA Guide
One thing I loved about Henry County was the number of Veteran-owned businesses and organizations here. You can tell that supporting our military is important to this community.
I hope you’ll add Henry County to your travel bucket list and check out some of these amazing activities! Keep in mind, many of these happen once a month so you need to research their schedule before booking.
Planning on road tripping to Henry County? Grab my road trip planning workbook. I made my way here after exploring Helen, GA and it made for the perfect road trip from NC.
