HAMPTON Farther north lies Henry County’s western-most city. Hampton’s claim to fame is as the home of Atlanta Motor Speedway—the largest sporting-event facility in Georgia. In addition to two NASCAR races a year, they host fairs, festivals and car shows, and offer track tours from their gift shop during the week. Next to the speedway is Atlanta Speedway Airport, which houses the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, the only place in the country you can fly in a Cobra helicopter and one of the few places that offers rides in a Huey helicopter. While these facilities are big on thrills, Hampton’s historical downtown is rich in food, comfort and that hometown vibe. With a bookstore that sits above a Prohibition-era speakeasy, an ice-cream shop serving up homemade treats and a brewery offering guests a chair around the campfire, you will feel like family in no time. STOCKBRIDGE Henry County’s northernmost city has the distinction of being the home of Martin Luther King, Sr. Floyd Chapel Baptist Church, the church “Daddy King,” as he was known, grew up attending and where he preached his first sermon is still an active church. Just a mile from this historical site sits the new Stockbridge Amphitheater, where music legends like Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan, and country stars like Jon Pardi have performed. History of a different kind is on display up the road at Panola Mountain State Park, where the granite outcropping, or monadnock, stands in near-pristine condition and offers visitors a view of a rare array of plants as well as a fantastic view of the Atlanta skyline. Don’t forget a souvenir! Shop boutiques, barnwood furnishings and vintage vinyl in the city’s array of local stores and artisan shops. MCDONOUGH Henry County’s county seat, McDonough, has several gems hidden in plain sight. While the Heritage Park Veterans Museum is not actually hidden, it is located in an unassuming building that resembles a red barn. Walk through the doors and be transported with stories of people who served our country from World War I to the present, as illustrated by more than 20,000 pieces of memorabilia, uniforms, weapons and more in the collection. Leave the barn and head to the farm. Southern Belle Farm is a 330-acre working agritourism farm offering four seasons of u-pick produce and family fun on the farm. While fall season may be what Southern Belle is best known for, their best (poorly) kept secret is the amazing homemade strawberry shortcake, complete with homemade strawberry ice cream. Experiencing these things only scratches the surface of Henry County’s adventures that are #BetterExplored . Learn more at VisitHenryCountyGeorgia.com
Official State Travel Guide 2023 Georgia Official State Travel Guide: Page 53
