Atlanta, Georgia is a sprawling metropolis made up of miles upon miles of suburbs. Most visitors don’t wander “outside the perimeter” during their trips, but you’ll find hidden gems, especially in the southern suburbs of Clayton, Coweta, and Henry counties.
There’s the inspiration for Gone with the Wind, one of the largest NASCAR tracks in the country, and a small town now known as the home to The Walking Dead. So hop in a car and find out what’s going on south of the city!
Newnan
Established as the county seat of Coweta County, Newnan has a historic square with an iconic courthouse. It’s home to music legend Alan Jackson and has been a filming location for many movies and television shows.
What to Do
Dunaway Gardens was established by a notable actress and became a visiting spot for celebrities of the day like Minnie Pearl and Walt Disney. The 1904 Courthouse is an icon in the town.
Learn more about Civil War history at Brown’s Mill Battlefield Historic Civil War Site.
Chattahoochee Bend State Park has camping facilities, fishing, kayaking, and hiking. McRitchie-Hollis Museum is affiliated with the historical society and has regularly changing exhibits.
Where to Eat
Named one of the best barbecue joints in the state, Sprayberry’s Barbecue has been serving up pork goodness since 1926. Redneck Gourmet is another local favorite, dating back to 1991 and known for its Southern food. Meat N Greet is where you can get your burger and cocktail fix.
Where to Stay
While most accommodation options are chain hotels like Hampton Inn Atlanta/Newnan and Holiday Inn Express Newnan, there’s also the Casa Bella Bed and Breakfast, a historic home downtown. Chattahoochee Bend State Park also has camping.
Peachtree City
Peachtree City is known as a golf cart community and special bridges and sidewalks are built for them. It’s a mostly suburban area, but there are plenty of restaurants as well as a few interesting attractions. Some movies have been filmed here, so you might see someone famous!
What to Do
Flat Creek Nature Area is an over 500-acre wetland preserve with a boardwalk for nature spotting. The Dixie Wing Museum is a living history museum that offers flights in warbird planes.
And you can check out the area’s famous filming locations on the Southern Hollywood Film Tour. Small-Group Zombie Survival Run Escape Room in Peachtree City is one of the themed escape rooms in the area.
Where to Eat
Located at The Avenue shopping center, Due South Southern Cuisine serves favorite Southern dishes like fried green tomatoes along with local craft beer. The Beirut serves authentic Lebanese food, while Pascal’s Bistro is American food with a French twist.
Where to Stay
Every chain has a location in Peachtree City. Crowne Plaza Atlanta Sw – Peachtree City, Wyndham Peachtree Hotel and Conference Center, and Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Peachtree City are all solid choices.
Jonesboro and Morrow
Jonesboro and this part of Clayton County are known as the inspiration for Margaret Mitchell’s timeless novel Gone with the Wind. Here you’ll find nature to explore, Antebellum plantations, and small towns.
What to Do
While there are plenty of Gone with the Wind-themed attractions in the Atlanta area, the Road To Tara Museum is located in the original setting. It has displays from the book, film, and the Civil War period.
Learn about the state’s history at the Georgia Archives & History Department in Morrow. Get outside at Reynolds Nature Preserve and step back in time at Stately Oaks Plantation.
Where to Eat
Morrow and Jonesboro have a surprising amount of international eateries. Taqueria La Oaxaqueña has been rated as one of the best restaurants in Atlanta for its authentic Mexican fare.
Taste of Thailand offers all your favorites like Thai tea and curries. Dominican and International food has just what it says, large portions of tostones and pollo guisada.
Where to Stay
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Atlanta I-75 South is just one of a handful of options in Jonesboro and Morrow. There aren’t as many as in other parts of the area, but this hotel has plenty of amenities.
Hampton
While Hampton may be one of the smaller towns south of Atlanta, it has the most attractions. Commonly known for its association with NASCAR, there’s always something going on down here. Be sure to check out the quaint downtown for shops, restaurants, and even a brewery!
What to Do
Atlanta Motor Speedway is perhaps the most well-known attraction in the area, but there’s more to it than NASCAR. The track frequently hosts events like mud runs and has been used as a filming location. .
Melvin L. Newman Wetlands Center has a half-mile nature trail and an education center. Army Aviation Heritage Foundation lets you see the area from above in Vietnam-era Huey or Cobra helicopters, led by the men who flew them in wartime.
Nash Farm Battlefield is over 200 acres where the largest cavalry raid in the state occurred. The museum features artifacts from the Civil War and it’s free to visitors.
Where to Eat
Since Hampton is a small community, there aren’t many restaurants to choose from. But Tierra Mia Mexican Cuisine is one such, offering Mexican dishes and beverages.
The Finish Line Cafe serves standard American favorites like burgers. Speakeasy Bookstore has a coffee shop and, as the name implies, a speakeasy.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Hampton are few and far between, so you’re better off staying in one of the neighboring communities. But if you need a place in Hampton, try Country Hearth Inn Hampton. There are also campgrounds for visiting NASCAR fans, which you can book with your tickets.
Stockbridge, Locust Grove, and McDonough
The communities of Henry County have plenty to offer visitors, especially families and those interested in the outdoors. There’s also plenty of small-town charm.
Check out the Henry County Treasure App, which showcases the best attractions in the county and lets you answer questions to win prizes.
What to Do
In this part of Henry County, you’ll find a surprising number of attractions, including Southern Belle Farm, which offers U-Pick fields, corn mazes, and other seasonal events.
Noah’s Ark has 250 acres of rescued exotic animals including wolves, bears, tigers, primates, and more.
Heritage Park Veterans Museum has an impressive collection of military exhibits including memorabilia and uniforms from World War I to the present day. It’s free to visit and curated by veterans, but donations are welcome.
Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center protects wildlife habitats and has nature trails. Panola Mountain State Park is one of the state’s best, with tree climbing, hiking, archery, bike paths, and camping!
Where to Eat
McDonough is home to the original Shane’s Rib Shack, which is just as it sounds. The French Market and Tavern in Locust Grove is a favorite lunch spot with sandwiches, a view of passing trains, and a shop full of gifts and goodies. Nosh on pizza and pints at 15th Street Pizza & Pub and Southern fare at Sarah’s Country Cooking.
Where to Stay
McDonough has lots of places to stay and is a popular spot for travelers heading south. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Stockbridge/Atlanta I-75 is located conveniently near the highway with breakfast as does Courtyard Atlanta McDonough and Comfort Suites Locust Grove.
Atlanta South RV Resort is the closest campground to downtown Atlanta, conveniently located near Hampton and the city. They have tent sites, cabins, and RV sites, as well as amenities like a pool and playground.
Senoia
Only a few years ago, Senoia was little more than a sleepy town with a few shops and restaurants. But then the film industry arrived, forever changing the landscape.
While they hosted a number of small productions over the last twenty years, it was The Walking Dead that brought in fans and fan-related businesses as well as a full-service studio. They’ve also had Southern Living Idea Homes nearby.
What to Do
Most visitors to Senoia come to see the film and television landmarks. If you’ve made your way down here for this reason, you can plan your own trip by purchasing a map from any one of the nearby businesses or by booking through Atlanta Movie Tours, which we highly recommend.
Book your Big Zombie Walking Dead Tour in Senoia here. Senoia Area Historical Society Museum also has a humble museum dedicated to the surrounding communities and their background.
Where to Eat
Restaurants have popped up on the main street to serve both visitors and locals. Nic & Norman’s is owned by Walking Dead actor Norman Reedus and producer Greg Nicotero. The menu features hearty portions with a healthy, local twist.
Katie Lou’s Cafe serves breakfast and lunch, including barbecue, while Maguire’s Family and Friends is an Irish pub with full draft selections and hearty fare.
Jacob’s Table has grilled sandwiches, flatbreads, ice cream, and coffee. Senoia Coffee and Cafe has plenty of decor for fans of the show as well as baked goods, breakfast dishes, and sandwiches named for characters.
Where to Stay
Within Senoia, there aren’t any major hotels, but Culpepper House Bed and Breakfast and Veranda Bed & Breakfast are two overnight options. In fact, actors are known to stay here when filming in town.
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