Twenty-four Perfect Hours in Clayton County, GA

This Historic Atlanta Suburb is Georgia’s Peach

Oct 24, 2008

Clayton County is a hidden Georgia gem where eco-tourism, history and fine dining provide entertaining activities for every member of the family.

Just a short hop from most major airports, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the nation’s busiest and surely one of the easiest and loveliest to access. Arrivals are greeted with a beautiful exhibit of Zimbabwean sculptural art celebrating the regions African heritage.

Travelers headed to Atlanta proper can pick up MARTA at the airport or those with destinations in the Southern Crescent, the 10 counties just below the major metropolitan area can pick up rental cars to begin exploring.

Clayton and neighboring counties offer a rich tapestry of cultural arts, national and state history, and outdoors activities. The Comfort Suites in Stockbridge is a mere 15 minutes from the airport and the ideal base for exploring the area. The all-suites hotel offers rates beginning at $89 for a king and features an indoor pool, complimentary breakfast buffet, daily newspaper, and WiFi.

Twenty-four Perfect Hours

Begin your day with a few laps in the hotel pool, then grab your breakfast and hit the road. First stop is the Reynolds Nature Preserve, a green oasis in this bustling Atlanta suburb. Take a leisurely hike (or more rigorous if you prefer) along the more than four miles of trails winding through the 146 acres of pristine natural forest.

“The ridge is real gorgeous,” says ranger Will Wagner. “You just can’t believe where you are… in the 10th most populated county in Georgia.”

Grab lunch from Truett’s Grill in Morrow, home of Georgia-born Chick-fil-A, the popular seasoned fried chicken & dill pickle sandwich, or for a ladies who lunch experience try the delightful Pinehurst Tea Room in Stockbridge with its range of hot and cold plates.

Start with a visit to the Road to Tara Museum in Jonesboro’s historic train depot ($7 adults, $6 kids, seniors, students). The museum houses an impressive collection of memorabilia from collector Herb Bridge’s famed Gone With The Wind Collection, including original manuscripts and letters from author Margaret (Peggy) Mitchell.

Or hop on the trolley for a 70-minute Southern Belles & Whistle Tour (Road to Tara admission included) for a drive into the area’s Civil War past with stops at Stately Oaks mansion and the Old Jail. Prices for tours vary and may be booked at 1.800.662.7829.

Local outlet malls like the JC Penney outlet are a good bet or support the arts with a visit to Arts Clayton, an artists’ collective supporting and encouraging emerging local artists. Arts Clayton has rotating themed exhibits and juried shows featuring the very best of local and regional Georgia artisans. All works are for sale with an amazing 90 to 95% of sales going directly to the artists.

End the evening with a new twist on Southern fried cuisine with a meal at The Feed Store (3841 Main Street, College Park, 404.209.7979), a contemporary bar and restaurant housed in a former grain store. Don’t miss Chef Peter Golaszewski’s stylized interpretations of traditional Southern favorites like mountain trout with tomato grits & squash ravioli or country-fried braised beef short ribs. Enjoy your meal with a a glass of Spain’s No. 1 Berberana, a lush Shiraz Tempranillo with spicy, cherry notes.

Finish the evening off with a night cap and decadent dessert like pecan short bread ice cream sandwiches or chocolate fried pies.

The copyright of the article Twenty-four Perfect Hours in Clayton County, GA in Georgia Travel is owned by Mary Macrae Warren. Permission to republish Twenty-four Perfect Hours in Clayton County, GA in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.