The city of McDonough, located in Henry County, is a wonderful blend of American history and modernism. Whether you desire an outdoor lifestyle or shopping until you drop, McDonough offers the perfect mixture of both. With three easily accessible exits to I-75 and only 20 miles from Atlanta, residents enjoy the closeness of the city, while residing in the suburbs. McDonough is also in close proximity to the Atlanta Motor Speedway, which adds excitement and special events to the town’s yearly calendar. Families and movie buffs alike can enjoy several opportunities for fun and discover why McDonough has been the picture-perfect setting for several films, such as Tyler Perry’s film A Madea Christmas and the now cancelled television show Resurrection.

The historic downtown is the perfect backdrop for many annual festivals and entertainment. The geranium lined streets expand on the city’s rich and storied past. It is evident that as you stroll the sidewalks you will be transported back in time. The annual events that you should look for are the Geranium Festival, Christmas Extravaganza and the popular New Year’s Eve Geranium Drop.

Located only 30 minutes south of Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Zillow has approximately 305 homes listed for sale ranging from $131,000 to $3 million, with lots of land options for sale. According to Trulia, homes for rent start at $900 and reach to $2,700 per month.

Children residing in McDonough attend the well-reviewed schools of Rock Spring Elementary, Flippen Elementary, Union Grove Middle and Union Grove High. McDonough also has great private school options.

Explore all of the great shopping, dining and activities that make McDonough an ideal place for a weekend getaway, a day trip close to home, or a new place to call home.

Shopping and Dining

• Gritz Family Restaurant. Enjoy some delicious Southern comfort food in an environment that will make you feel like you’re family.  The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is a favorite among locals and visitors.
• Henry Town Center. With approximately 700,000 square feet, you’ll have no trouble shopping until you drop at this multi-tenant shopping center. Some retailers include Belk, Home Depot, Marshalls, Super Target and more!
• Yuki Japanese  Restaurant. Take your taste buds on an overseas trip with the tastes of traditional and modern Japan. Enjoy a wonderful hibachi show or try some of Yuki’s special sushi rolls.
• Peachtree Peddlers. Explore the largest indoor flea market that has 85,000 square feet of exciting deals, and discover hidden treasures within the antique mall.
• Graffiti’s Pizza: A Greek Taverna. A favorite pizza place that was recommended by Restaurant Guru in 2019. The light, playful atmosphere makes the pizza and classic Italian and Greek dishes a favorite among locals.
• Downtown McDonough. The historic downtown of McDonough has lots of locally owned shops to explore. Some honorable mentions include Emily’s Attic, Aurora Mercantile, and Secret Garden.

Entertainment and Recreation

• Avalon Park. Two playgrounds, four lighted football fields and a roller hockey rink make up the 20 acre Avalon Park. Enjoy a warm day spending time with family and being active!
• Southern Belle Farm. Whether you’re getting lost in a cornfield maze in the fall or picking delicious berries in the spring, the 200-acre Southern Belle Farm is perfect for making fun memories. Experience the U-Pick season and get strawberries in the spring, blackberries in the summer, and pumpkins in the fall.
• Sandy Ridge BMX. Discover the Sandy Ridge BMX premiere racing facility sanctioned by the new USABMX association. Visitors are invited to come and ride on the track, which features a 50 foot starting hill with three paved high-banked turns connected by 800 feet of jumps, whoops, rollers and step-ups. A helmet is required, and visitors can use the track any time except during a race.
• Alexander Park. Located on Hwy. 42, Alexander Park has four lighted softball fields, a 0.3 mile paved walking/jogging track, one picnic pavilion, an amphitheater, a playground area and more than 12.5 acres.
• Cotton Fields Golf Course. Designed on 150 acres of scenic farmland, this public golf course offers 18-holes for every level of playability. They even have event space available for any special occasion.
• HCWA Reservoirs. If you’re a fan of fishing then the Henry County Water Authority Reservoir is the place for you.  A reservoir located in Henry County is available mostly for residents, but offer days to the public.  The public now has an opportunity to fish the Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga Reservoirs on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Historical Attractions

• Heritage Park. Go back in time and make an appointment to tour the historic one room school house, log cabin, detached cookhouse, blacksmith shop, library and 1934 steam engine locomotive in Heritage Park.
• Historical Veterans Museum. Discover the must-see collection of original uniforms and military paraphernalia at the Historical Veterans Museum in Heritage Park. Compare military vehicles from World War I to what is used today while on a tour with a veteran. Before leaving, make sure to stop by the POW/MIA Monument to reflect by the Veterans Wall of Honor.
• C.O. Polk Interactive Museum. Completed in 2018, the museum presents over 200 years of McDonough area history, for everyone to experience and enjoy. The museum’s mission is to preserve the history of McDonough and excite and inspire residents, visitors, and local businesses about the future of McDonough. The museum has a mix of historical artifacts, local art, historic photos, and text panels with interactive exhibits. The museum can be found at the city center on the Town Square.

Visit McDonough today to experience its wonderful suburban atmosphere and close-knit community. For more information about the city, visit here.