According to the latest information released by the Henry Council of Quality Growth, we are finally building new homes in Henry County again.  Last year we only had 172 total residential building permits issued a little more than a 50% drop from 2008.  This year we are up already up 32% over last year.  In addition to the new home starts, we are seeing a decrease in resale inventory, by almost 1,300 homes year-over-year.  In new home inventory we have reduced the total units standing by almost 80%.  What does this all mean? Well, it means new homes are being started in Henry County!

One of the places new homes will be going up is Heron Bay Golf and Country Club.  Heron Bay is introducing a new builder in the $300,000 -$400,000 price range and still has John Wieland and D.R. Horton going strong.  As we move towards a new tomorrow, keep Heron Bay and Henry County in mind when looking for your new dream home.

Taste of Henry is being held this Friday, April 23rd from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Jason T. Harper Event Center at Heritage Park in McDonough, Georgia. Proceeds from this annual event’s ticket sales will benefit A Friend’s House, a home for children in crisis.

Over 25 local area restaurants will be showcasing popular menu items ranging from appetizers and sweet treats to main courses. You can expect to see locally owned restaurants like Season’s Bistro to popular chain restaurants like Shane’s Rib Shack, Chick-Fil-A and Bruster’s Real Ice Cream. All participating restaurants compete for 3 prestigious awards; People’s Choice, Best Presentation and Best Sweets. (more…)

Heron Bay Academy received the news it had hoped for earlier this week when it got approval from the Georgia Charter School Commission to begin construction on the charter school that will be located on the beautiful grounds of Heron Bay Golf  & Country Club in Locust Grove.

The tuition-free school will open in the fall of 2011 and will initially serve 400 students grades K-6 in Henry and Spalding County in its first year, although plans to expand to K-8 are expected in the school’s third year. (more…)

This month 90 years ago in 1919, President Wilson declared November 11th as the first Veterans day saying,

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

Since then, Americans across the country have come out on November 11th to honor and recognize the efforts of those who proudly served our county.

Henry County residents are invited to attend the Henry County Veterans Day service on November 11th. The service will be held at the newly constructed Veterans Wall of Honor in Heritage Park at 2:30 p.m. (more…)

Picture yourself sitting at home and looking out over the street. Suddenly 300 people of varying ages come rushing past your window. Some are in traditional running gear while others are decked out from head to toe in Halloween costumes.

This was the sight for many Heron Bay Golf & Country Club members the morning of October 24 when residents of the master planned community came out to run in the sixth annual Goblin Gallop.

Despite the current state of the economy this year’s event was the best to date, drawing over 300 participants. (more…)

As fall winds down and the tell tale signs of fall start to arrive, many Atlanta homeowners find themselves looking for outdoor activities to make the most of  the remaining days of fall.

For the residents of Heron Bay Golf & Country Club, the trip to the beautiful outdoors can be found right around the corner at Panola Mountain State Park. This 1,219 acre facility features four picnic shelters, a playground, 2 fishing lakes and various activities such as hiking, bicycling and jogging, birding, boat rentals, fishing, picnicking and other various interpretive programs.

In addition to all their family friendly activities, Panola also offers a variety Saturday events which provide a great way to meet people and get outside for some exercise. (more…)

If you’re looking for a family friendly fall activity you should check out Southern Belle Farm. Located in McDonough, this old fashioned cotton farm has plenty of activities all designed to provide a cotton pickin’ good time for all ages.

This fall the lineup includes hayrides, pumpkin patch, pig races a kiddie korral, corn cannon, barnyard animals, cow train, pedal carts,  corn maze and of course some good old fashioned cotton pickin’.

In addition to all there everyday fun activities, Southern Belle Farm will also be hosting various events each Saturday for the rest of the month. This weekend make sure to check out Farm Heritage Day. Southern Belle will be taking guests back to a ’simpler time’ and showcase old farming and (more…)

Join with the children of Heron Bay Golf & Country Club in wearing red ribbons to support the war against drugs. Henry County schools will be celebrating the red ribbon drug prevention campaign and children will learn about the effects of drugs, how to say no to drugs and how to live drug free lives.

Red Ribbon Week became official in 1988 and this eight-day celebration serves as a reminder to communities and especially students that drugs are not the answer. The event is sponsored by the National Family Partnership and is held the last week of October to show the commitment of over 80 million youth and adults to lead healthy, drug-free lives.

This campaign commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by a Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent, Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who (more…)

Ever wonder how the city of Locust Grove got its name? A beautiful grove of locust trees that could be seen throughout town is what brought the name about. This quiet and peaceful community in Henry County is a combination of old traditions and new changes. What was once a small community of 254 citizens in the early 1900’s has emerged into a town of well over 4,000. The city is strongly rooted in its heritage while moving forward to a bright future.

The city has an exciting and emerging history that has led it to where it is today. Locust Grove was a major southern hub for rail distribution of cotton, peaches and other products. The city gradually grew little by little and in 1870 the first store was built on Main Street. The city was first incorporated in 1893 and officially stretched a quarter of a mile in every direction from the heart of the town. One mayor and five council members were appointed to run the town. The first city ordinance was passed and stated that trains were not to exceed fifteen miles an hour. Believe it or not, the city did not have a police department at the time, but the railway was notified of the ordinance.

One major piece of history for Locust Grove includes the building of the Locust Grove Institute in 1894. This was a major event for the town as the school grew rapidly and was one of the first schools in Georgia to be accredited by the (more…)

Come welcome in the autumn season with the Henry County’s 6^th Annual Heritage Fall Festival held at historic Heritage Park in McDonough. The festival will take place October 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and offer entertainment and activities for everyone. With the summer coming to an end, some of the best things about the changing seasons are the new sights, sounds and festivities that are to be shared with family and friends.

Bring everyone for a day full of fall activities including shopping, hayrides, delicious food, live entertainment and music. Children won’t want to miss out as Radio Disney will be entertaining from 12 to 2 p.m. followed by a “spooktacular” costume contest at 2 p.m. Registration for the contest will begin at noon. Also be sure to bring your bag for a great time trick-or-treating around the village after the contest. Children are sure to have (more…)