10 Fun Facts About Morrow, Georgia

by A.L. Woods, Staff Writer

I moved to Morrow in 2005, relocating from city of Atlanta proper, and have never looked back. I love the city primarily because the living experience is akin to living in a small town but with access to 'big city' facilities. Here I'd like to share 10 fun facts about Morrow, Georgia.

1. Morrow is home to Clayton State University. Clayton State has an enrollment of approximately 7000 students and offers a variety of degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
2. Morrow is located in Clayton County. Clayton is a suburban county in Georgia. Its county seat is Morrow's sister city, Jonesboro.
3. Morrow's primary shopping hub is Southlake Mall. Southlake is located approximately 11 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
4. Morrow has an interconnected pathway of nature trails. Walkers, runners, and bikers find much enjoyment in Morrow Pathway Trails and Reynolds Nature Preserve.
5. Morrow is the home of both national and state archives. Both the State of Georgia Archives and the National Archives at Atlanta are found here.
6. Morrow is the location of a School of Excellence. Morrow Elementary School has been awarded the distinguished School of Excellence award for 10 consecutive years.
7. Morrow is the home of University Station. This is one fact that I didn't know but stumbled across in my research. University Station is a premier live-work-play community that is currently under construction (hmmm, I'm going to have to check this one out in person).
8. Morrow is the home of the stunningly beautiful Morrow Center. This is an event, meeting, and social space that is perfect for all types of venues, including weddings! My husband and I participated in a conference held there about a year or so ago. The facility was beautiful, and the customer service from the staff was exceptional.
9. Morrow is the home of Spivey Hall (located at Clayton State University). Referred to as "the small Carnegie Hall of the South," this is yet another beautiful facility. Spivey Hall has an international reputation and is Morrow's primary central hub for the arts. It has exceptional acoustics and a breathtaking design. Musical performances are held here year round. Don't forget to take a peek at its magnificent concert organ. I think that you're going to be blown away!
10. Despite it being a small town, Morrow is the home of many thriving large business chains and small businesses. Business is booming here in Morrow.

I love living in Morrow and continue to watch with wonder as it evolves into a community that fulfills the needs of almost everyone who resides here yet retains its small-town flavor.

Y'all come through and visit with us! We'd love to have you.

Sources:
City of Morrow
Clayton State University
Clayton County, Georgia
Personal experience

*Photo: Morrow Tourist Center

[Originally published on Yahoo! Voices on 07/01/2014 (no longer published there).]

Best Camping Locations in Morrow, Georgia: Guide to Local Locales

by A.L. Woods, Staff Writer

Looking to create a new, or revive an old, happy camping memory and you live local to the Morrow, Georgia area? Here are three of the best camping locations where you can make your dreams come true. Most important of all, these areas are all within an hour's drive from Morrow, are located near major outdoor recreational venues, and report majority positive camper experiences.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your camping gear and let's get started!

Stone Mountain Campground
Location: 4003 Stonewall Jackson Dr; Stone Mountain Park; Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Phone: (770) 498-5710
Hours: Registration/check-in before 11:00pm.
Atmosphere: Cozy, well maintained. Great facilities and staff. Great view of the lake.
Parking or Public Transportation: Automobile and RV parking available.
What It's Known For: Historic Stone Mountain.
Why Locals Like It: Family friendly, many amenities.
Neighborhood Information: City of Stone Mountain
Additional Information: Stone Mountain Park

Shady Grove Campground
Location: 7800 Shadburn Ferry Rd; Cumming, GA 30041
Phone: (770) 205-6849
Hours: 7:00am-10:00pm
Atmosphere: Clean. Numerous wooded camp sites. Great lake views. Excellent facilities.
Parking or Public Transportation: Available for automobiles, RV's, and boat trailers.
What It's Known For: Located near Lake Lanier.
Why Locals Like It: Many amenities, including a boat dock and beach.
Neighborhood Information: City of Cumming
Additional Information: Shady Grove Campground

Chattahoochee Bend State Park Visitor Center
Location: 425 Bobwhite Way; Newnan, GA 30263
Phone: (770) 254-7271
Hours: 7:00am-10:00pm
Atmosphere: Recent reviews on this one are mixed, with most reviews leaning to the positive side. Majority report campground to be clean and well maintained while a few state just the opposite. Negative reviews are consistent in that they reflect that the success of their camper experience is tied in to just where they actually camp out in the park. Family friendly. Nice personnel.
Parking or Public Transportation: Available for automobiles and RV's.
What It's Known For: Situated on the Chattahoochee River.
Why Locals Like It: Great for boating, camping, and fishing. Lots of activities. One of Georgia's largest state parks.
Neighborhood Information: City of Newnan
Additional Information: Chattahoochee Bend State Park

All in all, if camping's your thing, at least one of these sites should be more than adequate to fit your needs and more than probably you'll have a great camper experience. Regardless of whether you're camping with family or friends, each campground offers a variety of woodland adventures and activities for your fun and enjoyment.

Happy camping!

Sources:
TripAdvisor.com
Yelp.com

*Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers via Flickr

[Originally published on Yahoo! Voices on 05/20/2014.]

4th of July 2014 Events: Morrow, Georgia

 

Summer is here, and the 4th of July is coming! It's not too early to begin making your plans for your holiday celebration if you don't want to stay home this year. Here are a few 4th of July events to choose from for those who live in or near the Morrow, Georgia area.

4th of July Ice Cream Social

This is the kind of social event that echoes from the past. Who doesn't like ice cream? Bring the family out, even consider bringing a few friends, and spend the evening socializing with each other and just taking it easy. McDonough is one of Morrow's sister cities and so only a few minutes' drive away. This would be a perfect end to the evening after enjoying barbecue at your own house.

When: 07/04/2014
Time: 7-9pm
Where: Historic McDonough Square, 5 Griffin St, McDonough, GA 30253
Phone: 770-898-9311
Additional information: Both admission and parking are free. You can also bring your pets.


Friday Night Drags & Show-N-Shine

Hampton, Georgia is well known for its Atlanta Motor Speedway just off of I-75 S. There's something at this event for both the daring at heart and the laid back spectator. Events will be taking place almost every Friday night during the specified date range. Come out and drive your car in one of the exciting drag races or just have a seat and cheer somebody on. Drivers will have show vehicles set up for viewing pre the race events. This will be a very different way for some of you to spend the holiday!

When: 07/04 to 07/25/2014
Time: 6:30pm
Where: Atlanta Motor Speedway, 1500 Hwy 19/41, Hampton, GA 30228
Phone: 770-946-3950
Additional information: Admission is $8 for adults and $20 for those who wish to compete in the drag race events. Parking is free.


4th of July Celebration

If you don't mind the drive to Alpharetta (roughly 45 minutes or so), this may be a worthwhile holiday event. There'll be lots going on, plenty of new people to meet, and tons of fun taking place. Make it a family event or a romantic interlude for two. The fireworks display alone should make this celebration well worth the drive.

Time: 5-10pm
Where: Wills Park, 1825 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA
Phone: 678-297-6100
Additional information: Both admission and parking are free. Bring your own food or purchase food at the park. There'll be entertainment, activities for the kiddos, and a fireworks display.

These are just three of the events taking place in and around Morrow, Georgia this year. Don't be a stick in the mud. Choose one of them and make this 4th of July a year to remember.

Sources:
N-Georgia.com
City of McDonough
Atlanta Motor Speedway

 

*Photo: Hammerin Man via Flickr

[Originally published on Yahoo! Voices.]