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You’ll find old-world Bavarian charm everywhere you look in Helen, Georgia – from the cobblestone streets, intricate architecture, and the unforgettable wafts of German eats like schnitzel swirling in the amber-tinted autumn air. Once considered a hidden gem, this small town in the Sautee-Nacoochee area is gaining social buzz as the fall season unfolds for how it integrates nature in novel ways to shop, discover, and savor the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Check out these three spots for a warm, creation-centric welcome to pair with the start of sweater weather.
- The Lavender Cottage and Garden
Just outside Helen in the Sautee-Nacoochee area, The Lavender Cottage and Garden is a botanical haven similar to what you’d find in lavender-growing regions of France. Watch tall billowing stalks of lavender delightfully sway in the breeze. Find Zen as classically calming aromas drift through the lawn and all corners of the cottage. The cottage itself has quaint roots infused with French countryside flair to make your pace slow and your senses internalize the whimsical experience here. Step inside where you’ll be embraced by owners Judy and Glenn Walker. They may even invite you to take one step further into farm life by feeding their Lavender Orpington chickens.
That feeling of ahhh when traipsing among the grounds can also be beautifully bottled up and taken home. From baby wash to bug spray and soaps, their entire line is paraben-free, sulfate-free, and mostly organic to keep you grounded, centered, and healthy. Home and kitchen products, including coffee, syrups, jams, dried varieties for cooking, and candles allow you to easily take this herb symbolizing love, devotion, and loyalty with you wherever your journey takes you next.
The Lavender Cottage and Garden is also a local hub for ever-changing, highly unique offerings from local artisans including pottery, jewelry, and other goodies perfectly suitable for any gifting needs you may have (tip: go ahead and treat yourself, too)
Butterfly Mornings and Wildflower Afternoons
A stop in to Butterfly Mornings and Wildflower Afternoons in Sautee will remind you of the classic whimsy found at Grandma’s house. Golden beams of light chasing the hallowed floors usher in the classical magic of unhurried exploration and cultivation of the farmhouse way of life, including art and décor. Every nook and cranny is full of curiosities, encouraging you to linger a little longer as you browse items from yesteryear and converse with hospitable hosts.
With the butterfly sign on the front porch signaling it’s open for business, step inside its log cabin to find a plethora of Victorian treasures including garden markers and iconic Gypsy moth vintage clothing. The original and quite popular Grandma Brooms are made here and sold to enthusiasts all over the country. These brooms are highly detailed with full faces, glasses, and soft smiles,
- turning your sweeper into a retro conversation piece. Or take the broom off your vacuum and place it anywhere you wish to bring some jovial company into your home. Wherever your broom ultimately resides, you won’t regret buying one while you’re here.
Fabric, lace, and craft supplies are also available, with hosts offering ample suggestions for your next project. - The Wildewood Shop
Relish in the essence of mountain life at The Wildewood Shop. You’ll recalibrate yourself with nature as soon as you get to the front porch built around a large walnut tree. This tree extends its roots and branches to encircle the shop both literally and figuratively – you’ll find the items within the shop to be grown or crafted as nature intended too. This unique shopping experience is a cozy cabin that replaces hustle with hush, making it a destination in and of itself – be prepared to spend a good amount of time exploring here.
From wind chimes to natural stone jewelry to porcelain mugs and classic toys for the kids, you’ll marvel at all the ways makers have partnered with the earth to produce one-of-a-kind goods. Turkish lamps (imported from Turkey) are sought after for their light patterns and mystic glow.
Helen, Georgia: Where Nature Inspires New Finds This Fall
When the mountains are calling and you must go, start mapping your trip to Helen, Georgia, to discover how the glimmering hues of falling leaves, crisp mountain air, and ultra-welcoming hosts breathe new life into so many of our area’s local businesses during the transition to harvest time. To learn more about our downtown businesses, visit this directory.
The post Embrace Nature This Fall with a Visit to These Three Local Helen, GA Businesses appeared first on Helen, Georgia.
