Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be in two places at once? While bilocation may be statistically impossible, you’ll find something quite close to it on your first trip to Helen, GA. Our charming Alpine village has the quaint Bavarian architecture you’d find across the Atlantic while being set in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains under two hours from Atlanta, GA. The result of this apparent double presence is endless outdoor adventure opportunities, unique cultural experiences, and authentic eats alongside a rich event calendar through the year.
Welcome to Alpine-Helen
Helen is a place simply like no other. Helen, as visitors know it today, was once an active Georgia Gold Rush area in the 1800s, then transformed into an authentically recrafted Alpine village thanks to the vision of local artist John Kick in the 1960s. Every detail you’d find in Germany has been recaptured along our streets, from cobblestone to impeccable gingerbread lining on steep rooftops embedded throughout town.
Top Outdoor Adventures
While Alpine-Helen has effectively relocated Bavaria to the Southeastern US, our outdoors lush with Georgian native flora and fauna boasts a plethora of uniquely local outdoor activities to enjoy, no matter what season you visit.
During warmer months, tubing the Chattahoochee River is a must. Use a strap to connect tubes among each member in your party to cool off while you coast and cackle with each bend along the way. Helen Tubing or Cool River Tubing will iron out all the details for you so all you have to do is kick back and enjoy the ride.
Let your scenic exploration continue on our plentiful nature trails, waterfall hikes, and forest paths to traverse. Unicoi State Park and the Mt. Yonah Trail are excellent options for nature trails with varying levels of hiking difficulty to suit your entire party. Or, check out the ever-popular Appalachian Trail for hikes with dense vegetation and unprecedented mountain views.
Waterfall hikes at Anna Ruby Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, or Raven Cliff Falls usher in unfiltered marvel as your soul recalibrates to the rhythm of gushing water, fresh mist on your face, and the sheer height of what you’re standing below. If you have littles in tow, Anna Ruby Falls would be a fabulous first waterfall hike at 0.8 miles round trip and paved walking trails. Whenever you visit and however you decide to partake, you’ll find there’s no shortage of ways to rediscover the joy of the outdoors the Helen way.
Arts, Culture, and Heritage on Display
Though housed in Bavarian-style buildings, Helen’s arts and culture scene is tethered to Georgia, inviting visitors in to the best of both worlds. For the most bang for your cultural buck, check out The Sautee Nacoochee Center. You’ll find the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia (home to various stone wares of ancient daily life in addition to iconic face jugs), as well as the Sautee Nacoochee History Museum, African American Heritage Cabin from the 1800s, and a Schoolhouse and Gym from the 1900s on site. The Center Gallery, Gallery Too, and the Jim Thomas Invitational Gallery showcase regional gems in visual arts.
You’ll become cultured and artistic by osmosis in so many other spots around town, too. The Killmon Gallery and the Helen Arts and Heritage Center are sure to stimulate those creative juices in the right side of your brain with tours and heritage-filled perusings.
Family Fun
Traveling as a family of first-timers to Helen means you’re making memories moment by moment. From mini golf at Alpine Mini Golf Village and go-cart racing at Helen Fun Factory and Tiny Towne to riding the exhilarating Georgia Mountain Coaster, everyone in your family will have something they can’t wait to come back for.
Adults Only Attractions
If you’re sans kiddos (either for the entire trip or just a few hours!), Helen has places to literally and figuratively uncork as you sip and savor the fruits and ferments of our land through vineyards, wineries, and breweries.
Nestle in at 1600 feet elevation to toast panoramic mountain views with a tasting of Grace (white wine blend) or Blue Truck Blush at Kaya Vineyard and Winery. Proprietary Twisted Wines and local craft beers abound at Sylvan Valley Lodge and Cellars for those vino-centric and those preferring a more hop-forward bevvy.
The Corner Creperie and Cocktails has a wide variety of sweet and savory crepes with an expansive mixed drink menu to match for a balanced stop through the mid-afternoon.
Bavarian Dining and Local Eats
Just as you’d find in Bavaria, Helen has traditional German fare, including pretzels, bratwurst, and schnitzel. We likely don’t need to tell you where these eateries are around town, as your nose will be able to guide you with wafts of caraway, mustard seeds, marjoram, and nutmeg – traditional German spices that delightfully and seamlessly musk our mountain air. There are also plenty of places if you’d opt out of German fare, such as Cowboys and Angels (a delicious steak and seafood house) or Pink Pig Southern BBQ.
There are over 35 restaurants in our area, which means it would take you almost 12 days to eat at a different spot for every meal! While you may not be in town for long enough to rotate through all options, check out this short list of local favorites to help guide 1st time visitors:
- Hofer’s of Helen Bakery and Café: Generationally passed-down recipes with hospitality to match. And don’t just take our word for it – Hofer’s cakes have been featured on Food Network and the establishment as a whole has been listed as one of the Top Restaurants in the World by TripAdvisor! So many varieties of Spätzle, schnitzel, and bratwurst paired with other favorites like homemade potato salad and German chocolate torte – sign yourselves up (though no reservations taken)!
- Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Café: Cheese varieties are the star of the show here – need we say more? Try the Fried Cheese kebob appetizer (a sure favorite) or sharp cheddar stuffed ham. Other regional yet comfort-based favorites are also available, including Reuben sandwiches and pork loin cordon bleu schnitzel.
- Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen: That overwhelming feeling of nostalgia from walking up to a glass counter housing handmade confections has been fully preserved at Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen. Fine chocolates (truffles and snappers), brittles, fudges, and other candies (like chocolate covered Oreos and Rice Krispies) will make your choice of treat a hard one. Pro tip: get a few for now and box up another few for later. But don’t worry, there’s also cute ice cream shops like Scoop de Scoop Ice Cream parlor if you’re in the mood for cool and creamy.
Stay Like a Local: Best Places to Sleep
Helen, GA’s dining and lodging will make your home away from home just what you’re envisioning. To stay amid the bustle of downtown but also be met with serenity as soon as you turn your key, Helendorf River Inn or Hofbrau Riverfront Hotel await your arrival. But if you’re looking for more conventional hotels, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hampton Inn, and Fairfield Marriott are also in town.
Bed and breakfasts including Sautee Inn Bed and Breakfast, are cozy and charming options to immerse into our down-home hospitality after hours and establish new-found friends in its owners.
For a true retreat experience, rental options such as Blue Creek Cabins and Georgia Mountain Rentals let our mountains be the last to tuck you in and the first to greet you upon waking. And of course, our mountains surround at Cherokee Campground and Leisure Acres Campground for those who prefer al fresco living.
Seasonal Signals: When to Visit
The list of things to do in Helen, GA is seemingly as long as our mountain ranges. We have a teeming year-long event calendar, so there’s always something to come to town for. Oktoberfest in the fall is an uber popular time to visit for authentic German traditions of merriment that rival those held across the pond, set among nature’s vibrant palette of autumn. At year’s end, Christmas holiday celebrations amid Hallmark-esque surroundings – from parades and Santa sightings to Christkindlmarkts (Christmas markets) – draw large crowds as well.
Spring and summer are less populated seasons but boast plenty of hiking, tubing, and simply basking in the purity of our mountain air.
Bonus Tips for First-Time Travelers
By now, you may be wondering how to weave your first itinerary in Helen together, which is valid from all the different ways to delve into arts, culture, cuisine, and downright fun. Here are a couple samples, though you’re encouraged to make your trip yours!
If you’re in town for a day, start the morning with a hike at Unicoi State Park. Charge up with lunch, then head downtown for some exploring and river tubing. Dry off after that exhilaration to prep for dinner at one of our authentically German restaurants before the day closes.
If you’re here for the weekend, start day 2 with culture, perhaps checking out the Sautee Nacoochee Center. Then, prepare for a leisurely stop at one of our many vineyards for a tasting (or swap this out for a family-friendly attraction like Alpine Slot Cars!). Mix in as many of our mouthwatering restaurants as your stomachs lead!
When you’re ready to start planning your trip to Helen, GA, download or order a copy of our Official Travel Guide. Once you arrive, let our Welcome Center provide you with maps, recommendations, and coupons to make your trip wow in ways you’ll only find here.
First Time In Helen = Bavarian Fun with Southern Charm Awaits
In Alpine-Helen, first time visitors are embraced into our ever-growing family of mountain-goers who relish our Bavarian charm while also appreciating our Georgian roots. No matter your itinerary, season you visit in, or length of your stay, our quaint village will invigorate you like a European vacation while steeping you in all that the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer, no passport required.
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