My friends and I went on a day trip to Helen, GA recently. It was a scenic two-hour drive from metro-Atlanta. Helen is a small German town in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia. Its known for being a Bavarian alpine village filled with gingerbread trim, cobblestone alleyways, and old-world towers. There is so much to do and enjoy in this majestic small town.
Upon arrival, we leisurely strolled through the village. We had dinner on the outdoor patio of Cafe International. The food was fresh and flavorful. We got to watch the tubers lazily coast down the Chattahoochee River. We later sat on the rocks alongside the river and playfully threw small rocks and pebbles in the river with our children. It certainly created a core memory for them.
We enjoyed live music on the main lounge area and watched the sunset over the mountains. The sky had a captivating dusty orange and red hue. We enjoyed some local gelato treats and snacks before our departure. A few people in our group grabbed some souvenirs at the local shops. The children enjoyed their time on the trip and slept on the way home.
Helen, GA hosts the famous annual Oktoberfest which is open to all ages. The celebrations include multiple weeks of traditional German dancing, food, and beer from September through October. Revelers typically dress in traditional German attire, lederhosen and dirndls, while dancing to the polka. Held in the city’s riverside Festhale, the celebration is the longest-running of its kind in the United States.
Anna Ruby Falls, twin waterfalls that merge to form Smith Creek, is located in the surrounding area. It has picnic areas, a gift shop and hiking trails. In addition, there are many nearby vineyards for wine tasting.
Have you ever been to Helen, GA or a similar German town? If so, what was your favorite activity?
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-Love