How to Spend a Weekend in Helen GA
When people think of Georgia, usually Atlanta or Savannah pops into their heads. However, through my recent road trip to Georgia, I can say that some cities and towns are greatly underrated.
One of those towns happens to be Helen, Georgia where the mountains meet Germany. Even though the small alpine village is German-inspired, it is not directly associated with any town in Germany.
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Instead, the abandoned town became a tourist destination wanting to grant visitors a taste of German and Bavarian culture.
On our day trip to Helen, GA, we managed to make the most of our trip by spending time in the souvenir shops as well as stopping for a bite to eat at a German restaurant.
Although we didn’t take advantage of all of the activities in the village, we still think Helen, GA makes a perfect weekend getaway.
Take a guided tour of the area and learn more about this charming town!
The History of German-Inspired Alpine Village
This may be the best German town in the United States, but the area used to be a lumber town in decline. In 1968, this town became what is now a Bavarian village surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains.
The German-inspired town heavily relies on tourism with visitors who mostly stop by when visiting the Atlanta area for a small taste of German culture. It is generally a destination that most people want to fully soak up within a day or weekend.
If you decide to visit during major festivals and holidays like Christmas and Oktoberfest, be prepared for streamlined traffic and heavy crowds.
Since the village is near Atlanta and nature trails, it is a top place to explore in both the warm and colder months.
Things to do in Helen, GA
1. Walk Around the Downtown Area
The first and foremost thing to do when visiting a place for the first time is to explore and stroll around the area.
Bringing in Bavarian influence in the architecture, it is only fair to marvel at the cute and colorful buildings with a fairytale scenery. There are also plenty of spots for photos.
2. Ride the Georgia Mountain Coaster
Reaching a speed of 28 miles per hour with a length of 1 mile, it is easy to see why this coaster continues to be a favorite amongst visitors.
While everyone must pay to park in the village, there is a separate cost for the rollercoaster ($16 for adults and $13 for kids).
Soar through the forest and soak in views of the mountains and village with this fun rollercoaster!
3. Gift and Souvenir Shops
Helen, Georgia has an abundance of shops for all ages ranging from clothing to Christmas items. A great way to come across cute shops is to park off the road and walk from one end to the other.
Some of the best gift shops that offer souvenirs are Helen’s Best, Artisans Market, and the Alpine Festival of Arts and Crafts. If you decide to visit around Christmas or Oktoberfest, expect the stores to be packed.
4. Try out the Delicious Restaurants
When we visited on our day trip back in December, The Troll Tavern was our go-to place due to its interesting name.
This family-friendly restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating for an authentic German dining experience.
Some of the other popular restaurants in the Alpine Village are the Hofbrauhaus Restaurant, Big Daddy’s Restaurant and Tavern, and Bodensee.
5. Spend a Few Nights at a Hotel
Most people spend the day stopping by to explore the restaurants, shops, and activities before heading to their final destination. However, there are hotels that allow guests to stay and fully soak in the Bavarian village and the surrounding area of Helen, Georgia.
With similar Bavarian-style buildings in the downtown area, these hotels will immerse you even more in this cultural destination.
I would recommend staying at the Alpine Village Inn or the SureStay Hotel by Best Western.
6. Explore Walking Trails
Even though the walking trails aren’t in the downtown area, there are trails within driving distance to explore more of the natural side of Helen, Georgia.
After walking downtown and checking into your hotel for a weekend getaway, spend the rest of the day visiting Hardman Farm Heritage Trail, Raven Cliffs Trailhead, and Laurel Ridge Trailhead.
You can also seek out the waterfalls like Anna Ruby Falls for a relaxing and scenic landscape.
7. Explore the Wineries
Throughout the state of Georgia, you won’t find a shortage of wineries and vineyards with breathtaking views. But for your weekend getaway in Helen, GA, you don’t have to go too far to taste diverse flavors of wine.
Near Unicoi State Park and Lodge, Sweet Acre Farms, Habersham Winery, and Creekstone Winery offer a unique wine-tasting experience.
8. Mini Golf and Laser Tag
While this German-inspired town is filled with gift shops, restaurants, and hotels, there are a few activities that will allow your children to have blast.
While the Bavarian Mountain Miniature Golf is the most popular, the Alpine Mini Golf course offers even better views of the village with beautiful flowers in the spring.
Take the whole family on a fun adventure to the Alpine Fun Factory for a few games of laser tag.
This family-owned business provides an intimate and spacious area to participate in a variety of activities including go-kart.
9. Go Gem Mining
While you can shop for beautiful gems at the Outpost Gold and Gem Mining Company, the most popular way to find gems is by trying out the Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mines.
While mining for gems, there are staff members who will inform you about the types of gems that you find. This family-friendly attraction is a great way to teach kids and adults about gems found in the local area.
10. Try Out Tubing
This is one of the most common activities to partake in around the area and is especially popular in the warm months.
Get out of your comfort zone by floating on the Chattahoochee River during your Helen, Georgia weekend getaway!
Cool River Tubing is closed during the winter but when they are open, tubing rides can range from 1-2 hours with a slight increase in price during the weekends.
Immerse yourself in mountain landscapes and river rapids with this popular tubing attraction!
Helen, GA Weekend Getaway Guide
From tubing through calm waters to wineries, Helen, GA is a great destination for a day or weekend trip.
Before embarking on your adventure to this German-inspired town, make sure to carefully plan your dates, especially if you prefer to visit the downtown area.
What used to be a hidden town in the Appalachian mountains is now a bustling village with endless activities for every type of traveler.
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