Helen’s Magical Charm
For Lots of Alpine Fun
As you drive into the majestic mountains of North Georgia, there is a small little town that helps you step into a picture perfect Bavarian scenic village with magical gingerbread trim, cobblestone alleyways, and old world towers. Helen, Georgia was transformed in the 60’s, to help you feel as you’ve stepped into another world.
Famous for many years, Helen has been known for its festive celebration throughout the city that include lighted trimmed rooftops, bridges, windows and much more. Holiday Cheer is here as Helen Georgia lights up for another season.Beautifully decorated outdoor trees are on every block with giant nutcrackers and other lighted holiday visuals.
Visitors love the many different varieties of warm winter food from the Wurst to the Schnitzel as German and International food is everywhere. Stroll down these brick lined streets and smell the wonderful aroma in the air from Bakeries, Pretzels, Gingerbread, Hot Chocolate, and Fudge shops.
Many of these quaint shops feature specialty items like Swiss cuckoo clocks, cheese, steins, gems, handblown glass sculptures, antiques, pottery and handmade arts and crafts. In addition you can find sweet treats and delicious food around every corner.
Whether you want to have a Beer at a pub or local Brewery, most have wonderful restaurants with a variety of dishes from German, Mexican, Italian, Asian food, to traditional American sandwiches, steaks and seafood. Many also offer entertainment and have outdoor courtyards.
With over half a dozen wineries surrounding Helen, you can also enjoy spectacular mountain views while appreciating the taste of these award winning grapes grown in the rich clay soil.
Fun attractions to play are located all around Helen that offer gem mining, zip lines, alpine coaster, mini golf, and so much more. Scenic hiking trails, beautiful overlooks, and winding wilderness roads are at every turn. The iconic Chattahoochee River runs through downtown and trails run alongside you as the peaceful waters flow.
Just south of Helen is beautiful Sautee Nacoochee Village. Step back in time with many historical landmarks such as the Old Sautee Store built in 1872 that has a museum of authentic store goods. Just minutes down the road is Stovall Mill Covered Bridge built in 1895, a one lane wood bridge that lays over Chickamauga Creek near State Route 255.
The picturesque Sautee– Nacoochee Mound at Hardman Farm is a favorite landmark in north Georgia. Guided house tours of this original 1870 Italianate architecture home are part of Georgia State Park with a one mile Heritage Trail along the river to Helen.
Nearby Nora Mill Granary & Grist Mill was established in 1876 and still in operation with a live miller making grits, cornmeal and flour mixes beside the beautiful waterfall along the Chattahoochee River.
Surrounding Helen & nearby Cleveland are some of the highest mountain peaks with Tray Mountain that is not only the 6th-highest mountain in Georgia, but connects with the Appalachian Trail. Amazing Yonah Mountain stands tall at 3,143 ft., located between the two cities and is rimmed by sheer picturesque cliffs.
North of Helen is Unicoi State Park that offers miles of streams and trails for unlimited fishing, hiking and biking opportunities. This gem of Georgia is tucked away on State Highway 356 and features 1,050-acres of wilderness. The centerpiece of the park boasts the 53-acre Unicoi Lake on Smith Creek and Anna Ruby Falls. Visitors enjoy the easy walk up to view these 150-foot twin waterfalls from Curtis and York Creek that merge to form Smith Creek.
Helen has many comfortable accommodations from Bavarian themed lodging beside the river to modern hotels, B& B’s, campgrounds, and cabins. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure and let Helen’s magical charm sweep you away!
Helen is where Alpine fun fills your days and unforgettable mountain memories are yours to stay!
For more information visit: helenchamber.com & helenga.org
