Summer is coming to a close and school is officially back in session. This means my personal favorite season in Georgia is right around the corner, fall. Fall is such a beautiful time of year and especially wonderful when you spend it in the North Georgia Mountains. There are so many great areas to visit, but one of our favorites is Helen. Helen is an adorable little Bavarian town with so much character. The short, easy drive from Atlanta and the amazing things to do and see for the whole family, make Helen a definite must-visit!
Check out some things to do if (no, when) you decide to visit Helen.
Things to Do in Helen, Georgia
Downtown Helen
There is so much to do in downtown Helen. There are a lot of shops, restaurants, and attractions. We enjoyed walking all over, both in the morning and the evening. There are several Bavarian food options, and you can try German beer. You can hunt for gemstones at Dukes Creek Mines. If you love escape rooms, check out Mindescapes Escape Rooms or go for a guided trail ride with horses at Chattahoochee Stables.
Riverbend Motel and Cabins
There are several options for accommodations. There are hotels and motels, cabins, bed & breakfasts, and campgrounds. We decided to stay at the Riverbend Motel and Cabins and opted for a cabin. We loved it! Riverbend is within walking distance to downtown, so you don’t have to drive anywhere unless you plan to go hiking or anywhere not located in downtown Helen. There’s a nice view of the river, and you can walk alongside the river.
Georgia Mountain Coaster
Talk about a unique experience! This coaster is a self-paced ride (that’s right, you control the speed) that takes you down the side of a beautiful Georgia mountain. It is the first of its kind in Georgia. They are located in downtown Helen and their staff is friendly and ready to help guide you through an unforgettable experience. The track was built by the top manufacturer of alpine coasters in the world. So. Much. Fun!
Betty’s Country Store
Before getting too settled, you have you make a stop at Betty’s. This super cute grocery store/cafe is a great place to stock up on needed items, grab a delicious bite to eat, and maybe pick up a souvenir. This place has been around for over 30 years and is a favorite for locals and visitors.
Anna Ruby Falls
This was one of my favorite places to visit when we went to Helen. The Anna Ruby Falls is located near Unicoi State Park. The waterfalls mark the junction of the Curtis and York creeks. The falls are one of the well-known waterfalls in the area and a popular place to visit. There are a couple of trails near the Anna Ruby Falls for hikers.
When I went, I was in awe of the waterfalls. It was gorgeous. Also, I realized I definitely need to work on exercising and cardio, but that’s a story for another day.
Unicoi Beach
Unicoi Beach is located within Unicoi State Park. My boys loved swimming there and making sandcastles. Visitors can also kayak, paddleboard, fish, or rent boats. There is a $5 fee for a park pass, but you can go anywhere in the park.
Oktoberfest
Beer, brats, bands, and Lederhosen – the Helen Oktoberfest has them all. Join the longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States, which runs from September 5 through October 27. Every year the Helen Festhalle houses the event. German-style bands from around the country and the world play on the stage for your listening and viewing pleasure. See the Alphorns blown, the Cowbells rung and the Accordion squeezed. Grab your partner and take a spin on the dance floor to the timeless tunes of the Polka.
There are so many things you can do in and around Helen. Honestly, you can stay for a weekend or an entire week. It’s perfect whether you are traveling with your family or by yourself. I really enjoyed visiting Helen and can’t wait to go back!
For even more things to do in Helen, check out the Helen website.
Have you visited Helen? If so, what was your favorite thing to do there? What would you like to do or see next?
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