Why You Should Visit Helen, Georgia: The South’s Charming Alpine Village

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When you think of Georgia, a Bavarian Village probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind – however this European-style small town situated along the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chattahoochee River is a sight to see! The colorful Alpine village is packed with charm, and it’s a town you need to pop by for a visit next time you’re traveling through Georgia. 

With less than 500 residents and only 2.1 miles in size, Helen is a tiny Southern town to add to your road trip bucket list! Recently, we planned a road trip from Florida to The Highlands, North Carolina and this was one of our favorite stops along the way. As you know by now, I LOVE a good road trip – after all, it’s the perfect way to experience charming small towns without the commitment of an overnight stay. 

Helen has been on my bucket list for quite some time, and ranked much higher on my list during the start of the pandemic when European travel was a no-go. While I had originally planned to book a weekend trip here, I was able to get a full taste of the town within the afternoon – and unless you’re planning an overnight getaway to indulge on Bavarian brews, I recommend a day trip along your journey! 

Keep reading to discover why you should visit Helen: 

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SHOP MY LOOK:

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Dine on Authentic Bavarian Cuisine

From bratwurst to schnitzel and everything in between, the German cuisine in Helen does not disappoint! Stop by The Heidelberg for the town’s landmark restaurant for the best Bavarian cuisine, then stroll through the town and explore the local bakeries for authentic sweets and treats. 

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Relax and Unwind With A Huge Selection of German Brews

What’s an Alpine town without biergartens? The town is packed with breweries and pubs serving up some of the best German beers, perfect for embracing the town’s vibe. If beer isn’t your drink of choice, enjoy wine tasting from the nearby vineyards for a little taste of Georgia.

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Hike To Anna Ruby Falls

Step into nature for a leisurely stroll to Anna Ruby Falls. This landmark is actually made up of two waterfalls and is easily accessible by a paved trail, making it an easy experience for all ages! 

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Experience Christmas in Helen 

If Hallmark Christmas movies are a tradition in your household, it’s no surprise so many of these cheerful holiday movies choose Helen as the setting for the film. The quaint and colorful town square covered in holiday decor and lights is a mini winter wonderland perfect for a hometown holiday love story! 

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Stop by the Babyland Hospital 

As an 80s baby, Cabbage Patch dolls were a staple in our home! When we were little, our parents took us to Babyland Hospital and we LOVED getting to see where the Cabbage Patch babies were “born”. This offbeat experience was so memorable, and I loved stopping by on our way out of Helen. If you have little ones, I highly recommend planning a visit and tour in the nearby town of Cleveland. 

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SHOP CABBAGE PATCH DOLLS:

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SHOP MY LOOK:

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Experience Oktoberfest

If you want to experience the best of Helen, plan your trip between September and November to experience the town during Oktoberfest. With countless events, German attire (time to pull out the lederhosen!), food, drinks, dancing and more – Oktoberfest is Helen’s biggest celebration and the best time to visit. 

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Whether you’re looking for a taste of Europe in the South or simply want a charming lunch spot on your next road trip through Georgia, we definitely recommend an afternoon visit to Helen.

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