Helen, Georgia.

[Taltarzac]

Anyone been to this faux Bavarian town in northern Georgia?


http://www.helengeorgia.com/

[pjolson]

Been there many times as we still own a home in NE Georgia about 25-30 miles from Helen. (It's on the market if anyone's interested!) The countryside around Helen is beautiful - it's in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. In fact the start of the Appalachian Trail is not far from Helen. There's also a nice state park with a decent lodge just outside Helen.

As far as Helen itself goes, well it's Helen. In my opinion, it's kind of tacky but worth seeing once. Among other things, they do an October Fest which draws a crowd. Lots of beer drinking, oompah music, etc.

[Pturner]

Hi Tal,

Helen is touristy, but a very pretty setting along the Chattahoochee river in the foothills of N GA mountains.

If you are interested, the best time to go is when the fall colors peak. You can call to find out expected peak. The best website for contacts and info is www.helenga.org/. (http://www.helenga.org/)

Paradise Retreat is a nice lodge in Helen. However, last I was there, this was still a dry county, so bring your own wine (or whatever.)

Other nice places to visit in the area, especially in fall, are Anna Ruby Falls, Unicoi State Park and perhaps Dahlonega, an old gold-mining town. Dahlonega (http://www.dahlonega.org/) is also touristy, but if you go, be sure to eat and/or stay at The Smith House (http://www.smithhouse.com/). It has charm and fabulous southern food, all you can eat.

If you decide to go, have a great time and please post photos!

GA Pturner

[chachacha]

enjoyed helen very much just for a day many years ago...sort of a bavarian mt dora with mountains instead of lake...imagine it has grown a lot since then...would love to return one day....

[hoseman]

If going to Helen on a fall weekend, go early in the day as traffic backs for miles in the afternoon trying to get in there.

Another post on the Smith House - really expensive for what you get (just plain ole southern cooking - nothing special). You will dining with stangers at your table so if that's your thing, you will enjoy the Smith House.

[zcaveman]

Helen is on my list but I fear it is a tourist trap at Oktoberfest time. I think I will plan for an off-season visit.

[Bettiboop]

I lived in N. Georgia for years, and I'll just "ditto" what PT said...and yes, definitely go during fall color peak if you possibly can. Touristy but a nice little getaway!