Temperatures are rising, so grab your sunscreen and swimsuits. It’s time to pack away those winter coats because summer is here. With the weather in the 80s and 90s, it’s the perfect season to dive into Lake Burton by day and catch fireflies by night. Helen, Georgia, a popular tourist destination, offers the perfect Germanic-themed excursion for those seeking a light-hearted afternoon in the mountains. Here’s a guide to making the most of your visit, especially for those with kids.
Nestled in Nature
Nestled in the heart of the North Georgia mountains, Helen is a town designed to resemble a Bavarian Alpine village. Colorful, half-timbered buildings line the streets, adorned with flowers that bloom in the summer. The town is surrounded by lush greenery, towering pines, oaks, and maples. Dogwoods and mountain laurels add splashes of pleasant pastels, while rhododendrons and fire azaleas contribute bursts of violent color, adorning the mulch beds and fountains interspersed throughout the city.
Helen is crisscrossed by numerous creeks and rivers, with the Chattahoochee River flowing right through the town. Beyond tubing on the Chattahoochee River, you can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The Soque River, another major waterway, is renowned for trout fishing.
Moreover, Helen offers a variety of hiking opportunities. The one most visited, is the Anna Ruby Falls trail, a short, paved walk that leads to an especially lovely double waterfall. Yet, the one most suited for families with kids is Unicoi State Park and Lodge featuring several easily hiked trails, including a path that loops around the lake. Best of all is Unicoi Beach, ideal for kids of all ages, from those who enjoy sporadic splashing in the shallows to those who prefer sunbathing on towels with a Harry Potter book.
Shopping and Dining
Helen has a variety of stores offering everything from the kitschy to the cultural. The Glassblowing Shop showcases delicately beautiful glass sculptures and provides fascinating demonstrations on the glassblowing process. Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen specializes in homemade candies, chocolates, and other treats to sweeten the experience. While the Christmas Shoppe offers a selection of Christmas decorations and holiday gifts–the perfect combination for kids bored with antique stores. Add Tim’s Wooden Toys, and you might find your nine-year-old downloading the Zillow App searching for a new house.
For a shopping experience that indulges the agriculutral scene in and near Helen, consider Soque River Flower Farm and the Lavender Lamb Farm.
Stroll through fresh blooms, watching butterflies kiss your child’s cheek, or observe bees pollinating sprigs of lavender.
Once the family grows hungry, Helen has numerous restaurants, many located along the river. Hofbräuhaus is a German-themed restaurant with outdoor seating by the Chattahoochee River. The view here is genuinely idyllic, with the river flowing gently past, sparkling in dappled sunlight. Tubers float by, laughing with friends and family, and since it’s Georgia, they are often tying six-packs of drinks between their floats. It’s a lively scene, full of cheerful voices and splashing water.
From your place beneath their elegant black umbrellas, you can sip a German beer and watch tourists occasionally tip backward as they attempt, and sometimes fail, to navigate the rapids. Schnitzel is a specialty here, a breaded and fried cutlet, typically made of pork or veal, with a crispy golden-brown exterior and a juicy, tender interior. This writer suggests that you try the Das Kaese Schnitzel, which is topped with melted cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Cowboys and Angels is another “must visit” offering a taste of the South with a good old-fashioned dose of Southern hospitality. The rustic interior features wooden beams and cozy seating areas, creating a homey atmosphere. The catfish here is a standout dish, cooked Southern style by coating it in a seasoned cornmeal batter and frying it to golden perfection. The result is a crispy exterior with tender, flaky fish inside, served with sides like hush puppies and coleslaw. Other popular dishes include Alabama White Chicken, hearty burgers, and hand-cut steaks.
Yet, perhaps best-loved by tourists is Hofers of Helen Bakery and Cafe, located on a hill surrounded by trees, which offers a delightful spot for coffee and desserts. The cozy, rustic building has an inviting atmosphere, usually crowded with literal happy campers. Hofers specializes in German desserts, including a scrumptious Black Forest cake. They also offer a variety of freshly baked pastries, cakes, and specialty drinks.
Children’s Activities from Babies to Teens
Even beyond the shopping, Helen is a great destination for families with small children, offering a variety of activities that are fun for all ages. Alpine Mini Golf features fun obstacles on well-manicured greens, in a setting that reminds the player of a Norman Rockwell painting.
BabyLand General Hospital, located a short drive from Helen in Cleveland, Georgia, is the birthplace of the famous Cabbage Patch Kids dolls. Kids can watch the “birth” of a new doll from the mother cabbage, play in interactive exhibits, and even purchase their own Cabbage Patch friend.
Helen Tubing & Waterpark offers more than just tubing on the river; it also has a waterpark with slides, a lazy river, and a splash pad. Moreover, The Georgia Mountain Coaster, as the state’s first alpine coaster, provides a thrilling yet safe experience for kids, winding through the forested hills.
Conclusion
Helen, Georgia, is full of good times and lasting memories. It promises a relaxing and enjoyable visit with much to offer. Whether you’re exploring nature, tubing down the river, enjoying the local cuisine, or finding fun activities for the kids, Helen provides a unique blend of outdoor adventure and charming town life.
