From Bavarian Charm to Natural Beauty: Things to Do in Helen, Georgia
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen, Georgia, is a charming Bavarian-style town that feels like a slice of Europe in the heart of the southern United States.
With its picturesque alpine architecture, beautiful natural surroundings, and wide range of shops, restaurants, and activities, Helen is a popular destination for visitors worldwide.
One of the most popular attractions in Helen is the town’s beautiful downtown area, which is lined with quaint shops and restaurants.
Visitors can stroll along the cobblestone streets, browse unique souvenirs, and sample delicious German cuisine, including sausages, pretzels, and schnitzel.
The area also has plenty of beer gardens and breweries, where visitors can enjoy a cold brew in a festive atmosphere.
For those who love the outdoors, Helen is surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the region. The town is located near several national and state parks, including Unicoi State Park, which features hiking trails, fishing, and boating on a beautiful mountain lake.
The nearby Chattahoochee River also offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and tubing.
Throughout the year, Helen hosts various festivals and events that celebrate the town’s Bavarian heritage. From Oktoberfest celebrations to holiday markets and concerts, Helen always has something happening.
With its beautiful natural scenery, charming architecture, and festive atmosphere, Helen is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Georgia’s mountain culture.
Things to Do in Helen
Helen is a charming town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northeast Georgia with a Bavarian flair. It offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike. In addition to its lovely architecture and outdoor attractions, Helen is known for its wine and vineyards.
The town has several museums, heritage centers, and entertainment areas. The Helen Arts and Heritage Center is a non-profit art gallery featuring works by artists around the area.
It is also home to a pottery studio and a history museum. It is open to the public Monday through Thursday.
The Anna Ruby Falls hiking trail is a short walk that offers a beautiful view of the falls. The path is paved and easy to navigate. It is ideal for families with children.
The trail leads hikers through a wooded area and passes by creeks. There are picnic tables along the route that are wheelchair accessible.
Cool River Tubing
Located on the Chattahoochee River, Helen, Georgia, tubing is a fun and inexpensive way to beat the heat. It is a perfect activity for a girl’s weekend or a honeymoon.
There are many fun, budget-friendly activities to do in Helen. The most popular is tubing. There are several tubing outfitters in the area. Some provide water slides, while others have tubes.
The company also offers a water slide. It is common to see people on the river during warmer months. It is also a fun activity to do with friends or family.
If you are looking for a great tubing experience in Helen, GA, Cool River Tubing is a good choice. The company has a large tubing pool to rent tubes for a day. They offer free parking and shuttle service. It is only a short drive from the main drag of Helen.
Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area
Located in North Georgia, Anna Ruby Falls is a premier vacation destination. It is part of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and is one of the most scenic waterfalls in the state.
The Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area offers a variety of activities for visitors. Besides the waterfall, the area includes a visitor center, picnic areas, and restrooms.
There are also two viewing decks where you can observe the cascading falls. In addition, there are paved trails that lead to the falls.
A popular hiking spot, the Anna Ruby Falls trail is an easy, moderate hike that leads to two viewing platforms. It is wheelchair-friendly and has braille signs. It is also dog-friendly.
The Anna Ruby Falls trail follows the historic path down Smith Creek. It climbs through the forest and passes under angled rock outcroppings.
There are benches along the way to provide an interpretive experience. You will also give several smaller waterfalls on the way to the falls. You can even feed trout in Smith Creek.
The Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. The Visitor Center is located near the trailhead. There are also restrooms and parking lots. The visitor center is closed on Wednesdays and Tuesdays.
The Anna Ruby Falls trail will have benches, picnic areas, and an observation deck. There is also a bridge over the creek. Some signs explain the history of the site. The area is also popular with families with children.
Georgia Mountain Coaster
Located on the mountainside of Helen, Georgia, the Georgia Mountain Coaster is the first of its kind in Georgia. It’s a small roller coaster that will thrill both children and adults.
It’s a one-mile-long course that consists of a series of twists and turns. You’ll also have the chance to take a sled break and enjoy the scenery.
It’s a lot more fun than you might think. You’ll ride a cart with hand brakes and manual speed control. This allows you to adjust the speed of your descent.
On top of the ride’s numerous merits, there’s also a gift shop stocked with some lovely action pictures. In addition, you can buy a locker to store your belongings if you want to save cash.
Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe
Located in Helen, Georgia, Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe serves traditional German breakfasts, sandwiches, and baked goods.
You can order hot pastrami or Hungarian goulash if you’re looking for a hearty meal. The bakery is also known for its apple strudel a la mode.
Another restaurant in Helen is Two Tire Tavern, which offers American comfort food. This family-run business is a local favorite.
They provide great food and a friendly atmosphere. They also have a dog-friendly deck. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have a variety of drinks, including coffee and alcohol.
Hofer’s Bakery & Cafe is the original German bakery in Georgia. Their menu includes traditional German breakfasts like the famous Poorboy and baked goods. Their bakeries are open seven days a week.
BabyLand General Hospital
Babyland General Hospital is a local tourist attraction located in Cleveland, Georgia. It is the home of the Cabbage Patch Kids and a great place to bring kids to. It’s free to visit, and you can tour the facility.
You can expect to find a Cabbage Patch Kid nursery, nurses and doctors, nurseries, a birthing room, a Magic Crystal Tree, and more.
The facility is also great for adopting a Cabbage Patch Kid doll. It costs $79 or more to bring one home.
It’s a family-friendly attraction that offers several special events throughout the year. For example, you can attend a costume character event, a Valentine’s Day party, a tea party, a holiday craft, and more. There are also prize drawings.