Is this the Alps or the Blue Ridge?

A June 2003 trip to Helen by chadk78

Quote: Only a short drive north from Atlanta, this small, Alpine-themed tourist town is loads of fun for the whole family. You won't mistake it for Switzerland or Germany, but you're guaranteed a memorable experience.

Is this the Alps or the Blue Ridge?

Overview

Quote:

Many people who visit Helen do not realize that it is not really a German or Scandinavian town. Originally, it was actually a small logging community made up mostly of Scottish-Irish descendents. However, when the logging industry in the area went belly-up, something had to be done to rejuvenate the economy. Since the area's Blue Ridge Mountains reminded many of the Alps, some creative person envisioned the town as an Alpine-themed tourist destination. The idea worked, and the tourists have flocked here ever since. Not only is the Alpine atmosphere of the town really neat, it also serves as an excellent hub to explore the north Georgia mountains.Quick Tips: Helen gets heavy traffic on wee...Read More

Cheer!
Flag

Heidi Hotel

Hotel

Quote:

This hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Helen. Set up on a hillside, it is hard to miss the large windmill. We stayed in one of the windmill suites and it was extremely nice. It included a very comfortable king-sized bed and a whirlpool with a large waterfall. It was very clean and well-decorated. These suites are highly recommended for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. The Heidi is locally owned. The proprietor, who mans the front desk himself, is very friendly and helpful.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 6, 2005

Heidi Hotel
Main Street
Helen, Georgia
(706) 878-2689

Cheer!
Flag

Cafe International

Restaurant

Quote:

This restaurant probably has the best location in Helen. It is located right in the middle of town overlooking the Chattahoochee River. The outside patio seating is very nice. One of the best rapids on the river is close by, and it's fun to watch the reactions of the tubers as they go through it.

Although it serves food from many different countries (thus the name), I have a hard time not ordering a German dish in Helen. The bratwurst over sauerkraut is excellent. My wife recommends the weinerschnitzel.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 6, 2005

Cafe International
Main Street
Helen, Georgia 30545
(706) 878-3102

Cheer!
Flag

Anna Ruby Falls

Attraction

Quote:

This twin waterfall, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible that I've been to. The walk along a paved trail is less than a half mile and takes less than 30 minutes to do. The waterfall on the left (Curtis Creek) drops 153 feet, while the one on the right (York Creek) falls 50 feet. This property was owned by Col. John Nichols during the late 19th century. He named the falls Anna Ruby Falls in honor of his daughter. A nice little visitor center displays nature exhibits and offers a variety of interesting gifts for sale. Behind the visitor center, a small creek has brook, rainbow, and brown trout that can be fed. A small parking fee is charged, b...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 7, 2005

Anna Ruby Falls
Chattahoochee National Forest
Helen, Georgia

Cheer!
Flag

Fred's Famous Peanuts

Attraction

Quote:

This unique little peanut stand offers much more than peanuts. They sell apples, ciders, pecan brittle, honey, jams and jellies, rocking chairs, and a variety of souvenir items. We bought some nonalcoholic Muscadine wine and peach cider, both of which were very good. Of course, peanuts are the specialty here, and they sell all types: boiled, roasted, fried,… you name it.

Fred and Dianne, the owners, are some of the friendliest folks you'll find. They are very informative about the area and will offer up tips on what to see and do if asked.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 7, 2005

Fred's Famous Peanuts
17 Clayton Rd.
Helen, Georgia

Cheer!
Flag

Nora Mill Granary

Attraction | "Nora Mill and Nacoochee Village"

Quote:

Nora Mill, located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, was built in 1876 and still operates today. They sell a variety of grits, cornmeal, and other grain products made right here on the property. They also have a small candle shop. It's nice to go out on the back porch and watch the rainbow trout swimming in the river. Directly across the road is the Nacoochee Village, which features an antique shop, an outfitter, a horse stable offering trail rides, and a winery. The antique shop is an old farmhouse, which is packed with unique items from the past. We must have spent 2 hours in there!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 7, 2005

Nora Mill Granary
Highway 75
Helen, Georgia 30545
(706) 878-1280

Cheer!
Flag

Mark of the Potter

Attraction

Quote:

Just a short drive from Helen, this place is a must-see for pottery fans. Located in an old grist mill on the Soque River, they have been in business for 35 years. The pieces featured here are all made by local artists and very high quality. The also have wood and metal crafts, ceramic jewelry, and hand-blown glass. Something that I found very interesting here is that you can go down into the cellar and view a small waterfall. Considering the quality of products they sell, the prices here are very reasonable. It is located in a very picturesque setting, so even if you don't buy anything, it's worth a visit.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on March 7, 2005

Mark of the Potter
9982 Hwy 197 North
Clarkesville, Georgia 30523
(706) 947-3440

Cheer!
Flag

Old Sautee Store

Attraction

Quote:

First opened in the 1870s, the Old Sautee Store has been in continuous operation ever since. Today, the front part of the store is like a museum, featuring a variety of antiques and items that would have been seen in a country store 100 years ago. In the back part they offer cheeses and other gourmet food items, wool clothing, fine jewelry, and books about the local area. Many of the items for sale here were made in Scandinavian countries. A small outbuilding houses a Christmas store called the Yule Log, which features a variety of unique holiday decorations. Located nearby is the Nacoochee Indian Mound. Excavated by the Smithsonian Institute in 1914, this was once the site of a large Indian vil...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 7, 2005

Old Sautee Store
Nacoochee Vly
Helen, Georgia 30545
(706) 878-2281

Cheer!
Flag

Flea Market River Tubing

Attraction

Quote:

This is the cheapest place I've found in Helen to tube the Chattahoochee River. It's only $5 for a 2.5-hour ride. Basically, once you've paid for the ride, they just hand you a tube and you're off on your own. The river is mostly peaceful, but there are a few adventurous spots. We got hung on a rock once. Be sure to watch out for the trout fishermen's lines, as there are usually quite a few on the river. It's best to go during the week if you can. Weekends can be crowded (there are at least three tubing companies operating on this river) and not as enjoyable. Once you get to the end of the ride, you will turn in your tube and be transported back to your car. I would advise wea...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on March 7, 2005

Flea Market River Tubing
9917 Highway 75 N
Helen, Georgia 30545
(706) 878-1082