Top Things to Do in Helen, GA Downtown Alpine Village: Stroll through downtown to experience German-themed architecture, shops, and eateries, including Hofer's of Helen for pastries and the King Ludwig Beer Garden. Tubing the Chattahoochee: A popular warm-weather activity, often called "shooting the hooch," with rentals from companies like Cool River Tubing. Anna Ruby Falls: A double waterfall located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, accessible via a short, paved hike. Georgia Mountain Coaster: A fun, alpine-style coaster that runs through the woods, allowing riders to control their speed. Unicoi State Park & Lodge: Offers hiking trails, fishing, a lake, zip-lining, and biking, located just outside the main town. Habersham Winery: One of Georgia's oldest wineries, providing tours and tastings. Babyland General Hospital: Known as the birthplace of Cabbage Patch Kids, located in nearby Cleveland, GA. Nora Mill Granary: A working 1876 grist mill offering local products. Dining & Entertainment ·German Cuisine: Enjoy authentic German food at Hofbrauhaus, The Heidelberg, and Cafe International. ·Oktoberfest: Helen hosts the longest-running Oktoberfest in the South, typically featuring live music, dancing, and traditional food. ·Shopping: Explore unique, locally-owned shops for items like glass-blown art, Christmas decorations, and hot sauces.
Helen, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River, is a recreation of an alpine village complete with cobblestone alleys and old-world towers. This Northeast Georgia village has a rich history linked to the Cherokee Indians and the Mississippian mound builders as well as early settlers who arrived in the early 1900s to mine for gold and cut virgin timber for a thriving lumber industry. Now celebrating its 56th year as a mountain community with a touch of Bavaria, Helen’s evolution into an alpine village began in 1968 when a group of local businessmen met to discuss ways to revitalize their town. They approached a nearby artist friend who had been stationed in Germany. He sketched the buildings, added gingerbread trim, details and colors to the buildings, giving an Alpine look to the entire town. In Jan 1969, business owners and local carpenters began turning ideas into reality and all downtown stores were renovated. Facades of buildings were painted with scenes of Bavaria and North Georgia, mirroring the migration of early settlers. In 2002 alone, $1.2 million was spent on improvements in the downtown area. Helen has accomplished much; it has created a new town and industry, providing jobs for more people and boosting the economy of the entire area. Helen also commemorates its historic past when the early settlers came to this remote area. A village with mountain heritage and a touch of Bavaria, Helen has created a unique experience for its visitor. So, this is the story of Helen, the miracle of a small, remote mountain community that revitalized itself in various ways throughout several centuries and that today hosts over 2 million visitors each year.