Destinations

DESTINATIONS

Helen, Georgia

DO YOU DREAM OF TOURING

Europe, but lack the time or the resources to do so? Fear not. You'll find a fair approximation of a German burg in the north Georgia mountains.

Helen was settled in 191 l in conjunction with the building of a nearby sawmill. For 30 years the town prospered, until the forest’s inevitable clearing and the railroad’s subsequent departure relegated it to near-ghost-town status. Matters didn’t improve until 1969, when two area businessmen rebuilt the town into a Bavarian tourist attraction featuring chalets and beer gardens.

Its quaint architecture aside, much of Helen’s allure is in getting

there, as it is situated amidst some of the best roads in the southeast U.S. From the tumultuous Route 180 to the sweeping Route 348 (a.k.a. Richard Russell Scenic Highway), the area offers wildly diverse riding. Route 17 runs right through the town to become its main thoroughfare.

The place is a bit of a tourist trap, with crowded streets sometimes a problem. Food ranges from amusement parkesque to authentic German fare, with the hier und brats consistently excellent.

Annual events range from canoe and hot-air balloon festivals to the obligatory Oktoberfest, and even a Corvair Car Show. But the best time to visit there is in the fall, when the colors of the turning leaves rival the hues of a tropical sunset.

Helen. Georgia: It's not Germany, but if you have a couple of vacation days and a good imagination, it comes pretty close. —Brian Catterson

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Information Helen Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 192 Welcome Center Helen, GA 30545 404/878-2181