A Step into Germany Through Helen, Georgia

How about a trip to Germany? Can't afford it, eh? Well, I have a city right here in the good Ole USA that can give you a feeling you've step across the pond into Bavaria.
It's a small town called Helen and it's located in the northeast part of Georgia. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's considered the sister city of Fussen, Germany.

There are buildings designed with German Architect in mind. Colorful and vibrant murals adorn the buildings of the variety of shops. All you need is seeing people walking around in dirndls and lederhosen. Actually some business women do wear the dirndls. The lederhosen you have to wait till their Oktoberfest in September.

There is a wide range of attractions to see. As you enter towards Helen, about 11 miles south of the town, you can visit Nora Mill which was a real running mill from 1876 on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Here you can buy stoned ground grits, cornmeal, biscuit and pancake mixes, homemade canning items and more.

Across from Nora Mill is the Habersham Winery where you can taste and purchase some of Georgia's finest wines.

During the summer months you can enjoy tubing down the Chattahoochie River or relax in the restaurants along the river and watch others do the tubing for you. Or go horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking or golfing.

Helen boasts of their delicious German cooking in the variety of restaurants. One of the best bakeries around is the award winning Hofer's Caf� and Bakery. They have authentic Bavarian pastries, special cakes, European breads which also compliment their breakfasts or lunches served in the caf�.

You can't walk too far before you smell the aroma of fresh fudge from Hansel and Gretel's candy shop. There you can see homemade fudge, peanut brittle and more being made in the window. You can see them dip chocolate or caramel apples before your eyes. The German chocolate is imported direct from Germany. Go in for a sample. You won't leave without buying some candy.

There is variety of gift shops, from German and Scandinavian imports to local crafts. You will see glass blowing, crystals, and more.

Helen has many events like their Hot Air Balloon race or the Christmas parade where the whole town is lit up in beautiful white lights. However, Helen is most noted for their longest Oktoberfest in the south starting from mid September through October.

You can rent cozy cabins in the mountains and even by the river so you can hear the flowing waters next to your window.

Visit the Cabbage Patch Baby Hospital in Cleveland which is about 15 minutes away from Helen. There you will see how the Cabbage Patch babies are delivered and adopted.

About 30 minutes away from Helen, is Dahlonega Georgia which is where gold was discovered in 1828 before the gold rush in California. On the way to Dahlonega from Helen is a Gold mining camp called Gold N Grubbin where you can pan for gold or gems.

From Atlanta, Helen is located approximate 1 � hours northeast. At anytime of the year it is the next best thing to going over to Germany.