Summer Weekend Escapes: Helen, Georgia

If you are looking for an international experience but only have time and money for a weekend vacation, Helen, Georgia is the place for you. Helen is located in in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River. As soon as you enter Helen, you can tell that it is very different. For 35 years, Helen has been the reconstruction of Bavaria from its with cobblestone alleys to its old-world towers. There is so much to do, see, and eat in Helen, every one will find something they enjoy.

Before you leave there is some general information you need to know about Helen. Its located in North Georgia, approximately 1 ½ hours away from Atlanta. Since this Helen is located in the South make sure that you pack appropriately. Summer temperatures are extremely variable, they range from 90 degrees F during the day to 50 degrees F during the night. Lucky, Helen enjoys cool mountain breezes keeping every one comfortable. Also in downtown Helen there are not many places to park, so make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes.

Before you leave home definitely make sure that you have a reservation, as its not uncommon for Helen to have no vacancies. My husband and I have stayed at the RiverBend Luxury Chalets. and definitely would recommend this to any one visiting Helen either with family or on a romantic get-away. These rooms include loft bedrooms, sleeper sofas, 25" TV with VCR, kitchen with coffee maker, table and chairs, telephone with free local calls, gas log fireplace, 2 baths, and can sleep up to 6 people. The Chalet we stayed in had a Hot Tub on the Deck over looking the Chattahoochee River.

Once you have checked into your hotel, there is so much you can do. My first option since this is Bavarian inspired town would be to get a bite to eat. There are many options for your meals. One of the best places to eat is Alt Heidelberg. Alt Heidelberg is Swiss owned and serves a combination of authentic German and American meals. They have a strolling accordionist Fri., Sat. and Sunday. The Altstädter Weinstube & Biergarten is another recommended place to eat. It has a great ambiance full of comfort. There are lots of other great restaurants to eat at as well.

After you are full, you can enjoy the small shops of downtown Helen. There are so many times of small stores from antique and craft shops to import stores to small "tourist trap" stores, there is definitely something for every one. Make sure to stop at Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen for some unbelievably good fudge.

Once you are tired of shopping make sure to check out the beautiful wildlife surrounding Helen. Unicoi State Park and Lodge provides a beautiful environment to relax in. Unicoi has a 53 acre lake ,swimming ,paddle boat and canoe rental , fishing streams , hiking trails , mountain bike trail , and 4 lighted tennis courts If you don't enjoy the quiet nature, Helen still has attractions for you. You can go golfing, watch glass-blowing, visit haunted Helen, go put-put golfing, and much more.

I hope that you enjoy your wonderful weekend in Helen. Regardless of whether you are going on a couples only getaway of a family vacation. Helen will provide you with a weekend, you won't forget,