Helen, Georgia is in the Blue Ridge mountains in northeast Georgia, just a short 85 miles from downtown Atlanta.
There is plenty to do in the area if you are looking for fun activities, or you can just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Here are some of the highlights from our recent RV trip to Helen, GA.
Brief History
Up until 1968, Helen was just another lifeless mountain town.
The local businessmen got together to devise a plan to draw tourists, to improve the economy of the area. An artist who had been stationed in Germany drew a sketch of the existing buildings, added gingerbread trim, giving an Alpine look to the entire town.
In 1969, business owners started remodeling their buildings, and any new buildings must adhere to the plan.
In the downtown area, there are plenty restaurants, with a variety of choices on the menu. From funnel cakes, homemade fudge and corn dogs to steaks and crab legs, or traditional German fare like schnitzel or bratwurst, you’ll find something for everyone.
Fun Things To See & Do In Helen, GA
The Troll Tavern is right on the water, where you can get a German ale, a wurst and enjoy the view.
There are more than 200 shops in the downtown area, selling all kinds of imported goods. Irish linens, Russian nesting dolls, German and Austrian imported wines, and Danish potato dumpling mixes are all to be found.
Check out this “live” webcam of downtown Helen Georgia!
My favorite shop is Music Box Plus. They carry a wonderful selection of music boxes and musical jewelry boxes. Local crafts are also represented. You will be able to find quilts, carvings, and jewelry made by local artisans.
There are many fun things to do in town. Take a trip down memory lane at Remember When Theater, where they have a Elvis impersonator. The Alpine Antique Auto Museum, Haunted Helen, and Alpine Mini Golf offer lots of fun options.
About a half-mile out of town towards Cleveland are: Nora Mill, Habersham Winery, and Chattahoochee Outfitters.
Nora Mill offers fresh ground wheat flour and corn meal. Don’t miss Habersham Winery‘s tasting room, they have a very good Reisling. And if fly fishing is one of your pastimes, you will find everything you need at Chattahoochee Outfitters. You can even get fly fishing lessons there.
Continue west towards Cleveland on Hwy 75, where you will come to Gold ‘N Gem Grubbin, where you can pan for gold or rubies, and keep whatever you find.
Babyland General Hospital is located in Georgia Cleveland, in the old general hospital building. It is the home of the original Cabbage Patch dolls, created by Xavier Roberts.
If you go west from Helen, you will find several river tubing companies, where you can rent a tube and float down the Chattahoochee. A flea market and Fred’s Famous Peanuts are also to be found on the west side of town.
There are many more things to do and see in this area, just a short drive from town. A day trip to Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, is very scenic and well worth the time. Smithgall Woods State Conservation Area, Unicoi State Park, Vogel State Park, and Moccasin Creek State Park are all within 25 miles of Helen, Georgia.
RV Campgrounds In The Area:
Unicoi State Park (706) 878-2201
Vogel State Park (706) 878-2201
Moccasin Creek State Park (706) 878-2201
Yonah Mountain Resort (706) 865-6546
Sleepy Hollow Campground (706) 878-2618
Jenny’s Creek Campground (706) 865-6955
My hubby and I have been living in a travel trailer and working at campgrounds and resorts for the past several years. We decide where we want to go, and look for a job there.
