Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Chattahoochee River lies Helen, a village rich in heritage. Its cobblestone streets and Old World architecture will make you think you’re in an alpine village. Helen offers the best of everything from festivals, parades and museums to shopping, mountain cabins and, of course, beautiful scenery.

Helen knows how to celebrate! Throughout the year, it plays host to special events like an annual hot air balloon race, Volksmarch, Winefest, Oktoberfest and Christmas parades. Most notably, it’s the host of the longest Oktoberfest celebration in the South, from mid-September through October. Coming up – and another excellent reason to visit – is Alpenfest, an entertainment festival, which runs from Thanksgiving through December. 

The village is home to many unique stores and restaurants. The Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen creates treats including homemade fudge, caramel apples and turtles right in front of you! Stop by Old Sautee Store, which has been serving the historic Sautee Valley for more than 127 years. A mix of an old store museum and Scandinavian gifts, you’ll find gourmet foods, fine jewelry and its famous Norwegian sweaters. 

Pan for gold or search for gems at the site of the first major discovery of gold in our country, Dukes Creek Mine. Hernando DeSoto visited the area in 1540, and one of his men returned around 1560 to mine gold. It was in 1828 that Frank Logan discovered gold here, creating America’s first Gold Rush. Imagine finding your own piece of gold or even a ruby, sapphire, emerald or amethyst! It’s a must-do for any family looking for a kid-friendly adventure. For more information, visit www.dukescreek.com.

Helen is also home to some interesting museums. Have you always wanted to learn about gourds? Gourd Place celebrates the gourd and its many uses. The museum features more than 200 gourds from 23 countries, ranging from early-American artifacts to the works of contemporary gourd artists. You can also take home gourd art and pottery handmade by owners Priscilla Wilson and Janice Lymburner. For more information, visit www.gourdplace.com.

The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia celebrates the importance of folk pottery in Southern life. Pottery is an important part of northeast Georgia’s tradition, and this area’s pottery is nationally known. In fact, a local family, the Meaders, was featured in a 1937 book by Allen Eaton, Handicrafts of the Southern Highlands. At the museum, you’ll learn the process of pottery making and how pottery was used in every day life during the 19^th and 20^th centuries. Grab a map to follow the Folk Potters Trail that takes you along scenic routes to several folk potters. For more information, visit www.folkpotterymuseum.com.

Be sure to bring your camera and pack a picnic for Anna Ruby Falls. Located in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, this spectacular pair of waterfalls is the start of a 500-mile river journey to the Gulf of Mexico. While we don’t expect you to make that whole trip, we do recommend following the 0.4-mile footpath near the falls, or the Lion’s Eye Trail that takes you along Smith Creek. Looking for more of a challenge? The 4.6-mile Smith Creek Trail takes you from the base of Anna Ruby Falls to Unicoi State Park. For more information, visit www.fs.fed.us/conf/rec/fow/20040804-fow.shtml.      

There’s a little bit of something for everyone in Helen! It’s time to experience it.