Happy 5th of July! Raise your hand if you have to go to work today. I do… It’s a bummer.
I wish I could spend the whole weekend eating and drinking as much as I did this weekend, but I gained four pounds in three days and I just can’t live my life like that. It was so fun.
We spent the weekend in Helen, Ga., a sweet little German-themed town in the North Georgia Mountains. I personally think it’s one of the greatest towns in the world because my name is on EVERYTHING. Helen is a hard name to find on souvenir magnets, cups, keychains, you name it. In Helen though, it’s on every souvenir item and them some. It’s the best.
However, if you aren’t running around finding your name on everything, here are some awesome things to do, see, and eat.
Tubing: If you’re going to Helen, you have to make a trip to float down the ChattahoocheeΒ river. Unfortunately, it hadn’t rained for awhile so the river was a smidge shallow. It wasn’t exactly a relaxing ride down the Hooch, but an eventful one. We used Cool River Tubing. Their tubes were really big and had a bottom so you didn’t drag your booty on the rocks. Β ALSO, you DO NOT need a stick. They will charge you if you want one, and it doesn’t help at all… Just hop up and walk.
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Zip Lining: Sunburst Stables has an awesome zip lining course. It’s 9 lines over lakes, through caves, and in between trees. Sunburst also has horseback riding, ATV tours, flyboarding and boating. The owners nickel and dime you a little, but the guides are so awesome you totally forget about that part.
Eat German food: If you’re in a German-themed town, you have to sample German themed food. For dinner, I recommend Bodensee Restaurant. They have potato pancakes with apple sauce, schnitzel, goulash, and homemade bread and butter that is AMAZING. I had the grilled chicken with creamy mushroom sauce. It was to die for.
For breakfast, you have to try Hofer’s of Helen Bakery and CafΓ©. They have German bread, breakfast and pastries. I had the bacon onion hash with homemade rolls which was incredible. Make sure to get a pastry to go. They have cream puffs the size of my head. You may need to share….
If you’re looking for something besides German food, Pies and Pints Deli and Tavern is the place to go. They have the most amazing chicken bacon ranch pizza I’ve ever had, not to mention great beer specials. Stephen and I devoured this pizza in maybe 10 minutes…
Mini-golf: There are several mini-golf courses in the area, but Alpine Mini Golf is the best. We went after dinner one night. It’s full of twinkly lights, love songs and cute places for photo opps. If you get a hole-in-one on hole 9, you win a free game. Stephen did it so we’ll have to go back. Then they have a great ice cream parlor that offers a discount if you golf.
Speaking of ice cream, you have to visit Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen. If you buy a pound of fudge, you get a half-pound free. The key lime pie fudge is delicious.
The nightlife scene is a little scarce, but we like to have a good time so we found it. Check out Karaoke at Paul’s Margarita Deck. I got volunteered to sing Let It Go. It wasn’t pretty…
Then after you make a fool of yourself, venture on over to Hayloft for some dancing.
Shopping: A trip to Helen isn’t complete without stopping at a few novelty shops at Alpine Village. In particular, you need to visit The Christmas Shoppe. Lots of fun ornaments, Christmas movies and decorations. You can’t go wrong. Also, pull over and visit Alpine Village Kettle. It’s the prettiest little cidery I ever did see. You also have to buy a bag of pecan brittle and a bottle of peach cider. Thank me later.
Have you ever been to Helen? What did you do for the 4th of July weekend?Β
Tubing is always a good idea! I’ve never heard of using a stick to help you if the water’s not flowing enough, but you’re totally right that getting up and walking is definitely easier!
Yes! This was new to me, but the people using the stick were clogging up the river. It was definitely easier to get up and walk.
SO fun that your name is on everything π I can’t find mine on much…ha-ha. I haven’t been zipling in years but need to go because it’s so much fun…such a rush!
Right?! Most people named Helen are in a nursing home, so it was definitely fun. I absolutely love zip lining. I hadn’t been in a long time and forgot how much I love it.
The activities all look so fun! Love the food. OMG #foodporn
Oh yes. I gained way too much weight this weekend, but it was delicious!
We live pretty close to Helen but we still haven’t gone yet! I totally need to get us there for a day trip or weekend.
Y’all need to! Toddles would LOVE it!
I love Helen and have not been in ages. My kids were just there with their Dad last week though. Tubing sounds like something I need to add to my summer bucket list!
Definitely! I would wait until after a rain shower though haha!
I have never been to Helen which is pretty sad since I’m sure it’s only a few hours from Atlanta. Tubing looking like SO much fun.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
You should definitely make the trip! It’s a blast!
This looks like a really cool city. Those pastries look to die for!
I’ve been to Atlanta several times, but have never really had time to do any extra activity. As much as I love tubing I must find a way to do it the next time I visit. Thanks for sharing!