Anyone been to Helen, GA?

[tar heel]

What did you think of it?

 

[legs22]

It was ok. It looked like a small German village. Was only there one day about 10 yrs. ago.

 

[Lanshark]

We live about 90 minutes from Helen and go occasionally. It's a fun 1/2 day to walk into the shops, if you like that type of thing. I probably haven't been there is 4 or 5 years.

 

[snuggles]

We went last year and would agree that it's a nice half day. Near there is BabyLand General Hospital. It's a fun trip going to see the Cabbage Patch Kids being born. You might also check out Anna Ruby Falls and Brasstown Bald while you are up there. Brasstown is the highest peak in Georgia. Anna Ruby is a hike up to a beautiful waterfall.

 

[stevenpensacola]

We went several years ago in February.....we stayed in a very nice cabin outside of town. I think it's a pretty neat place. The downtown area consists mostly of shops and restaurants, but the area has a lot of character.

If you like hiking, there are a lot of scenic areas nearby, including several beautiful waterfalls.

Be sure to check out the Nora Mills Granary just south of Helen.
www.noramill.com/index.html

We'd recommend eating dinner at Pauls Restaurant in downtown Helen...perched out over the river.

There are a lot of unique little shops....I remember going in a little shop owned by some Dutch folks, they had a little sandwhich shop in a corner of the store...very quaint.

I'd describe Helen as a mini-version of Gatlinburg without all of the tacky t-shirt shops.

 

[nowellsl]

We've been there a few times for family reunions. The tubing was fun! The scenery is beautiful!

 

[Lanshark]

The place really fills up with people in the fall when the leaves are turning. It's quite beautiful then but very crowded.

 

[Beth]

My DH and I visited there (just for a day) every year from 1992 thru about 2000.

In our opinion, the shops steadily declined over those years. We used to enjoy it so much, but so many of the shops either closed, or just sold really tacky touristy stuff.

I would REALLY like to hear from someone that it turned around in the last few years - and we'd go back and give it another try.

Anybody remember the Christmas store that was in the back corner that burned several years ago? It was arson - set by the owner! ...Trying to collect on insurance.

I definitely agree about visiting Anna Ruby Falls - great waterfall - and easy access for any ability - a paved trail all the way up to the falls! Very nice!

 

[flaps]

It's cute. I've been maybe 3-4 times, but not recently. Bought my wedding unity candle in a shop there 15 years ago.

1/2 day to one full day is enough to explore it as I recall. JMHO.

Oh, and I think Ocktoberfest there gets very crowded, so if that's an issue, you might want to avoid that time.

I agree that Anna Ruby Falls is beautiful. And if you enjoy hiking, there's a nice trail between the falls and, I believe, Unicoi (sp?) State Park.

 

[jipsy]

Anybody remember the Christmas store that was in the back corner that burned several years ago? It was arson - set by the owner! ...Trying to collect on insurance.

I didn't know that! I haven't been to Helen in years, but I did love that little town. Tubing and/or fishing was great fun; being able to stop at a restaurant on the way for a beer or a drink. I loved that Christmas shop.