Anyone been to Helen, Georgia?

[Tinkrbell]

I'm looking into some things to do for our upcoming trip to GA.

We are staying at Chateau Elan, and visiting Stone Mtn/Atlanta, but I wondered about Helen. It looks nice, but it maybe too cheesy, not sure, please advise. Is it a place to stay overnight or just a day trip?

Also any other GA trip tips would be helpful. I've never been to GA before.

Thanks

 

[mom2grace]

I did my grad work at UGA in Athens.

We visited Helen once, I remember it as nice, and I hate cheesy!

There are also some nice hiking areas near there.

Lake Lanier is near there too. This is a resort-ish type area.

What types of things do you like to see/do?

 

[Tinkrbell]

I love to go shopping while on vacation, it seemed like a lot of shops are there, but the kids would probably want to go swimming if we stayed there and if the hotel has a pool.

I wanted to go White water rafting, but the kids are too young 6 &4, they have age restrictions. I also wanted to go horse back riding, but again too young.

 

[DukeStreetKing]

Helen, GA is definitely not cheesy. It is a Bavarian-styled village with lots of shopping and eating. Anna Ruby falls and Brasstown Bald are just a couple of places worth visiting.

The ride up to Brasstown Bald is an adventure in itself, especially if it's raining. The paved road seems to go to straight up the mountain and the guardrail seems to inch it's way closer to your vehicle all the time.

Enjoy.

 

[Boots]

Helen is a nice place to go to visit. Makes one think of Gatlinburg, TN, but on a much smaller scale.

 

[mom2grace]

There are also outlet malls off of 85 near there too. I think they are really close to Chateau Elan.

 

[buzzz1]

It has been several years ago, but I remember staying there and it is just beautiful !

Lots of good shopping too.... kind of like Gatlinburg but the atmosphere was better.

Have fun....

 

[goin2disneyagain]

I live one exit south of Chateau Elan, if you like to shop then visit the Mall of Georgia. It's about 2 exits south of Chateau Elan down I85 South.

Helen is very pretty. Looks of little shops and other things to see.

 

[ilovepcot]

Our best friends live in north Georgia and we've really enjoyed going to some little out of the way places with them. One that's especially pretty and great for children is HIAWASSEE, the other is DAHLONEGA. To me, nothing compares with SAVANNAH! Love River Street with the boutiques and restaurants (Wish I could pull out years of pics to show you.) And, of course, ATLANTA has something for everyone!

 

[Mimi Q]

I was in Helen yesterday. We live about 40 minutes from there. If you go, be sure to go to the Scoop- Dee-Scoop Ice Cream shop- yummy. They is a very pretty putt-putt golf course beside the ice cream shop. Lots of shops and a small amusement park. Be sure to visit Anna Ruby Falls also. It is a very easy hike. Check out this link:
http://www.georgiamagazine.com/outdoors/nf/annaruby/

My 12 yo DD loves to tube down the Chattahoochee River. A very mild adventure that even very small children will enjoy. Link to that:
http://www.coolrivertubing.com/main.asp

I have stayed at the spa at Chateau Elan several times for our wedding anniversary. Love it. The facials and massages are fabulous.

Don't miss the laser show at Stone Mountain!

Any more questions just ask away.

 

[lynetteSC]

I have been once for a day trip ... but we are going there on a retreat in a few weeks. We have rented several 3 bedroom cabins at the Unicoi State Park. They have a lodge or cabins you can rent and VERY reasonable! I remember it as being very quaint little town. we also did the tubing down the river!

I do second the idea about the Mall of Georgia ... it is really WOWWY!!!!!