Things to do in/around Helen, GA

[Mom2SamandJames]

My mom and I are taking my boys, ages 8 and 11 on a little trip. We will spend a week in Helen, GA. We were hoping someone on this board could offer insight. We are looking up places on the internet, but we would like to hear from someone who has been there. Thank you in advance.

 

[HopperFan]

Helen is fun, a side trip over to Dahlonega is great for mining and more, lots of State Parks with waterfalls and easy hiking. New Babyland General, home of the original Cabbage Patch and I know you have boys but the place is a hoot and not far. There is lots to do in Helen to keep you busy too.

https://consolidatedgoldmine.com/

http://www.georgiamodelrailroad.com/index.html

http://365atlantafamily.com/14-things-to-do-in-helen-ga-with-kids/#.VwhQsaQrKM8

http://www.babylandgeneral.com/

Not sure your dates but these are good:

• May 28, 2016
  
  Bavarianfest 2016 Helen, Ga
  
  
• May 28, 2016
  
  Bavarianfest 2016 Helen, Ga
  
  
• June 02, 2016 - June 04, 2016
  
  43rd Annual Helen-Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race Helen, Ga

http://dahlonega.org/

 

[Disneypeach]

depending on when you are going...y'all can go "tubing" on the river that runs thru Helen. Brasstown Bald mountain is also not far away. It is the highest point in Georgia and has a nice visitors center on top. You can hike there as well on a nice trail...I'm lazy tho, took the bus up and hiked down.
Have fun!

 

[si-am]

We got married in Helen and go every year! It's a cute little town, but for us it's mostly for a weekend trip. I enjoy Unicoi State Park. The lodge has a good buffet lunch and dinner, and there are some nice easy trails there, too. Also a "beach" on the lake during warmer months.

Anna Ruby Falls is a nice little walk, too.

A fun side trip for a day would be Dahlonega. The boys could mine for gold and there's a quaint town square with shops and restaurants.

 

[pittypat]

Tubing on the river is fun. But even even better-you can hike a section of the Appalachian Trail from near there. Also, the "general store" (I've forgotten the actual name) in nearby Nacoochee is awesome.

 

[Mom2SamandJames]

Thanks for the suggestions. We will be there May 27- June 3. We can't wait to see the hot air balloons! Trying to convince the boys to go to Babyland General, as I had a Cabbage Patch when I was a kid.

 

[loves to dive]

One warning about the tubing, the water is cold. Years ago, my son and I went up for the day (we live in Athens) to go tubing. It was August. It was so cold that by the time we ended up changing clothes in the back seat of my car just to try to warm up I made him sit outside to eat. I kept getting stuck on rocks and my brave son (who was probably around 12 at the time, only kid, single mom, real protective) had to keep getting out of his tube to get mom unstuck. It's a cute little town and the area has lots of hiking in and around it, I can't see staying a week there but that is just because for me, it's a day trip.

 

[Cadiewampus]

Have not been to Helen it quite a few years. Its gotten too big and lost some of its charm for me. We used to go a lot back in the late 70's and early 80's. Here a link to a few things
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g35004-Activities-Helen_Georgia.html

 

[Mom2SamandJames]

One warning about the tubing, the water is cold. Years ago, my son and I went up for the day (we live in Athens) to go tubing. It was August. It was so cold that by the time we ended up changing clothes in the back seat of my car just to try to warm up I made him sit outside to eat. I kept getting stuck on rocks and my brave son (who was probably around 12 at the time, only kid, single mom, real protective) had to keep getting out of his tube to get mom unstuck. It's a cute little town and the area has lots of hiking in and around it, I can't see staying a week there but that is just because for me, it's a day trip.

I honestly do not like cold water. We tubed a few years ago in Townsend, Tennessee, but the boys really want to so I will turn on the seat warmers in the car as soon as we change clothes. I think we are just going to take our time and explore things slowly. My oldest is on the autistic spectrum so taking our time is the best thing we can do.