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Cool Places to visit in Helen, Georgia

Cool Places to Visit in Helen, Georgia } TheYogaChick

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There are a ton of cool places to visit in Georgia. Helen, Georgia is a cute little secluded town with Bavarian-style buildings nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Helen isn’t more than about 90 minutes from Atlanta (depending on the traffic). There is one road in and one road out. I’ve heard that it’s the third most visited city in Georgia coming behind Atlanta and Savannah.

A river in Helen, Georgia
Beautiful scenery in Helen, Georgia

Helen is known for it’s annual Oktoberfest celebration. Oktoberfest in Helen is the longest in the nation, running for nearly six weeks from mid-September to the end of October.  But, there is so much more to do in Helen.

There are a ton of accommodations that include Bed and Breakfasts and rustic cottages if you want to visit for a few days and see all that Helen has to offer. (There are even camping options). My husband and I have visited multiple times and we definitely think that Helen also makes a great day trip destination.

Helen offers golf, arts and crafts, and numerous festivals. Here are a few of the cool places to visit if you are taking a day trip to Helen, Georgia.

Helen Georgia Scenery

Shopping in Helen, Georgia

Pepper Palace

Pepper Palace in in Helen, Georgia

There are tons of shops right within walking distance of Main Street. The first place we stopped at was the Pepper Palace. The Pepper Palace is located on River Street and they honestly have every single type of sauce you could ever imagine. My husband, who loves spicy food, was ecstatic to find hot pepper options such as VooDoo Reaper Hot Sauce, Scorpion Death Stalker Hot Sauce, and Diabolito Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce.

One of the coolest things about Pepper Palace is that there are multiple testing stations. You can test almost every type of sauce that’s in the store. Beware: there is no free water so if your mouth is too hot, you are going to have to buy a water bottle from them.

The End Hot Sauce from Pepper Palace

The hottest sauce in the store is, “The End.” Of course my husband had to try it and I have to be honest, he did a great job but I could tell that it was really, really spicy. (Picture below). This small bottle of sauce was $28!

Husband tasting The End Hot Sauce
Hubby tasting “The End” hot sauce

The Glassblowing Shop

The Glassblowing Shop in Helen, Georgia

The Glassblowing Shop is located right on Main Street. Whenever we visit Helen with our kids we come here for the live demonstrations. The Glassblowing Shop has tons of unique hand-blown gifts. The types of art offered at the Glassblowing Shop ranges from tiny fairies and medieval dragons to an elaborate and delicate stagecoach drawn by six horses and carrying women who hold miniature purses.

Wild West Old Time Photos

Wild West Old Time Photos in Helen, Georgia

I don’t care what age you are, this never gets old. When I was a kid, we loved to go to the local carnivals and festivals and everyone could dress up and take an old time photo. I still feel that way today! Wild West Old Time Photos is right off of Main Street and easily accessible from Main Street.

Food and Beverage Options in Helen, Georgia

Hofer’s Bakery

Hofer's Bakery and Restaurant in Helen, GA
Inside Hofer's Bakery.  Cakes and cannolis.
The best cannolis

Grab a quick snack at the Hofer’s Bakery and Restaurant Cafe. Hofer’s is a German bakery and cafe and they had some of the best peanut butter cookies and cannolis that I have ever eaten. The wonderful ladies working in the bakery were also super nice.

French Toast at Hofer's Bakery in Helen, GA
French Toast at Hofer’s

Besides cookies and cannolis, Hofer’s has cakes, eclairs, muffins, and donuts. If you are really hungry and want more than a snack, there’s also a quaint little restaurant inside just past the bakery. One of my favorite things about Hofer’s was the nice outdoor seating.

King Ludwig’s Bier Garten

King Ludwig Bier Garden with collectible cup
Souvenir Mug!

We stopped over at King Ludwig’s Bier Garten and had a drink and a giant pretzel. The bartenders were really nice and there is tons of outside seating so you can people-watch while you relax. If you stop by later in the day, you may see a live band performing. It’s a great place to stop by mid-day or to finish up your day trip.

Me and hubby at King Ludwig's Bier Garten
Taking a break at Kin Ludwig’s Bier Garten

Fox Vineyard and Winery

Fox Winery in Helen, GA

Wine tastings are one of my favorite things to do when I’m out with my husband. Fox Vineyard and Winery specializes in growing the native Georgia grapes, Muscadines and Scuppernongs. Feel free to take a stroll over the winery tasting room and sample a few bottles. You’ll be glad that you did.

Mountain Fresh Creamery

Mountain Fresh Creamery | TheYogaChick.com
Mountain Fresh Creamery

On our way out, we stopped by the Mountain Fresh Creamery. Mountain Fresh Creamery is a 4th generation dairy farm where they make their ice cream right on site using their farm-raised cows. Literally some of the best ice cream I have ever had in my life.

Salted Caramel Ice Cream cone from Mountain Fresh Creamery
Hubby’s Salted Caramel ice cream

Here are a few more places we’ve visited recently including Savannah, Georgia.

Have you ever visited Helen? What is the best part of a Georgia mountain vacation to you?

All photos © 2019 Mike Mason

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33 Comments

  1. May 29, 2019 / 4:58 am

    Never heard of Helen, Georgia before! Now it’s a part of my never ending bucket list! Thanks to you!

  2. Geraline Batarra
    May 29, 2019 / 6:57 am

    Wow.. I never knew Georgia has so many to offer.. The salted ice-cream and the cakes looks tempting.. ?

  3. May 29, 2019 / 8:43 am

    The places look lovely! Would love to visit Georgia someday. I’m from the PH!

  4. May 29, 2019 / 9:52 am

    We used to live just across the state line in NC and traveled to Helen for a day trip. You are right there is a lot to do in this quaint town. I loved looking at the architecture of their buildings so much.

  5. May 29, 2019 / 11:22 am

    Ive heard so many great things about there. We dont live far so we may check it out soon.

  6. May 29, 2019 / 1:39 pm

    You’re really right. Some of the architecture and some of the things in that picturesque town are really typically Bavarian. Living in Bavaria, I see a lot of resemblances, thank you for sharing.

  7. May 29, 2019 / 2:43 pm

    This looks like a cute date idea that can be done anywhere.

  8. Joanna
    May 29, 2019 / 3:56 pm

    I like how this town looks like it belongs to Germany, and not to Georgia. Also, I spotted the cannoli, which are Italian. Very interesting place!

  9. Ivana
    May 29, 2019 / 11:34 pm

    We’re doing a road trip through Georgia, thanks for the tips!

  10. Alexandra Cook
    May 30, 2019 / 4:51 am

    Wow, such a detailed post that would be so helpful to plan a great trip to Georgia. Loving the pictures so much.

  11. Mudpie Fridays
    May 30, 2019 / 5:10 am

    Wonderful..Glad you shared this amazing list. I am a travel bug and looking forward to experiencing Georgia later this year this list will help me out.

  12. May 30, 2019 / 11:54 am

    Looks a nice place to enjoy the Oktoberfest celebration. I am looking forward to enjoying a season here.

  13. Arun
    May 30, 2019 / 12:20 pm

    The city looks amazing. I would love to visit Georgia. The drink and dessert looks so good. I am sure , you enjoyed it a lot.

  14. May 30, 2019 / 3:12 pm

    So many fun things to do while you are out there. It reminds me of a little Dutch village we have locally where it feels like you are entering into another world. I know I would love this.

  15. Nina Cochingco
    May 31, 2019 / 3:53 am

    Seems you both had a blast. Thanks for sharing your experience in Helen Georgia, seems so fun here. The goodies at Hofer’s bakery looks really nice.. ?

  16. Dalene Ekirapa
    May 31, 2019 / 7:24 am

    If I visited Georgia, I would not faik to drop by the Hofer’s Bakery and Restaurant Cafe. Oh those cakes are so appetizzing.Food would bring me to the care and restaurant honestly!

  17. June 1, 2019 / 12:38 am

    There’s a stream nearby and the place looks like a cottage from a storybook. I’m sold!

  18. June 1, 2019 / 6:26 am

    Helen sure sounds like a great place to see! I love the confectioneries and I love the pic of you in front of that signpost and of course, you both look great! Thanks for sharing!

  19. Aria
    June 5, 2019 / 1:59 am

    wow.. looks like a full day for both of you..you’ve got a lot of energy there.. I love the places you visited.. Best place for me was the Wild West Old Time Photos. I love old photos… black and white..classic… And of course – I LOVE YOUR FIRST PHOTO.. very peaceful

  20. August 22, 2019 / 8:34 pm

    These do look like amazing places to visit! I hope I can make it to Helen one day. I’d be all about the ice cream.

  21. August 22, 2019 / 9:08 pm

    I would enjoy visiting this place. So many good places to explore and the food looks yummy.

  22. Joanna
    August 23, 2019 / 5:48 am

    Helen looks like a gorgeous little place. I like that there are so many cute independent shops around, but also a vineyard where you can try the local wines.

  23. August 23, 2019 / 8:31 am

    My family lives in Charlotte and they go down to Helen for Oktoberfest every year! I can’t believe I haven’t gone yet, but it looks like such an adorable town any time of year, need to get my own family down there soon!!

  24. August 23, 2019 / 9:06 am

    Helen is exactly the type of town that my husband and family absolutely love to spend time in! We love the fun little local shops!

  25. August 23, 2019 / 2:39 pm

    I love Helen. It such a fun place to explore. My favorite part is the water that runs through the town. It’s so soothing and beautiful to look at.

  26. Hannah Marie
    August 23, 2019 / 6:43 pm

    These are all interesting places to see! My first on the list would be the The Glassblowing Shop.

  27. August 23, 2019 / 10:37 pm

    Helen sounds interesting! I love visiting towns and getting to know their stories. The Glassblowing Shop sounds like a must and the creamery as well. Thanks for the recommendations!

  28. August 24, 2019 / 9:43 am

    We love to visit towns like this one. Such an array of shops and restaurants. The best part is homemade desserts at the bakery you showed. Yum! Thanks for sharing!

  29. Kiwi
    August 26, 2019 / 7:51 pm

    Im inspired! I live in GA I would love to visit Helen,GA in the near future!

  30. Binge on Basics
    August 27, 2019 / 3:09 am

    The place looks beautiful. I would totally visit Wild West Old Time Photos. This looks like a great and fun place to me and I love getting clicked too

  31. August 27, 2019 / 4:15 pm

    What a gorgeous area! I want to add this to our list of places to see! Great roundup!!

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