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Day Trip: Oktoberfest in Helen, GA

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Enjoy Oktoberfest festivities in the mountain town of Helen, just a short drive from Atlanta.

Enjoy Oktoberfest festivities in the mountain town of Helen, just a short drive from Atlanta.

Where can you go to find a charming, Bavarian-inspired town in the South? It’s closer than you think. Helen, Georgia, located about 70 miles (113 kilometers) north of Atlanta, is a quaint and kitschy town that looks like it would be more at home in the Alps than the Appalachians. Even though it looks as though it has been firmly ensconced in the Blue Ride Mountains for centuries, the Helen of painted facades and gingerbread trim has only been around for a few decades.

This area of northeast Georgia has a rich history spanning from the Cherokee to the early settlers who arrived to take part in the logging industry that was the lifeblood of the area for so long. However, in the middle of the 20th century, the town of Helen was struggling. In 1968, a group of local businessmen got together to discuss how they could revitalize this mountain town. With the help of a local artist who had visited Germany, they started sketching and planning the recreation of Helen. In 1969, construction began and the downtown area received a new look: that of Bavaria. Now the stores and buildings are painted with scenes of both the mountains in Germany as well as those in North Georgia and a once struggling community now hosts more than two million visitors a year.

While there are several major celebrations held in Helen each year (the annual Faching Celebration and Chriskindel Fest come to mind), what Helen does best is Oktoberfest. This traditional German celebration that originated in Munich, takes place in Helen from Sept. 11-14 and Sept. 18-Nov. 2, 2014. Now in its 44th year, Helen’s Oktoberfest celebration is a wonderful blend of classic and kitsch, complete with dirndl-clad wenches, oompah bands and plenty of beer.

The main revelries take place in the Festhalle, the beer hall and music stage. While every year is different, the music mostly revolves around classic Bavarian beer hall music, complete with plenty of spirit, a steady beat and classic tunes that beg for audience accompaniment. Polka dances and group dances are also common; it’s no surprise that the level of participation rises as the beer is consumed! Plenty of traditional food is available for sampling, from bratwurst to schnitzel, all accompanied by authentic German beer.

The shops and stores in Helen are full of mountain spirit as well; you can find everything from outdoor fireplaces to candlestick holders to jewelry. When you get tired of shopping and schnitzel, make a visit to the nearby Nacoochee Indian Mounds, a remnant of an ancient Native American settlement. Or, conduct a mini wine tour at one of the local wineries: Frogtown Cellars makes wine from local Frogtown grapes and Habersham Winery is one of the oldest in Georgia.

Of course, there’s more to Helen than just Oktoberfest. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen is also a hub for outdoor adventures. Tubing the Chattahoochee River, which runs through Helen, is a popular activity, as is zip-lining or exploring local mountain biking trails. Hiking is also a great option in Helen. The nearby Anna Ruby Falls is great for all ages while the Smith Creek trail is a more strenuous option. Oktoberfest usually falls during prime leaf peeping season, so it’s a great time to get out and experience the beauty of the mountains.

If You Go:

    • Oktoberfest takes place Sept. 11-15 and resumes daily from Sept. 18-Nov. 2, 2014. Admission to the activities Monday through Saturday events requires admission. Sundays are free. Admission for Monday through Friday is $8 and admission on Saturday is $10. Food and drinks are purchased separately.
    • The hours for Oktoberfest are from 6-10: 30 p.m. on Mondays – Thursdays; 6 p.m. – midnight on Fridays; 1 p.m. – midnight on Saturdays; 1-7 p.m. on Sundays.
    • While Oktoberfest is a time of revelry, remember that everyday laws do apply. Be sure to imbibe responsibly and don’t drink and drive.

To experience all that Helen has to offer, rent a car and take a short day trip up into the mountains. It’s a short drive that will take you miles away from what you’ll find in downtown Atlanta and it’s an experience that you won’t soon forget.

Helen is just one example of a great day trip from Atlanta. Check out a few more suggestions of locations to explore close to Atlanta.

The post Day Trip: Oktoberfest in Helen, GA appeared first on Atlanta Things To Do.


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