Weekend Mountain Getaway to Helen, Georgia

Depending on the length of your drive through the beautiful scenic backroads to get here, you’ll probably end up arriving midday. Check into your hotel and get settled, then put your walking shoes on, because it’s time to get out and explore the city!

• Take a stroll around downtown Helen and check out all the cute little shops.

• Grab an afternoon snack or caffeine pick-me-up from The Mason Jar Coffee & Gelato.

• Feeling brave? Ride the Georgia Mountain Coaster and try not to use the hand brakes! (Five stars, would definitely recommend!)

• When you’re ready for dinner, head over to Bodensee for an authentic German meal. Pro tip: this place is popular, so make a reservation ahead of time! If reservations are unavailable, consider eating slightly early (5ish) to avoid the dinner rush.

• Take a post-dinner stroll along the river to enjoy the sunset!

Helen is full of plenty of wonderful outdoor activities, perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Grab a hat, sunglasses, some sunscreen, a water bottle, and you’re ready to begin the day!

• Start your morning with a short drive to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and a scenic hike to Anna Ruby Falls. Depending on how much time you’d like to spend here, pack a snack or picnic lunch to take with you. Pro tip: The Visitor Center opens at 9 am and if you’re there right when they open, you’ll have the paved hiking trail up to the beautiful falls practically all to yourself!

• Try your luck at finding gold or some other beautiful stones by spending some time gem mining.

• Grab lunch or a snack and fuel up for your next outdoor adventure…

• Hit the zipline course just outside of town at Nacoochee Adventures! This course is perfect for all-ages, as long as your littles weigh at least 40 lbs. The guides are great and help you enjoy the course in a safe and fun way. Enjoy the mountain-top views by doing the speedy “BIG Zip” at the end! Pro tip: Make reservations so you can secure your desired date/time for your party ahead of time.

• Worked up an appetite with all that outdoor fun? Stop over to Big Daddy’s Restaurant & Tavern for dinner and a drink (or 2)! If the weather is nice, ask for the covered patio. They serve traditional American/bar food here and the portions are huge, so maybe consider sharing. Don’t say I didn’t warn you when you see the size of the onion rings!

• Finish up the evening and see if you can come out on top by being the lowest under-par during a competitive round of mini golf!

There’s more outdoor fun to be had, so if you’re in the mood for a little adventure and don’t mind getting wet, grab your sunscreen and your water shoes and get ready to start your day.

• Start your morning at the Headwaters location of Cool River Tubing & Adventure or grab a float at the up-river location of Helen Tubing and enjoy your time as you tube down the river. Be sure to enjoy the Helen Waterpark towards the end of your journey, too!

Pro-tip: Open season for tubing is only from Memorial to Labor Day, so plan accordingly! A tip given by a local was to not come during the opening on Memorial Day weekend, because it is so incredibly busy.

• Enjoy a picnic lunch alongside the shore of the river and wave to some of the folks floating by!

• If you’re looking for some indoor opportunities to cool down (or warm up!) spend some time to see if you can capture the checked flag during slot car racing at The Alpine Speedway or head over to Helen Fun Factory’s indoor arcade for some family fun. This place literally has everything – laser tag, go kart racing, video games, billiards, a roller skating rink, bounce houses and more!

• Wrap up the afternoon with a wine tasting at one of Georgia’s oldest and largest wineries - Habersham Winery. Enjoy sipping locally grown Georgia wines and shop their globally sourced gourmet foods. No reservations needed!

• Grab dinner at Spice 55 Thai & Sushi Restaurant. Just like their name states, they have whatever you’re in the mood for — Thai and/or Sushi! They have a vast menu of delicious options to choose from.

• Wrap up your evening with another leisurely stroll through town.