Bavaria in the Blue Ridge

It's official--I'm now a South Carolina resident. Moving wasn't easy, but we did it and we're finally settled in enough now to turn our attention to travel. One pleasant surprise? Flights to Florida are much cheaper from Greenville and the airport is only 15 minutes away--all good stuff!

Still, my first "away" adventure was inspired by something closer to home. While flipping through travel brochures, one destination stood out--a town that looked like it belonged in the Alps, rather than here in the American South. In a mere two hours, we discovered that we could be in the midst of a Bavarian-style village, complete with restaurants, charming shops and architecture one might encounter on an excursion to Germany.

The History of Helen

The Helen Arts & Heritage Center

The first stop I recommend is the Helen Arts & Heritage Center to view a short film on the background of the town. Helen was founded in the early 1900s when lumber reigned supreme. (It was named after the daughter of a Byrd-Matthews lumber company official.) By the late 1960s, lumber was on its way out and the town was struggling economically.

Clearly the town needed a way to thrive economically, which led a few local businessmen to invite an artist from nearby Clarksville to help reimagine the town. John Kollock, drawing from his experiences in Germany while in the military, suggested transforming Helen into a Bavarian-style village, complete with alpine architecture and murals. Merchants and craftsmen embraced the idea and began remodeling their storefronts with classic Old World details. By 1970, the transformation was complete and the town launched its first Oktoberfest, which was a great success. This led more shops to begin selling German beer, food and crafts. Soon, the national news was taking notice. Today it's a popular destination, attracting 1.5 million visitors annually.

After viewing the film at the Arts & Heritage Center visitors can take the opportunity to peruse the rooms that showcase the region's many talented artists. 

Art on display at the Helen Arts & Heritage Center

Restaurants, shops and more

Situated throughout the walkable town, a bevy of shops sell everything from German beer, food, apparel, gifts and more.

 

A rare picture of me taken by my husband.

Don't Miss Anna Ruby Falls

Just outside town in the Chattahoochee National Forest lies Anna Ruby Falls. The Visitors Center offers restrooms, a gift shop and educational exhibits.

The Visitor Center provides restrooms, a gift shop and educational exhibits.

From there a paved, half-mile trail (steep in spots) leads to the twin cascades,  It took us about 25 minutes to make it to falls that are named after the daughter of a settler who owned the land.

The U.S. Forest Service, which manages the area, requires a small entrance fee to help maintain the site. Along the trail, visitors can read more about the scenery through interpretive signs and take a break on one of the many benches that dot the trail.

The beautiful payoff at the end.

At the end of the hike, visitors will see the falls that are formed where two creeks--Curtis and York--merge, creating twin cascades that drop 153 feet and 50 feet.

The General Store

Betty's General Store is a local gem for provisions and offers anything anyone needs for camping or staying a few days at a hotel--from fresh-cut meats, to cheeses, jerky, beer, wine and more.

Restaurant Recommendations

Two standout restaurants during our stay were Cowboys & Angels and Bodensee. Cowboys and Angels are known for their steaks and I certainly enjoyed mine. The family-run restaurant has been a fixture in the area since 2015.

Sirloin, corn and sweet potato at Cowboys & Angels.

We couldn't leave Helen, Georgia without experiencing some authentic German food, however. When we chose Bodensee, we were hoping for a good experience. In a town full of German food, we weren't sure what to expect. It turns out we were quite delighted with both the food and the service. We tried the sampler for two comprised of Sauerbraten, Schwein Braten, Beef Roll, Smoked Pork Chop, Garlic Wurst, and Pork Schnitzel served with Spätzle, Sauerkraut, Red Cabbage, and Potato Salad and topped with gravies. Everything was so delicious that we will definitely return again for the experience. Since visiting, I learned that the chef went to culinary school in Romania and later spent years in Germany honing his craft before moving to Helen. 

Final Thoughts

With its unique backstory, Old World Charm and natural beauty, Helen makes for a memorable getaway. Whether you're there for the history, the hiking, or the hearty German meals, this little village in the Georgia mountains is certainly worth the trip.