Helen GA ?? (Dahlonega: condos, buyers, restaurants)

[pop5300]

Can someone tell me what it is like? Would it be worth a day trip just to see it. I have seen brochures and it appears to be like Gatlinburg, just on a smaller scale.

What kind of restaurants and shops are there?

[atlantagreg30127]

If you want to see some shots I've taken of both Helen and nearby Dahlonega, here's the link to my Flickr album set for them: North Georgia Mountain Towns - a photoset on Flickr

No, Helen is not like Gatlinburg. First of all, it's MUCH smaller. It's a small mountain town that years ago remodeled itself to somewhat resemble a German village. There are typical nicnack shops and a few restaurants there, and a few sites to see. The stuff you see in the shops are more commonly imported items with a few hand made pieces here and there. Yes, it's still worth visiting, but again no, it's no Gatlinburg.

A few miles South of it is Dahlonega which probably more resembles a mini-Gatlinburg than Helen does. Dahlonega is an old gold rush town that now has a town square filled with artists galleries, crafts people, potters, and a couple of restaurants. The shops there have more items made by individual local artists - some of whom work in the shops. Personally I like it better than Helen.

Once the time changes here shortly in March and there's more daylight, it's still a good day trip to visit both towns. Just head up early to Helen, spend a few hours, and on the way out stop in Dahlonega and see the sites there as well. It makes a good all-day trip.

[Robbied]

we have a timeshare in Helen. It is a fun little place, some people feel it might be hokey but all in all there are some nice little restaurants. You can tube down the river . There is a hot air balloon show there and in the fall they have Octoberfest.

[pop5300]

Thank you both for the comments and also the link. I will try to get down there this summer and check it out.

[momof2kids]

Our family has a condo in Helen. We go a couple of times a year. It is a fun place to chill and relax. A few good restaurants and fun little shops.

[goozer]

I'm of the mindset that Helen is a little hokey. But it is a great place to use as a base to explore the rest of the north Georgia mountains. And if you have young kids, they will find a lot to enjoy in the town.

[SCBeaches]

It is a really cute town! You can tube right through the middle of town in the summer and go hiking in that park outside of town. Loved the funnel cake shop - yum! Enjoyed all the shops and Bavarian-type restaurants. We rented an A-frame cabin outside of town when we went. We had a lot of fun there, but once you've seen it, you've seen it. I'm glad we went though, and would recommend it to anyone to visit.

[jkmewright]

We love Helen too! It's most definitely worth a day trip. The beautiful drive alone is worth it much less tossing in one of the coolest little towns around. GO I dare ya'

[Ollie1946]

check out the level of water in the river. we are having hard drought and last summer the tubing was practically shut down. many of the shops seem to be shutting down as well. i talked with a couple of shop keepers several months back and they were looking for buyers. you will find a buyer's market there for condos etc. the problem during the tourist season is that you have the one main road going thru the middle of town. it can take an hour to actually get thru the place. there is plenty of parking off the main drag. it can be a neat place but it isn't what it was a few years ago. but what is.

[Carat98]

I love Helen....have take quite a few trips there. Love the candy shop....chocolate to die for!!!

Took the horse & buggy ride around town....fun....and had a blast at Octoberfest!! I love the five & dime shop at the end of town also.