City: Atlanta, GA

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (706) 878-2181, (800) 858-8027

Description: Oompah pa! Hidden in the mountains just 70 miles northeast from Atlanta is an Alpine village look-alike. During September and October, Helen stages an Oktoberfest replete with lederhosen-clad bands, dancing ladies in dirndl skirts, and beer, beer, beer. Bands perform on their Festhalle. But if you prefer shopping to sitting, Alpine Helen, decorated like a Bavarian village, has lots of interesting shops along its cobblestone alleys that sell imported woolens and trinkets. Restaurants abound. Hours are 6 to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, 1 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission to the festival is $7 on weekdays, $9 on Saturday, and free on Sunday. Children between 6 and 16 get in for half price; admission is free for children under 6. To get there from Atlanta, proceed north on I-85 to I-985; follow US 129 to Cleveland, Georgia, until GA 75, which takes you directly to Helen.