Monday, September 25, 2017

Alpine Helen

A couple hours north of Atlanta, 
on the banks of the Chatahoochee River,
sits a little Alpine village called Helen.



With the steep sloping roofs and gingerbread-house facades, the flower box balconies and cozy bakeries, you'd think you'd been transported to Bavaria!




The city of Helen puts on a big Oktoberfest celebration September through October. 
We sampled a couple local beers and nibbled our way through a giant pretzel with cheese. 






There are beautiful, scenic hiking trails just up the road. The town is nestled in the heart of Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains. We made our way up the Anna Ruby Falls trail...








...which ended in this spectacular view.


The town was so pretty all lit up at night.



I hear Christmas is especially festive too, 
so we're planning a return trip in December.
I'll be sure to take you along!

~ Nel     

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Nel, I live about 10 minutes from Helen! I first visited Helen when I attended college in nearby Cleveland GA. During college days, 40 years ago, I actually made the hike to Anna Ruby Falls in the snow/ice.....the falls were actually frozen in place! Yes, you will want to return at Christmas!

Susie said...

Nel, You are a beauty. :):) I love that little village. I bet it is nice at Christmas. Thanks for taking us along on this trip. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Betty said...

I have never heard of that place, but it looks so pretty. I must put that on our to visit list.

R's Rue said...

The pretzel.

Sandra said...

Lindo passeio, esse lugar está repleto de coisas lindas. Feliz semana. Cumprimentos

RaeAbigael said...

Is this village for real?! it's so beautiful and it's such a dream! <3

xoxo, rae
http://www.raellarina.net

Red Rose Alley said...

I've heard of Helen and how charming it is. I would love to visit those Christmas shops. That blue section of dishes caught my eye. Love that picture of you hugging the tree. Nature is one of our most precious gifts. So glad you went to the mountains last weekend. ~mom

Tammie Lee said...

It sounds and looks like a fun place to explore and enjoy.

Debby said...

I enjoy those types of towns. We have a Danish town, Solvang in California and last year we went to a Norwegian town in Washington state. Poulsbo.

I bet that German town is beautiful in the winter!

Summer said...

Such a gorgeous place. Thanks for the tour :)

Sandi said...

Delightful, Sheri! I bet that place is fantastic at Christmas!

"giant pretzel with cheese"

I picture a really huge pretzel and was sure I was exaggerating, but then I saw the photo. That really is huge!

Great photos.

That tree totally needed a hug!

TARYTERRE said...

looks like a lovely place to explore.

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Oh Nel! Such a beautiful village.. It looks quite like Alpine Village in Solvang, Ca. You look gorgeous... Love the tree hug photo.
blessings,
Penny

Carla from The River said...

Beautiful! I would love to visit this lovely village. My boys are both learning to speak German. How fun to walk along.
Carla

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

What an absolutely charming place! Fantastic, Nel!

Sylvia said...

We love Helen, haven't been since 2010, we love to eat at Huffner's. It is so pretty during fall and Christmas. The last time we went, we went on the Carriage ride and enjoyed it very much!

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

What an amazing place, it really looks like it's in Europe not the US xx

janice15 said...

Nel, it looks amazing and lovely. I love the dutch boy and girl in the windows my favorite things. A wonderful place. Lovely night lights.. Christmas must be more amazing.. with love Janice

claire said...

I had no idea before that over the ocean is a place with Oktoberfest, ha ha! Surely this beautiful town in worthy the visit during Christmas season :-)

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

What a fun time to visit Helen. We've been several times...it's a day trip from our home in Asheville. And it's always fun no matter when you go. Love your pics! Makes me homesick for that area! Hugs, Diane

Pam said...

I had to have a Calif. woman tell me about something that is only 4.5 hours from me!! haha.....Never heard of Helen Ga. But that might just have to be a future trip. Thank you for sharing. If you like that I bet you will love Gatlinburg TN. Loved the pics.

Karen said...

I love Helen and the N GA mountains! The Christmas shop and the candy shop were my favorites. Glad you had a wonderful time there.

Marilyn Miller said...

Just looking at your picture I do feel transported to Bavaria. Love the hike too.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

What a wonderful place to enjoy the first days of autumn, Nel! Lovely photos of the village and pretty woodlands. You look so sweet hugging your tree :) x Karen

Unknown said...

For one moment ...i think you was in Germany !!!
Such a beautiful place ...lovely pictures

LoveT. said...

Stunning! It looks really like Oktoberfest. How much Fun! :)

lovely Greetings from Vienna!

Pilar said...

This looks like a fun place to visit!

Susan said...

Thanks for taking us along. I'd love to go there in person. Susan

Carola Bartz said...

The surroundings of this village are beautiful, such lovely scenery. I'm glad you enjoyed your "Bavarian" trip!

Carolina G. Ticala said...

Very nice place! 💛💛💛

baili said...

What an awesome town dear Nel!!!

thank you so much for virtual trip , really enjoyed the sights of town and loved the trails too .

Is that you in the photo hugging the tree ?
you are so pretty!!!
best wishes for each moment ahead dear