We have a lot of great small towns in Georgia, and one of the best around is Helen. This little town’s population is under 1,000, but it’s got so many great qualities. Not only is it in the gorgeous northeast region of the state surrounded by mountains, but it’s also got a fantastic waterfall and scenic state park. Even more notable than its natural beauty is the town itself. The buildings here are styled like a German village. This town is such a unique day trip in Georgia that is unlike any other city in the state!
Helen was once a logging town, but as the industry declined, the town rebranded itself as a tourist attraction.
Jeff Gunn/Flickr
Since 1969, all new buildings have been required to be constructed in a Bavarian style. This gives the town a fun atmosphere that’s unlike anywhere else in the state.
Raymond Reyes Fuentes/Google Maps
You’ll see whimsical murals painted on the sides of many buildings.
D Cooper/Google Maps
Like all good fairy tale towns, this one involves plenty of sweets and goodies.
Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe/Google Maps There are several great candy and pastry shops in the Main Street area of Helen. We love Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe, where you can pick up plenty of delectable delights! Address: 8758 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545 Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe, 8758 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA
Need even more sweets? Make a stop in one of the two Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen locations in Helen.
Paul Haskins/Flickr Addresses: 8651 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545 and Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, 8078 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA
Looking for more fun and whimsy? Tim’s Wooden Toy Shop is an old-fashioned toy store specializing in handmade wooden toys and signs.
M.R. Davis/Google Maps Address: 8635 N Main St #8, Helen, GA 30545 Tim’s Wooden Toys, 8635 N Main St #8, Helen, GA 30545, USA
Helen is home to several fantastic restaurants, one of the most popular of which is the Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant.
Nicole Pocol/Google Maps Here, you can pick up German favorites like schnitzel, spaetzel, and strudel.Address: 8619 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545 Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant, 8619 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA
Helen is famous for hosting many great festivals throughout the year.
Otto VeeDub/Google Maps The most popular is fall’s Oktoberfest. It’s the largest Oktoberfest in Georgia and draws thousands to the little mountain town.
Speaking of fall, Helen is one of the best places to view fall foliage in Georgia.
Gina/Flickr Unicoi State Park & Lodge, 1788 GA-356, Helen, GA 30545, USA
However, the town’s natural beauty shines through no matter what time of year it is.
RubyT/Flickr You’ll be delighted by a trip to Unicoi State Park in Helen. Just outside of the park, you’ll find this gorgeous double waterfall: Anna Ruby Falls.Address: 1788 GA-356, Helen, GA 30545, Anna Ruby Falls, Georgia 30571, USA
Have you ever taken a day trip to this great small town in Georgia? Share your experiences in the comments!
We have a lot of great small towns in Georgia, and one of the best around is Helen. This little town’s population is under 1,000, but it’s got so many great qualities. Not only is it in the gorgeous northeast region of the state surrounded by mountains, but it’s also got a fantastic waterfall and scenic state park. Even more notable than its natural beauty is the town itself. The buildings here are styled like a German village. This town is such a unique day trip in Georgia that is unlike any other city in the state!
We have a lot of great small towns in Georgia, and one of the best around is Helen. This little town’s population is under 1,000, but it’s got so many great qualities. Not only is it in the gorgeous northeast region of the state surrounded by mountains, but it’s also got a fantastic waterfall and scenic state park. Even more notable than its natural beauty is the town itself. The buildings here are styled like a German village. This town is such a unique day trip in Georgia that is unlike any other city in the state!
Jeff Gunn/Flickr
Raymond Reyes Fuentes/Google Maps
D Cooper/Google Maps
Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe/Google Maps
There are several great candy and pastry shops in the Main Street area of Helen. We love Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe, where you can pick up plenty of delectable delights! Address: 8758 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545
Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe, 8758 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA
Paul Haskins/Flickr
Addresses: 8651 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545 and
Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, 8078 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA
M.R. Davis/Google Maps
Address: 8635 N Main St #8, Helen, GA 30545
Tim’s Wooden Toys, 8635 N Main St #8, Helen, GA 30545, USA
Nicole Pocol/Google Maps
Here, you can pick up German favorites like schnitzel, spaetzel, and strudel.Address: 8619 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545
Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant, 8619 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA
Otto VeeDub/Google Maps
The most popular is fall’s Oktoberfest. It’s the largest Oktoberfest in Georgia and draws thousands to the little mountain town.
Gina/Flickr
Unicoi State Park & Lodge, 1788 GA-356, Helen, GA 30545, USA
RubyT/Flickr
You’ll be delighted by a trip to Unicoi State Park in Helen. Just outside of the park, you’ll find this gorgeous double waterfall: Anna Ruby Falls.Address: 1788 GA-356, Helen, GA 30545,
Anna Ruby Falls, Georgia 30571, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Helen, GA 30545, USA