Guide to a Perfect Weekend in Helen, Georgia

Where to Shop, Eat, and Stay in Helen, GA!

Below is a list of the best places to shop, eat, stay, and other can’t miss places in Helen!

Prior to visiting Helen, I scoured the internet for the best places to go in Helen during the wintertime. I visited even more places than I originally intended (and even found some hidden gems) and I can’t wait to share my favorite places in Helen with you! I also have included a Helen Checklist to use during your time there as well as an option for a budget friendly cabin!

Contents of this blog post:

Youtube Video
Places to Eat
Places to Drink
Places to Shop
Places Not To Miss
Where We Stayed
Ultimate Helen Checklist
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Places to Eat

1. Old Heidelberg German Restaurant & Pub

Eating dinner at The Heidelberg was one of the highlights of our trip! We sat on the balcony and ate bratwurst while enjoying the live music and the view of the town’s lights and King Ludwig’s Beer Garden! The food was delicious and the atmosphere was unbeatable.

2. Hofer’s Bakery and Café

We enjoyed Hofer’s for lunch. We split the Chicken Schnitzel Delight and were not disappointed! Hofer’s is perfect for when you are in the mood for authentic German food. In addition, they had a gift shop area that had candy and magazines from Germany, as well as pastries and beer on tap! There was also an outdoor seating area to enjoy.

3. Mueller’s Fried Cheese Cafe

One of the most unique restaurants in Helen is Mueller’s. They have a variety of options of German food in addition to those involving fried cheese. We were skeptical at first but we really enjoyed our meal. I recommend ordering from the “just something small” section on the menu! We split Mueller’s Famous Cheddar Appetizer and it was delicious.

4. The Troll Tavern and Restaurant

Perfect for outdoor dining right on the water! The pretzel was delicious and they had a large selection of German beer.

5. Cowboys and Angels

Although I did not eat at Cowboys and Angels, I have heard nothing but good things about it from friends who have visited before. They offer amazing steaks and a great drink selection.

6. Village Crepe Haus

One of Helen’s can’t-miss breakfast spots! Whether you’re in the mood for eating or drinking, you can’t beat their crepes or mimosas!

7. Paul’s on the River

One of the more high-end options offered in Helen is Paul’s. It is perfect for enjoying a steak with a view of the water and you can enjoy live music on the weekends! Bonus: check out their margarita deck!

8. Cimmi’s Courtyard Café

One of the highest-rated restaurants in Helen with a beautiful outdoor seating area. Perfect for enjoying breakfast or lunch on a sunny day!

Places To Drink

It’s no secret that Helen is known for Oktoberfest so I figured I should round up some of the best places to drink. From coffee to beer to glühwein (German hot mulled wine) these are some can’t miss spots!

1. King Ludwig’s Beer Garden

Perfect spot located in the heart of town! In the courtyard next to the Old Heidelberg German Restaurant & Pub there are many tables within the outdoor beer garden to enjoy beer, glühwein, or even coffee! People under 21 allowed before 8PM and dogs allowed all night!

2. Yonah Coffee Company

For some of the most unique latte flavors in town and small breakfast bites, head to Yonah Coffee Company! I recommend the toasted marshmallow (create your own) latte!

3. Habersham Winery

Located about 15 minutes outside of Helen, The Habersham Winery offers outdoor and indoor wine tasting as well as wine slushies and a gift shop.

Places to Shop

1. Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen

Drawn in by the caramel apples displayed in the window, we had to check out the Hansel and Gretel Candy kitchen! They have a wide-ranging selection including beer brittle, many types of fudge, as well as chocolate or caramel covered cherries, apples, and pears! A great candy store for those looking to try something new!

2. Betty’s Country Store

Betty’s offers an outdoor eating/drinking area with German beer on tap as well as everything you could possibly need inside. Decorated with antique appliances, Betty’s shelves are full of all types of groceries, specialty beer, wine, and cookies as big as your head!

3. Tim’s Wooden Toys

From wooden toys to custom wooden ornaments (for only $10) this store is definitely a great stop for those traveling with or without kids. I mean, when is the last time you saw handmade wooden toys? I love getting an ornament from every place I travel, and getting it customized was an added bonus!

4. The Village Peddler

For some casual shopping for cute clothes, handmade candles, unique quilts, and more head to The Village Peddler right next to Betty’s. Bonus: they had an outdoor seating area (perfect for exhausted boyfriends or kiddos)!

5. The Glass Blowing Shop

An amazing glass blowing shop with live demonstrations! There was even the option to have a glass piece customized. They sold grab bags at varying prices (starting at $2) that had mystery glassblown pieces inside!

6. Kopper Kettle Fudge Shop

Stopping in Kopper Kettle was a great way to end the day! We indulged in milk chocolate eggnog truffles as well as chocolate-covered strawberries.

7. Windmill Dutch Imports

Head to Windmill Dutch Imports for authentic Dutch souvenirs!

8. The Wildewood Shop

An outdoor shop with a wide variety of local goods to browse!

Places Not to Miss

1. Babyland General Hospital

About 15 minutes outside of Helen is Babyland General Hospital. I’ll admit, the name threw me off but I loved reading about the history of Cabbage Patch Kids and lookinh around at the displays. Babyland is where the Cabbage Patch Kids are “born” and is fun for visitors of all ages. Bonus: Babyland has free admission.

2. Georgia Mountain Coaster

The coaster is $16 per person and two people can ride together as long as their combined weight is under 350 lbs. Even if you don’t want to ride the self-controlled coaster I would still recommend heading up the steps for the amazing views of downtown Helen. You control the coaster’s brakes with levers while you travel through the forest of Helen.

3. Charlemagne’s Kingdom

A miniature mountain town with every scene you could imagine including bungee jumping, a swimming pool, a horseracing track, a gondola, and mini windmills!

4. Nora Mill Granary

The Nora Mill Granary makes their own grits and sells many other local goods!

5. Alpine Wedding Chapel

An interesting spot and if nothing else, a fun photo-op for couples!

6. Nacoochee Village Antique Mall

Antique lovers, head over to the Nacoochee Antique Mall for every antique you could ever imagine! They have postcards from the 60s, steins with different themes, old fashion prints, as well as old soda bottles, and much much more!

Where We Stayed

We found the cutest (and very affordable) cabin on the water! It was the perfect location and we walked to everything! We stayed at Riverbend Hotel and Cabins and it was great. We were able to check in early and loved drinking our morning coffee on the back porch while watching the water flow by. Watching Christmas movies next to the fire (on the futon) was an awesome way to end our nights. Having a futon downstairs and a king bed upstairs made this cabin great for either two couples or a family! Two cabins are connected by stairs so if you are traveling with another group this is also a great option with a lot of privacy from the cabin next to you!