I visited Helen, a small town in Georgia with German-inspired architecture, and felt like I was transported to Europe. Take a look around.

Alison DatkoApr 15, 2023, 17:34 IST

The author visited Helen, Georgia, a small German-inspired town.Alison Datko

In March, I spent two nights in Helen, a small Bavarian-inspired town in Georgia.
Helen is the third-most visited city in the state, and was redesigned with German influences in the 1960s.

Helen is a small Bavarian-inspired town in Georgia, and the third-most visited city in the state.

The author in Helen, Georgia.Alison Datko

At the Helen Arts & Heritage Center, I learned the town's alpine theme originated in the 1960s from a local artist and group of businessmen.

A book inside the Helen Arts & Heritage Center.Alison Datko

I admired the town's Bavarian-inspired architecture, which included elaborate wooden trim and colorful designs.

A group of colorful buildings surrounding a biergarten.Alison Datko

I was amused to see that even hotels and fast food chains were designed with German aesthetics.

A hotel with Bavarian-style wooden trim.Alison Datko.

Colorful murals, inspired by traditional Bavarian frescoes, covered the sides of buildings throughout town.

A mural on the side of a building in Helen.Alison Datko

I enjoyed walking along Main Street, which has a bridge that crosses over the Chattahoochee River.

A hotel and restaurant along the Chattahoochee River.Alison Datko

For lunch, I stopped at a restaurant next to the river, where I enjoyed a German drink and an Eastern European meal.

Lunch consisting of German beer and pierogi.Alison Datko.

I watched chocolate candies being made at Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, which has several locations throughout Helen.

The sign for Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen.Alison Datko

Before checking into my cabin for the night, I explored a few more gift shops and bought groceries at Betty's Country Store.

A large selection of German beers at Betty’s Country Store.Alison Datko

On my second day, I walked to the Georgia Mountain Coaster, one of Helen's many popular outdoor activities.

Steps leading from the street to the entrance of the Georgia Mountain Coaster.Alison Datko

I enjoyed good conversation and southern hospitality at Paul's Steakhouse, which overlooks the river and dates back to 1965.

The lounge at Paul’s Steakhouse, which overlooks the Chattahoochee River.Alison Datko

At the recommendation of a local, I stopped by Bodensee restaurant for dinner and enjoyed an authentic German meal.

A German dinner at Bodensee restaurant.Alison Datko

For breakfast on my last morning in town, I grabbed a bite at Hofer's, a German bakery and deli.

The sign for Hofer’s Bakery (L) and baked goods in a glass case inside the restaurant (R)Alison Datko

I took a short drive to visit Unicoi State Park for a scenic hike around the edge of Unicoi Lake.

A bench at the edge of Unicoi Lake.Alison Datko

After my hike, I drove 10 minutes to Habersham Winery, which is part of a wine trail that spans northern Georgia.

The front of Habersham Winery (L) and the author holding a drink sample in the winery’s covered patio.Alison Datko

On my way out of town, I stopped by the Nacoochee Mound and paused to read a sign explaining the historic site.

A historical marker with the Nacoochee Mound in the background.Alison Datko

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this quirky, creative town, and I plan to visit again.

A row of gift shops and a sign that says “Alpine Helen.”Alison Datko

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