Weekender: Helen, Georgia

If a trip to Germany isn’t possible this season, head to Helen, a tiny town in northwest Georgia that goes big for the holidays. It’s a 3.5-hour drive from Charlotte and attracts millions of tourists who flock to find a bit of Bavaria in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Complete with buildings designed with European facades, Helen is best known for Oktoberfest events where revelers dress in lederhosen and dirndls, dance the polka, drink beer, and feast on German food. In December, this Alpine escape hosts a tree lighting, a Christmas parade, visits with Santa, and a traditional German Christkindlmarket. Spend a weekend in this charming mountain town and check off all the festivities your family would experience in the Old Country.

STAY

Most family-owned accommodations in Helen look like Swiss chalets. Helendorf Inn sits along the Chattahoochee River and is walking distance to more than 200 souvenir shops, restaurants, and Riverside Park where the town’s tree lighting takes place. Designated rooms are pet-friendly, and all rooms have a small fridge and microwave. Grab-and-go breakfast items are available in the lobby for all guests. For those craving a more secluded experience, rent a cabin in the woods surrounding Helen or in Unicoi State Park. For luxury amenities and lodging for families with teenagers, try Vallhalla Resort offering a rooftop bar, wine cellar, and spa that is located only a few minutes away from downtown Helen.

EAT

Sampling authentic German food in Helen is a must. To avoid the long lines, arrive at Bodensee when it opens at 11 a.m. Try homemade garlic sausages with sauerkraut and German potato salad, or French-onion soup with pieces of “brezn” inside. The restaurant has a kid’s menu with items like fish sticks and schnitzel. Most German establishments in Helen offer big, Bavarian baked pretzels with spicy mustard or beer cheese, but at Christoff’s Caramel Corn & Coffee kids can pair them with an assortment of popcorn flavors while adults order charcuterie boards – and beer. Don’t miss Hofer’s Bakery, a quaint café that serves cakes, German strudel, and pastries. Save room for a slice of homemade fudge at Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen.

PLAY

When in Europe, a castle is always nearby so it is fitting that Helen has one too. Schedule a time to tour Uhuburg (meaning Eagle Owl in German), a Medieval castle built as a “citadel to epistemology,” or the study of nature and knowledge. Visitors learn from painted murals depicting world philosophies and religions. Peruse the gardens and snap pictures of the Appalachian Mountains. In January, little princes and princesses will be thrilled when the castle opens to overnight guests and hosts a Renaissance Festival. In warmer months, families may tube down the Chattahoochee River, but an all-season thrill is riding the Georgia Mountain Coaster at full-speed through the woods (younger kids may ride with parents). Crack codes and solve mysteries at Escape Rooms of Helen where younger puzzlers get discounted tickets at the door.

THE HOLIDAYS IN HELEN

Helen hosts an annual tree lighting at Riverside Park where residents and tourists gather to greet Santa and Mrs. Claus, drink hot chocolate, and see the village decked out in thousands of Christmas lights. This magical moment begins with a holiday parade in town and ends at the park. Live music and photo ops with Santa and his sleigh are included. If you miss the tree lighting ceremony, you can enjoy the lights every evening through the new year and get in the holiday spirit at the Christkindlmarkets, which sets up every weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Visit Helen’s event directory for more holiday festivities.

KRISHA CHACHRA is a Charlotte-based travel writer who has visited more than 50 countries and six continents. She loves to explore new places with her husband and young daughter who is always up for an adventure—including long car rides—which can be an adventure in itself. Visit her at krishachachra.com or facebook and instagram @destinationsanddelish and @krishachachra.