Helen Things to Do

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This is the home and long time-35 year tradition of the Cabbage Patch dolls. Yep, after nearly 20 years of being away, someone I know "adopted" a couple of them for the next generation. The rates to adopt are as mind boggling as before, when they were only $100 range. The fad has apparently not worn off. Xavier Roberts still has the marketing charm and draws 1500 visitors a day in the summer. It is packed and the streets to get into town clogged for many minutes/miles. Be aware of summer traffic jams.
The old 5,000 SF facility is going to move into an 11,000 SF space to allow more room for visitors/shoppers. Rooms are covered with the dolls and the layout is interesting and themes take you through the life of a doll. You can adopt a newborn if you are there at birthing.
The history is fascinating for the entrepreneur ability of a young kid to start as a tenn in 1979. . Xavier Roberts sold out in 1982 to Coleco for over $150 million for the manufacturing and franchise rights. They busted by 1986, and from there, Hasbro and Mattel made cheap replicas with plastic heads and bodies. Now those sell for $20-40. The "original" still carries a price over $200 and pushing $300.

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Shopping is what the town wants you to do, and with 200 shops, it is here to browse. Most are concentrated in the center of town, where the other activities also are featured; like eat and sleep. Cuckoo clocks are the main attraction, but also candles and so many other "tourist type junk is everywhere."
A side light is recently the tattoo and piercing business is vogue, demanded by those type who frequent the area a lot.

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The mound was created by Cherokee Indians. Legend says that an Indian girl jumped to her death and the lover also died then. The mounds was to bury two lovers. A gazebo sits on top of the mound, where there once was town meeting lodge of the Indians. The mound is on private land, so no visiting allowed. This mound is a recreation after excavation was done for artifacts in 1915. It is said to be from around 10,000BC when created.
The valley is serene and peaceful feeling still today. Hiking/exploring the area seems like a thing to do.

OKTOBERFEST! The German word for fun! Well, that may not be the actual translation, but to the folks attending Helen's Oktoberfest every year it could be. Oktoberfest in Helen started out small in the 1970's, but over the years, and through word of mouth, it has grown into a really special celebration. And this, is not one of those one-week festivals; this celebration lasts several weeks! The north Georgia mountains make a great vacation spot year-round, because of the unparalleled beauty and milder weather; however, during Oktoberfest, Mother Nature kicks it up a notch. Deep Carolina blue skies and color splashed mountains surround a picturesque village, making the days as inviting as the nights. During the day, you may decide to browse the shops, relax in a beer-garden, or simply enjoy Helen's perfect weather and beautiful scenery. At night, during September and October, all paths lead to Helen's massive Festhalle. Located within walking distance of most hotels, the Festhalle is the spot for authentic German bands, food, beer, and fun. You can either spend the evening dancing the Polka and the chicken dance, or you can relax in the adjacent beer garden and enjoy the crisp night air. Whichever section of the huge Festhalle you like best, be sure to sample the fresh cooked wursts, and large variety of German beers. So, if you've never been to Helen, can't afford Munich this fall, or just have never been to an Oktoberfest, be sure to book your hotel room early and plan to be at Helen's Oktoberfest. You will want to come back. Prost!!

Now this sounds like fun! There are several places to go and get guided tours to pan for gold in the river, or you can get a bucket large or small and search for gems. It's very expensive and fun for the whole family. Checked out the link below for Gold & Gem mining in Ga.

In this cluster of cute buildings you will find several restaurants, neat little nick nack shops. This is kind of the town jewel, each build is done with great detail and then painted to bring out the details.

Fox Winery tasting room was a great find, they have by far the best Georgia wine we have tasted to date. We also bought several bottles here. They fellow behind the counter had a great german accent and knew his stuff when it came to the wine. We highly suggest going here for a tasting, you won't walk out without a bottle or 3.

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This was a really nice ride, rather short, only about 15 to 20 minutes but only $5 person. The driver was very nice and told us some history about the town which we road around and took in the sites of this cute little town. Worth $5 for sure