Pam allowed (maybe convinced) me to share a few pics from a recent work trip. There are times when work has me traveling to some neat places. Last week was one of those occasions. I had business in Helen, Georgia and was able to stroll around town before my meetings. The weather was beautiful with temps in the mid sixties. Not bad for late February in the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia. I didn’t have a long visit but thoroughly enjoyed being in Helen again. Pam and I had visited many years ago on a day trip to the area. Hopefully she can ride over with me on my next “work” trip. I hope you enjoy a few of my pics as well as a couple we borrowed to highlight some local activities from different seasons.
Upon reading and talking to a few locals, this statement seems to define Helen: “It’s the charm of Bavaria, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains”.
It is not often that you would catch this colorful Bavarian scene without a number of visitors taking their place in the photo !
The shops along N Main Street…
The Candy Kitchen was established the same year that Pam and I were officially “established”. I peeped in and it appeared candy makers were busy at work, but I knew my will power would not allow me to go inside and come out later still on my current diet plan.
As lunch time came, people began to take advantage of a gorgeous day with alfresco dining !
Major flooding was occurring back home but the Chattahoochee River, which runs through Helen, seemed clear and peaceful on this late winter day.
I was told that tubing on the river was very popular so I borrowed a pic from “The Best of Helen Georgia 2019” to prove that what I was told is quite accurate ! Perhaps my next fun (work) visit needs to be this summer.
The wonderful spirit of Christmas seems to be ever-present.
Quiet this day, but my imagination led me to think of a variety of performances that might happen here throughout the year.
And again, it is late February, not December !
I loved the lampposts. We have one by our front walk at home but I can never seem to make it look as pretty as these !
The clock was telling me that I would have to soon finish my tour and go to work !
There was no shortage of murals but I especially liked this one.
Helen Square was peaceful this day but I understand 2019 is Helen’s Golden Anniversary of the the towns transformation into the beautiful Bavarian Village that today is known as Alpine Helen !
There are a lot of activities, events, and celebrations that take place in Helen and the surrounding area all through the year. Oktoberfest runs from September ’til the end of October. A warm weather event called the “Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race and Festival” is the nations only long distance hot air balloon race. The above pic from “The Best of Helen Georgia 2019” makes me want to go back in late May and witness this in person !
I encourage you to consider dropping by Helen for a day or for several days if you have the time. There’s fun and food even if you are there for work, but, if possible, do it on your leisure and plan to stay a little longer than I did. I shall return!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, Katherines Corner, Petit Haus, Follow The Yellow Brick Home, Love Of Home, Celebrating Everyday Life, Little Farmstead, Rustic & Refined, The Freckled Rose, Life and Linda, DIY 180, Celebrate & Decorate, Me and My Captain, Shabby Fufu, Designthusiasm, Imparting Grace, Calypso in the Country
Butch, I love these photos! I have never been to Helen, GA, but think I will make a trip there this year.
I think you would enjoy!
We have been to Helen, GA a few times and it is always a special place to visit. We lived in Germany decades ago when hubby was on active duty and Helen takes us back in time to that memory.
We have made a couple of trips to Germany and would love to go back!
Yes, been there … done that & want to go again! Great photos Butch!
Thanks so much Sue, have a wonderful weekend!
Great photos and looks like a special place to visit. So glad you were able to enjoy the town, before going to work.
Thank you Sandra!
What an interesting place, and close enough to visit. I’ll be in north Georgia in April and will see if we can stop in for a visit.
Carole, I think you would enjoy it!
This looks like such a wonderful place to visit! Your photographs are gorgeous! Thanks for taking us along! I hope that Pam and you have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you and wishing you a good weekend!
Thanks Butch for the sweet pictures of Helen. Pam, this is definitely worth a return trip for two.
I agree Alice!
That is the first time I’ve ever seen the river without tubers! It is so much fun to sit at one of the outdoor restaurants and watch them. Looks like you picked a perfect day! If your work ever takes you to Upstate SC, please bring your beautiful wife so we can have a play date!
A play date sounds perfect Roxanne!
Really enjoyed your photos Butch. I have wanted to visit Helen, Georgia, and I think I am convinced that Bob and I should do this. Really beautiful pics.
I think you and Bob would really enjoy it!
Thanks Butch & Pam! We are looking into a visit to Helen, Ga. It looks lovely! Clara ❤️
Clara, I think you would enjoy!
What an utterly charming town! I have not heard of Helen Ga, thank you for the tour Butch! It truly looks like something out of a Hallmark movie!
Jenna
Thanks so much Jenna. It is a great day trip.
Mike has been to Helen trout fishing but I have not been. Thanks for the photos and commentary. I won’t stay behind next time he plans a fishing trip.I can’t remember what I was doing then because it has been a number of years.
Bonnie, hopefully you make it over to Helen!
This looks like a very fun day—-so charming, reminds me of New Glarus in Wisconsin—a Cheese village patterned after Swiss villages.
A cheese village sounds wonderful!
Hands down, Helen, GA is my absolute favorite place on this earth! My dear Mom’s name was Helen, and even hearing the mention of the town name makes me think of her and brings comfort! The beautiful surrounding mountains, the gentle waters of the Chattahoochee, and the way God is still respected makes it a perfect place to go and be. My husband and I discovered Helen shortly after we were married, and our first visit to Helen was in 1991. I still remember it, and the memories of that trip and of all our other time spent in Helen will forever warm my heart. Thank you so much for featuring this amazing, quaint, peaceful town! Many blessings to you and Pam!!
I love your sweet connection to Helen. Blessings to you and yours!
What an enchanting town! I love it — every single thing in this post!
Thank you Jeanie!
What a fun work trip! Next time be sure to eat at Hofer’s. The interior of the restaurant was imported from Germany and the chefs are German trained, so they serve real German food. The specialty platters are delicious, we think. And Windmill Dutch imports has a delightful assortment of Dutch food items and collectibles, a fun stop for sure. They have a wonderful bakery as well. It is definitely a charming town, and your photos make me eager to return.
Thanks for all of the suggestions, hopefully I will be returning.
I have happy memories of visiting Helen with my parents. Your photos are so nice and make me want to return!
It is a great place for families!
Gorgeous pictures!Hugs,dear friends!
Thank you Maristella!
Butch… you never disappoint with your photography. These pics are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing with us and giving Pam the day off. Enjoy your weekend!!!
Katie, Thank you. The day off was much needed!
Katie, thank you. The day off was much appreciated!
Dear Butch and Pam, I loved seeing the report of this place that you have visited. It really is as if we were in Germany, in that funny and smiling Babiera, a good beer drinker and singing popular songs of that land. I know part of Germany and Austria and I love those people that many say … that they are serious, no, not at all.
The photos are magnificent, I congratulate you.
A big hug
Dolores
Hola Dolores, gracias por viajar con nosotros a esta pequeña y encantadora ciudad, no muy lejos de casa. Hemos hecho un par de viajes a Alemania y uno a Austria, y ambos países son hermosos con gente encantadora. ¡Te deseo un día maravilloso! Abrazos
You introduced me to a whole new place that I would probably never know about. Talk about unexpected!
It is definitely quaint and interesting!
I had never heard of Helen, GA; and enjoyed learning about this picturesque, fun place.
You definitely need to go tubing in the ‘Hootch on a hot summer’s day! Great camaraderie all along the river and the dappled sunshine and cold mountain water is a perfect combination.
Thanks Butch for the wonderful pictures. We have been to Helen Ga several times. It is indeed a charming place to visit. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thanks so much Cindy!
Butch… an outstanding job of sharing this quaint little town! Thank you! I hope you got your work done.
Thanks for visiting, Nancy!
Beautiful photos! We went to Helen a few years back, but need to make a return trip in summer when the tubbing takes place. That looks like fun.
Thanks so much, I am so glad you enjoyed. Tubing would be fun!
I had never heard of Helen but it looks like a fun and pretty town.
It is a great place to visit!
Beautiful pictures of a beautiful town!
How beautiful – you would never know you were in Georgia! Definitely looks like a fun place to visit! Thanks for linking of to Take Me Away! Enjoy the rest of your week!
Shelley
Thanks so much Shelley, it is my pleasure to share!