Find yourself in a little Bavarian town nestled within the Blue Ridge mountainscape. Visit Helen and explore a side of Georgia you may not have expected in this Alpine-style village, resting on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Sightsee both the natural wonder of the Blue Ridge foliage and Old World town architecture with a Helen, GA cabin rental.
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Yes, 55 of our Helen homes allow dogs—so feel free to bring Fido along. (Just make sure to check individual home listings for any limits on the number and size of dogs they allow).
Browse dog-friendly homes >Yes. 93 of our Helen vacation rentals have internet access, so you can stay connected throughout your trip.
Browse homes with internet access >Absolutely. Our local Helen team includes professional housekeepers who care for all our homes here. They’ll clean thoroughly and restock amenities, so everything is ready for your arrival—and all you have to do is settle in and relax.
Learn more about Vacasa Premium Clean >The charming and quirky town is only 2.1 square miles, but Helen knows how to pack in almost anything you could wish for in a dream vacation. Known for its unique Alpine style, delicious and authentic German cuisine, holiday markets, and mountain activities, Helen is a hidden gem you’ll want to experience for yourself. Dust off your suitcase and adventure out to something new with Helen vacation rentals.
Located in North Georgia along the Chattahoochee River, and a 2-hour drive from Atlanta, Helen provides a Bavarian alpine village feel in the middle of the Georgia mountains. Because of its scenic backdrop, residents and visitors of this town enjoy hiking trails, water activities, fishing, and vineyards. Our Helen cabins are a perfect mix of both worlds so you can easily plan your day in the bustle of downtown or the brisk mountain air.
There's a reason Helen is Georgia's third most visited city. Home to the Southeast's largest Oktoberfest, Helen takes pride in this yearly festival. Helen's Oktoberfest is also the longest-running festival of its kind, lasting from mid-September through October 30. There’s no shortage of authentic German cuisine to fit the festivities, and plenty of other eateries to tickle your taste buds.
Enjoy both domestic and imported brews, as well as some local crafts from Helen’s growing brewery and wine scene. After the Oktoberfest parade, attendees head to Helen Festhalle, where Tapping of the Keg commences. Then it's on to all the German music, dancing, food, and drinks you can handle.
Oktoberfest isn't the only time that this town embraces German culture. Because of its Bavarian influence, many of the restaurants in Helen serve German cuisine daily, with German get-ups to boot. Hofer's is a favorite breakfast joint among locals, but it also offers a bakery full of homemade breads and desserts.
Don't forget to stop by the deli counter to order some German meat and cheese to go. Hansel and Gretel's is another wonderful dessert shop that specializes in fudge and chocolate. You can also grab an imported brew at The Troll Tavern to enjoy a bite right on the riverbanks or stop by the Habersham Winery, one of the state’s oldest wineries, located on the outskirts of the city.
In the winter, you’ll find German-style Christmas markets along the town square. Summer is a busy time too, June and July being the busiest summer months. Tubing on the Chattahoochee is summer's most popular activity. There’s also plenty of fun to be had in the mountains, with another one of Helen’s most unique features: a self-controlled coaster that curves through the mountainside.
Unicoi State Park and the Chattahoochee National Forest are other spectacular specimens of Georgia's nature. Anna Ruby Falls is a stunning double waterfall that's accessible via a quick half-mile hike on a convenient paved trail. From two viewing decks, pull out your camera or phone to take a few shots to remember for a lifetime. With a destination that has unique experiences to offer year-round, book a Helen vacation rental with access to it all.
Georgia's bustling city of Atlanta sits 86 miles from Helen. A mecca of dining and shopping, this capital city of Georgia stands in stark contrast to Helen. If you're looking for a more upbeat vibe for a day trip or two, this is the place to go. Check out the Georgia Aquarium, Turner Field, or one of several popular malls before heading back to your serene Helen vacation cabin rental.
If you're looking to take a slightly longer road trip or if you're on the outskirts of Atlanta and find you don't have to head back to your vacation cabin just yet, travel just a few more miles to historic Morrow, GA. About 100 miles from Helen, this town offers the Georgia Archives, where all historical documents of Georgia are kept.
The quiet town of Suwanee is 61 miles from Helen. With year-round festivals and a large park system, this quaint Georgia town is perfect for a change of pace.
While Helen is fashioned as a Bavarian escape, don't let that fool you. The city still boasts that hospitality and comfort that Southern towns do. So if you're looking for a truly unique retreat in the heart of the Georgia mountains, it doesn't get any better than a stay in one of our Helen, GA vacation rentals. From cabin rentals on the river to pet-friendly vacation homes with private hot tubs, you are bound to find your next vacation getaway.
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