Located in White County Georgia, Helen is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains an hour and a half northeast of Atlanta. Home of the Alpine Village, and the historic artistic dsitrict of Sautee and Nacoochee Valleys. Gold was discovered on Dukes Creek in the Nacoochee Valley in 1828. The Great Georgia Gold Rush belt ran from Dahlonega on the west and Nacoochee-Helen Valley on the east. Thousands of miners migrated into the valley and found thousands of pounds of gold. In 1869, business owners and local carpenters began renovations to many buildings and added cobblestone walking paths. Faces of buildings were painted with scenes of Bavaria and North Georgia, to mirror the early settlers.


Things to Do:


Downtown Helen offers a variety of unique shops to browse, tubing down the Chattahoochee River, Black Bear Dinner Theater, Remembering Elvis, Helen Water Park, and much more...







Raven Cliff Falls
A very scenic path that follows along Dodd's Creek to the 50 feet falls.  Along the way to Raven Cliff Falls you will see several other smaller falls.
2.5 mile hike one way
Moderate Difficulty
From Downtown Helen:  Head North on Hwy 17/75 for approx. 2 miles.  Turn left onto Hwy 356 and proceed approx. 2 miles to Hwy 348 also known as Richard Russell Scenic Highway.  Turn right and proceed approx. 2 miles to FS Rd on the left.  Proceed to parking area.
Note: You will pass Duke's Creek Falls on the way to Raven Cliff, which is also a nice falls.



Anna Ruby Falls
A unique double falls.  One falling 150 feet and the other 50 feet. 
A paved 0.4 mile walk one way
Easy/Moderate Difficulty
From Downtown Helen:  Head North on Hwy 17/75 for approx. 1 mile and turn right onto Hwy 356.  Proceed approx. a mile and a 1/2 to FS 242 on the left.  Follow FS 242 for approx 3.5 miles to the visitors center.  There is a nominal per car parking fee.






Horse Trough Falls
A 75 Feet Falls/Cascade
0.4 Mile hike one way, Easy Flat Path
From Downtown Helen:  Proceed North on Hwy 17/75 for approx. 9.5 miles.  Turn left onto FS44 and proceed approx. 5 miles to FS 44F on the right.  There is a campgound here.  Follow the signs around to the trailhead.
 





Habersham Winery
7025 S Main Street
Helen, GA 30545
(706) 878-9463
www.habershamwinery.com

Serenity Cellars
303 Laurel Ridge Road   
Cleveland, GA  30528
706-219-4213 

Yonah Mountain Vineyards
303 Laurel Ridge Road   
Cleveland, GA  30528
678-525-6050    

Beca Farms & Vineyard
402 Caldwell Drive   
Cleveland, GA  30528
706-348-1529    

Yonah Mountain Vineyards
2454-B Highway 17
Sautee-Nacoochee, GA 30571
706-878-5522

Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards

Eagle Greens At Skitt Mountain, 7883 Highway 254, Cleveland, GA 30528, (706)-865-2277, Public, 18 hole, 5,985 yds, Par 72, Course Rating -67.4
Nicklaus Golf Club At Birch River, 639 Birch River Dr, Dahlonega, GA 30533, (866)-271-5700, Public, 18 hole, 6,937 yds, Par 72, Course Rating -72.8


Calendar of Events:
7/21/2010 - 7/31/2010 - 60th Annual Georgia Mountain Fair
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hwy 76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546
When: Wednesday July 21st through Sunday July 31st time(TBA)
Description: Enjoy first class musical performances, fun carnival rides, unique attractions and a glimpse into North Georgia’s rich history and culture, the Fair provides something for every member of the family. The Georgia Mountain Fair, is known as Georgia’s most “Unique Fair”. Those who visit the Fair will enjoy a flower show, Country Music, an Exhibit Hall, arts & crafts, and carnival rides. The pioneer village, a replica of just how the Ole Mountain towns used to be, it has demonstrations that will take you back in time such as soap and hominy making, moonshine, quilting, blacksmith shop and more.
Costs: $9 admission for all adults, children under 9 free and $2 parking fee.
Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 706-896-4191

7/24/2010 - 7/25/2010 - 12th Annual Butternut Creek Festival
Location: Meeks Park, 11 Pool Lane, Blairsville, GA. on the South side of Hwy 76/515, just 0.7 miles west of the Hwy 19/129 traffic light.
Hours: July 24 & 25  from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Contact: High Country Artisans, Inc., P.O. Box 422, Blairsville, GA. 
Costs: FREE Admission &  Parking with shuttle service available from the parking areas to the Festival location. 
Description: Arts & Fine Crafts Show, 65-70 of the finest artists and craftsmen will be offering Woodwork, Fabric Art, Stained Glass, Jewelry, Pottery, and more. Live Demonstrations & Entertainment, Good Food & Fun!  Sponsored by the High Country Artisans, Inc.

7/31/2010 - Georgia Green Bean Festival
Location: Downtown Blairsville "On the Square" 1 Town Square, Blairsville, GA. 
Hours: Saturday, July 31 9:00 AM -5:00 PM
Contact: Janet Hartman 706-994-4837
Description: Downtown Blairsville comes alive for the 1^st Annual Georgia Green Bean Festival. Learn everything there is to know about Green Beans, a staple in the North Georgia Mountains.Watch the Green Bean Pizza Eating Contest and see displays and demonstrations at the Mountain Life Museum just off Town Square.  Food and Crafts Vendors, Demonstrations. Quilt Show & Quilting Circle, Entertainment, Tractor Show, and a Farmer’s Market all on the Square in Downtown Blairsville.

8/21/2010 - Georgia's BluesFest
Location:  R-Ranch in the Mountains, on US Highway 19N, just North of Dahlonega, GA
When: Saturday August 21st
Description: BBQ, Blues, and Bikes are what make up this festival. Come join us in Dahlonega, GA for a great day of BBQ and bluegrass music. The BluesFest will be presenting a ‘Poker Run’ the morning of the show and raffling off a NEW 2010 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.  100% of the profits from the ‘Poker Run’ and the raffle will be presented to The American Cancer Society in honor of Hiram C. Bosage
Contact: For more information contact  Brian Bosarge at  brian@georgiabluesfest.com.

8/21/2010 - Fool's Gold Mountain Bike Race & Festival
Location: Dahlonega, GA
When: Saturday August 21st
Contact: For more information and registration go to http://www.55nine.com/100.html .

8/21/2010 - Annual Tomato Festival at Crane Creek Vineyard
Location: Crane Creek Vineyard, Young Harris, GA
When: Saturday August 21st Time(TBA)
Costs: Tickets sold at the door:adults $20, ages 13-20 $10, children under 12 free
Description:  Celebrate the fruit of the other vine with your friends and family at Crane Creek Vineyards! Local restaurants and food vendors will be out giving away samples of their cuisine. Chef David and his Culinary Team will be preparing lunch for everyone with all things tomato. This is a great day of food and wine! Ticket price includes wine tasting, souvenir wine glass, lunch and admission to all of the activities.
Contact: For more information call 706-379-1236 or go to: www.cranecreekvineyards.com

9/4/2010 - 9/5/2010 - Mountain Heritage Festival
Location:  Mountain Life Center, Cleveland St., Blairsville, GA 30512
When: Saturday September 4th through Sunday September 5th from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Description: Celebrating the rich Appalachian history and culture, the open-air market features: local handicrafts including handmade brooms, candles, soaps, wood carvings, pottery, honey and garden products. Performances by bluegrass musicians, gospel groups, and cloggers. Sample campfire cooking at the Civil War Camp. Native American demonstrations. "Old-ways" games and craft demonstrations of rail/shingle splitting, spinning, quilting.
Cost: FREE
Contact: For more information call 706-745-5493

9/9/2010 - 9/19/2010 & 9/23/2010 - 10/31/2010 - Ocktoberfest
Location: Helen Festhalle 1074 Edelweiss Strass, Helen ,GA 30545
When: Thursday September 9th - Sunday September 19th (Open Thursday through Sunday only). Then from Thursday September 23rd - Sunday October 31st  (Open Everyday).
Costs: admission Monday - Friday $7.00,Saturday $8.00, and Sunday FREE....
Description: The Helen Ocktoberfest is the longest running in theUnited States. Come for the beer, brats, and bands this Ocktoberfest  has it all. It is held at the Helen Festhalle. This place has rows of tables set up so you will be able to eat, drink, and seat back and watch all of the festivities.
Contact: White County Chamber of Commerce 706-878-1619 for more information.

9/25/2010 - Outdoor Adventure Day
Location: Unicoi State Park , 1788 Hwy 356, Helen, GA 30545
When: Saturday September 25th from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Costs: There is a $5.00 parking fee,you will need to call for any other fees
Description: Learn how to catch a trout, paddle a canoe, and shoot a shotgun. Try activities like fly tying and casting, bass fishing basics, and trout fishing in the stocked stream, archery, BB gun and skeet shooting. There will also be wildlife shows with live snakes and hawks and hayrides.
Contact: Call for more information 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

10/8/2010 - 10/16/2010 - Georgia Mountain Fall Festival
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hwy 76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546
When: Friday October 8th through Sunday October 16th time(TBA)
Description: With its mild temperatures and beautiful scenery there is no better place to be than the North Georgia Mountains in the fall. This event features exciting musical performances, educational demonstrations, a flower show and the ever-popular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers' Convention. Music daily in The Anderson Music Hall, Flower Show, Arts and Crafts, Exhibit Hall. Demonstrations will take you back to the Old Ways’ as local folks show how Moonshine was made,along with Quilting, Soap and Hominy making, Blacksmith Shop and more. The Pioneer Village, is a replica of an era gone by.
Costs: $9 admission for all adults, children under 9 free  and $2 parking fee.
Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 706-896-4191

10/16/2010 - 10/17/2010 - Gold Rush Days
Location: Dahlonega Town Square & Historic District, Downtown Square, Dahlonega, GA 30533
When: Saturday October 16th through Sunday October 17th from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Description: See fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega's 1828 discovery of gold. Over 300 arts and crafts exhibitors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event. Included in the two day event are a parade, children's activities, a fashion show, gold panning contest, wheelbarrow race, King and Queen Coronation, hog calling, buck dancing contest, gospel singing and other live entertainment, wrist wrestling, and some delicious foods.....
Contact: For more information call  706-864-3711.

10/23/2010 - Hillbilly Hog BBQ Throwdown & 3rd Annual Fall Leaf Festival
Location: Downtown,  Cleveland, GA
When: Saturday October 23rd from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Description:Events features a  Backyard BBQ Challenge, Live Country Music, Agri-Fest & Country Market, Motorcycle Poker Run, Arts & Crafts on the Square,and a Kids Area.

11/6/2010 - 11/7/2010 - Hemlockfest
Loaction: 326 Starbridge Rd., Murrayville, GA 30564
When: Satureday November 6th and Sunday November 7th starting at 10:00 AM
Description: It's an annual bluegrass, blues, and rock music festival held to benefit efforts to save the Hemlock trees of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are threatened by the wooly adelgid. Visitors can come for a day or camp out for the weekend at the beautiful Starbridge Retreat, a 40-acre site near Dahlonega. There is also arts and crafts vendors, demonstrations and exhibits on nature and rustic living, food and beverages, and unique performances by fire dancers, puppet artists, and other entertainers. 100% of the proceeds of Hemlockfest go toward efforts to preserve the Hemlock trees.
Cost: $15-$25
Contact: For more information on Hemlockfest call 706-265-5282.   

11/25/2010 - 12/31/2010 - Old Fashioned Christmas
Location: Historic Downtown Dahlonega, GA
Description: Dahlonega's Old Fashioned Christmas is a month-long celebration set into motion on Friday, November 26, 2009 with the Lighting of the Square. A  parade officially bringing Santa to town occurs on Saturday, December 6th. Plenty of other festive holiday events continue almost daily throughout December until after New Year’s with caroling, entertainment, wine sampling, and live theater Christmas events.
Contact: For more information call  706-864-3513.

12/4/2010 - Christmas in the Mountains
Location: Downtown Cleveland, GA
When: Saturday December 4th from 12:00 PM till 8:00 PM
Description: There will be an ice skating rink for everyone. Kids will have a opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa. There will be a gingerbread house competitionand best Christmas cookie competition. Free hot cocoa & cookies to the public.
Contact: For more information call 706-969-3336.

12/31/2010 - 21st New Years Eve Party
Location: Forrest Hills Mountain Resort
When: Friday December 31st  starts @7:00 PM.
Costs: Rates start at $199 per couple including dinner party, room and late riser's breakfast! Cabins and suites also available.
Description: Your evening starts out with a delicious prime rib dinner buffet and will be followed by a dance party in our Rose Garden Dining Room complete with DJ and complimentary toast at midnight! Cocktail attire suggested. This party is available to overnight guests only.
Contact: Forrest Hills Mountain Resort and Conference Center 800-654-6313 or 770-534-3244


Where to Stay:
This space available...contact info@blueridgemountainchamber.com for more information.

Real Estate Information:

Beverly Polito - Realtor
8873 N Main Street, PO Box 1421
Helen, GA. 30545
Business:  706-878-0021
Cell:  727-798-4486
Fax:  706-878-4021
E-mail:  beverly.polito@century21.com , www.blueridgemountainproperty.com


Favorite Area Restaurants:

Nachoochee Grill
7277 South Main Street
Helen, GA. 30545
706-878-8020
www.nacoocheegrill.com

Review:  Lots of character, good steaks, best in the area.

                                   
                     Troll Tavern
                                    Main Street Helen, GA 30545 
                           706-878-3117
                           www.trolltavern.com
Review: Something for everyone,great atmosphere,overlooking the river.