Tucked away in the mountains of northeast Georgia is the charming alpine town of Helen, the third-biggest tourist attraction in the state behind Atlanta and Savannah. From early spring through December, the town fairly hums with festivals, art shows and outdoor activities. But don't think the townsfolk are resting in January.
Hog Pen Race
The Hog Pen race runs from Helen to the top of Brasstown Bald, elevation 4,784 feet. In 2011, it is scheduled for Jan. 15, with pre-race festivities and a post-race brunch filling the Jan. 14 to16 weekend, according to Debbie Gagliolo, executive director of the Alpine Helen/White County Convention and Visitor's Bureau. The grueling 16-mile race to the top of Georgia's highest mountain drew 600 runners in 2010. Organizers were considering a double event in 2011: mountain bikers racing in the morning and runners in the afternoon.
Hiking
Hiking is always popular. Two excellent trails, Duke's Creek Falls and Raven's Cliff Falls, are off State Road 348. A paved road from town leads to Anna Ruby Falls, a rare double falls, created by a conjunction of two creeks at the drop. Other hiking areas with well-marked trails are Smithgall Woods and Unicoi State Park. A connection to the Appalachian Trail is about 10 miles away.
Other Attractions
January weekends are great for visiting Nora Mill Granary, a 124-year-old, water-powered grist mill still in use. Miller Tom Martin says grain is ground on stones brought from France in 1876. Grits and cornbread are made as a free treat for weekend visitors.
Several stables are located in the area and offer guided or solo horseback rides.
Trout fishing in the Chattahoochee River that runs through Helen is legal, and trophy trout have been taken by wading fishermen. Unicoi Outfitters provides equipment, instruction and guide service throughout January.
If you would rather catch a bargain than a fish, there are shops galore in every direction.
Museums
Local museums document the rich history of the Helen Valley, from the 300 years it was occupied by Cherokee Indians through the boom town days when Helen was a mill town for lumbermen. The town faded when the mills closed but, in 1968, a few residents met to talk rejuvenation. Transforming Helen into an alpine community was the idea of an artist who had lived in the Bavarian Alps, an idea that supercharged the local economy.
Where to Stay
Conventional motels line the outskirts of Helen, but the hills are dotted with private cabins, ranging from fairly basic to luxury units with fireplaces and hot tubs. Spa facilities are available for some luxury cabins.
Food
Area restaurants offer a range from haute cuisine to fast food. Authentic German dishes are served in several restaurants, but steakhouses are also popular. Some downtown restaurants feature decks overlooking the Chattahoochee River. In January, you might want to ask for a table by a window. Locally produced wines are available at many restaurants or at winery tasting rooms. Tasty lunches can be found at several small cafes and bakeries.
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