Find family entertainment that’s a fit for every age
ALPINE HELEN-WHITE COUNTY, GEORGIA–MARCH 2024–Looking for a destination that can entertain the whole family, from toddlers to teens and in between? In the North Georgia mountains, alongside the Chattahoochee River, Alpine Helen/White County, Georgia is a fairytale Bavarian Village that offers dozens of options. Just an hour and a half north of Atlanta, Stroll amid cobblestone pathways and gingerbread-laced buildings through a lively downtown with one-of-a-kind shopping, dining and attractions that families love.
Following are ideas to fit your family, along with a calendar of upcoming events at the end. Addresses and phone numbers are noted for attractions that are driving distance from the walkable, two-square mile downtown.
Toddlers
North Georgia Zoo & Farm in nearby Cleveland is home to more than 300 otters, kangaroos, wolves, zebras, camels and more. Kids love the baby animals and the petting zoo, while the Safari Drive-Thru is a hit with everyone (2912 Paradise Valley Rd. Cleveland, Georgia 30528; 706-348-7279). Pan for gold at Dukes Creek Gold & Ruby Mines in nearby Sautee Nacoochee and gold or gemstones at Outpost Gold & Gem Panning (7901 S Main St, Helen, Georgia 30545, 706-878-1002). Toddlers also love the Cabbage Patch Kids experience at the colorful and whimsical Babyland General Hospital to witness the magical birth and adoption of Cabbage Patch babies. Surprisingly, older kids will enjoy it too. (300 NOK Dr, Cleveland, Georgia 30528; 706-865-2171)
Back in town, younger kids (and adults!) will love the Alpine Express Train, a fun ride just for the fun of it or a great way to get around town with toddlers or for those with walking issues. It starts and stops next door to the Two Tire Tavern (8735 North. Main Street), makes a leisurely loop around Helen and crosses the scenic Chattahoochee river twice, accompanied by train songs, seasonal music, “smoke” blowing from the engine and nighttime led lights.
In Betweens
Bavarian Mountain Mini Golf & Arcade offers two 18-hole courses and an arcade for pinball, bowling, pool and more. Legends of infamous pirates come to life at Pirates Cove Adventure Golf in an award-winning theme park setting. Putt through caves, over footbridges and under waterfalls. Enjoy the beautiful gardens and landscape at Alpine Mini Golf Village and stop for an ice cream treat afterward at Scoop De Scoop adjacent to the course.
Teens
Shoot down and around the mountain overlooking Main Street on the Georgia Mountain Coaster. Enjoy the scenery and the wind in your hair as you wind your way to the finish line. Alpine Speedway Slot Car Racing features the largest 1/32 scale slot car road course in the U.S. with three tracks for all skill levels. There is no charge for entry and spectators are welcome (8016 S Main St Suite A2, Helen, Georgia, 706-878-0111). Adventure courses, climbing walls and ziplines across the Chattahoochee River are all part of the outdoor offerings at Cool River Adventures (112 Poplar Stump Rd. Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-9471).
For the whole family
Alpine Fun Factory entertainment is designed to please the entire pack, from a skating rink to Extreme Laser Tag, 80 arcade games and a bounce house for the younger set. Go-cart tracks range from Alpine Extreme Speed to Amateur and Double seat Carts for the less-experienced. (115 Escowee Dr, Helen, Georgia; 706-878-8404). No warm-weather trip to Helen is complete without tubing down the Chattahoochee River. Cool River Tubing and Helen Waterpark and Tubing outfit the family for this iconic experience. For more outdoor adventure ideas, go to https://helenga.org/things-to-do/outdoor-adventures/other-outdoor-activities
Upcoming Events
Saturday, April 27, 2024
1-5 p.m. including drawing for 2004 Mustang
Second Annual Alpine Village Volkswanderung, 5K or 10K
Bodensee Restaurant
64 Munich Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
850-637-1876
https://helenrotary.com
First Annual Alpine Village Volkswanderung, 5K or 10K “German Style” walk on the beautiful established hiking trails alongside trout streams and foothills between Helen and Unicoi State Park Lodge. This is an AVA sanctioned walk event. For many years the Alpine Volkswanderung (trail walk) was an annual event in Helen every April, a celebration of spring in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. The celebration begins again, with a walk, many gifts and prizes available at drawing, and a chance to win a 2004 Ford Mustang raffled off for charity by the Helen Rotary Club. Raffle tickets are $20 each or six for $100. Walk registration fee, $3.00 and $5.00 for a 2023 souvenir walk pin.
April 26-28, 2024
Alpine Helen Songwriters Festival
Downtown Helen, Georgia locations
(706) 878-3842
www.HelenGa.org
Top Nashville and local songwriters will perform and tell the stories behind the award-winning hits heard on the radio. Music has always thrived in Appalachia, and the city of Helen enthusiastically showcases regional-gone-national talent each year in downtown Helen at Hofbrauhaus, Cowboys & Angels, the Marketplatz Bandshell, Cafe International and Betty’s Country Store. It’s a weekend of entertainment and do-it-yourself itineraries for waterfalls, wineries or in-town fun, with inspiration found on the www.HelenGa.org website.
If You Go
There are so many lodging options available. In town, choose from whimsical Bavarian-themed inns and hotels, along with cabins and flagship chain hotels on the river or overlooking the colorful village. Just outside of town are mountain cabin hideaways and Unicoi State Park and Lodge with cabins and a full range of camping options. Family-friendly and upscale dining ranges from pizza to German and other international cuisines. Plenty of outdoor patios and decks by the water show off the scenery. Don’t miss shopping in downtown Alpine Helen. This distinctive Bavarian inspired destination is full of unique boutiques, gift shops and more.