Alpine Helen GA
The rain continued heavily again today. I searched for things to do in the area besides the hike I wanted to do and found Alpine Helen, GA. I arrived in the town around 10:00 am and drove around a while before discovering the visitor’s center. Patti and Gabi were working behind the desk. Gabi was from the Bayern area of Germany. They gave me some feedback on restaurants, a sheet about the conversion of the town to an “Alpine Village” and a map.
Patti (l) and Gabi (r)
As I walked out of the visitor’s center, a couple asked me to take their picture in front of one of the redone houses in town. Darrell and Brenda were celebrating their 25th anniversarry. They had asymmetric matching t-shirts on. I took a few photos for them. I’ve never seen asymmetric matching t-shirts.
Alpine Helen, GA
Alpine Helen, Georgia is a charming mountain town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia. With its Bavarian-style architecture, beautiful mountain views, and a variety of outdoor activities, Alpine Helen has become a popular vacation destination.
The town was founded in the late 1960s as a way to boost tourism in the area. Developers were inspired by the success of Helen, Georgia, a nearby town that had successfully rebranded itself as a Bavarian-themed tourist destination. They decided to do the same, and Alpine Helen was born.
At the opposite end from the visitor’s center is Hofer’s (Bakery, Konditorei, and Cafe) offering authentic German breads, pastries, cakes, and meats. I highly recommend Hofer’s if like authentic German food. Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed for remodeling.
Today, visitors to Alpine Helen can enjoy a variety of restaurants that offer traditional Bavarian cuisine as well as more modern dishes. Some popular spots include the Hofbrauhaus, which serves German beers and traditional dishes like schnitzel and sauerkraut, and the Black Forest Bakery, which offers a wide selection of pastries and sandwiches.
In addition to dining, Alpine Helen offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The town is surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest, which offers hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The Anna Ruby Falls, which I plan to hike when the rain stops, is a double waterfall located just a few miles outside of town. It’s popular for photography and and easy access.
If you enjoy photography, Alpine Helen is a great place to visit. The town's picturesque Bavarian architecture and stunning mountain views make for some beautiful shots. Currently, the Christmas lights are a big draw. Be sure to bring your camera and take advantage of the many photo opportunities that the town has to offer.
Unexpected by me, Alpine Helen is a charming mountain town that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking to enjoy some traditional Bavarian cuisine, take in the beautiful mountain views, or participate in outdoor activities, you'll find it all in Alpine Helen.
I spent a few hours in the public library which I pretty much had to myself. This wasn’t prime tourist season and the town itself was pretty empty.
Evening in Alpine Helen
Wet streets make for interesting photos with all the reflections. I walked the town trying to capture the Christmas lights and the holiday vibe. Everyone on the street was in a friendly mood. People stopped to asked about my camera, the settings I was using and even compare shots. I was using longer exposures in order to capture the white and red car lights as they passed by. I had another conversation with a guy about white balance and other settings to get the color of the lights right.
One guy had a lot of tips for photographing wildlife. He was a hunter and told me about a product called Dead Down Wind which hides your body odors. He told me there are products for washing your clothing so there’s no scent.
I drove back to my water logged camp site. Some water leaked into one corner of the tent. It seemed like the rain was about to end as I drifted off.