3 North Georgia Mountain Towns to Visit with the Kids

Helen

For sure, Helen is not what you might expect as you travel north to the mountains. But don't look a gift horse in the mouth, because it's a town that bestows upon its visitors thrill after thrill—and loads of memories, to boot. Feast on delicious German delicacies and float the beautiful Chattahoochee River, which flows gently through Helen, a town that's taken a theme and run with it. A re-creation of a Bavarian Alpine village, complete with cobblestone streets, local history is linked to the Cherokee Indians and early settlers who came to mine for gold and work in the lumber industry. Helen now has more than 200 specialty and import shops offering everything from candle making and glass blowing to cuckoo clocks and quilts.

Dining options range from traditional German fare to traditional Southern (we are still in Georgia, after all). It's charming, looks like it came from a storybook, and is filled with whimsical shops and attractions. In warmer months you can float through the middle of town in a tube, and Oktoberfest is a huge month-long affair with live music, authentic German food and plenty of beer.

New to Check Out: The Georgia Mountain Coaster, the only alpine coaster in the state, speeds through the woods and ends in easy walking distance to grab a bite and a beer riverside at the Troll Tavern, or head to Paul’s on the River, where you'll also find a margarita deck .

Staying Overnight? Cabins with a view of practically every mountaintop in Georgia can be leased through airbnb.

Blue Ridge

Clayton