Things to Do in Helen, GA
At Tanglewood Cabin Rentals we are happy to assist you with any activity to make your vacation the most memorable.
Just a mile away you can enjoy the beautiful Unicoi State Park and there 53 acre lake for picnics, swimming, canoeing, paddle boating, fishing,
12 miles of different hiking trails, world class mountain bike trails and the breath taking Anna Ruby Falls. http://www.unicoilodge.com/ & fs.usda.gov
Horseback Riding & Zipline
Within minutes away you can go and enjoy the beauty of the North Georgia Mountains & the Chattahoochee National Forest by Horseback Riding at either Chattahoochee Stables www.chattahoocheestables.com or Sunburst Stables & Zippity Dude Ranch www.sunburststables.com Or from a bird’s eye view from the 700 ft or 1000 ft Zipline located at Sunburst Stables.
While strolling through the town of Helen take a rest and enjoy a horse drawn buggy ride by Horne’s Buggy Rides or Alpine Carriage Company for a scenic view of the little Germen Town of Helen.
Golf & Miniature Golf
All professional and goofy golfers can enjoy a fun day on the green at either Innsbruck Golf Club www.innsbruckgolfclub.com and 18 hole Championship Golf Course located in Helen, GA. Apple Mountain Golf Club www.applemountaingolfga.com an 18 hole course in the beautiful Northeast Georgia Mountains in Clarkesville, GA.
Take the kids during the day or after a nice dinner to have some fun playing miniature golf at one of the many sites located in Helen. Alpine Helen Mini Golf www.helenminigolf.com, Bavarian Mountain Miniature Golf, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf www.piratescove.net.
Mountain Biking & Cycling
As you discover all that North Georgia has to offer, treat your family to a Mountain bike Adventure with Woody’s Mountain Bikes Rentals and check out SORBA Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association www.sorba.org for some great off road trails like our Jasus Creek Loop a 12 mile trail right here in the Helen Area !
Come see the scenery like you never have before by taking a hot air balloon ride over North Georgia with Balloons Over Georgia. www.balloonsovergeorgia.com.
Water Activities
Tubing
Come one Come all, let’s all tube down the Hooch!!! Enjoy a fun and relaxing 3 mile tube down the beautiful Chattahoochee River passing through the heart of Helen on either Cool River Tubing Company www.coolrivertubing.com or Helen Tubing & Water Park www.helentubing.com.
Water Rafting
For the brave at heart you can experience White Water Rafting with Southeastern Expeditions on a grand adventure down one of the Southeast’s premier rivers, the Chattooga River. www.southeasternexpeditions.com book now!
Or enjoy a little more relaxed atmosphere but still want some of the thrill check out Wildwood Outfitters www.wildwoodoutfitters.com for some great fun canoing, rafting, kayaking and tubing down the Chattahoochee River in the Beautiful North Georgia Mountains.
Water Park
Kids and Adults all love the newest large attraction Helen has to offer, The Helen Water Park open 7 days a week. www.helentubing.com
Lake and Boat Fun
For you and your special someone enjoy a Romantic Lake Cruise at Sunrise or Sunset on the Lake Chatuge Love Boat in Hiawassee, GA www.romanticlakecruises.com just 20 minutes north of Helen. Or want some fun for the whole family for a day at the lake you can rent pontoon boats, ski boats, jet skis, fishing boats, canoes and kayaks at Boundary Waters Marina in Hiawassee, GA www.boundarywatersresort.com.
Family & Kid Attractions
Black Forest Bear Park & Reptile Exhibit located in downtown Helen, GA www.blackforestbearpark.com.
Alpine Extreme Speed is America’s hottest new pastime, you can experience heart pounding wheel-to-wheel racing indoors. www.rememberwhentheatre.com
Babyland General Hospital home of the Cabbage Patch Kids is located at there new home in Cleveland, GA. You won’t want to miss stopping by and checking out this out. www.cabbagepatchkids.com
On a rainy day or even a sunny day you can’t go wrong with some fun skating and bowling at Yonah Bowl & Skate. www.yonahbowlandskate.com
Experience a Unique Trip through Germany at Charlemagne’s Kingdom Exhibition. The largest Alpine Model Railroad museum known. www.georgiamodelrailroad.com
Enjoy the fascinating history of our country’s first major Gold Rush. Hunt for a wide variety of gemstones treasures, gold and more with the family and kids at Dukes Creek Gold and Ruby Mines www.dukescreek.com and the authentic operating Gold Mine of Gold N Gem Grubbin’. www.goldngem.com
You don’t want to miss Helen’s new attraction Goats on the Roof just a mile north of Helen as seen on Fox 5 News. Enjoy a fun time with kids at this unique store offering specialty items, jellies & jams, Amish cheese and more. And don’t forget feeding the goats on the roof. www.goats-on-the-roof.com
Not far away is the Kangaroo Conservation Center the largest kangaroo mob outside of Australia. www.kangaroocenter.com
Check out the Live Tarantulas Gallery located in downtown Helen. A museum offering over 30 different adult tarantulas, iguanas, four bearded dragons and python. www.livetarantulasgallery.com
Have a great day at the North Georgia Zoo & Petting Farm home of Wildlife Wonders & Paradise Valley Farm. www.northgeorgiazoo.com
Dare to experience the other side of Helen with Mountain Spirits Bus Ghost Tours call 706-878-1769.
Come and enjoy a scary but fun tour through Haunted Helen. 706-878-8404
Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen is a great way to indulge in your sweet tooth. Watch how fudge and candy apples are made with a tour through the factory. www.hanselandgretelcandykitchen.com
Cataloochee Ski Area is a great way to have fun in the Snow and it’s only and hour and half away. You can ski and even snow tube down the valley. This is a great way to spend a winter day. www.cataloochee.com
Antiques & Art
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour, visit on the web at ArtsTour.org for more detailed information about tour artists and events.
The Willows Pottery has a large selection of Handmade Pottery from the Southeast. Located in the Historic Nacoochee Village Go and watch the potters working and even have some fun by painting your own pottery. www.thewillowspottery.com
The Glassblowing Shop is a unique place to see amazing works of are using methods of “Flamework” glassblowing, “Furnaceworking” and “Stained Glass” work all original had blown creations by local artist. www.glassblowingshop.com
Visit the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association Center, nestled in the Appalachian foothills of Northeast Georgia, this is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing creativity and committed to preserving and protecting the natural and historical resources of the Sautee and Nacoochee Valleys and the surrounding area. Check out this site for Performing Arts, Art Studio Workshops, Programs for Kids and more during your visit to the Helen area. www.snca.org
Gone With The Wind fans don’t want to miss this beautiful historical white plantation style home, “Scarlet’s Secret” full of Collectibles and Memorabilia. www.scarlettsecret.com
Serving historic Sautee Valley continuously for over 127 years, the Old Sautee Store is famous for the eclectic combination old store museum and contemporary Scandinavian gifts, not to mention the on sight homemade bakery & sandwich shop. www.sauteestore.com
Enjoy shopping, eating, crafts, shooting pool in the game room. Over 18,000 square feet of Old Clarkesville Mill for some great antiques and art. www.oldclarkesvillemill.com
When entering Helen you’ve got to stop and check out Nora Mill Granary Grist Mill & Country Store established in 1876. Come in and see the river powered mill grind the best grits ever, sample some of the finest relishes, jellies, grits, and porridge. This unique Mill sits alongside the Chattahoochee River and is fun for all to see. www.noramill.com
Helen Arts Gallery & Heritage Center is a must see for those History, Pottery, and Art enthusiast. www.helenarts.org
Take a ride out scenic highway 197 and enjoy watching history continuing to be made at Mark of the Potter. Established in 1969 in an old mill on the banks of the Soque River in the mountains of Northeast Georgia where local potters specialize in handmade pottery. www.markofthepotter.com
The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia showcases the handcraft skills of one of the South’s premier grassroots art forms and explores the historical importance and changing role of folk pottery in southern life. www.folkpotterymuseum.com
Glass Mountain Gallery was established in 1996 in Robertstown Georgia, just one mile north of Helen. Local artists have produced hand crafted fine art glass which has been sold all over the world. www.glassmountaingallery.com
The Gourd Place is a North Georgia delight featuring educational nature displays as well as gourd art and pottery handmade on site. www.gourdplace.com
Wanda’s Place is a “vehicle” to take you to places of creativity that you have only dreamed of. We do that by providing a variety of arts and craft classes designed to rekindle the fading arts of our grandparents. www.mywandasplace.com
Yonah Mountain Treasures features local artists, potters, woodworkers and others. 706-348-8236
Inside Out Sautee is local art, large variety of media, including pottery, glass, fiber, wood, oils, acrylics, watercolors, collage, photography, sculpture, metal and mixed media. Six featured art shows plus ongoing exhibits throughout the year. Musical entertainment including “First Fridays” music night. www.InsideOutSatuee.com
Dream Catcher specializes in Authentic Indian Arts & Crafts, located on South Main Street in Helen. www.helensdreamcatcher.com
Fred’s Famous Peanuts has the Best Peanuts in the Mountains! www.fredsfamouspeanuts.com
Winery & Wines
Habersham Winery is one of Georgia’s oldest wineries producing wines since 1983. Located in the Nacoochee Village in Helen, GA. www.habershamwinery.com
Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards is North Georgia Wine Country’s newest vineyard and winery at Nacoochee Crossing in Sautee, just minutes from Helen. www.sauteenacoocheevineyards.com
Yonah Mountain Vineyards is the newest boutique vineyard and winery that produces world-class wines from Georgia. Located only a few miles south of Helen. www.yonahmountainvineyards.com
Crane Creek Vineyards sits high in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The microclimate, a combination of warm dry summer days, cool mountain nights, and well-drained mineral soils, allows us to cultivate grapes that produce complex wines with fresh assertive aromas and concentrated flavors. Located in Young Harris, GA only 25 minutes away. www.cranecreekvineyards.com
The Frogtown winery is specifically designed to produce high quality wine from Frogtown grapes and, at the same time, to make the most of our rolling terrain in Dahlonega, GA at Frogtown Cellars. www.frogtownwine.com
Three Sisters Vineyard: www.threesistersvineyards.com Dahlonega’s First family winery since the Gold Rush. Named after Three Sisters Mountains, it is the first family vineyard in North Ga. Come experience the fine tasting room, there is always special events, get some excellent recipes, while enjoying the beautiful vineyard. (706)878-9463
Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery Café has over 40 years experience. Philosophy of wine making is French in style with an emphasis on blending European varietals to achieve more complex, intense and unique styles of wine. Located in Dahlonega, GA. www.wolfmountainvineyards.com
BlackStock Vineyards, the first and largest of the current vineyards in the Dahlonega, GA area. We cater to the serious wine enthusiast, promising an educational, relaxing and family-friendly wine experience. www.bsvw.com
Tiger Mountain Vineyards takes pride in its unusual varietals, all grown and produced in Rabun County at Tiger Mountain. The fine handcrafted wines, which have won more than 125 awards in national and international competitions, are made from French and Portuguese vinifera and one native American grape. www.tigerwine.com
Persimmon Creek Vineyards located in Clayton, GA 706-212-7380.
Sharp Mountain Vineyards operates on the simple but essential principle that to produce the finest wine, you must begin with the finest fruit. Located in Jasper, GA. www.sharpmountainvineyards.com
Fishing
Fish the many streams the mountains have to offer, catch trout, bass, bream, cat fish, and many other fish in our local waters. Streams surrounding Tanglewood Cabins are filled with beautiful mouthwatering fish. We will be more than happy to print you a map of all of the trout streams here at our office. If you want to pay per pound, we can send you to Riverside Trout Pond, guaranteed to catch a fish, (706)947-3364. Plus you can get all the info at www.georgiaoutdoors.com The area we are in is White County, our surrounding counties are Habersham, Union, & Towns. Georgia’s current “Sport Fishing Regulations” booklets are available at the Helen Welcome Center. To purchase a license in Helen, go to Betty’s IGA grocery store in Helen. (706) 878-2943
Water Falls & Hiking
For the nature lovers, visit the beautiful waterfalls & hiking trails within minutes from Tanglewood Cabins. Feel the cool mist from the falling waters; take in the breathtaking views from atop a mountain. Only 1 mile from Tanglewood Cabins visit Anna Ruby Falls, a beautiful waterfall awaits you when you get there, sit on the brand new decks & take fabulous pictures of you & loved ones before descending back to Unicoi State Park.
If you want a little more adventurous hiking with waterfalls check out Dukes Creek Falls & Raven Cliff Falls, both located on Richard Russell Scenic Highway 348, only minutes from Tanglewood. Also visit High Shoals Falls only a few short miles to awesome views of a grand waterfall. Or for hiking adventures, we are just 12 miles from the beginning of the Appalachian Trail, also just 8 miles from the head of the Chattahoochee River. You can hike Unicoi Gap & end up in the beautiful Unicoi Hill Park in downtown Helen. Moccasin Creek State Park is only 21 miles from Tanglewood, go and enjoy having a picnic, viewing the falls and getting wet sliding down the slipper rocks of falls. Horse Trough Falls Trail .4 miles in length, leads to beautiful Horse Trough Falls. Strolling through our beautiful mountains you are bound to see a vast array of wildlife, flowers, trees, creeks & views. www.georgiatrails.com
Weddings
Want to get married in the mountains? How about a Waterfall Wedding? Standing in front of a breathtaking waterfall to say your vows with your close family & friends. Contact Tom McCool (706) 968-1194 www.icpweddings.com
Alpine Wedding Chapel: Located in Helen (706) 878-5683
Magnolia Terrace: (706) 878-3588 www.magnoliaterrace.com
Mountain Meadows Wedding Services: (706) 219-3970
Garrison Baker: Probate Judge, Get married at your cabin. (706) 865-4141
Daniel Nichols Photography: A full line of Photographic Service. Weddings, On location Portraiture, Family Reunions, Product Shots (706) 878-2262 or 706-878-2619
After your ceremony, take your honeymoon here at Tanglewood Cabins.(706) 878-3286
Restaurants & Dining
How about your own Personal Chef?
Chef Lindsey will come to your cabin and prepare a beautiful romantic dinner for two or a bountiful meal for the family. You will enjoy excellent food fixed just for you and yours. (706) 878-6828 Advance reservations required.
Dining at it’s best right here in the Northeast Georgia Mountains. Everything from casual to fine dining. Enjoy the flavors of the world right here, American, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, and of course German.
Unicoi Lodge Food Full buffet 3 times daily. Breakfast bar with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, gravy biscuits, toast, seasonal fruit. Lunch and dinner menu includes full salad bar, entrée bar, vegetable bar, & dessert bar. They serve Georgia Mountain Trout nightly. (706) 878-2201
Hofers Bakery & Café: Various homemade baked goods made on site, cakes, muffins, breads, doughnuts, breakfast and lunch. (706) 878-8200
Nacoochee Village Tavern Pizza: Authentic Italian cuisine, pizza, subs, anti pasta, pannini, fresh homemade sauces. (706) 878- 0199
Pauls Steakhouse: Steaks, seafood, prime rib, chicken, ribs, pork chops, & many other dishes. Fine dining right on the Chattahoochee River. Nightly all you can eat specials. After dinner step inside the dance floor for live music, dancing & fun. (706) 878-2468
Viele Margaritas: Located on the River front on a large covered deck, enjoy outside dining while watching the tubers on the river, listening to some karaoke, or watching the ballgame. Specializing in Burgers, Wraps, and your favorite frozen drink. (706) 878-5501
Old Bavaria Inn: German cuisine at its finest. Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Weiner Schnitzel, Spaetzle, Reubens, German potato salad. Enjoy authentic German music & atmosphere. Over 80 imported beers & full bar. If you want to purchase German attire, they sell it in the gift area of the restaurant. (706) 878-3729
La Cabana: Chips & salsa are at your table within seconds. Spice it up with some fajitas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, the best cheese dip this side of the Mississippi. Excellent Mexican food, they even have sidewalk dining on Main Street at La Cabana Express. (706) 878- 3456
Hofbrauhaus Riverfront Restaurant: German & American dining on the river. Homemade salad dressings, you can purchase to take home with you. Chicken, seafood, Wellington, steak, wurst platters, veal & pork. A touch of Europe here in Helen. (706) 878-2248
Nacoochee Grill: (706) 878-8020 Eclectic dining featuring a live open fire to cook the many dishes including steaks, seafood, chops & ribs. Also a variety of pastas & salads.
Let's Go To Bernies: (706) 878-3830 Bernie's is a favorite destination for both locals and visitors alike. With a fine menu ranging from our delicious Grilled Sirloin to our Crispy Roasted Canard there is something to fit everyone's taste. All menu items are prepared to order using the freshest ingredients possible. If you have a special request just ask and we will try our best to accommodate you. We are now proud to offer beer and wine with our selections!
North Georgia Bar-B-Q Company; BBQ pork, ribs, chicken, sandwiches, plates, brunswick stew, potato salad, baked beans, slaw, even hot dogs & hamburgers. Fabulous BBQ. Dine in or take out. (706) 878-5753 Also Great for your Catering Needs!
Jordanos Pizza, Wings & Things: The name says it all. They even deliver. (706) 878-7732
Safari Steakhouse: Serving up steaks, seafood, chicken, burgers, sandwiches, Huge salads, Full bar & free parking. (706) 878- 2083
Hayloft Pub: Calamari, loaded skins, crab cakes, wings (13 flavors) Burgers,Burgers, Burgers, Salads, fish tacos, quesadillas, steaks & much more. Live entertainment. (706) 878-2440
Troll Tavern: Come under the bridge on the river for an awesome dining experience. Enjoy subs, clubs, wraps, po boys, pasta dishes, prime rib, ribs & German dishes.(706) 878-3117
Old Heidelberg: Authentic German cuisine, authentic German pub. Oldest German restaurant in Helen. (706) 878-3273
Big Daddy’s American Tavern: Sushi, pasta, pizza, steaks, seafood, sandwiches, wings and Big Daddy Burger are the specialty. The largest craft-micro, specialty beer selection in Helen. (706) 878-2739
Café International: Located on the water, dine in or dine out on the covered patio while overlooking the Chattahoochee River. Serving both American & German. Reuben’s are the specialty. (706) 878-3102
Bernie’s at Nacoochee Valley: Let'sgotobernies.com Fine Dining at its best. Take that special someone for a romantic night out. Reservations Required (706) 878-3830
Old Sautee Market is located at the Historic Old Sautee Store serving sandwiches, cheeses, and light fare. (706) 878-2281
The Vines European Cuisine: North Georgia Wine Country cuisine inspired by recipes of the German, Italian and French wine regions as well as other parts of Europe. Features locally grown produce & fresh herbs from the garden. (706) 865-7371
Sunflower Chinese Restaurant: You need to make a short trip to nearby Cleveland, but it is worth it. Tues. – Fri. lunch buffet. Regular menu the rest of the time. Crab ragoons, Mongolian beef, almond fried chicken, egg drop soup, wonton soup, garlic chicken, over 100 items. The Best. (706) 348-8899
Special Events in the Mountains
Oktoberfest
September 9 through October 31
Come to our annual Oktoberfest during the most beautiful time of the year. Enjoy live German bands, dance the Chicken Dance, eat authentic German food, and drink some wonderful German Brew. All under one roof, the Feste Halle in downtown Helen. The entire town is festing also. The weather is cool, the leaves are changing & people are having a great time.
Thanksgiving & Christmas
November 18 through January 15
Gather the family to stay in a beautiful, warm, cozy cabin during the Holidays. It is chilly, the fireplaces are blazing, the games are on. Holiday meals & cheer are on the table. Then travel 5 short miles to see Alpine Helen all lit up for Christmas. It just might snow!!!
Fasching
German Mardi Gras in Helen. Bring your costume & your best mask for the masquerade ball.
(706) 878-2271
Spring Break
March through April
Come stay at Tanglewood Cabins for Spring Break. Go Whitewater rafting or horseback riding. See the Mountain Laurel, dogwoods, azaleas all in bloom. You don’t need ac or heat because the weather is so nice, you can enjoy fresh mountain air all week.
Hot Air Helen to Atlantic Balloon Race
First weekend of June
Get up early to see the hot air balloons lift off from Helen. The first one to the Atlantic wins. Hang around Helen all weekend and take a ride in a colorful balloon. View the mountains from the sky.
Georgia Mountain Fair
July 21 through July 31
Good ole fashion country fair just 22 miles up in Hiawassee. Take a drive to the fair and listen to some great music, ride the many rides, watch the basket weavers, plus many more arts & crafts. Have fun watching the pig race. Eat some cotton candy & caramel apples, plus taste the homemade jams, jellies, preserves, and an assortment of fine mountain food.
Tanglewood Cabins is just minutes away from all of the mountain festivities including concerts, gold rush days, apple festivals, fall festivals, and so much more to make your stay eventful, enjoyable, and most of all relaxing.
