Monday, March 04, 2024
LOCAL ACTIVITIES and INFORMATION for HELEN and SAUTEE, GA
Thank you again for choosing our home. We are delighted to host you in our family vacation retreat, Mountain Laurel Chalet....Welcome Home!
Here is some fun and useful information for the local Helen and Sautee, Georgia area. We
have compiled this list from our personal experiences and from the experiences of our guests so that we can offer you some great ideas on things to see and do in our area!
Have fun in the mountains!
Steve
MOUNTAIN LAUREL CHALET at DUSK.
You may want to PRINT OUT this Information or SAVE this BLOGSPOT LINK so you can
use it as
a good reference while you are in the Helen area.
**NOTE:
CHECK WITH EACH INDIVIDUAL VENDOR to VERIFY THEIR OPERATIONS &
HOURS.
A FEW LOCAL RESTAURANTS:
1. Unicoi Lodge Restaurant [NEAR OUR HOME - Cafeteria
Style and Bar/Cafe Area - average food]
1788 Highway 356, Helen, GA 30545 706-878-2201
Breakfast 7-10AM, Lunch11AM-2PM, Dinner 5PM-8PM
2.**Bodensee Restaurant
[OUR FAVORITE German Food and Beer]
**Trip Advisor: Certificate of Excellence Winner
64 Munich Strasse, Helen, GA 30545 706-878-1026 11AM – 9PM
3.**Bigg Daddy’s
[LOCAL FAVORITE SPORTS PUB]
**Trip Advisor: Certificate of Excellence Winner
807 Edelweiss St., Helen, GA 30545 706-878-2739 11AM-Midnight
4.**La Cabana Mexican Restaurant
[LOCAL FAVORITE - Mexican Food]
**Trip Advisor: Certificate of Excellence Winner
707 Edelweiss St. Helen, GA 30545 706-878-3456 11AM - 10 PM
5. Café International - by the river in downtown Helen [Average
Food]
546 S. Main St., Helen, GA 30545 706-878-3102
7.**Cowboys & Angels
**Trip Advisor: Certificate of Excellence Winner
60 Chattahoochee St., Helen, GA 30545 706-878-3433 11AM-10PM
8.Hofbrauhaus - nice location by the river [Food quality
varies]
9001 N. Main St., Helen, GA 30545 706-878-2248
9.**Hofer’s Bakery
[OUR FAVORITE Bakery]
**Trip Advisor:Certificate of Excellence Winner
8758 N. Main St., Helen, GA 30545 706-878-8200 (Breakfast & Lunch
only)
Great German Desserts, Breakfast, and Lunch
10.**Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Cafe
**Trip Advisor: Certificate of Excellence Winner
60 Chattahoochee St., Helen, GA 706-892-1212
ANOTHER LOCAL FAVORITE with GOOD RATINGS!
Specializing in fried cheese plus traditional German and Czech food
11. Nacoochee Village Tavern & Pizzeria
**Trip Advisor: Certificate of Excellence Winner LOCAL FAVORITE
PIZZERIA
7275 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545 706-878-0199
Italian, American$$ - $$$ Good beer, good pizza and good hot sandwiches!
12. Old Bavaria Inn
8619 N. Main St., Helen, GA 30545
706-878-3729 11AM – 3PM
13. SPICE 55 Thai and Sushi Restaurant
**Trip Advisor: Certificate of Excellence Winner
LOCAL FAVORITE for THAI FOOD. Sushi, Asian$$ - $$$Menu
705 Brucken Strasse, Helen, GA 30545 706-878-3447
14. Troll Tavern
8590B N. Main St., Helen, GA 30545 706-878-3117
11AM – 10PM
15. **Caledonia Dining Room and Sky Bar Restaurant at Valhalla Resort
Hotel
[UPSCALE $$$ Restaurant and Bar - Pricey $$-$$$]
**Trip Advisor: Certificate of Excellence Winner
688 Bahn Innsbruck, Helen, GA 30545 706-878-2200
11AM-3PM and 5PM-9PM (Reservations only)
16. **Old Sautee Market in Sautee, GA
[LOCAL FAVORITE - Sandwich Shop by the
Historic Old Sautee Store]
2315 Highway 17, Sautee, GA 30571. PHONE: 706-878-2281
10AM-3PM LUNCH and Ice Cream ONLY
GROCERIES - Helen and Cleveland:
1.** For local groceries we recommend
BETTY’S COUNTRY STORE
**This is one of our favorite places!
18 Yonah Street, Helen, GA 30545 706-878-2943
On Main Street at Yonah Street, just north of
downtown.
It's a fun and a unique grocery store, but it can be a
bit pricey $$ for some items.
2. For a larger supermarket, try
INGLES on the north side of Cleveland on GA Hwy 17/75:
55 Helen Hwy in Cleveland, GA 30528
Very nice Deli, similar to Publix in Florida. Good quality meat and
produce $-$$.
3. The SUPER WALMART located a little further away on the
southside of Cleveland off US Hwy 129 South:
260 Donald E Thurmond Parkway, Cleveland, GA 30528
Typical good Walmart prices $
SIGHTSEEING and THINGS TO DO:
**#1 ANNA RUBY FALLS in the Chattahoochee National Forest is also located near Unicoi State
Park, and it has an access road directly through the park.
**This is one of our favorite spots!
Spectacular Anna Ruby Falls lies in the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee
National Forest and has become one of North Georgia’s premier spots to
visit.
The Recreation Area consists of a visitor center with local crafts,
educational items and clothing, picnic spots, fishing, and of course the
paved hiking trail to Anna Ruby Falls. Throughout the year, the Visitor
Center hosts public programs. There is an entrance fee. US National Parks
Senior Pass Accepted.
**#2 BRASSTOWN BALD, Georgia's highest mountain at 4784 feet,
is just a short 30 minute drive from our chalet!
It is located off Georgia Highway 180 a few miles north
of Unicoi Gap via GA highway 17/75, heading north from Helen, GA. There is
easy access via a paved road, with good parking, and an observation deck
with views of 4 states on clear days.
**This is one of our favorite spots!
BRASSTOWN BALD, Winter View
BRASSTOWN BALD Visitor Center, Summer
**Check the weather forecast before you go. The views may be obscured
on rainy or cloudy days. You can also click on the Web Cam Link
Below.
There is a parking/entrance fee. US National Parks Senior Pass
accepted.
**LIVE WEB CAMS:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/conf/home/?cid=fsm9_029190
VIDEO LINK on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYe3yDDEB0k
#3 UNICOI/SMITH LAKE and UNICOI STATE PARK:
The local small lake that is very close to our house is Unicoi Lake,
located inside Unicoi State Park. There is a small dock with fishing
available near the parking lot and picnic area by the dam on Georgia
highway 356.
There are several hiking trails inside the park, including one trail that
goes around the lake and another trail from the park to the village of
Helen. The park also has a small seasonal beach area and
seasonal canoe rentals.
You can stop in the main office at Unicoi Lodge to pick up a map and get
more information about the park and its trails. https://www.unicoistatepark.org/unicoi_lake.html
UNICOI LAKE TRAIL LINK: https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/unicoi-lake-trail/
#4 UNICOI AERIAL ADVENTURE PARK [ZIP LINE]
North Georgia's largest Zip line has opened in Unicoi State Park,
near our home.
706-878-4740
#5 **ROLLER COASTER in Helen, GA
GEORGIA MOUNTAIN COASTER
Cart driver must be 54” tall Must be 38” and 3 years+ to ride Maximum
weight per cart is 375 pounds in dry conditions Maximum weight per cart is
330 pounds in wet conditions With 2 riders, the driver must be over 16.
The taller person must be the driver. 706-878-1347
The only alpine coaster in Georgia. Feel the thrill of riding a coaster
down the mountain in Helen, GA. Open 7 days a week (weather
permitting)
#6 TUBING on the CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER in HELEN
COOL RIVER TUBING
590 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545
This is our favorite Tubing Company!
#7 WATER PARK
HELEN WATER PARK and Tubing
Largest water park in Helen. [OPEN SEASONALLY]
222 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545.
PHONE: 706-878-7465
Located on the south side of Helen .
#8 GOLF COURSE in Helen
VALHALLA GOLF CLUB [formerly INNSBRUCK]
664 Bahn Innsbruck Helen, GA 30545
PHONE: (706) 878-2200
CLUB HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
8am – 6pm, seven days a week.
"Meandering through the Blue Ridge Mountains, this Helen, Georgia, golf
course blends fun play with stunning scenery, all at reasonable
prices."
MINIATURE GOLF in Helen
1. PIRATES COVE ADVENTURE GOLF
1081 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545. PHONE:
706-892-1205
2. ALPINE MINI GOLF
7914 S Main St, Helen, GA. PHONE: (706) 878-3328
LOCAL HIKING:
1.**Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail - an EASY walk by the
Chattahoochee River!
** *This is one of our favorites...EASY and FUN!
Walk alongside history on the beautiful Helen to Hardman Farm Heritage
Trail. This one (1) mile ADA accessible trail follows the
Chattahoochee River from Alpine Helen to the Hardman Farm State Historic
Site.
Interpretive panels along the way share about native plants and animals,
Helen’s heritage and the influences that have made this area attractive to
people for over one thousand years. Parking is located at both ends of the
trail. The trail is open from dawn to dusk. Please practice “Leave no
Trace” by packing out litter and picking up after pets.
HARDMAN FARM STATE HISTORIC SITE: Located at the south end of the
trail
Built in 1870 by Captain James Nichols, the Hardman house is a grand
example of Italianate architecture and was originally known as “West End”
because it was at the west end of the Nacoochee Valley. Its second owner
was Calvin Hunnicutt, a wealthy Atlanta business man. Hunnicutt used the
house only as a summer retreat and much of his original furniture remains.
The last owner was the family of Dr. Lamartine Hardman, Georgia’s governor
from 1927–1931. It was lovingly preserved and donated to the state of
Georgia in 1999.
The Nacoochee Mound is a burial site and was probably used long
before the Cherokee inhabited the area, and can be seen from the farm
homestead.
2.Unicoi State Park to Helen Trail - a much longer hike.
Family Friendly The distance is reasonably long, about
2.5 miles each way, and the trail is mostly descending going into Helen. With a little
planning, a family can hike to Helen and then a parent can hike back, get
in the car, and pick up the family members.
Description Helen Trail Hiking Trail, Georgia The hike from Unicoi State
Park to the alpine village of Helen, GA. This is a good but long family
hike, especially if you plan to hike both ways.
Unicoi to Helen Trail is a 5.2 mile roundtrip heavily trafficked
out and back trail located near Helen, Georgia that features a river and
is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking,
running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able
to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
3. APPALACHIAN TRAIL near Helen, GA
The Appalachian Trail has good access points with parking at Unicoi Gap
located on GA highway 17/75 just a few miles north of Helen. There is
another good access point at Hog Pen Gap on Richard Russell Scenic highway
[GA 348] a few miles west of Helen, via Ga Alt Hwy 75 to get to GA Hwy
348.
APPALACHIAN TRAIL in GEORGIA - General Information:
GEORGIA APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB:
**APPALACHIAN TRAIL at UNICOI GAP on GA Hwy 17/75 north of Helen, to Tray
Mountain: "This [section of the trail] is, no joke, one of the hardest
hikes I’ve done. You basically have to climb two mountains. That said,
it’s a great challenge and a beautiful view!" "Definitely bring lots of
food and water."
**APPALACHIAN TRAIL at HOGPEN GAP on Richard Russell Highway 348, to
Unicoi Gap
VIEW from the APPALACHIAN TRAIL on TRAY MOUNTAIN
4. Trails at Smithgall Woods State Park, off alt Hwy 75 near Helen,
GA
Address 61 Tsalaki Trail Helen, GA 30545.
PHONE: 706-878-3087
Visitor Center Notice: Parking Fee Required. All visitors must register at
the Visitor Center.
SAUTEE- NACOOCHEE, GA:
Shopping, Coffee House, and Local Art!
1.**THE OLD SAUTEE STORE
2315 Highway 17/Unicoi Turnpike Sautee, GA
30571. PHONE: 706-878-2281
Historic General Store, Circa 1872, located in Sautee, close to Helen
and to our home.
**This is one of our FAVORITE Spots!
2. **Located nearby is the SWEETWATER COFFEE HOUSE:
Highway 17/Unicoi Turnpike Sautee, GA
30571. PHONE: 706-878-1521
**This is one of our FAVORITE Spots! Very relaxed and
friendly local folks.
3. **LOCAL ARTS and CRAFTS: There are several small shops in Sautee and
the SAUTEE NACOOCHEE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION is great!
283 Highway 255 N [**near the Old Sautee Store] Sautee, GA 30571
SNCA has great local art for sale with much better prices than you find
in the city!
They also have a pottery museum. **SNCA also features live
concerts, plays, and lively Contra Dancing one Saturday evening per month
with a live band! Check their online Calendar of Events.
**This is one of our FAVORITE Spots and we are proud to be members of
SNCA, supporting our local community and its historic preservation of
our area!
LOCAL WINERIES:
A) **YONAH MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS:
706-878-5522 **HIGHLY RATED by many as the BEST WINERY in the Area.
1. Sautee Tasting Room
2454 GA Hwy 17/UnicoiTurnpike [**near
the Old Sautee Store] Sautee, GA 30571
2. **MAIN Tasting Room and Vineyards – REALLY BEAUTIFUL!
1717 Highway 255 South Cleveland, GA
30528
B) HABERSHAM WINERY
7025 South Main Street [in the Nacoochee Village
Area] Helen, GA 30545.
PHONE: 706-878-9463
HORSEBACK RIDING
1. SUNBURST STABLES and ZIPLINE:
Highway 255 Clarkesville, GA 30523. PHONE:
706-947-7433
**Close to our home, and they offer horseback riding, guided ATV tours,
and a ZIP LINE.
2. CHATTAHOOCHEE STABLES:
2180 Highway 17 Sautee, GA 30571. PHONE:
706-878-7000
*Cheaper than Sunburst Stables and right next to our favorite Sweetwater
Coffeehouse in Sautee, GA. Also close to the famous Old Sautee
Store.
BIKING/BICYCLES:
WOODYS MOUNTAIN BIKES has closed after many years.
BIKE HELEN with electric bike rentals appears to have closed
recently.
8016 S. Main Street Helen, Georgia 30545 Tel:
706.878.0111
NOTE: We are waiting on UPDATES for a future bicycle vendor in the
Helen area.
SPA - MASSAGE THERAPY:
1. NACOOCHEE CROSSING WELLNESS CENTER and DAY SPA
35 Nacoochee Way Sautee, GA 30571. PHONE:
706-878-0036 [Wellness] 706-250-2123 [SPA]
Off GA Highway 17/Unicoi Turnpike. [**near the
Old Sautee Store.]
2. LUCILLE's MOUNTAIN TOP INN and SPA
964 Rabun Road Sautee, GA 30571. PHONE:
706-8787-5055
**The Spa is one of our FAVORITE Spots!
Step into relaxation at The Spa at Lucille’s. Set on a mountain top
overlooking North Georgia’s historic Sautee Valley, along the edge of the
Blue Ridge Mountains, The Spa at Lucille’s is a tranquil hideaway to relax
and be pampered for an hour, the day, or a week.
The Spa at Lucille’s is open to the public and can be enjoyed by visitors
to the area and local neighbors, as well as overnight guests of the Inn
and those on retreats. If you are staying in nearby Helen, GA, a spa
getaway is a great way to get a vacation inside your vacation!
More SECRET TREASURES
From our travels in the GA MOUNTAINS!
MARK of the POTTER - on the Soque River
9982 Hwy 197 North [Scenic GA HWY 197] Clarkesville, GA [Near
Batesville, GA]
PHONE: 706-947-3440
Pottery in a historic old grist mill located on the Soque River.
Great setting: feed the trout in the river from the porch! About 15 to
20 minutes from our home.
**This is one of our FAVORITE Spots!
9982 Hwy 197 North [Scenic GA HWY 197] Clarkesville,
GA [Near Batesville, GA]
PHONE: 706-947-3440
Historic CLARKESVILLE, GA:
(An easy 25 to 30 minute drive from Mountain Laurel
Chalet)
A. BOWLING -
CLARKESVILLE LANES
Fun indoor activity nearby in Clarkesville!
Clarkesville Lanes is Located in the Old Clarkesville Mill
583 Grant Street (Hwy 441/GA 385) Clarkesville, Georgia 30523.
PHONE: 706-839-7467
.jpg)
The Best Bowling in North Georgia! Clarkesville Lanes, North Georgia’s
premier bowling center, is a great place for serious bowlers or the whole
family. Our 16 PBAA certified lanes are oiled regularly and are ready to
roll!
B. ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM in Clarkesville, GA - Fun!
MILES THROUGH TIME AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM. Phone: 470-239-0199
583 Grant Street. Clarkesville, GA 30523
Open 7 days per week.
Miles Through Time Automotive Museum Georgia's Co-Op Auto
Museum
Miles Through Time Automotive Museum brings you a stunning, ever-changing
collection of automobiles, memorabilia, signage, and art. This is a fun
nonprofit, co-op style “living” automotive museum in Clarkesville, GA.
Displays have been donated to the museum or are privately owned by people
in the community showcasing their beloved automobiles and memorabilia for
everyone to enjoy.
C. Fun ANTIQUE MALL
in Clarkesville, GA
583 Grant Street, Suite A, Clarkesville, GA. PHONE:
706-839-7500
Antique Mall at the Old Clarkesville Mill, located 1/2 mile north of
downtown Clarkesville.
On top of an Antique Mall, there is an indoor Flea Market grill, music
room and bar, Antique Car Museum and also a Bowling Alley. Call us today
at (706) 839-7500
"I Walked around the store while my daughter was in gymnastics next door.
Amazing array of "stuff" at very reasonable prices. I could spend a
million bucks here if I had it☺"
TOP 10 RESTAURANTS in Clarkesville, GA
LAKE RABUN RESTAURANT
Historic LAKE RABUN HOTEL and RESTAURANT [Circa 1922]
35 Andrea Lane Lakemont, GA 30552. PHONE: 706-782-4946
**A beautiful 40 minute drive by Seed Lake and Lake Rabun from our home
via GA 197 to Burton Dam Road–
also near GA365/US 441 highway and Clayton, GA.
Great place for SUNDAY BRUNCH: 11 AM – 3:00 PM.
Also good for DINNER:
Call Ahead to confirm - Reservations recommended.
**This is one of our FAVORITE Spots for Sunday Brunch!
CAUTION: EXPENSIVE but good food $$$
LAKE BURTON RESTAURANTS
1. **BLEU CANOE RESTAURANT: Phone: 706-947-1833
Located on Lake Burton, about 20 minutes from our home via GA Hwy
197
to Laurel Ridge Road. Enter "Bleu Canoe" into your GPS to
find them
OPEN WEDNESDAY -THURSDAY: 4 PM to 9PM
OPEN FRIDAY - SUNDAY: 12 PM to 9PM
**This is one of our FAVORITE Spots!
Good food at Reasonable Prices.
2. LAKE BURTON GRILL and BOWLINE TAKEAWAY GRILL &
BAR
[SEASONAL OPERATION - In the Same Building with Laparade's Marina]
25 Shoreline Trail, Clarkesville, GA 30523. PHONE:
706-222-7060
Located on Lake Burton, about 25 minutes from our home via GA Hwy
197.
LAKE BURTON MARINAS
1. **LAPRADE'S MARINA on Lake Burton
25 Shoreline Trail, Clarkesville, GA 30523.
PHONE: 706-947-0010
Located on Lake Burton, about 25 minutes from our
home via GA Hwy 197.
FULL SIZE BOAT RENTALS [Pontoon Boats and fishing
boats]
**This is one of our FAVORITE Spots!
2. ANCHORAGE BOAT DOCK on Lake Burton
75 Timpson Cove Road, Clayton, GA. 30525.
PHONE 706-782-5193
Family owned since 1967, "one of the few
remaining treasure of Lake Burton"
[Usually has better prices than Laparade's Marina, but
further from our home]
LAKE RABUN MARINA
RABUN BOAT HOUSE ["HALL'S BOATHOUSE"]
1897 Lake Rabun Road, Lakemont, GA 30552. PHONE: 706-782-2628
WHITE WATER RAFTING:
1. CHATTOOGA RIVER near Clayton, Georgia:
1 hour from our home The movie “Deliverance” with Burt Reynolds was filmed
on this river.
SOUTHEASTERN EXPEDITIONS: 800-868-7238
**This is one of our FAVORITE Rafting Outfitters!
Located on the Chattooga River near Clayton, GA. About a one hour drive
from our home.
Chattooga River near Clayton, GA
.jpg)
2. NANTAHALA RIVER in North Carolina [Near Bryson City,
NC]:
Located about 1 1/2 hours from our home.
NOC [Nantahala Outdoor Center]: 866-336-1037
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
We hope that all this information will help you as you plan your
relaxing stay in our home, Mountain Laurel Chalet. We look forward to
having you as guests in our home, and we hope that you will return to
stay with us again soon.
Please tell your family and friends about us, too!
Your Host:
STEVE
For MOUNTAIN LAUREL CHALET, your Private Vacation Retreat!
P.S. The Helen Chamber of commerce link is also a good source of local information.
Labels: Georgia, LOCAL ACTIVITIES and INFORMATION for Helen and Sautee
