Looking for a quaint mountain getaway for your family? A weekend in Helen, Georgia is the perfect destination! Located in the northeastern part of the state of Georgia in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen provides families adventure, relaxation, and more.

Even though we visited the area in February, we still found plenty of things to do including a visit to Babyland, a hike to Anna Ruby Falls, and a thrilling ride on the Georgia Mountain Coaster.

This guide will help you discover how to have an epic family getaway in this picturesque mountain town of Helen, Georgia.

A Weekend in Helen, Georgia for Families

While Helen, Georgia is a small town, there’s actually quite a bit of things to do in and around the area, even in February.

Arrival Day

If you’re traveling from Orlando, the drive is about 7.5-8 hours to Helen, so arrival day is going to be an all day affair. If you choose to fly into Atlanta, it’s about 1.5 hours to Helen.

We arrived near dinner time and decided to grab a bite to eat at Nacoochee Village Tavern. The restaurant has a variety of menu offerings, but it best known for their pizza. We opted for the pizza and it did not disappoint.

If you’re looking to grab some groceries during your stay, just down the road is Betty’s Country Store, which provides an array of items.

First Full Day of Your Weekend in Helen, Georgia

Now that you have your first full day in Helen, it’s time to let the family adventures begin! After starting your morning with breakfast, hop in the car and head to Cleveland (approx. 20 minutes) to Babyland! If you have little girls, the Cabbage Patch Kids Babyland General Hospital is such a fun activity.

Cabbage Patch Kids Babyland General Hospital

Cabbage Patch Kids dates back to the late 70’s, when artist Xavier Roberts crafted the dolls by hand, each with its own unique features. As popularity for the dolls and brand grew, Roberts wanted a place for visitors to witness the magic first hand. In 1978, Babyland was introduced and still remains a popular destination.

Babyland is open daily and offers free admission, another great reason to add this to your Helen itinerary. Once inside, you can take a walk down memory lane as you walk through the Cabbage Patch museum. Then you’ll arrive in a very large Cabbage Patch store where you can purchase your very own Cabbage Patch doll. Of course, you won’t want to miss the hourly “births” of new Cabbage Patch dolls either.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering the magic for the first time, a visit to Cabbage Patch Kids Babyland is sure to delight and inspire, leaving you with fond memories to cherish for years to

Lunch in Downtown Cleveland

After spending time at Babyland, head to downtown Cleveland where you can enjoy shopping and most importantly lunch! We had lunch at Clyde’s Table and Tavern and it’s so, so good! The restaurant itself is small, but they’re still capable of hosting large parties. Their menu features an array of burgers, sandwiches, chicken, and BBQ.

Georgia Mountain Coaster

After lunch, families can head back to downtown Helen and enjoy an adventurous ride on the Georgia Mountain Coaster. The coaster is open year round (weather permitting) and prices start at $10.

The coaster features a unique design that allows riders to control their speed, making it suitable for thrill-seekers of all ages. (Children must be at least 38 inches tall and 3 years old to ride as a passenger. While, drivers must be at least 16 years old and 54 inches tall.)

Riders can choose to cruise leisurely through the mountains or pick up the pace for a more adrenaline-fueled experience. The coaster winds its way through the forest, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery, as it twists and turns along the mountainside.

The Georgia Mountain Coaster offers an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the North Georgia mountains for every age!

Enjoy a Home Cooked Meal

After a long day of exploring, it’s the perfect time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Prepare a home-cooked meal and enjoy s’mores outside as you enjoy the scenery.

Second Full Day of Your Weekend in Helen, Georgia

Time to kick off another great day during your weekend in Helen, Georgia!

Anna Ruby Falls

Anna Ruby Falls is located in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, just a short drive from Helen. The falls are created by the merging of two separate streams, Curtis Creek and York Creek. These streams rush down the mountainside, plummeting 153 feet into the beautiful valley below. The result is a breathtaking display of natural beauty that draws visitors year round.

Visitors to Anna Ruby Falls can access the falls via a paved trail from the visitor center. The easy half-mile trail winds through lush forest and streams, offering picturesque views at every turn. The trail is accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities, making it a popular destination for families and nature enthusiasts alike.

The falls are open daily (9:00 am-5:00 pm), weather permitting. Admission to Anna Ruby Falls is $5.00 per person, 16 years and older.

We found the walk not to be difficult, while there is a 20% incline in one section of the trail. However, there are plenty of benches along the trail to take a break or to just enjoy the scenery.

Address: 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Road, Helen, GA 30545

Explore Downtown Helen, Georgia

Of course, you can’t forget to explore downtown Helen, while you’re on your Helen getaway. Downtown Helen is filled with many shops, German food, and beautiful Bavarian architecture.

Helen, formerly a quiet lumber town, underwent a stunning transformation in the late 1960s. Concerned about an economic collapse, a group of local businessmen and artists looked to 
Germany’s Bavarian communities for inspiration. They began to rebuild the town through the 
transformation of its architecture and culture to that of a Bavarian alpine community.

The process began with the renovation of buildings into Bavarian-style chalets, complete with timber-framed facades, flower boxes, and cobblestone streets. The town’s visual revamp sought to attract tourists while also revitalizing the local economy.

Today, Helen continues to thrive as a hub of tourism and cultural exchange, welcoming visitors from near and far to experience its one-of-a-kind charm and hospitality. Its story serves as a testament to the power of creativity, community, and reinvention in shaping the destiny of a small town nestled amidst the beauty of the North Georgia mountains.

After doing a bit of our own exploring, we chose to have dinner at Cowboys & Angels. They offer outdoor and indoor dining, as well as, live music. Their menu offers a variety of burgers, fish, steak, chicken, and more! The restaurant is kid-friendly and we found it to be a great choice!

Departure Day

Suddenly, your weekend getaway has come to an end and it’s time to say goodbye. Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops to explore in Helen on your way out.

Conclusion: A Weekend in Helen, Georgia

There’s no doubt about it, a weekend in Helen, Georgia is sure to be one filled with memories, adventure, and sweet memories. Despite visiting in February, we found plenty to do, from exploring the whimsical wonders of Babyland to enjoying the exhilarating Georgia Mountain Coaster. Helen is sure to be a destination visitors keep coming back to time and time again.

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