James_September-October_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 14
Old World architecture with outdoor recreation. Cobblestone-style
streets are lined with more than
150 specialty shops, authentic
German restaurants, bakeries, and
wine tasting rooms, while the surrounding mountains provide endless opportunities for adventure.
According to Jerry Brown, executive director of the Alpine Helen/
White County Georgia CVB, the
town is home to the world’s longest
Oktoberfest celebration, stretching
from September into early November, and transforms into one of
America’s most celebrated Christmas destinations during the holiday
season. The annual Lighting of the
Village, Christmas Market, Victorian Christmas at Historic Hardman
Farm, and a festive parade create a
European holiday atmosphere rarely
found in the South.
Beyond the festivals, visitors
can spend their days exploring
more than 20 waterfalls, floating
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TROUT FISHING IN BLUE RIDGE
down the Chattahoochee River,
ziplining through the mountains,
riding Georgia’s only mountain
coaster, golfing, horseback riding,
hiking, biking, or sampling wines
at local vineyards and wineries,
Brown says.
Accommodations range from
luxury mountain cabins and riverside condominiums to treehouses,
JAMES SEPTE M B E R/O C TO BE R 2 0 2 6
campgrounds, and the renowned
Unicoi State Park and Adventure
Lodge, making Helen an ideal destination for couples, families, and
outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Gilmer County
While many destinations focus
on becoming bigger, Gilmer County has taken a different approach.
