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Wineries, folk pottery, outdoor adventures and German eats make for a memorable getaway for two
An hour north of Atlanta, Alpine Helen-White County feels a world away with mountain vistas, crisp air, waterfalls and a decidedly European ambiance along a riverfront downtown. Plan a romantic escape without breaking the budget with these top five experiences:
- Savor a sip with your sweetie at area wineries including: CeNita Vineyards and Winery with magnificent views of Yonah Mountain; Habersham Winery, recipient of over 150 medals; Yonah Mountain Vineyards, home to Georgia’s only wine cave; Serenity Cellars, celebrating the fusion of wine, music and art in a setting with Tuscan sensibilities; Cottage Vineyard and Winery with beautiful vineyard wedding settings and 360-degree mountain views; and, Kaya Vineyards and Winery with breathtaking view of the vineyards.
- Unveil the cultural side of this mountain town with a trip to The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, set in a post and beam building, and the only museum in the nation devoted exclusively to folk pottery, showcasing a 200-year tradition of men and women who shaped the earth and water of the Georgia mountains into once essential household items now valued and collected as distinctive folk art. Nearby, the Sautee Nacoochee Center offers a regional history museum, a gallery showcasing works by local artists, a performing arts venue and art classes.
- Embark on heart-pounding excursions like ziplining, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking and nearby whitewater rafting. Take a hike at Anna Ruby Falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest, which has more than 40,000 acres in White County; follow the moderate ½-mile paved trail that leads to two viewing decks of these twin waterfalls. At Unicoi State Park and Adventure Lodge and Adventure Lodge, take advantage of educational programming including workshops, lectures and concerts. Also available: hiking, birding, guided tours, nature photography and wildlife observation, canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking on Unicoi Lake. Gain perspective as you soar to new heights with seasonal hot air balloon or helicopter rides that give a new vantage point of the surrounding beauty. Hop in the saddle with horseback riding or take it to two wheels as you zoom up and down tree-lined paths while mountain biking. Outdoor enthusiasts can even find adventures like zip lining at Nacoochee Outdoor Adventures or Sunburst Stables, just nine miles from city center. The only company in the area to offer twilight zipline tours, Sunburst Stables is also the only ziplining locale in Georgia to offer multiple 1,000 foot lines. In the evening, wind down with a round of miniature golf–or spend the day playing the greens of an 18-hole championship course. At the end of your adventure, put everything back in perspective at the mountaintop Spa at Mandela with sunrise yoga, meditation and rejuvenating treatments including anti-stress facials and Stress Reliever massages.
- At Nacoochee Village Tavern & Pizzeria, the brick hearth pizza oven is in near constant use cooking artisan pizzas. Pizza dough is made daily using flour from Nora Mill Granary, a water-powered grist mill established in 1875 that’s located across the street. Helen abounds with a menu of international treats including the authentic German bakery of Hofer’s and the Old Bavaria Inn where German food, stein sales, lederhosen sales and much more contribute to the experience. German food, beer and wine reign at the Old Heidelberg restaurant while at Higher Ground Coffee & More a warmly brewed cuppa is the perfect pairing for the homemade fudge and other sweet confections from the Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen. At Muller’s Famous Café, savor delicious European specialties in a cozy and intimate atmosphere. When you want to indulge without leaving your cabin, find anything at Betty’s Country Store needed to build a memorable meal, including local, homemade and specialty items, groceries, produce, an amazing selection of beverages, delicious baked goods, cheeses, and a well-stocked deli; plus, locally-famous Betty’s Black Bean Salsa. While out and about exploring Helen, refuel at Fred’s Famous Peanuts which began nearly 30 years ago as a roadside stand. And, be sure to stop by the Old Sautee Store, in existence since 1872 and famous for the combination of old store museum, gourmet foods and fine jewelry.
- Every good day should end with a great night’s sleep and Helen doesn’t disappoint when it comes to providing a cozy place to nod off. Mountain cabins and lodges accommodate couples or you can sleep close to your next meal at a downtown hotel, many offering complimentary breakfast.