From accommodations to dining, bark parks and trails, every dog has its day (and night) in this entertaining mountain town
ALPINE HELEN-WHITE COUNTY, GEORGIA–MAY 2022–Looking for a destination that’s as much fun for pets as it is for people? An hour and a half north of Atlanta in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Bavarian town of Alpine Helen and White County provides all the amenities for fur-kids and their families. From luxury and budget-friendly accommodations to outdoor dining, trails, bark parks and grooming, every dog will enjoy its day (and night) along with its humans.
Lodging
Pups love properties that offer room for roaming and exploring the riverbank, like Riverbend Motel and Cabins and the Helendorf River Inn. Biscuit Inn is a small motel just four miles north of town that caters to cats and canines on 1.5 acres. Choose from four themed rooms with microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker and a small porch; all include a bone shaped pet bed and a bag of “gourmutt” treats. Satellite TV but no phones and no internet means a true vacation for fur-families (two-night minimum stay, 3573 Highway 356, Sautee, Georgia 30571;
706-892-9837). Also on the budget-friendly, pet friendly list are brands such as Amerivu Inn and Suites and Quality Inn. Red Roof Inn Helen, a mile from downtown and within walking distance of shops and restaurants, where large dogs are welcome, with no pet fee. Newly-renovated rooms, a pool and a fenced-in dog park with water and a waste station add to the appeal. Rates start at $64 per night (78171 South Main Street, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-8888).
On the luxury end, Valhalla Resort Hotel and Solasta Spa has stunning views of the North Georgia mountains, three fine and casual dining choices and a rooftop sky bar. It’s a relaxing retreat perfect for hiking, wine tasting, golfing and spa services. Furry guests are provided with a doggie bowl, treats and waste pick-up bags, and can visit the patio dining and outside sky bar (688 Bahn Innsbruck Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-2200).
Cabins are another great choice for larger families with pets. Check out Adventure Lodge-Unicoi State Park for rustic, modern cabins with great views, outdoor amenities like ziplining and nature programs and close proximity to popular Anna Ruby Falls. A wide range of cabin styles and settings can be found via Bear Creek Lodge & Cabins, Cabin Rentals of Helen, Georgia Mountain Rentals and many other rental services. Check here for a full listing of pet-friendly properties, or call or visit the Alpine Helen-White County website.
Roaming and river fun
One of Helen’s most iconic experiences is floating the Chattahoochee River, and dogs can join the fun with Cool River Tubing. Lap-sized dogs can ride with their humans, and for no extra charge larger dogs can enjoy their own personal tube (706-878-9471). If Fido needs a fluff-up after a river run, The Barking Lot offers professional grooming, as well as boarding during the times pets are unable to accompany their people (5 East Jarrard Street, Cleveland, Georgia; 706- 865-3647).
Back on land, leashed dogs are welcome on carriage rides through Helen. Pegasus Horse Drawn Carriages drivers even have canine co-pilots. Afterward, head to Steve’s Old Time Photo at 8600 Main Street, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-7048) for a family photo–with costumes. Pet-friendly shopping can be found at Reflections Mall of Cleveland, Ga., Mt Yonah Book Exchange and The Artisans Market.
Dining with dog
Helen is an outdoor dining mecca, and pooches are welcome on patios and decks all over town. Have a dog with your dog at Chattahoochee Dog Haus, where they serve beef, turkey and vegetarian specialty dogs, corn dogs, Chicago dogs and German dogs, along with sandwiches and beer. This deck-only dining establishment serves lunch and dinner (8016 South Main Street Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-969-8912). At Hofbrauhaus Restaurant pets enjoy a free bratwurst while you dine riverside at picnic tables and savor traditional German dishes and beers (9001 North Main Street, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-2248). Hofer’s Bakery & Café is another great choice for German-inspired pastries and dishes like Hähnchen Schnitzel and Hungarian Goulasch (8758 North Main Street, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-8200). Overlooking the river and offering a wide menu (hamburgers, salads, humus, seafood and more), Café International is right on Main Street’s entertainment center (8546 South Main Street, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-3102). Cimmi’s Café is a local favorite breakfast spot for hearty portions of Southern comfort foods (8797 Main Street North, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-6037). For a full listing of local pet-friendly restaurants, visit the Alpine Helen-White County website.
As noted, pets are allowed at establishments with outside or patio service, which includes wineries and breweries. In nearby Cleveland, NoFo Cleveland offers sour ales, pales ales, saison and Berlineer Weisse (1939 Helen Highway, Cleveland, Georgia 30528; 706-809-2888). JumpinGoat Coffee Roasters & Tasting Room Cleveland has a full espresso bar, wine and mead tastings, or by the glass or bottle, craft beer and baked goods. Sitting on a large property at the base of Mt. Yonah, spectacular views and a dog park are part of the experience.
Trails and tails
Of course, most of the hiking trails and state parks all around Helen and White County welcome dogs (or cats) on leashes, including the Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail starting right in town. It’s a one-mile ADA accessible trail following the Chattahoochee River to Hardman Farm State Historic Site. Bring your pet along for this easy walk, including scenic stops and a little exercise at your own pace. Smithgall Woods State Park is another Helen retreat for hikers, anglers, picnickers and waterfall-chasers. For a more active hike, Unicoi State Park is within the Chattahoochee National Forest and offers beautiful trails leading to popular attraction points such as Anna Ruby Falls where you’ll hear the thundering rush of the double waterfalls well before you see them. Raven Cliff Falls Trail offers more challenging terrain featuring a lovely stream, waterfalls and amazing views. Just remember that Fluffy wants her owners to leave no trace, and that includes picking up after pets.
Upcoming Dog-friendly Event
49th Annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race and Festival
June 2: 7:00 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Helendorf River Inn and Conference Center
33 Munich Strasse Helen, Georgia 30545
706-878-2271
The South’s oldest balloon event and the United States’ only long-distance hot air balloon race begins (weather permitting) with about 20 hot air balloons in a colorful mass ascension in North Georgia’s Alpine Village–Helen. Race competitors and local flyers will take to the sky at 7 a.m. Thursday, June 2, 2022. While the competition to the Atlantic continues, other balloonists compete in local events beginning Thursday evening around 6:00 pm. Local flying events will take place also on Friday and Saturday. The balloons will fly around 7:30 am and 6:00 pm each day (weather permitting).
For more on where to stay, eat, and experience the charm of Bavaria in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, visit: www.HelenGA.org