71 Things to Do & Places to Eat in Helen GA near Bison View Lodge
Welcome to Helen. One of the Georgia’s most visited tourist towns. With some of the southeast’s best hiking, clearest water, award winning wineries, and charming mountain towns in close proximity, why go anywhere else? Whether you’re staying at the 5 Star Bison View Lodge Corporate & Family Retreat Center or someplace in town, there’s lots to see and do. Here are over 70 things to get you started.
Great Places to Eat near Bison View Lodge
These are our own favorite spots. While there are others, we have found these gems to be have reliable service and good food.
Harvest Habersham – Farm to Table in Sautee Nacoochee Village – Reservations required (fills up a week or two in advance)
Cowboys and Angels – Downtown Helen – Great American style food.
Campfire - Newly opened in 2024, Campfire has been a great addition to Downtown Helen
Yonah Burger – 55 years in business. Be sure to check their hours. Great for a quick lunch or breakfast biscuit if visiting Cleveland, GA or hiking Mount Yonah.
Hofer's Bakery - Some of the most delicous pastries in all of North Georgia. Also has a great breakfast.
Hoochie's River Basket - Want to know the place the locals eat? This is it! A quick mile drive north of Helen. Great breakfast sandwiches and burgers. Only open certain hours, so check before going.
Outside the Box Things to Do in Helen GA
Visit the Babyland General Hospital, home of the Cabbage Patch Kids dolls
Go horseback riding at the Sunny Farms North or the Chattahoochee Stables
Go gem mining at the Dukes Creek Gold & Ruby Mines
GPS Scavanger hunt https://www.unicoilodge.com/adventures/gps-scavenger-hunt/
Go apple picking at Mercier Orchards
3-D Archery at Unicoi State Park
Warm Weather Things to Do:
Play a round of golf at the Innsbruck Golf Resort
Go rafting with Appalachian Outfitters
Visit the Helen Water Park
Go canoing or kayaking on the Chattahoochee River with Helen Tubing or Cool River Adventures
Rent a pontoon boat and enjoy beautiful Lake Chatuge
Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad, one of North Georgia’s most popular day trips.
"I’m Feeling Sophisticated” Places to Go:
Take a tour of the Habersham Winery
Check out the exhibits at the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center
Explore the Helen Arts & Heritage Center
Go on a wine tasting tour of the region’s wineries with North Georgia Wine Tours
Visit the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center
Take a guided tour of the Yonah Mountain Vineyards
Take a tour of the Nacoochee Valley Agricultural Museum
“Adventure & Hiking” Things to Do in Helen
Go ziplining at Cool River Adventures or Unicoi State Park
Go mountain biking on the trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest
Hike the trails at Unicoi State Park or Smithgall Woods State Park
Visit the Anna Ruby Falls
Go hiking in the Raven Cliff Wilderness Area
Hike portions of the Appalachian Trail
Visit the Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia (has hiking trails)
Go hiking in the Tray Mountain Wilderness Area
Go white water rafting on the Chattahoochee River
Paddle Board at Unicoi State Park
Mountain Biking at Unicoi State Park or Chattahoochee National Forest
Fly fishing at Unicoi State Park
Go biking at Smithgall Woods State Park
Take your ATV or dual sport/dirt bike to the trails. Here’s a list.
Visit the Iron Mountain Offroad Park and take in 4300 acres of private trails & views.
“The Kid in All of Us” Things to Do in Helen Georgia
Visit the Alpine Mini Golf and Go Karts
Play laser tag at the Alpine Fun Factory
Go birdwatching at the Smithgall Woods State Park
Explore the Hardman Farm State Historic Site (petting zoo)
Visit the Georgia Antique Truck Museum
Go fishing in the Chattahoochee National Forest or Smithgall Woods State Park
Get YUMMY German Desserts at the Hofer German Bakery
Visit the Georgia Northeastern Railroad Museum
Visit the Babyland General Hospital’s Cabbage Patch Kids Museum
Visit the Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia
Check out the animals at the Georgia Wildlife Conservation Park
Take a ride on the Georgia Mountain Coaster while shopping in Helen
“I Like Driving” Things to Explore
Visit the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Take a scenic drive on the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway
Take a scenic drive on the Unicoi Turnpike
Take a scenic drive on the Georgia Wine Highway
Go on a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains
Visit Clarksville, GA and the Miles Through Time Auto Museum https://milesthroughtime.com/
Other Things to Do in Helen GA:
Grab coffee at the Jumping Goat in Cleveland GA with epic views of Mount Yonah
Take a tour of the Habersham Distillery
Visit the Georgia Mountain Market
Visit the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery
Go shopping at the Helen Oktoberfest-themed stores
Visit the Nacoochee Indian Mound
Stay at one of the amazing cabins at Bison View Lodge
Visit the Christmas Lights of Helen from Dec 1 to Jan 30.
Take a tour of the Habersham Creamery
Get “Adult Ice Cream” at Das Ice Cream (kid friendly flavors as well) https://dasicecreamcafe.com/
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