Venture Out

Oktoberfest is an extended holiday dedicated to celebrating German culture through stylish lederhosen, overfilled steins, juicy brats, and only the best live music. What better place to experience these festivities than Helen? This city oozes Bavarian culture, and so Oktoberfests in Helen are some of the most authentic on this side of the Atlantic.

While most cities stop the Oktoberfest celebrations at beers and brats, Helen wants to show you just how much more there is to this holiday. The live bands will have plenty of accordions, cowbells, and alphorns—and the residents won’t be shy to show off their polka skills. If this sounds like your cup of tea, bring the kids and dogs too. This celebration is one for the whole family!

Now, that may seem hard to do given just how much diverse grub there is to be enjoyed. Luckily for you, it’s that time of the year when the city puts together a food festival so you can gorge yourself on all of the delicious local crafts in one place at the same time! Say hello to Taste of Helen.

Taste of Helen will take place on August 14 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The festivities will take place right at the Helen Festhalle. Your ticket will provide you with samples from the best local eateries so you can experience all the gastronomic bliss that Helen has to offer. Since you’re in Helen, you will also, of course, have the best beer around to wash it all down with!

Restaurants will always have a shank on the menu and only the best beer in the world will make its way to your glass. As you make your way through the picturesque streets, you will be greeted with plenty of shopping opportunities and venues to see.

Maybe you’ll be feeling up to an award-winning pastry or sandwich at Hofer’s of Helen. Better yet, maybe you want to take a trip under the bridge and drink like a monster at the Troll Tavern.

Whatever your fancy, Downtown Helen is the perfect compliment to your stay at Valhalla Resort Hotel. Make the most out of your trip to Helen and get a real taste of the Bavarian life.

One good way to start the sight-seeing journey is with the Chattahoochee River. This gorgeous meandering river is both a destination and a vehicle that allows you to get a unique tour of Helen.

If you head about a mile south of Valhalla Resort Hotel, you will find the Chattahoochee River and the many tube and water gear rentals that line it. Floating down this lazy river is one of the best ways to not only see Helen but also to get an adventure out of it.

There are several drop-off points with more information available at most tube rental shops. Be sure to start your adventure early, as the river can get pretty packed during peak times and holidays. This trip is a local gem!

It makes sense, then, that we’re right next to the Unicoi Wine Trail. Made up of seven vineyards, it snakes by the Blue Ridge Mountains, through small towns, and along the Chattahoochee National Forest. From our property, the full route clocks in at 38 miles roundtrip — and each mile is worth it.

Each winery offers a different experience: Generous tastings, stunning scenery, and more ensure that everybody — even those who’d don’t drink — leaves satisfied. And during the cold season, there’s even more to do. Despite the chilly weather, the trail comes alive thanks to the Winter Wine Passport, an annual, three-day event that offers discounted access to each member vineyard.

Find your keys and grab a map; your tastebuds will thank you.