A HOLIDAY GETAWAY

These two North Georgia towns o er the perfect holiday vacation.

// BY MELISSA PETERSON

If Christmastime has you in the mood for cooler weather and some holiday cheer, a trip north could make all the difference. These two Southeast locales are just a day’s drive away and can help you celebrate the season in a special way.

A BAVARIAN CHRISTMAS There is no other town in Georgia that packs in quite as much charm as Helen. At just a little more than two square miles in size, Helen is the state’s third most visited city. This small but mighty Bavarian town has a history dating back to 1969 and is located an hour and a half north of Atlanta.

“The popular destination originated as the brainchild of leaders who sought to create a place for visitors to enjoy while traveling through the Northeast Georgia Mountains,” Helen, Georgia says Katie Reeder, director of public relations with Laurie Rowe Communications. “Helen, now known as Alpine Helen, transformed itself with gingerbread trim, cobblestone alleyways and old-world towers to become the very embodiment of the Bavarian charm we know today. With sweeping mountain views, rolling hills and beautiful vineyards, modern-day Alpine Helen couldn’t be more picturesque.”

Helen is the perfect backdrop for your family’s holiday vacation. In fact, the town’s architecture and holiday scenery are so delightful that the Lifetime movie Christmas Love Letter was lmed there. Holiday events this year include the annual Mistletoe Market at the Helen Arts & Heritage Center. This indoor holiday marketplace o ers handcrafted merchandise. Visitors can also celebrate a Victorian Christmas at the Hardman Farm State Historic Site where they can see the house dressed in period holiday décor while learning about Victorian holiday traditions from docents in their nest 1870s garb. But the main event of the season is Helen’s annual Christkindlmarkt, a German tradition that o ers specialty gift items, decorations, assorted savory foods, drinks and candied treats at the Helen Market Platz.

If you’re looking for the perfect lodging spot, plan a stay in a premium bed and breakfast. Bernie’s Nacoochee Valley Guest House and Restaurant will certainly take your vacation up a notch.

“Built in 1920, this fabulous bed and breakfast o ers the loveliest of views, gorgeous gardens, ne dining and hospitality aplenty,”

Dahlonega, Georgia

says Katie.

While there are plenty of holiday happenings to keep you busy, Northeast Georgia o ers other recreational options, including panning for gold at Dukes Creek Mines in nearby Sautee Nacoochee. While you’re there, the Alpine Speedway features the Georgia Mountain Coaster, o ering a thrilling ride down the mountain. Learn all about it at dukescreek.com.

“From leisurely strolls to hiking and biking, every season o ers a reason to visit this Georgia mountain town,” says Katie. “Memories for a lifetime are guaranteed!” SMALL TOWN HOLIDAY Just 45 minutes southeast of Helen, Dahlonega is another small town full of holiday charm, and because it’s nearby, the cities can be explored during the same trip or completely on their own.

Dahlonega is simply magic at all times of the year but especially during Christmas.

“It is a time of coming together in our small town,” says Courtney Randolph, communications coordinator for the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber & Visitors Bureau. “Dahlonega Christmas is put on by the Old-Fashioned Christmas Committee, a group of merchants and volunteers that work very hard to make our town a beautiful place. They have done a wonderful job of convincing many of our shops to stay open later so that our guests can enjoy the lights and a carriage ride, strolling entertainers and more.”

New events are planned for this year’s festivities, including private Creative Christmas classes, Christmas Co ee tastings and a Christmas Tea & Paint. The Christmas Market features the opportunity to shop for homemade baked goods and treats, while the Festival of Trees event is a collection of 10-12 decorated Norway Spruce trees displayed in Hancock Park. The annual Alpine Speedway Christmas parade will be held on December 12, and the Dahlonega Carriage & Horse Rides will be held at certain times of the month.

“Our town has always loved Christmas,” says Courtney. “We always knew it was special, but when Southern Living shared a ve-page spread in their holiday issue a few years ago, we knew it would no longer be a secret. We have also been the site of a few Christmas movies. The Hallmark Channel lmed one of its signature seasonal hits, Christmas in Homestead, in Dahlonega a couple of years ago.”

When looking for a place to rest your head, the Smith House Inn & Restaurant is an excellent spot for lodging in the historic district, as well as the prime choice for Southern dining. Recreation in the area includes many waterfalls and hiking trails, which take on a lovely wintery appearance during the colder months. Dahlonega is also known as the Heart of Wine Country, so consider visiting one of the eight wineries while you’re in the area.

But even with all these fun activities, the best of the season still comes back to the Christmas revelry.

“I love to stop by the Picnic Café & Dessertery for a peppermint hot chocolate,” says Courtney. “But my favorite part is strolling the historic district after the lights all come on at dusk.”

Sounds like the perfect holiday scene to us!