Helen, GA — Photo courtesy of Jeff Gunn Bavaria?  You'll think so, when you arrive in charming Helen, Georgia, about two hours away from Atlanta.  This entire village, in the cool mountains of north Georgia, is built with an alpine theme. 

The best way to see downtown Helen is from a romantic horse-drawn buggy tour. You have a broad selection, including narrated tours that will help you learn more about Helen. This treat will give you background about the area, which is especially entertaining if you have never been to Helen before, or you don't know much about the city. You can also have the driver take you to a romantic lunch or on a trip along the Chattahoochee River.

Have lunch at Paul’s Steakhouse where you can try U.S. Choice grilled prime rib. Add jumbo shrimp and a lobster tail if you like. The restaurant had a good selection of appetizers, ranging from fried mushrooms to fried frog legs. 

After your meal, why not visit a winery?  Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards  has a tasting room where you and your significant other learn about some of the best wines from Georgia. You can sit and talk with the winemaker, and if it’s not too dark yet, enjoy the view of the mountains from the deck. Don’t forget to take a gift basket or a bottle of your favorite wine with you when you depart. Call ahead for these private tastings, and remember to designate a driver (or better yet, arrange for transportation to the winery) to navigate the winding mountain roads.

Outdoor lovers should put on their walking shoes and head for the Anna Ruby Falls Visitor’s  Center. On a clear day, you can take a refreshing walk along the paved foot path, starting from the lot at the center and leading to the foot of the Anna Ruby Falls. You could spend about 30 minutes or longer on the path, and the walk has been described  as easy to moderate by the Helen Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.

Retreat with your loved one in a cozy, romantic cabin at Smithgall Woods. The cabins are located in a natural setting with cute streams. You certainly will not feel as though you are roughing it if you stay at Smithgall Woods. Contact Georgia State Parks for reservations.