OKTOBERFEST IN HELEN, GA

1 HELEN / OKTOBERFEST

Today we travel down south to Helen, GA where this afternoon and evening you can enjoy Oktoberfest. You have an admission ticket for the Marketplace with shops, craft booths, music and dancing. Tonight, dinner is included at the Festhalle. within the Festhalle, rows of long tables are arranged so that diners can enjoy their food and the entertainment at the same time. Visitors can enjoy a variety of foods accompanied by German beer. German- style bands from around the world play on the stage for your listening and viewing pleasure.

2 HELEN TOUR / NACOOCHEE VILLAGE / FOLK POTTERY

We start the morning with a guided tour of Helen. Helen emulates a traditional Alpine village, including cobblestone streets and themed buildings. You will learn about the historical areas and points of interest surrounding the village. Afterward we travel to Cleveland, GA to the new Babyland General Hospital, voted one of the Travel Channel’s Top Ten Toylands. Babyland General Hospital is the only place in the world where you can witness the birth of a hand-sculpted Cabbage Patch Kid.

This afternoon we’ll visit Nacoochee Village, where you can browse the unique shops that are part of the Village. Enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee, a fly-fishing shop with one and a half miles of trophy trout stream or hunting for antiques at the Antique Mall, with three floors full of antiques and collectibles. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the area’s finest restaurants.

Included is a visit to the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia. The museum showcases the handcraft skills of one of the South’s premier grassroots art forms. You will also see a demonstration of a turning wheel and discuss the process of decorating and glazing folk pottery. Afterwards you will enjoy a Tour and Tasting at the Creekstone Winery. Where you can sample the wines, We end the day with a sit-down meal at one of Helens Downtown German Restaurant.

3 BLUE RIDGE SCENIC RAILWAY / OKTOBERFEST

We start today with a Trip out of Helen and over the Mountains, through the Nantahala Wilderness to the town of Blue Ridge, GA. Here you ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Departing from the charming mountain village you travel into the lush Chattahoochee National Forest, a great rail excursion. During the train ride you will be treated to a box lunch to hold your appetite.

As you return to Helen, those who wish to can spend the afternoon shopping for imported cuckoo clocks, steins, handcrafted quilts, locally made pottery, candy and baked goods and more. The more adventurous in the group can take a short hike to Anna Ruby Falls, a waterfall accessible via a half mile paved trail. Afterwards we return to the hotel for some Rest and Relaxation before enjoying another evening of Oktoberfest. Dinner is on your own this evening, Sample the German music, dancing, food & drinks at any of the local restaurants! Enjoy Waltzes, Polkas, and the Chicken Dance!

4 HOMEWARD BOUND

After breakfast we head back north on our way home with many fond memories of Oktoberfest.