Romantic getaways needn’t be built around a single red calendar day. Winter and early-spring are perfect for warming up together in the North Georgia mountains. Alpine Helen and White County, Georgia, just an hour and a half north of Atlanta, combine a getaway to a lively and colorful Bavarian village with outdoor adventure and room to wander. For couples looking for cozy intimacy along with an active mountain getaway with waterfalls, wineries and heart-stopping views, this North Georgia destination is love at first sight.
Downtown Alpine Helen is a colorful storybook village with cobblestone alleys, gingerbread-laced architecture and a lively, fun vibe. This mountain town welcomes visitors to its festive scene, where beer halls, pubs and dining stay open later in the evening and charming accommodations are just a walk away. Here couples will find one-of-a-kind shopping including Christmas décor, German-made imports, jewelry, fashion and more. In addition to snacking, sweets and bakery shops, explore plenty of casual and fine-casual dining, from authentic German cuisine to classic Southern to American steakhouse favorites.
Ready for a walk on the quiet side? Surrounding the Alpine village, White County has what serious and amateur outdoor enthusiasts crave. It’s all so accessible, yet remote and rewarding that Alpine Helen and White County have been designated by the Legislature as “Georgia’s Official Outdoor Adventure Destination.” In every direction are protected national forests, designated wilderness areas, state park land, rivers, scenic highways, roads and trails for hiking, mountain biking, tubing, kayaking, fly fishing, zip lining and more.
Close-by and remote mountain cabin rentals are plentiful, from tiny houses to lodges large enough for several couples, where fireplaces, fire pits, hot tubs and well-equipped kitchens range from rustic to luxurious. For a larger resort-style experience reminiscent of an ancient Scottish castle, Valhalla Resort Hotel offers mountain views from king and VIP suites and the area’s true fine-dining restaurant, all within the Innsbruck Golf Community. Upscale amenities include concierge, valet, spa services, a relaxing pool and options for golf, hiking, fly fishing, winery tours and more are offered.
Just outside the historic village of Sautee-Nacoochee, stay in a romantic luxury bed and breakfast like Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn & Spa with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Sautee Valley. From there explore the scenic community dating back to the 1800s, but its Native American roots are far deeper. Today, historic cabins have been exquisitely restored to house artist and artisan workshops and galleries, home furnishings and mercantile stores. In the old rural schoolhouse, the Sautee Nacoochee Center hosts juried events for regional artists and next door the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia is exhibiting “The Pottery of Whelchel Meaders” through April 6, 2022.
Cozy restaurants
Bodensee Restaurant offers fine German dining in a setting reminiscent of the Alps. Bodensee is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features Chef Aurel Prodan’s culinary specialties like Weiner Schnitzel or the Haus Platter of knockwurst, homemade garlic wurst and smoked pork chop with sauerkraut and German potato salad. Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Café has a warm ambience and serves a variety of authentic German and Central European cuisine, including the Czech specialty of savory ham-stuffed cheeses. Executive Chef Zdenek Muller trained at the Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management Institute in Prague and his talent shows here in exciting and satisfying specials. Sit inside or out on the deck while noshing on Southern specialties at the more lively Cowboys & Angels Restaurant and Bar. Choose from soups and salads, steaks or a crazy good bison burger. Choose a craft brew, your favorite wine or have the bartender mix up a premium cocktail. A charming Southern cottage and gardens in the North Georgia hills sets the stage for a romantic dining experience at Bernie’s Restaurant. Step into to a home filled with antique sideboards, linen-topped tablescapes, china, sterling silver and fresh flowers. Memorable meals sourced from local ingredients are paired perfectly with Georgia wines.
Waterfalls and wine
After peak leaf season through early spring, waterfalls and trails are even less traveled and the views open up, offering a totally different perspective on the landscape. Don’t miss the twin waterfalls known as Anna Ruby Falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest adjacent to Unicoi State Park; but, there are plenty more to be discovered. Find them all on the Alpine Helen-White County website’s waterfall guide. White County wineries are the perfect setting for views, proposals (and perhaps a future wedding?). Enjoy spectacular panoramas while sipping in the tasting rooms or out on the decks. Check out the listings for several transportation companies in the link above for a fun, safe and informative multi-vineyard experience.
Helen leads to so many new and renewed love stories that many couples return to plan their weddings and engagement photography here. To find out how to design a dream experience, go to www.HelenGA.org/love-life-little-things/weddings.
While traveling, please heed area COVID safety policies and guidelines and check each attraction and lodging’s COVID protocols.
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