Sometimes, we parents just need a break! What’s better than a little getaway somewhere close to home – but far enough you must stay overnight? Nothing!
Over the weekend my husband and I took our annual pilgrimage to Helen – home of the best Oktoberfest in Georgia! That’s right, only 2 hours from home there’s an entire Alpine Village just waiting for you to explore.
We started going to Helen seven years ago when we began dating, camping with friends. This year we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites on the main road which was amazing as we were a short walk from everything in town including the Festhalle. 
After arriving in town on Friday we decided to explore town a bit, check out all the beer tents, but ultimately ended up at the Festhalle. It’s our favorite because of the bands, dancefloor, beer choices, apple strudel, beer cheese, and ultimately the people watching and laughs! While we didn’t take our daughter, the event is open to the entire family – there’s even a dancefloor for kids.
On Saturday we slept in, hiked up to Anna Ruby Falls, then decided to go on to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee for their Fall Festival. Only 30 miles away from Helen, the town provided amazing BBQ at The Happy Hawg, antique shopping at Hiawassee Antique Mall and the views of Lake Chatuge are amazing!
While the fair itself was small, there were several fun vendors and a tiger show too! We then made our way over to our main stop of the day, the Anderson Music Hall. The facility was built in 1979 and has hosted thousands of shows through the years.
What made me most happy? It was my fifth try, and first time seeing the newest invitee to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry Ashley McBryde. She’s amazing. Seriously. I think we could be great friends in ‘real life!’ My husband was a great sport and laughed while my inner country girl came to the forefront, dancing and singing all night.
Sunday? Well, that was a whole other adventure. I HATE HEIGHTS. Yes, I said it. My legs hurt and I literally just freak out. But I had won tickets to Nacoochee Adventures to do their Big Bear Canopy Tour, and without my approval – my husband booked our adventure. (I did drag him to a concert the night before, so I owed him….)
I did it, and I liked it. The guides were a ton of fun (bad Dad jokes and all), we made friends with others on the tour, and I didn’t scream, nor did I die. I’ll take that as a good day! So good, we went to Bigg Daddy’s to celebrate before driving home.
Ready to book your trip? While you don’t have to go during Oktoberfest, there are two weekends remaining…
#findyourfamilyfun #dallasgamk #ashleymcbryde #oktoberfest #helenga #explorega #zipline #nacoocheeadventures #ihg #biggdaddys
