By Laura Lyon

Roughly an hour and a half outside of Gwinnett County, nestled in the heart of North Georgia, the quirky town of Helen with a Bavarian facade is opening its doors and tapping its kegs for Oktoberfest. 

Now in its 56th year, the Helen Chamber of Commerce invites everyone of all ages to don their dirndls and lederhosen and join the festivities taking place at the Helen Festhalle Thursdays–Sundays from September 10–27, then nightly from October 1 through November 1. The official kickoff is Saturday, September 12, at 12:00 p.m. when the Oktoberfest Parade concludes with the tapping of the first keg at the Festhalle Biergarten. From there, it’s German food, booze and polka music all over town. 

Personally, I love knackwurst and German potato salad, which is very different from American potato salad because it’s warm with a strong vinegar flavor. Restaurants like The Heidelberg and Hofbrauhaus Restaurant have plenty of wursts on the menu. I’ve also never met a dessert I didn’t like, so you’ll find me on the hunt for Black Forest cake and apple strudel at the Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe. 

There are plenty of ways to lodge if you want to make it a long weekend. Valhalla Resort Hotel and Uhuburg (Eagle Owl Castle) are two establishments that are in keeping with the fun, kitsch theme. There is no shortage of cabin rental companies like Cabin Rentals of Helen and Blue Creek Cabins. Additionally, campgrounds and RV parking are nearby. 

As you arrive, please note that there is one road in and one road out as the Unicoi Turnpike becomes Main Street. An estimate from the chamber suggests upwards of 50,000 people will descend on this cozy mountain town with a population of less than a thousand people, so remember your breathing exercises as you navigate traffic.

If a trek out of town is not in the cards, some local offerings include Kurt’s Euro Bistro in Duluth and The Village Corner German Bakery just over the Gwinnett line in Stone Mountain. As they say to toast in German, “Prost!” to you, festivalgoers!