Oktoberfest in Helen, GA

At the beginning of October (on our way back from Atlanta)
we spent a couple of days in the charming town of Helen, Ga.



What you'll find to be special about Helen is that the whole town
has been recreated to look like an Alpine village.



It was a pseudo-Bavaria; no passport needed!
I fell head over heels for this quaint little knock-off, really, I did.



It was filled with so much energy,
especially since the Oktoberfest celebration was underway.
In an attempt to fit in with rest of those celebrating,
we ate like the Germans...



Asking a local for a suggestion on where to eat,
she sent us to a restaurant called The Troll Tavern.
I didn't care for those tangy German potatoes, but I loved the brat!
After dinner, by foot, we made our way to the end of town.

Earlier, we overheard someone telling a visitor about Festhalle, he described it
as the best place to go to get the most authentic Oktoberfest experience.
That was a no brainer, we wanted to go there!



This place was bursting at the seams with folks having a fantastic time.
Polka music was playing, and just as we were sitting down,
they finished the chicken dance.....
but, I wanted to do the chicken dance :(



After Cody and I had our Hefeweizen, we were itching to join in on the action.
You'll be happy to know, I got to do my chicken dance, and Cody did it too!
Festhalle closed pretty early (11:30), so we made our way back to the
campsite. We had plans to go for a hike the next day.

Quick Facts

• In 1969 it was decided by some local Helen business men, that the town needed sprucing up.
  
• They had a vision to transform their town into an Alpine village to promote tourism.
• Each shop owner paid to have their own buildings renovated.
  
• Interesting tidbit: Festhalle is run by Helen's own Chamber of Commerce - built in 1979.
  
• The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 in Munich, Germany.
• Helen had their first Oktoberfest celebration in 1970.
• Helen claims that they are home of the longest running Oktoberfest in the world!
• Nearly 30,000 people come to celebrate every year.

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