You are here: Home > Uncategorized > Early Italian Renaissance Artist

Early Italian Renaissance Artist

Posted in Uncategorized | November 15th, 2010

early italian renaissance artist

Hi Ho To The Blue Ridge Mountains We Go

We don’t as a rule associate the word “Alpine” with the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia, but the city of Helen is a small piece of the Bavarian Alps that found its way into this region of Dixie. In addition to the hiking trails and whitewater rafting you would expect to come across in this part of the southern Appalachians, there is a three month Oktoberfest that lasts from the late summer until the middle of fall every year, a traditional Bavarian Christmas Alpenlights celebration, and yet an additional transplanted Germanic tradition, das volksmarch. The best place to enjoy Oktoberfest is from one of the numerous cabin rentals in the region, or a deluxe room in one of Helen’s lovely European themed inns.

Originally inhabited by Cherokee Indians, the area was the site of a gold discovery in 1828. For over seventy years, prospectors and for profit mining companies labored deposits that rivaled those in the Rockies and the Sierras. The gold fields were mostly played out by 1900, but the timber industry moved in shortly thereafter. With the installation of the railroad, the township of Helen was formed in 1913. The timber trade was short lived. By 1931, the trees were cut down and by 1960, all that remained was a string of cement block houses. The town’s renaissance commenced in the early 1970s as it begun to reinvent itself in the Bavarian style, influenced by an artist who had served with the U.S. Army in Germany. Today, Helen is one of the most popular destination resorts in the region.

The Chattahoochie River supplies recreational opportunities for whitewater rafting and inner tubing, while the adjoining mountains offer hikers a chance to get out into nature and the different woodland species up close and personal. Mountain inns that include hot tubs are obtainable for romantic getaways, and the town itself is residence to several specialty shops and four star dining establishments, including an authentic Bavarian Hofbrau Haus, featuring the unique food of Germany’s southern region. German and northern Italian cuisine can also be tried at The Troll, one of Helen’s more flavorful eateries.

Easily available family activities include golf, mountain biking, fishing and horseback riding. In fact, there is practically no better means to tour this part of the Blue Ridge than from the back of a horse. Check out Chattahoochie Backcountry Treks and Sunburst Stables for more information.

For hikers, one of the most wonderful places to visit is Anna Ruby Falls, one of the four waterfalls in the immediate area in Unicoi State Park. The falls are just over 800 yards from an enhanced public access area, and are in fact two separate falls with the bigger of the two topping out at greater than 150 feet high.

Of course, just because you are out in and in the company of nature does not mean you have to rough it. North Georgia bed breakfasts include all the comforts of home including cable TV and wireless internet access. The proprietors of these lodgings are more than happy to reveal the rich history of the region as well as recommend other interesting site seeing tours and wonderful local restaurants.