Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Aldeer General Forum Weekend Christmas Trip

Was thinking about my daughter and I taking a short weekend trip to one of the north Georgia mountain towns for Christmas, (she’s 15) was thinking about Helen, Blue Ridge or Dahlonega? Any suggestions on which one or any I may be missing?

My wife just mentioned a trip to Helen also. Never been, but I'm expecting a lot of crowds that time of year.

I was lured into the Helen Ga. spiderweb about 8 years ago during Octoberfest. Never going back. It's not at all what I expected and I don't recommend it.

Chattanooga too…go to rock city etc we have enjoyed it. Anywhere up there would be beautiful

Of the ones you mentioned I'd go to Blue Ridge. The train ride to McCaysville is nice.

What kind of stuff do you two like to do together?

Shops, restaurants, hiking, fishing, shows...?

It might be cold for too much outdoor stuff, depending on the weekend.

My first thought, since it's a 15 year old girl, would be Helen. There's lots of shops and restaurants there, but depending on the weekend, it could get crowded.

I would suggest Bryson City, NC and see all the shops and restaurants there, plus they have the Polar Express Train. Of course lots of mountains to ride around and explore around those parts too. Franklin,

Or maybe take her to Winston - Salem, NC and check out the historic sights like the Moravian Village. It's like a small version of Colonial Williamsburg, which is outstanding.

Or maybe take her to Ashville, NC and go check out the Biltmore Estate and the Biltmore Village. That would be cool for a 15 year old gal to see.

Helen is pretty disappointing. Of the ones you mentioned, I would vote Blue Ridge.

Helen looks like a small version of Gatlinburg. I ain’t interested in shopping. I worked in Blue Ridge and like it better because it seems more laidback. Southern Charm Restaurant in really good, especially the trout.

She’d be more into the shops, restaurants, shows, attractions, & maybe some sightseeing

With that said, don’t rule out Chattanooga. Much more to do.

Well... I know it's a little farther away, but Asheville would be really cool and special for her. See if you can take an extra day and take her there. A day to get there, A day to get back and two days there. So make it a 4 day weekend and really do something cool with Ashville.

If not there then Bryson City, NC.

In both places try to stay somewhere where you both can just walk and explore the town from your room.

Asheville is fantastic! My MIL lives close. She’s in Waynesville.

Been to biltmore twice . It was good but pricey now . I think they have recovered from the flood . Asheville is a really nice town . Plenty shops and blue ridge parkway goes thru the middle . I think some the parkway around there is closed . Not sure . But Asheville is a pretty place . Plenty places to sightsee between there a Chattanooga across the mountains . I like the backroads .

We went to Helen mid October. It’s a small Gatlinburg. Walk down one side of the road ….shops, shirts candies leather good trinkets good eating. The other side is the same. We walked the Anna Rudy falls which was beautiful and I’m sure now with the leaves is nice.
Had to drive not far from the main strip…….The cuckoo clock place was neat to see all the different kinds. There’s a huge antique house 3-4 stories you’ll get lost in. Really cool stuff.
One full day is enough to see the main strip. 3-4 hours for the Anna ruby fall walk. We’re early 60’s and may of been the youngest ones around there.
Look up live cam Helen ga. You can see the main drive.

Blue Ridge isn't much. Dahlonega is kinda busy. If you're going to Helen, double check reviews and book yesterday.

I’d say Bryson city. Helen isn’t much if you ask me it’s better as a summer trip when you can float the creeks etc. Ashville has gotten way too liberal for my liking. Biltmore is nice but that’s about it if you ask me. I was amazed at all the graffiti and crap around the downtown area now last time I was there. Bryson city has the smoky Mt railroad plus you are right at the smokies. The deep creek area in the smokies is not far and has a few nice loop hikes not as crowded as you find on the gatlinburg/Tn side of the smokies

Helen is not worth the trip. Bryson City or Chattanooga gets the vote.

I agree with the above. We went one year, walked around and ate German food, which was the highlight of the stay, spent the night, got up the next morning and moved on to Gatlinburg for the remainder of our trip. Even though we've been to G'burg area a dozen or so times, it still beats Helen.

We’ve been to gatlinburg numerous times, just was looking for somewhere different & a little less crowded