IDEAL DESTINATION The Bavarian-inspired village of Helen , tucked into the Northeast Georgia mountains, is an ideal fall destination for its annual Oktoberfest celebration. Starting in late September, the beer-centric event runs over multiple weeks and features German delicacies, traditional costumes plus dancing to live polka music in the festhalle. Outdoor lovers will revel in picturesque hikes with dazzling fall colors for all ability levels at nearby Unicoi and Smithgall Woods state parks , as well as a host of spectacular waterfalls waiting to be discovered. Prefer to see the views with a side of adventure? Settle into a cart on the Georgia Mountain Coaster , an alpine rollercoaster where you control the speed—leave the brake off to hit up to 28 miles per hour. Round out your experience by perusing more than 200 specialty boutiques and cool down with a brew and bratwurst at King Ludwig’s Biergarten . DON’T-MISS EVENTS The six-week Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival features a pie-eating contest, party parade with glowing scenes, pumpkin-themed laser show and more starting in mid-September. From livestock shows and barrel racing to leather art, sewing and soap carving, there’s something for every age and interest at the 11-day Georgia National Fair . It’s held at Perry’s 600-acre Georgia National Fairgrounds in October. The annual Gold Rush Days , an October weekend festival celebrating the 1828 Dahlonega gold discovery, is set against a backdrop of brilliant fall color. 44 #EXPLOREGEORGIA HELEN/ANNIE JIANG SCAN CODE for more fall fun.
Official State Travel Guide 2023 Georgia Official State Travel Guide: Page 44
