You don’t need a passport to experience Bavaria, just an appetite and a winding mountain road leading to Helen, Georgia. This improbable Alpine village, where the Blue Ridge Mountains mimic the German countryside, serves something rare in America: authenticity. Here, the bratwurst snaps with the same vigor as in Munich’s beer halls, the schnitzel arrives

Spring in Helen is truly something special—this is the time of year when the North Georgia mountains awaken with a vibrant display of natural beauty and a bevy of outdoor opportunities for fun. Wildflowers paint the hillsides in a riot of rich colors and the friendly vibes of the area are especially high. If you’re