There is a special type of joy that comes from souvenir shopping while traveling. During your visit (and definitely before you head home!), check out these top local souvenir shops to take a piece of Helen, Georgia, with you.
Zuzu’s Petals Rock Shop offers a wide variety of geodes, gems, crystals, and stones. While inventory is sourced from around the world, each piece of jewelry is made in-store. A child-friendly store that offers affordable adornments, your little one can even peruse ZuZu’s Petals for a special piece of jewelry. The shop has an endorsement from MELODY (Love Is in The Earth Series), and her books are sold in-store. Existing designs at this sparkly shop can also be customized to perfectly reflect your style and love of the mineral kingdom!
To take a step back in time to an era gone by, stop by Betty’s Country Store. For over 40 years, Betty’s Country Store has offered thousands of homemade and specialty delicacies. From breakfast biscuits to lunch sandwiches, to freshly cut steaks from Creekstone Black Angus Farm, to gourmet cheeses, salads, and deli meat, there is something for everyone at Betty’s Country Store. A selection of local and imported beer and wine is also available—perfect for grabbing a tasty sip to take back to your cabin or hotel room. Grocery options are plentiful, including fresh produce and frozen foods as well as assorted medicines and beauty items. Don’t forget to purchase a homemade pie, cookie, cupcake, or brownie, either! Local favorites include Betty’s Famous Carrot Cake and Betty’s Black Bean Salsa. Be sure to pick up some jams, pickles, syrups, or salad dressings to take home too!
Fred’s Famous Peanuts is a roadside country store that offers “The Best Peanuts in the Mountains.” Roasted or boiled peanuts, as well as other local staples like beef jerky, preserves, butters, salsas, and other assorted sauces are available. Handmade hiking sticks and baskets are also ready to make your Helen explorations easier. Enjoy free samples as you explore the grounds, which happen to be the front of owners Fred and Diane Jenkins’ home. You can even turn the stop into a photo op by posing with life-size soft sculptures by the peanut shack, the gravity-fed waterwheel, or baskets full of flowers located on the grounds.
Nora Mill Granary is an operational gristmill that produces corn and wheat-based products, including tasty assorted mixes (pancake/waffle/biscuit/bread), grits, cornmeal, and flours. Most products are ground daily on-site. The gift shop, “Nora Mill Next Door,” is a country store with thousands of items including cast iron skillets and abundant samples. Products can also be ordered online.
For a high-protein and low-fat snack, check out Jerky Snack Shack. Traditional and exotic jerky (think snake, alligator) are offered at fair prices. Other products, including an expansive selection of hot sauces, are also available for sample and purchase. Some call this the best place to buy jerky in Helen, both because of the product and customer service!
Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen is the #1 candy manufacturer in North Georgia. You will be greeted with decadent sights and heavenly aromas of hand-crafted confections with just one step inside. Watch as fudge is made on marble tables or as chocolate turtles are prepared before your eyes. Splurge on something sweet for now and later – chocolate gift boxes are available for any occasion.
Take A Piece of Helen Home with You
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, salty, or something to liven up your cooking or wardrobe once you get home, these iconic local spots in Helen, Georgia, are not to be missed. For more information about what else to get up to while you explore this Bavarian-inspired wonderland, click here today!
