You no longer have to keep track of PTO or take constant care of the kiddos living under your roof. Your time is your own to spend as you please now. Quite simply, the Golden Years are upon you. For a rejuvenatingly upscale escape cast in the amber glow of the festive fall season, set your GPS to Helen, Georgia, where you’ll find golfing, spas, antiquing, and cultural experiences that will make you believe your best days are still ahead of you.
Valhalla Resort
You’ve likely spent the majority of your life on someone else’s timetable, whether you formerly worked in the home or in a traditional 9 to 5. But when you arrive at Valhalla Resort, it’s all about you. Book a tee time at Valhalla Golf Club to get a burst of endorphins that can only be felt post-round. Scratch golfers will enjoy the challenge of elevation changes and long drives the course provides, while all (even those along for the ride in the cart!) will enjoy the natural delights of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
If you’d rather realign your mind, body, and soul by checking out of reality for a little while, the on-site Solasta Spa has every offering you could think of to be pampered. From massages, energy work, steam showers, and clinical skin care, the most pressing question you’ll have to answer all day is your line-up of spa services.
When it’s mealtime, you’ll have the luxury of meandering to one of the multiple highly rated restaurants on property to match what you’re in the mood for. For a hearty burger and beer after your round, stop into the Staghorn Grill. Caledonia serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner comprised of locally sourced Southern classics with a contemporary twist. White tablecloths and attentive waitstaff set the scene for a classically romantic meal. Afterwards, head to the top floor of the resort to sure-to-impress Sky Bar for a glass of wine to savor as the temperatures drop and the evening unfolds. After all, you never stop dating your spouse, right?
Earlier in life, you may have seen accommodations as someplace to simply hang your hat after a long day, but that couldn’t be further from the truth here. Suites at Valhalla Resort focus on all the details to make you feel like the most polished version of yourself – from balconies to fireplaces, rainfall spa showers, marble vanities, and original in-room artwork. Surrounded by so much prestige, you’re sure to come back feeling brand new.
Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn and Spa
In your younger years, you may not have been bothered by a bass beat from the room next door into the wee hours of the morning (you may have even joined them!). But now, you may be searching for a serene retreat that feels like it’s been waiting for your arrival to spoil you in royalty-like customer service and attention. If that’s you, you’re looking for a reservation at Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn and Spa. The understated luxury of this bed and breakfast creates discoveries around every corner. From gazebos meant for mountain gazing to gourmet breakfasts of crème brulee French toast and an included dessert each evening, you’ll feel enveloped in hospitality so all you have to do is focus on the one you’re with and the gifts of the present moment.
If you’re looking to venture out, you’re right in the center of Georgia’s wine country, with several wineries just a few miles away. Stop in for some tastings, then reconvene back at the Inn for a couple’s massage, perhaps with your favorite bottle in hand to enjoy post-treatment as you breathe deep and relish in the sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains that encompass the property.
Shopping and Antiquing
There’s something about antique shopping that provides unique insights into the area that may be hard to comprehend otherwise. If you’re looking to shop for cherished items from yesteryear while you’re in town, look no further than Historic Nacoochee Village. With over 50 dealers in 7,000 square feet, Historic Nacoochee Village is also known as Helen’s largest unique antique mall – even the building itself is from 1876! The perfect something you didn’t know you needed that has a story all its own to integrate into your home or wardrobe is waiting to be discovered – all 7 days of the week.
Sure, you probably make coffee or another hot drink most days of the week at home. But the ritual becomes an outing when you stop into a locally owned shop with top-notch coffee drinks and coordinatingly impressive, one-of-a-kind sundries and gifts. At The Mason Jar Shoppe, you’ll find a vast selection of handmade goods, from candles and pottery to jams and soap. Order a fall favorite like the caramel apple or white pumpkin latte made with locally roasted coffee for a fun pick-me-up while you shop.
Explore Local Art and Culture
Retirees who stay engaged in creative activities have a better sense of well-being and memory with less stress – making age but a number. In Helen, we have plenty of opportunities to keep your mind sharp while immersing yourself in our local arts and culture. The Sautee Nacoochee Center is the area’s connection point for cultural, historic, and environmental activities. You’ll have plenty to explore with a visit to the Center, as it’s home to the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia, Sautee Nacoochee History Museum, and art galleries. You can also drop into various art classes just for adults, from acrylics to oil and watercolor painting, to get that creative right hemisphere of your brain firing. Check out their website for their full schedule of events, like concerts, contra dance gatherings, and open mic nights.
When was the last time you tried something for the first time? If you can’t give a firm answer to that question, it may be time to change that at the Helen Arts and Heritage Center Pottery Studio. From wheel throwing to hand building, the Pottery Studio has everything you need – from materials to classes – to discover this pastime that spans generations. If you happen to be an experienced potter, they also have open studio time for you to come and craft what’s been on your mind lately.
Spend Your Autumn of Life in Helen
Your Golden Years are meant to be just that – full of shining moments you’ll carry in your heart forever. While you may no longer be working or on a set schedule, it’s a great time to build up intangible treasures of travel, delicious meals, and finding new skills and friends along the way with a trip to Helen, Georgia. Plan your golden getaway to this Bavarian gem by clicking here today.
