You’ve got the vacation dates on your family calendar: your long-awaited escape to Helen is finally happening. You’re likely planning an abundance of outdoor activities to explore our village in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains while everyone is together. But don’t worry if you see rain pop up in the forecast. While some outdoor activities may be off the table, you’ll find plenty to do via the region’s indoor opportunities for out-of-the-box fun. So grab your umbrella and rain jacket and get ready to make the best of it with these rainy-day activities in Helen.
For Kids and Families
For families with younger kiddos, rain in the forecast might make you fear your littles will be bouncing off the walls by midday – but not during this trip, thanks to unique indoor activities in Helen. Everyone – from age 4 to 74 – will enjoy trying their hand at the sport that’s gone viral at Helen Indoor Pickleball. It’s the only place in the state that has quality outdoor courts indoors, with some added cushioning to make the outing as real as it can get yet accessible for all you’re traveling with.
You’ll find other awesome options like axe throwing and escape rooms in town alongside classic family entertainment like arcades and old-time photo studios in our North Georgia mountains for more indoor activities. No matter what you set your GPS to, you’ll be easily able to stay active.
Unique Experiences
While it might initially feel like a bummer to have plans pivot indoors, rain could actually make certain encounters more immersive, like a visit to the Uhuburg Castle. Uhuburg brings untouched Renaissance-style and educational opportunities to Helen. With indoor exhibits delving into medieval architecture, philosophy-focused murals, and a variety of themed gardens, your kids (and you, for that matter!) will feel like princes or princesses for the day, rain or shine. Guided tours lasting 15 to 60 minutes are available, as are self-guided tours if you prefer a more meandering pace.
Stroll and Shop Through Downtown
Speaking of meandering, you’ll find around 200 shops and boutiques in the downtown area of our super walkable Bavarian-style village. Easily pop in and out of these carefully curated merchants between cloud bursts to your heart’s content (though this activity displaying part of our cultural core is hard to beat in the sunshine too).
One place not to miss: Haggard Hiker Outdoors. You’ll find all the necessary items to get outdoors when the weather turns sunny at this family-owned shop. Haggard Hiker Outdoors also has the perk of stocking upcycled items that support the Earth and your wallet at the same time for a total win-win. Browse their branded gear and other themed gifts for fun, useful mementos.
Cozy Food and Drink Stops
Rainy days have a way of slowing your rhythm, no matter how many are in your crew. Even if it’s just you, try building in a few relaxing breaks through the day for a meal, treat, or snack to fill your literal and proverbial cup before venturing out again. For comfort food, Hofbrauhaus Restaurant has German fare (think bratwurst, goulash, and Reubens) that will fool your tastebuds into thinking you hopped across the pond, surrounding you in authentic Bavaria down to the architecture and furnishings.
Hoth Café (short for “Honey On The Hill”) is your sweet spot for a midday pick-me-up with coffee, boba tea, and pastries. It’s perfect for grabbing on-the-go treats you can move freely with from point A to point B in your Georgia-meets-Germany wandering. And bonus: the shop is passionate about the holistic good that comes from bees, so you’ll find education alongside various honey-related products for health and happiness.
Monday’s Pub offers casual vibes with pool tables and occasional live music that makes it a great plug-and-play option when you need menu items that everyone will love (like their ribs, wings, and ribeye) with ample Southern hospitality to make the experience a bit more memorable. Slow down and stay a while here – who knows, the rain might just pass by the time you leave.
Make Your Stay Part of the Experience
When the rain comes, perhaps the best place to wait it out is exactly where you wake up in Helen. Home2 Suites by Hilton boasts family-friendly amenities like a free hot breakfast and in-room kitchens for prepping late night snacks. But perhaps the most not-so-hidden gems for families are the hotel’s indoor pool and fitness center.
A long list of comfy cabins is also available through various rental companies around town. The coziest vintage couches, floor to ceiling mountain-view windows, living room shelves stocked with books and board games, and hot tubs are just some of the amenities you can choose from.
Other Nearby Indoor Attractions
The Blue Ridge Mountains not only influence the outdoors of our Bavarian village, but also the art galleries and small museums around town. When it rains, take in the mountains and the heritage of the people who call them home by visiting The Sautee Nacoochee Center. Nearby, The Killmon Gallery features local artists where proceeds of sales go toward scholarships to better serve generations to come. Antique shops such as Nacoochee Village Antique Mall and Wonderland Antiques and Curiosities make for great places for afternoon browsing in quest of unique items to add Helen-found charm to your home.
Rain Doesn’t Have to Go Away in Helen
While rain may not have been on your radar for your visit to Helen, it might just create unexpected joys for every person in your vacation crew. Quick summer storms and longer rains won’t keep you from experiencing all that is authentically Helen. Try choosing one main activity, a few shops, and a meal (or two or three!) at one of our local establishments as the rain moves through and repeat as needed. Rain or shine, now is the time to book your trip for unforgettable experiences among mountains that will take your breath away. For even more vacation ideas in Helen, click here.
