Weekend in Alpine Helen

We just got back from a weekend in Helen as a family. This was our first camping trip with a baby - although Lee reminds me that what we did doesn't really constitute as "camping"...we stayed in Curtis & Debbie's camper which has air conditioning, running water and cable TV. But, with an 8-month-old, we were thankful for the air conditioning and comfy beds, especially since the temperatures reached the high 90s this weekend!

We arrived in Helen on Saturday afternoon and did a quick tour of the city after unpacking and getting settled. We ate at the Troll Tavern on the Chattahoochee River for dinner and had (what else?) bratwurst. On Sunday we cooked breakfast and then went back downtown Helen to walk through the shops. For those of you who have never been to Helen, it is a lot like Windmill Island or Dutch Village, but way more tacky and up in the mountains. Where else in the world can you get authentic Dutch stroopwafels (YUM), a lederhosen apron (check out the pictures) and a leather rebel flag bikini? :) (Note: Regrettably, we did not buy the apron or the bikini). Helen is also nestled in some of the most beautiful mountains in North Georgia and near Unicoi State Park and Anna Ruby Falls, which is the real draw. We spent the afternoon eating watermelon at the campsite and swimming in the pool (again - not real "camping"), but it kept us cool! We enjoyed incredible Mexican food at La Cabana for dinner, and then returned to the site. We had planned on having a small campfire, but as we pulled into our site we were told by security that someone had spotted a bear near by. Being the paranoid parents that we are, we took Annika inside and called it a night.

It was a relaxing weekend, and felt good to get out of Rome for a while. We have determined that Annika is a good little camper, so next time we might even try the tent!