A bit of Bavaria in Helen

As fall descends on the South, Helen gears up for the annual festival that makes its Bavarian architecture seem, well, a little less odd: Oktoberfest.

From Sept. 17 through Nov. 1, the sleepy mountain village about 90 miles north of Atlanta comes alive with the sounds of accordions and alphorns as festival-goers toast to great German brews.

At the Helen Festhalle, rows of narrow tables fill with revelers who dine on savory brats, down a beer or three and watch the live entertainment. Men wearing lederhosen are not an uncommon sight. Dancing the polka is a requirement.

Don’t Miss

Greenstone Soap Co. Specializing in handmade soaps, the Greenstone Soap Co. uses organic herbs and pure essential oils to create healthy, delicious-smelling suds for face and body. Hwy. 17 in Sautee. 706-878-5901. www.greenstonesoap.com

Helen Artisans Market. An unusual hodgepodge of wares are sold here, including outdoor fireplaces and sterling silver jewelry. 8660 N Main St., No. 4. 706-892-1213.

Raven Cliffs Falls. A moderate 2 1/2-mile hike through lush North Georgia landscape rewards visitors with a look at an awe-inspiring 60-foot cascade. Richard Russell Scenic Highway, Robertstown. 706-782-3320

Nora Mill Granary. One of the few working water mills of its type left in the South, the Nora Mill Granary sells grits, cornmeal and other culinary gift items. Visitors can tour the historic mill, opened in 1876, on Saturdays. 7107 S.Main St., Helen. 800-927-2375. www.noramill.com

Hofer’s Bakery and Café. Known for its traditional German cakes, breads and pastries, made by its honest-to-goodness German owners, this café serves light lunches, as well as coffee and breakfast items. 8758 N. Main St., Helen. 800-525-4964. www.hofers.com.

If you go

Thursdays-Sundays Sept. 10-27; daily Oct. 1-Nov. 1. 6-10:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 6-11:30 p.m. Fridays; 1-11:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1-7 p.m. Sundays. $7 weekdays, $9 Saturdays, free Sundays. Helen Festhalle, at the intersection of Munich Strasse and Edelweiss Strasse, Helen. 706-878-1619. www.HelenChamber.com.

How to Get There

Helen is 88 miles from downtown Atlanta, about one hour and 40 minutes by car. Take I-85 North to I-985 North. Take Exit No. 24, toward U.S. 129. Turn left on Jesse Jewell Parkway, toward 369 West. Turn right onto Limestone Parkway-U.S. 129, then right onto Unicoi Street.

Where to Stay

Edelweiss German Inn. The European-style inn provides cozy rooms and cottages in understated elegance. $155-$400. 747 Duncan Bridge Road, Sautee. 706-865-7371. www.edelweissgermaninn.com

Alpine Hilltop Haus. Well-appointed rooms and homemade snacks at this family-owned B&B is within walking distance of the village. $140-$225 362 Chattahoochee Strasse, Helen. 706-878-2388. www.alpinehilltop.com

Where to Eat