Spring is in full swing here in North Georgia. With warm days, cool nights, plenty of color on the mountains and flame azaleas and rhododendron in full bloom, it’s hard not to find a reason to visit Helen in the spring. Here are five of our favorite reasons why spring is the perfect time to visit Mother Nature’s playground.

1. The Epic Weather

The sun truly shines in all her glory and gentle breezes through the trees keep the air moving in the spring months. Those sunny bluebird days are abundant and the temperatures are moderate. Cool nights and warm daytime temperatures create an ideal scenario for the best of all seasons. When spring rains do make it over the mountains, they are followed by more days of sunshine and make the colors even more brilliant.

2. Enjoy Perfect Outdoor Activities

Spring is the ideal time of year for outdoor adventurers. Whether you prefer zip-lining through the lush forest canopy, a horseback ride along the river, hiking to a picturesque waterfall, or simply relaxing at a local winery with a glass and a view, there is nothing quite like springtime in North Georgia. The Alpine town of Helen is bustling with activity, the shops are open, the beer is flowing, and the local live music scene is alive and well. Spring in Helen is so much fun the question is not what to do, but how can you fit it all into one trip!

3. Outdoor Dining In Helen

Warmer temperatures mean a host of outdoor eating options. Cowboys & Angels is always one of the first eateries to start serving on its sunny south-facing deck. Have Sunday Brunch on the east-facing patio at Mully’s Nacoochee Grill and grab a gourmet dog and local beer at Chattahoochee Dog Haus.

On warmer days, try the outside seating on the river at the Troll Tavern or Café International. Want to catch the game outside with some great brews, Bigg Daddys is the spot with big screen TV’s on their oversized deck, and a chalkboard wall of beers on tap. There are many great outdoor dining options in and near Helen and most have local live music on weekends.

4. Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race

The South’s oldest balloon event and the United States’ only long distance hot air balloon race begins (weather permitting) May 31st at 7am when 20 colorful hot air balloons will lift into the sky, each vying to be the first to reach the Atlantic. The winner is the first person to cross I-95, or whoever is ahead at sunset on Friday, June 1, 2018.

Beginning Thursday evening and continuing through Saturday, local flying events will take place with many opportunities available to the public including tethered balloon rides. Seeing Helen from the sky on a beautiful morning a lazy evening is a bucket list opportunity, Georgia style.

5. Lovely Lavender Festivals

As the days get longer and Summer is right around the corner, nothing heralds the change of seasons quite as well as the smell of Lavender. Our little corner of Georgia is blessed with not one, but two Lavender Festivals in June. Lavender in the Mountains happens June 2nd at Lavender Lamb Farm in Cleveland Georgia. On June 23rd, The Lavender Cottage & Garden host its 7th Annual Lavender Fest in Sautee.

Where to Stay

Located just 3 miles from Helen, Sylvan Valley Lodge & Cellars provides the perfect home base for all your North Georgia adventures. Enjoy beautiful mountain views, dine on a delicious homemade breakfast every morning, and savor our own Frolicking Faerie wines! Come sip, stay, and play and experience late Spring in beautiful North Georgia.

Check availability of all our charming accommodations now, and book your stay today. We look forward to hosting you!