Myself and a small group are planning a day ride from Greenback, TN to Helen, Ga. in a couple of weeks (July 29th to be exact). None of us have been there before, so any of you Georgia Crackers or Peaches know what to do and look at while there? I heard it is a Swedeish styled town and there is a car show going on that day. The route to and from there looks good on paper... lots of scenic highways and no interstates! We're going to come back by way of Hiwassee, Ga. which is hosting the Ga. Mountain Fair on the same day...so we might take that in, time permitting. Total miles will be about 230 according to MS Streets and Trips. Any info. on any aspect of this planned trip is appreciated.

 

About 25 years ago there was a little restaurant with a dining garden in the back that was run by a Viet Nam Vet and his Vietnamese Wife... Great couple and the food (light luncheon fare), was very French/Asian in nature). If those two are still there, it's a great place to drop in!!! She made fantastic Vietnamese Sorbet!!!

All the roads around there are beautiful!!!

Jim aka kiltiemon

 

My wife and I love Helen Ga. We go there a couple of times a year. When you get into town just as you cross the bridge on the left is a restaurant named Cafe International. They have great Hoggies and other food and good cold beverges. Across the street from there is Paul's. Some night life, music and also some pretty good food. Across the bridge and then under it is the Troll. A good place to sit by the river and have a sip of something. Theres great riding in the area also. Have fun.

Lynn

 

You are in for some great bike roads. Helen is supposed tb be a German theme town. While you are in the area. Go down to Mama Gouges in Cleveland. Great home cooking and are biker friendly. My ride group goes up ther every fall from Middleburg FL. Last year we had 22 make the ride. They just give us the back room so we can make as much noise as we want and the service is great.
http://bobbyhill.home.att.net

 

Is Greenback TN the same as Greeneville? I now live just south of Helen about 30 miles. Helen is a Bavarian themed village that has the Chattahoochee River running thru the middle of town. Lots of shops and good snacking places. On weekends lots of bikes congregate at HANS located at the top of the hill downtown. One of my favorites is South Side Bar and Grill on the other end of town, not as much scenery but GREAT wings and the coldest beer in town. When you leave to go to Hiawasse take the Richard Russell Scenic Hwy. A little out of the way but a great ride. If you want to eat at Ma GOOCHES in Cleveland (about 10 miles) they're good for country cooking. Enjoy the north GA mountains, some of the best riding around.

 

Gaindian; Greenback is near Maryville, which is near Knoxville. The Richard Russell Scenic Highway is on our route into Helen and so is HAN'S now.

Thanks for the info. guys. We won't go hungry or thursty! I've made a list of the suggested spots in town.

It sure looks to be a scenic ride the whole way.

 

DragonNester the rte you are going will be crowded as will Helen on any weekend when the weater is good enough to ride. Southside does have cold beer no doubt. Get into town early as the traffic gets heavy. Roads into and out are great riding but the traffic will crawl a couple miles from town. Gaindian where do you live? I'm in Flowery Branch.

 

I ride up to Helen about once a month year round , there are 2 biker friendly places near the end of town , the Safari and the HofBrau house , the bikes line up in front , but there is parking in back . The road to Hiawasee from there is a blast , and give Deals Gap a run for it's money just outside of Helen. If you make a left turn going north out of town at the bridge at 75 you can go over the Richard Russell parkway which is a lot of fun , at the end you can either go up to Brasstown Bald or Blairsville. Lots of great riding in the area.

 

we make the trip at least once a year we spend our anniv. there been staying at the helendorf inn for past few years we had the suite on the peak last year what ever that girls name is .repunzel (sp) but a real nice place to see you will enjoy..