Farm-to-Table Dining Near Helen
Restaurants that cook from local farms, and the farmers markets still running this month
The short answer
Where to eat
The valley south of Helen has a quiet farm-to-table scene, and one stop deserves a call before you plan around it. The table lists the restaurants with their current hours.
| Restaurant | Where and phone | When | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest Habersham | 2220 Georgia Hwy 17, Sautee Nacoochee, 706-754-0056 | Dinner Wed to Sat, seatings 5 to 8 PM. Closed Oct 7 to 14, reopening Oct 15 | Reservations required, none over six guests, and the restaurant says it isn't suitable for children under 6. Indoor, outdoor and kitchen seating |
| Campfire. Gather Round. | 8160 S Main St, Suite B-6B, Helen, 706-878-7225 | Every day, noon to 9 PM | Hand-cut steaks, local ground beef for the smash burger, house-pickled jalapenos and pickles, cornbread croutons. Vegetarian options and Udi's gluten-free buns. First come, first served; free parking in the Alpine Village Shoppes lot |
| Glen-Ella Springs Restaurant | 1789 Bear Gap Road, Clarkesville, 706-754-7295 | Apr to Dec: Tue to Sat; Jan to Mar: Wed to Sat. From 5:30 PM | Pecan crusted trout and herb-crusted rack of lamb; book on OpenTable or by phone |
| Market at the Old Sautee Store | Hwy 17, Sautee Nacoochee | Every day, 10:30 AM to 4 PM | Sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, baked goods, ice cream, pimento cheese and chicken salad by the pound |
Harvest Habersham's website posts its closure notice and reservation link. Glen-Ella Springs' hours are from its restaurant page; Clarkesville is about 25 minutes from Helen, and the inn is a little farther.
Farmers markets
Market season is winding down, so this month is the time to go. The Sautee Nacoochee Farmers Market meets Thursday afternoons through October 29, and the Sunday market in Nacoochee Village is a few minutes south of downtown. Dates come from the organizers; call ahead for anything past October.
| Market | Where | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sautee Nacoochee Farmers Market | Sautee Nacoochee Center, 283 Highway 255 North | Thursdays 4 to 7 PM, through October 29 | Produce, meat, honey and baked goods; a dinner is served in Community Hall with live music |
| Growers and Makers Market | The Garden at Nacoochee Village, 7025 S Main St, Helen | Sundays 10 AM to 2 PM; October dates confirmed through October 25 | Free, family- and pet-friendly, free parking |
| Union County Farmers Market | 290 Farmers Market Way, Blairsville | Tuesdays and Saturdays 8 AM to 1 PM, through October 31 | Covered Home Grown and Handmade market; the 2026 season ends this month |
| Clarkesville Farmers Market | Downtown Clarkesville | Saturday mornings, May to early October; 2027 dates to be announced | Seasonal produce, baked goods, eggs, flowers |
Farm and grist mill stops
Hardman Farm State Historic Site at 143 Highway 17 is open daily 10 AM to 4 PM from March through December (Thursday to Saturday in January and February). Admission is $13 for adults, $9.75 for seniors, $8 for youth, free for ages 5 and under, with $7 for grounds only, according to Georgia State Parks. Special events there change by season, so check the park page before you go.
Nora Mill Granary at 7107 S Main St has been milling grits, cornmeal and pancake mix since 1876 with water power from the Chattahoochee and French Burr stones. The mill is open weekdays 9 to 5 and weekends 10 to 5, and its general store sells jams, honey and cast iron. Hofer's cafe lists Nora Mill grits on its breakfast menu.
Tips
Call Harvest Habersham
It's reservation only and closed through October 14.
Eat at the market
The Thursday Sautee market serves a dinner in Community Hall with live music.
Bring cash and bags
Small vendors may not take cards. Ask when you shop.
Pair it with a drive
The Clarkesville day trip fits the Glen-Ella dinner.
More Helen dining
Related Imagery from Around Helen
