Valhalla Resort Dining

If you want a dinner that isn't German, isn't a burger and comes with a view, Valhalla is the place to look. The resort sits on its own hillside above the village, and its restaurants don't require a room key: the Helen visitors bureau notes that all Valhalla dining is open to the public.

There are three main venues, plus a wine room for private dinners. Caledonia is the sit-down restaurant, the Sky Bar is the top-floor, semi-open-air spot with views of the golf club and the Blue Ridge, and the Staghorn Grill is the casual golf course grill.

Hours are from the resort's website and can change, so call 706-878-2200 before you drive up.

Caledonia describes its food as Southern classics given a modern makeover, with locally sourced ingredients, and the resort recommends reservations strongly. The Helen visitors bureau adds that the executive chef works with local co-ops for seasonal dishes built on southern comfort food with fine dining flair, and that the kitchen can handle gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan requests.

The visitors bureau also lists weekly build-your-own pasta nights in the Sky Bar, 5 to 9 PM, at $20 per person with garlic bread and a starter salad. That listing may not be current, so ask when you call.

For something special, the Chef's Table is a candlelit, customized multi-course dinner at The Abbey or in Caledonia. The resort lists four to six courses at $100 to $150 per person, with wine pairings at $60 to $90, and a $200 minimum for the private Abbey experience (2 to 10 guests).

Prices are from the resort's website and subject to change.