Shopping in Helen
Fudge, cuckoo clocks, toys and gifts along Main Street, plus outlets and antique malls a short drive away
Where to shop in Helen
Helen's shopping is a walk along Main Street under half-timbered fronts, with a few stops worth planning around. You can buy fudge made on site at Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, a cuckoo clock at one of the German import shops, a wooden puzzle at Jolly's Toys and cabin groceries at Betty's Country Store.
The Alpine look is recent history. In 1968 a group of local businessmen met for lunch and decided to turn a struggling timber town into a themed village, and by 1972 artist John Kollock's Bavarian designs had become buildings, according to the New Georgia Encyclopedia. The Helen CVB directory lists dozens of shops along the main blocks.
Beyond town, local honey is a short drive away, and North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville is about 50 minutes south for brand-name outlet shopping.
Helen Shopping Guides
Eight guides to the shops, markets and day trips worth planning around.
Local Favorite Betty's Country Store
A family-owned grocery, deli and bakery at 18 Yonah Street, open daily 7 AM to 9 PM, with a big German beer selection.
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Seasonal The Christmas Shoppe
European ornaments, Steinbach nutcrackers and gifts. Open July and from Labor Day weekend through Christmas.
View guide Start Here Downtown Helen Shopping
A walking guide to the Main Street shops, with checked addresses and phones, plus Nacoochee Village.
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German Heritage German Import Shops
Cuckoo clocks, beer steins, nutcrackers and Dutch imports, with addresses for each shop.
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Sweet Treats Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen
Handmade fudge, brittle, toffee and chocolate on Main Street since 1973.
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Farm Fresh Honey Near Helen
Where to buy local honey, including sourwood, in Helen, Cleveland and Lakemont.
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Day Trip Outlets and Antique Malls
North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville (about 50 minutes), Tanger in Commerce and two antique malls.
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For Kids Jolly's Toys
Wooden toys, games, puzzles and retro toys at 8800 North Main Street.
View guideShopping tips
Practical advice to help you make the most of your Helen shopping trip.
Go early or midweek
Weekends are busy on Main Street, and this year's Oktoberfest runs September 10 through November 1, so fall Saturdays are the crowded ones. A weekday morning gives you room to browse. Shop hours vary, so check each shop's page.
Park once and walk
There are no meters or garages downtown. City lots east of Main Street are free, and private lots post their rates at the entrance. Our parking guide has the details.
Ask about shipping
Buying a cuckoo clock or another fragile piece? Ask the shop about shipping before you pay. Policies differ, and it can save you packing it for the drive home.
Start with downtown Helen
If this is your first visit, the downtown guide is the place to start. It lists the main-street shops with their addresses and phones, and it explains where to park. Add lunch at a Bavarian restaurant and you've got a half-day.
Continue Planning Your Trip
More guides to help you get the most out of Helen.
