Holly Jolly Fun: These Are the Best Christmas Towns in America

by Sarah ShebekNovember 30, 2021

Does your neighborhood celebrate the holidays in a big way? If you’re searching for an extra festive spot to spend the day or the weekend, new data is out on the top Christmas towns in the U.S.A. Georgia residents are particularly in luck!

Helen, Georgia only has 430 residents but it’s a legit Bavarian town that goes all out for Christmas. Formerly a logging town, Helen takes advantage of its picturesque location by the Blue Ridge Mountains and Chattahoochee River for the holidays. In December the town hosts a Festival of Trees, Christkindlmarkt and a Lighting of the Village! The rest of the top 10 list from mydatingadviser:

Helen, Georgia
Blue Ridge, Georgia
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Leavenworth, Washington
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Pine Mountain, Georgia
Ligonier, Pennsylvania
Jacksonville, Oregon
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
McAdenville, North Carolina

The site formulated the rankings by weighing Christmas activities, weather forecasts, transport, lodging and food. McAdenville, North Carolina offered the most seasonal activities and unsurprisingly Santa Rosa Beach, Florida has the best weather outlook (unless you prefer the white stuff). The most lodging options? The suburb of Valley Junction, Iowa, thanks to its proximity to the major city of Des Moines.

You can find the full list of 152 Christmas towns here, including highlights for the top spots. If you’re staying closer to home this holiday season, check out this list of cozy indoor and wintry outdoor activities that you can do just about anywhere!

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Dunkin’ Has Pink Velvet Drinks & Heart-Shaped Donuts for Valentine’s Day

by Erica LoopJanuary 29, 2021

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Dunkin’! The fave donut brand brought back its limited time holiday menu—and it includes two delectable drinks.

Treat your sweetie, or yourself, to a Pink Velvet Macchiato or Mocha Macchiato on Valentine’s Day. The Pink Velvet Macchiato combines Dunkin’s espresso with a red velvet cake flavor. Add in hints of cream cheese icing flavor and a generous scoop of ice and this chilled drink is a beverage that will make you fall in love. Mocha Macchiato offers the combo of rich espresso and deep chocolate flavors.

According to Jill Nelson, Vice President, Marketing & Culinary at Dunkin’, “Dunkin’ is the perfect place for anyone to find the spirit of Valentine’s Day. With our gorgeous Pink Velvet and Mocha Macchiatos, joined together with our beloved heart-shaped donuts, we’re making it easy to treat yourself and bring a little love and sweetness to any way you choose to celebrate.”

Along with the two limited-edition drinks, Dunkin’ is also serving up a heart-shaped Brown Batter Donut and the Bavarian Kreme-filled, strawberry icing-topped Cupid’s Choice Donut.

Look for the Valentine’s Day menu in participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide through the end of February.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Dunkin’

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OpenTable Reveals List of 50 Most Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 28, 2019

Dining out with kids can be a delicate balance of choosing between a decent meal and a place where the whole family feels comfortable. Luckily, there are plenty of places across the country where you can have both and OpenTable’s list of the 50 Most Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America is a good place to start.

The 2019 list of the best places for families to eat includes restaurants in 16 states and is compiled based on user reviews collected from Jul. 1, 2018 to Jun. 30, 2019.

Washington, D.C., Florida and New York are tied for first for most mentions on the list at seven each, followed by Hawaii with six and California and South Carolina with four each.

“When you’re dining out with kids, you want to find a restaurant that has something for everyone––a menu that appeals to younger diners, great cocktail options for the adults and, of course, the ambiance to match,” said Caroline Potter, Chief Dining Officer at OpenTable. “Whether you’re a family of foodies celebrating something special or you’re avoiding doing dishes on a weeknight, these restaurants have a fun family-friendly vibe and fare that’ll hit the spot.”

Here are the 50 Most Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America for 2019 according to OpenTable diners, in alphabetical order:

Aquarium Restaurant – Multiple Locations

Becco – New York, New York

Benihana – Multiple Locations

Bill’s Bar and Burger – New York, New York

The Boathouse – Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Buddy V’s at The Venetian – Las Vegas, Nevada

Cap City Fine Diner & Bar – Grandview – Columbus, Ohio

Carmine’s – Multiple Locations

Cattle Company Steakhouse – Pearl City – Pearl City, Hawaii

Columbia Restaurant – Multiple Locations

The Dead Fish – Crockett, California

Farmers & Distillers, Washington, D.C.

Farmers Fishers Bakers, Washington, D.C.

Fire + Ice Boston – Boston, Massachusetts

Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar – Charleston, South Carolina

Founding Farmers – Multiple Locations

Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant – Frankenmuth, Michigan

Hard Rock Cafe – Multiple Locations

Hell’s Kitchen – Caesars Palace Las Vegas – Las Vegas, Nevada

Henry’s Louisiana Grill – Acworth, Georgia

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar – Orlando – Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Keoki’s Paradise – Koloa, Hawaii

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse – Multiple Locations

L. Woods Tap and Pine Lodge – Lincolnwood, Illinois

Little Goat – Chicago, Illinois

Loveless Cafe – Nashville, Tennessee

Maggiano’s – Multiple Locations

Mama’s Fish House – Paia, Hawaii

Max Brenner – Multiple Locations

The Mill House – Waikapu, Hawaii

Monkeypod Kitchen – Multiple Locations

Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner – Buena Park, California

NINJA NEW YORK – New York, New York

Old Lady Gang – Atlanta, Georgia

Old Oyster Factory – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

The Pirates’ House – Savannah, Georgia

Raglan Road Irish Pub – Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Rainforest Cafe – Multiple Locations

Sea Captain’s House – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Skull Creek Dockside Restaurant – Hilton Head, South Carolina

The Smith- Lincoln Square – New York, New York

Sugar Factory – Multiple Locations

Tavern on the Green – New York, New York

Tony’s Di Napoli – Midtown – New York, New York

True Food Kitchen – Palo Alto – Palo Alto, California

Ulele – Tampa, Florida

Uncle Julio’s – Multiple Locations

Virgil’s Real BBQ – New York City – New York, New York

Wolfgang’s Steak House – Waikiki Beach – Honolulu, Hawaii

Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth – Frankenmuth, Michigan

You can check out the full list and details on each restaurant here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Open Table

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7 Autumn Equinox Feasts from Around the World

by Christal Y.September 24, 2018

You know fall has arrived when pumpkin spiced lattes become your drink of choice—but that seasonal drink isn’t the only indication fall is officially here. Read on to find out how different cultures celebrate fall’s arrival and then have some fun today with your kids recreating these worldly eats (think toffee apples and moon cakes) in honor of Autumn Equinox.

photo: Michael Cramer via flickr

1. Germany– Pretzels, Sausages Potato Pancakes, Sauerkraut

No other autumn festival is as famed as Oktoberfest. This Bavarian celebration was originally a festival for royals until an agricultural show was added to the mix. As a result, there’s now a wide variety of food, from grilled ham hocks to sauerkraut, that your kiddo can choose from. Pretzels with a cheese dip definitely makes as a nice go-to snack.

Where to find: Auntie Anne’s has great pretzels, or get in true Bavarian style and head to a family friendly brewery for dinner.

photo: J Marsh via flickr

2. Great Britain–Toffee Apples
Nothing says autumn like apples. In Great Britain, toffee apples are associated with autumn festivals. You won’t see a harvest festival or Guy Fawkes Night without them, so why not share a that sweet, crunchy treat with your little after school?

Where to find: Your local sweet shop may have them, or simple follow this easy recipe from Essentially England (you can skip the red food coloring).

photo: ulterior epicure via flickr

3. China & Vietnam–Mooncakes
Lanterns, storytelling, the chance to stay past bedtime… Mid Autumn Festival is fabulous celebration with equally delish food. Mooncakes are a round pastry with a sweet paste. As a cultural and historical staple for Chinese and Vietnamese families, they are typically cut into wedges and shared.

Where to find: Your local Chinese bakery will have started selling them early September.

photo: Kirsten Skiles via flickr

4. USA –Acorns
Chumash, a Native American cultural group from Southern California, celebrates Autumn right after their harvest is done. Their festival, known as “Hutash,” is honored after acorns are gathered. If you can get your hands on acorn flour, acorn pancakes are the way to go.

Where to find: Unfortunately, acorns are mostly a foraging project. If you luckily live near oak trees then your little squirrels can hunt for acorns after school. Cooking blog Cupcake Project has great tips on finding, treating and making acorn flour.

photo: MM Chicago via flickr

5. Israel–Kreplach
Sukkot falls around autumn equinox this year. This Jewish holiday is one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals where Israelites make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Kerplach, small dough squares of meat filled dough, is traditionally served during this festival. Eat them for dinner!

Where to find: Dumplings are easy to find and make. For a quick cook, use this recipe that uses wonton wrappers (skip the soy dressing and cook in a chicken broth) or follow this traditional one by Chabad.

photo: « R☼Wεnα » via flickr

6. France–Chestnuts
Ooh la la, who knew that the French celebrate autumn with an annual Chestnut Festival? Their love for chestnuts are much like our love for apples during sweater weather. Roast them in the oven for a unique after school treat.

Where to find: Call your local Whole Foods to see if chestnuts are in stock. If you get them, follow this recipe on how to peel and roast these yummy nuts.

photo: Run Mizumushi-Kun via flickr

7. Japan–Dango or Sweet Potato
Tsukimi festival in Japan is all about honoring the autumn moon. Foods for eating include chestnuts and rice dumplings with a sweet-salty sauce called dango.

Where to find: Dangos can be found at your local Japantown. If this item is unavailable, consider nomming on sweet potatoes, which are traditionally offered to the full moon as a prayer for a full harvest.

— Christal Yuen

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11 Winter Festivals You Should Experience at Least Once

by Allison SutcliffeSeptember 22, 2017

Your little snow bunny doesn’t get the winter blues. Instead, he’s all about making the most of the season’s white-stuff bounty. We couldn’t agree more! That’s why we’ve rounded up the coolest winter fests the country has to offer so you can get your snow, sled, ski and polar plunge fixes in all season long. Flip through to find a winter wonderland celebration near you!

Bavarian Ice Fest – Leavenworth, Wa – Jan. 13-14, 2018

This decidedly Alps-like town nestled in the mountains of Eastern Washington will still be sporting its over 500,000 winter holiday lights for this year’s annual IceFest. When you and your bundled babes aren’t busy ducking in and out of chocolate shops and nostalgic toy stores that line the main drag, you can watch snow scultpures being erected from the surrounding snow, play IceFest games and activities, and cheer on participants in the annual snowmobile sled pull. But whatever you do, don’t miss the magnificent fireworks display that lights up the night during the festival.

Travel Tip: Be sure to check out the Stevens Pass Grom playgound for your winter crew for even more snow-tastic good times!

Online: leavenworth.org/bavarian-icefest

photo: Visit Leavenworth WA’s Facebook

Do you have a favorite winter festival to share with us? Which one do you want to visit? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Allison Sutcliffe & Gabby Cullen

Just Opened! Enjoy Suds, Schnitzel & Shade at This New Biergarten

by Cheryl de Jong-LambertAugust 12, 2015

You could be forgiven for thinking, if even briefly, that you were on the luscious Waterfall Trail in Prospect Park when you visit the newly-opened Brooklyn Bavarian Biergarten at Grand Prospect Hall in Park Slope. Situated a stone’s throw from a major underpass of the Prospect Expressway, the biergarten is a veritable oasis filled with leafy mature trees, fountains, a stream and yes, charming waterfalls. Also: beer. So much beer — plus lots of history, space and tasty treats, too! (Did we mention the stroller parking?)

photo: William and Cheryl deJong Lambert

A Place with a Past
This spot is the perfect setting for a beer garden, which explains why, some 125 years ago, that is exactly how the space was used. Such an outdoor space was part of Grand Prospect Hall when it was built in 1892, explained Catherine Hay, a manager at the biergarten. “Opening the biergarten today is a natural extension of the hall’s history and a tribute to the area’s past German American heritage,” she said.

Today, the landmarked hall is as famous for its homegrown, late-night commercials as it is for its illustrious history. (In addition to 14 turn-of-the-twentieth-century style ballrooms, there are three, old-time speakeasies, in one of which, legend has it, Al Capone received his characteristic facial scar in a barroom brawl.)

The Green Scene
The large patio is divided into sections and pathways by wrought-iron fences topped with bright, kelly green banisters. A long rectangular fountain with four dozen spouts separates the lower and upper patios in the front garden. A weathered memorial wall—dedicated in 1945 to local Polish Americans who served in World War II—divides the patio in half. Family members and friends still come to leave votive candles and flowers at the site.

A trail in the back of the garden leads to a stream and waterfall, and beyond that, an even larger waterwall. Picnic tables that can seat up to eight people comfortably are tucked among the trees and shrubs that line the path. Overall, the patio can accommodate 500 patrons, and the soon-to-open inside will make room for an additional 500.

photo: William and Cheryl deJong-Lambert

The Beer and Other Beverages
The beer menu offers a rotating selection of suds at $7 per pint. There are 26 taps with six German and eight New York State styles featured on a given day. Ms. Hay homebrews and runs beer events such as the Coney Island Homebrew Contest on the side, so you can be sure the selection is varied and inviting, ranging from traditional hefeweizens, pilsners, and schwarzbiers to local summer seasonals, IPAs, ales and porters. (The Reisdorf kölsch and hoppy wheat brews we sampled were fresh and complex.) The Biergarten serves wine, too, locally-sourcing it from the Red Hook Winery, and a the bar is fully stocked to accommodate requests for cocktails.

The bar uses a ticket system that will be familiar to any parent who has attended or worked a school fundraiser. You first buy a batch of color-coded tickets for beer, juice, or whatever you’re imbibing near the cash register, and then give the bartender the number needed to fulfill your tab.

photo: Laura P. via Yelp

Eats Both Old Country and Nouveau Brooklyn
Given the proliferation of pretzel carts around New York City, we were skeptical when we saw not one but five pretzel options headlining menu. Well, they do pretzels really well, here. Do not leave without trying the truffle cheddar soft pretzel, complete with gherkins, pickled pearl onions, kraut, and two mustards—whole grain and a saucy yellow—on the side.

The four-sausage sampler was likewise delectable, and the kale salad featured roasted pears, walnuts and warm goat cheese croquettes with a breaded exterior so lightly crisp that it cracked before oozing warm cheese. We also indulged in a thick slice of German chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert. It had an unexpected hint of licorice in the coconut frosting that, even more unexpectedly, our junior dining companions loved. Prices range from $6.50 for various pretzels to $18 for the sausage sampler.

photo: Cheryl and William de Jong-Lambert

Getting There
Take the R to Prospect Avenue and 4th Avenue and walk a block and a half east. You cannot miss the Grand Prospect Hall coming up on your left, just after 5th Avenue. (Note that Google Maps indicates that the D stops at Prospect Avenue, but it does not! If you make this mistake, get off at the next stop and transfer to the Manhattan-bound R.)

Also note: The Biergarten is 21 and over after 7 p.m. and no dogs are allowed. Gates open at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon on Saturday and Sunday.

Brooklyn Bavarian Biergarten
263 Prospect Ave.
Park Slope
718-788-0400
Online: brooklynbavarianbiergarten.com

Have you visited the Brooklyn Biergarten yet? Tell us about your trip in the comments below!

—Cheryl deJong-Lambert

All Aboard! Take a Ride On D.C.’s Favorite Santa Train

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyNovember 18, 2014

Hop aboard for a fun and festive railroad excursion with Santa, Mrs. Claus and a whole bunch of little elves. For one day only (Dec. 13), you and the kids are invited to join thousands of other DMV-ers for The Santa Train, one of the metro region’s most popular holiday events and part of the VRE’s Operation Lifesaver campaign to promote train safety.

Photo: Virginia Railyway Express via Facebook

A Jolly Good Time
Take a seat and prepare to be awed. Santa’s helpers will walk through the train cars handing out candy canes and coloring books, while high school choral groups sing holiday tunes. Then here comes a very jolly Santa and Mrs. Claus, ready to pose for your camera. There is no time for your little ones to sit on Santa’s lap and list all the treasures they hope to see under the tree, but don’t worry, Santa definitely aims to please and the kids love being part of such festive fun. Don’t forget that the purpose of the Santa Train is to promote train safety, so if you’ve got a couple of train lovers on your hands, point out the lessons promoted in the coloring books Santa’s helpers are handing out. The Operation Lifesaver campaign also works in conjunction with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program so be sure to bring a toy for a child in need and drop it off at the station before you board.

Photo: Virginia Railyway Express via Facebook

Next Stop…
Trains depart from Fredericksburg, Manassas, Burke Center and Woodbridge Stations. All trains head north up past Quantico and then turn around. The entire ride is about 45 minutes long. While you’re waiting for Santa and his elves to come to your train car, enjoy Virginia’s stunning countryside from the train’s windows, ripe with old farmhouses and barns.

Photo: Virginia Railyway Express via Facebook

Inside Scoop
Tickets for this extremely popular event go on sale at 9 am Nov. 24. You can buy them at outlets or online. Tickets are $5 at outlets and $6 online, with net proceeds benefiting Operation Lifesaver. When we say this is an extremely popular event, we mean it. Online tickets sell out almost instantly (last year, all 7,500 tickets sold out in 12 minutes! ) so unless you’re a computer wizard, the best way to guarantee tickets is to stand in line at the Fredericksburg Visitor’s Center. Wear your hat, scarf and gloves and get there before 9 am to secure a spot. Prepare to pay cash (or check), because credit cards are not accepted. Everyone needs a ticket to board the train (parents and tots), and your purchase is limited to six tickets.

Photo: The Bavarian Chef via Facebook

Feeling Peckish?
There is no food on the train (other than candy canes), but you are welcome to bring snacks on board. If you’re picking the train up in Fredericksburg the station is right downtown and surrounded by shops and cafes. You can finish the ride with a tasty lunch of German fare at The Bavarian Chef, a popular restaurant connected to the train station, or walk a few blocks to the Soup & Taco or Sammy T’s, both kid-friendly cafes.

Virginia Railway Express Santa Train
When: Dec. 13
Burke Center, Manassas, Woodbridge and Fredericksburg Stations
Online: vre.org

Have you taken a ride on VRE’s Santa Train? Share any insider secrets in the Comments section below.

—Jamy Bond

Fall Falls: 4 Waterfall Hikes to Enjoy This Season

by Phebe WahlOctober 31, 2014

Your little sprouts up for some leaf peeping? Make a major splash and take the family to one of these beautiful waterfall trails. They are all short enough for even the littlest legs and will really “wet” their appetite to explore nature’s wonders.

Helton Creek Falls
A great hike for kids, Helton Creek Falls is a trail a little less than half of mile long featuring a double waterfall. Just north of Helen or Dahlonega, this hike is a perfect complement to a quick family day trip. Click here for your guide to a gold mine of family fun in Dahlonega, or here for your guide to a “Bavarian” good time in Helen.

Find It: From Dahlonega, take Highway 129 to Turners Corners and turn left. Continue past Neel’s Gap to Helton Creek Road on the right. Once on Helton Creek Road follow it for just over two miles. The parking lot is on the right. Or, the more scenic route to Helton Creek Falls is from Helen. Take GA. 348 (Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway), and at the town of Hood, go west. Follow this unnamed road. It fords two rivers and becomes Helton Creek Road. Continue down to the parking lot on left.

Amicalola Falls
At 729 feet, Amicalola Falls is the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast. The trail is a bit longer at 2.1 miles, and you need to watch the little ones on the steep staircase beside the waterfall. The climb is worth it as at 1 mile you’ll reach a bridge with spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains to the south. Bring a picnic to enjoy at the end of your hike. There is also a playground to burn any excess energy that the little ones may have left before loading back up for home.

Find It: 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Road, Dawsonville

Desoto Falls Trail
Bring a sack lunch (there are even grills) and enjoy this double water fall hike at Desoto Falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest. This trail is a great hike for the little ones at an easy 2 miles long. Teach the tots a history lesson along the way as it was here that archeologists found a plate of armor that was thought to be from an explorer from the 1500s. The kiddos will love Desoto Falls Trail one of Georgia’s most popular waterfall hikes.

Find It: From Dahlonega travel north on US 19 for 13.5 miles to Turners Corner. At this intersection, turn left and proceed on US 129 for 4.2 miles. Shortly after the Walasi-yi Center is a left turn for the park.

Marble Mine Trail
The Marble Mine waterfall hike is only 1.7 miles long roundtrip and is full of fascinating sights to delight budding naturalists. The trail leads to a large abandoned mine entrance in Floyd State Park where the wee ones will enjoy peering into the undeveloped mine. Scattered white marble figments line the trail, which are fragments of the old mine. Don’t forget to catch the reflections of the surrounding forest and fall colors in the water of the park’s lake—a picture perfect moment. If you are looking for more fun in the area, check out the Etowah Indian Mounds.

Find It: From Rome, take I-75 exit 306 (GA 140) west for 16.0 miles. Turn left at Sloppy Floyd Lake Road. Travel 3.4 miles, past the lake and the park office to the Marble Mine Trail entrance on the left. Park and return to the trailhead to begin the hike.

Looking for other tot-friendly hikes? Click here for our list of the best natural walks in and around Atlanta, or here for even more hikes suited for little legs.

—Jessica Obenschain

Photos courtesy of Georgia State Parks, jeffgunn, LLoydnc and FlossieJane on Creative Commons via Flickr

Willkommen a Weekend Getaway with Bavarian Charm

by Myriam Gabriel-PollockJune 25, 2014

Memorial Day Weekend is mere days away. If you’re aching to get out of town but fearing there isn’t a viable destination at this eleventh hour, consider heading east to the Cascade Mountains. While only a two-hour drive from Seattle, a few days in Leavenworth will transport you to a sweet little slice of Bavaria. And with so many fun things to see, do and eat, you’ll be planning your return visit before you can even say bis später.

Where to stay?
The Enzian Inn (pictured below) is right across the street from downtown Leavenworth, and the decor is a warm, gorgeous, Bavarian-style that both grown-ups and kids will find comfortable and fun. They offer several room styles, with the Family Room being a popular pick — with two queens plus a sleeper sofa, it offers plenty of room to kick back and enjoy the view of the outdoor pool. Plus, the complimentary breakfast buffet is especially popular with the kids because of the daily alphorn performance (think Ricola cough drops!).

At the expansive Icicle Village Resort at the town’s western entry off Highway 2, you can choose from rooms at the Best Western Plus Icicle Inn or the Aspen Suites Condominiums. Either way, you will be a skip and a hop away from all the fun at the Icicle Junction Activity Center (more on this later).

For accommodations closer to nature, check out Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, a beautiful 67-acre property surrounded by mountains and creeks. Here, you will find a variety of cabin and bunk room styles, an onsite spa and several dining options as well as a cool outdoor pool and family play barn — just a few of the amazing amenities at Sleeping Lady. If you want more room and privacy, or if you’re traveling with extended family or friends, a vacation home rental is a super fun way to go. Check out Leavenworth’s own site for finding a weekend place that’s just right for your family.

What to do?
Wow, where do we start? Leavenworth is a town that likes its festivals; there is at least one for every month! Mother’s Day weekend in May has Maifest, with plenty of traditional German music, dancing, and even medieval knights and horse-drawn wagons. June features the Bavarian Bike & Brews festival — perfect if you and the kiddos love to watch or participate in road racing (and if the grown-ups like microbrews). In July the Kinderfest and Independence Day festival is all about celebrating children; hayrides, a bike parade, tons of hands-on activities, and of course, music, crafts, and loads of tasty treats.

Downtown Leavenworth has Front Street Park, with its charming gazebo and maypole; a prime spot for sitting under a shady tree and people-watching while eating an ice cream cone. Waterfront Park, nestled along the Wenatchee River just a few blocks from downtown, is a birdwatcher’s dream. Enchantment Park has play fields, a playground, and several hiking trails and bike paths, as well as a bridge that connects you to Blackbird Island.

The Leavenworth Summer Theater features kid-friendly shows in a beautiful outdoor theater just a few minutes from downtown. If your family loves The Sound of Music or Fiddler on the Roof, add this venue to your list of to-do’s. You may even get to sing along with the Von Trapps!

For something totally offbeat, check out the Nutcracker Museum on Front Street. Yes, we said nutcrackers! At this awesome museum, see over 6,000 nutcrackers dating back 500 years. Your kiddos will go nuts for it (couldn’t help ourselves there). Or stop by Smallwood’s Harvest for tons of farm fun on the cheap. You can also pick up fresh fruits and veggies, grab a scoop of ice cream, and shop for unique gifts and specialty food and wine while your kiddos feed the goats, chickens, and alpacas or pan for gold.

Looking to get wet?
River tubing, stand-up paddle boarding, whitewater rafting, and kayaking are all excellent options. Rent equipment and go it on your own, or book a guided trip. The folks at Leavenworth Outdoor Center will hook you up.

But wait, there’s more…
There are so many fantastic ways for you to enjoy all the incredible outdoor activities Leavenworth has to offer — fishing, biking, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, birding, zip lines, wagon rides. You name it, and Leavenworth very likely has it. At Icicle Junction Activity Center it’s all about playing, with its 18-hole Bavarian-themed mini-golf, arcade and game room, and sport court.

Of course, if you’d rather take it easy this weekend, then strolling through the charming streets of downtown Leavenworth may be more your pace. Unique kid-pleasing shops abound — from Kris Kringl, a year-round Christmas store, to The Wood Shop, featuring handcrafted toys and games, to Mainz Haus of Rock, where your little geologists will go goo-goo eyed over the crystals, fossils, and petrified wood.

Where to Eat?
Gustav’s is a family style pub that has been a Leavenworth favorite since 1982. A full selection of burgers, fries, sandwiches, and salads are available; when weather permits, the rooftop patio is lovely. Pavz is a creperie that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; choose from savory or the sweet crepes, it’s all fantastic. You can’t go to Leavenworth and not have a brat — the German sausage kind, not the in-a-bad-state-kiddo kind. Leavenworth Sausage Garten makes it own sausages on the premises; wash it down with what’s on tap. For the little ones, regular beef or veggie dogs are available and all seating is outdoors! Blackbird Bistro, one of the newer places in town, has a cozy spot on a street corner and a hip vibe. Coffee, breakfast, and lunch is what they do, and they do it well.

Don’t forget your sweet tooth! Das Sweet Shoppe on Front Street has ice cream and all kinds of fun candy including a few blasts from the past! And the Gingerbread Factory is a cafe/bakery that will charm your kiddos with their cute exterior and their delish goodies — don’t miss their gingerbread houses (available all year-long) and melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Will you be taking a trip to Leavenworth this spring or summer? Let us know in the comments below.

-Myriam Gabriel-Pollock

Photo Credits: Myriam GP, Ferrol H., Enzian Inn

Guten Tag: Have a Bavarian Good Time in Helen

by Phebe WahlDecember 20, 2013

If you find yourself wanting to don lederhosen and hit a German beer hall, then there’s a place for you in Georgia. It’s called Helen. A little more than an hour’s drive from Atlanta, Helen is nestled in the North Georgia Mountains and a perfect destination for a family getaway. During the 1960s, to boost tourism in the area, the tiny town of Helen was developed into a faux Alpine Village. Everything in the town, even the fast food chains, is built in keeping with the Bavarian theme. Yes, it’s a little cheesy, but that’s part of the fun!

The Scene
Helen has all the trappings of a usual tourist town: souvenir shops, hotels and restaurants (many of them German-themed). The natural beauty of the area sets it apart, however. You even cross over the Chattahoochee River while strolling through town. There’s also a scenic hilltop park in the middle of town. Mountain vistas beckon in the distance. If you feel like escaping from it all, Unicoi State Park and Anna Ruby Falls are just a few miles up the road. While there are hotels in the village, there are also plenty of cabin rentals and campgrounds not too far away.

Where to Dine
You know you HAVE to eat German food in Helen. Truth be told, there are a few tourist trap restaurants that cater to the masses. However, there are several really tasty and authentic German food establishments. Two to try are Hofer’s Bakery and Bodensee Restaurant. At Hofer’s you’ll find delicious Old World breads baked in a stone hearth oven. There’s also a pastry case full of Linzer cookies, apple strudel, cakes, tortes and other sweet treats. Sit down for breakfast or lunch in café for a full menu of soups, sandwiches and German favorites—or grab something to go. Open for lunch and dinner, try Bodensee for more of a fine dining experience. (Never fear, they do have a kid’s menu, though!) Here you’ll find chef-inspired takes on German specialties like schnitzel, sauerbraten, spaetzle and all manner of housemade sausages. They also have steak and some more American style offerings.

For the Kids
The minute your kids see the horse and buggies trotting around Helen, you know they will be smitten. During peak tourist seasons (particularly fall), you’ll find them in the village. Advanced reservations are not required. Also hit Jolly’s Toys on Main Street and Charlemagne’s Kingdom if you have little train enthusiasts in tow. When the sweet tooth hits, pay a visit to Hansel and Gretel’s Candy Kitchen for some handmade fudge, taffy and almond butter toffee. We promise, no evil witches lurk inside!

Just outside of town on Highway 17 is historic Nora Mill Granary and Country Store. Open every day (except Christmas and Easter), both kids and adult will find the old-fashioned water powered grist meal fascinating. When you’re finished exploring the mill, buying some fresh ground cornmeal and sampling goodies in the store, head out to the deck and feed fish in the river.

For the Grown Ups
Of course, there is plenty of German beer to be found in Helen – even outside of the Oktoberfest season. But, it’s also become a destination for wine connoisseurs. One of the oldest wineries in Georgia, Habersham Winery, is also located just outside the village and offers free tastings. Several other Georgia wineries including Frogtown Cellars, Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards and Yonah Mountain Vineyards have tasting rooms in Helen or nearby in Sautee Nacoochee.

When to Go
Helen offers something for all seasons. Fall is by far the busiest time of year because of leaf watchers and Helen’s annual Oktoberfest celebration. Note this is the time of year to go for the German beer hall experience. It runs September through October—and yes, it is kid friendly. Make your lodging reservations far in advance and expect traffic jams if you plan on visiting on an October weekend. For a less crowded experience, try visiting during the week. The winter holiday season is also a great time to visit Helen. The village is lit and full of holiday activities and markets. Early June brings another Helen tradition: the Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race and Festival. In general, spring and summer are the best time to visit for Helen’s outdoor attractions. Several tubing and canoeing outfitters, like Cool River Tubing operate out of Helen. There are also several mini golf courses, a zip line course and all sorts of outdoor options for family fun.

For more information visit the City of Helen online by clicking here.

Have you been to Helen? Tell us about it below!

—Rachel Quartarone

Photos courtesy of the Helen Chamber of Commerce via Facebook and the author

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