the German-Style Town Near Atlanta! 🏟😅

Atlanta's summers are scorching! 🌞 A weekend spent playing in the water sounds like a fantastic idea! Helen, GA, is just about a 1.5-hour drive from Atlanta. ⏰ Recommended Time: Don't go too early when the water is icy cold, and avoid going too late when it's crowded and sunny. 🤷😕 I think arriving around 10 AM is perfect; by 11 AM, the crowds start to build up, and there might be some traffic jams in the town. 🛟 Rental Companies: There are two raft rental companies—Cooling Water and Helen Tubing.😒🙄 We chose Helen Tubing because the trip lasts about 2.5 hours (Cooling Water offers a 1-hour option, which might actually be enough in hindsight). 🎫 Tickets: Buy your tickets online in advance to skip the queues. Once there, simply present your e-ticket to get your wristband. 🎈🥳 Everyone needs to sign a waiver, and purchasing a stick ($5 each) is highly recommended. 🅿️ Parking: We parked at North Gate, where you can directly enter the water. After rafting, you'll end up at South Gate; just take a bus back to North Gate. ⚠️ Rafting Tips: Kids can be tied to an adult's lifebuoy, but no more than two lifebuoys should be tied together. The water is shallow and often gets stuck, so the stick is essential. Some areas have deeper water with slippery stones; avoid getting in where the current is strong—trust me on this! 😅 🎒 Essentials: Sunscreen, a sun hat, a waterproof phone pouch, water shoes, and a change of clothes. 🍖 Post-Rafting Feast: After rafting, treat yourself to a German-style crispy pork knuckle for lunch to replenish your energy. It costs $40 and is quite large—delicious but a bit rich, so the tangy sides help. Two adults can't finish it all; take the leftovers home for another tasty meal. 🌸My husband also ordered a massive 2.5-pound burger with four types of meat 🍔. Finish it, and you get a free mug for half-price beer in town! The peach beer is sweet and perfect for ladies.🌸👧 🐾After eating till you're stuffed, visit a souvenir shop to buy a fridge magnet and cap off your perfect day! When autumn comes and it's cooler, we'll definitely come back to stroll around and maybe ride the roller coaster 🎢. #USA #Atlanta #AroundAtlanta #GermanTown