Food And Drink

Helen, Georgia is a charming Bavarian-themed town in north Georgia. Here’s what to know before you go, including the best days of the week to visit.

What is Helen, Georgia?

If you’ve never been to Helen, Georgia, you’re in for a treat. Or a head-scratcher. Possibly both.

Helen is a small mountain town in White County, Georgia, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Chattahoochee River. In the late 1960s, the town transformed itself into a replica Bavarian alpine village. Every building downtown was redesigned to look like it belonged in southern Germany. Half-timbered facades, painted trim, flower boxes, and cobblestone-style streets. The whole nine yards.

It’s a tourist town through and through. But it leans into the theme so hard that it kind of works. There’s an annual Oktoberfest celebration that draws huge crowds. The shops sell German-inspired everything. Restaurants serve schnitzel and bratwurst alongside Southern comfort food.

Check out the official Helen Georgia visitor site for the latest info.

Know Before You Go

Some things I really wish I’d known before our trip:

• Most shops are closed Monday and Tuesday (we learned this the hard way)
• The best days to visit are Thursday through Sunday
• The Hofbrauhaus restaurant is a must-visit for German food
• The Glass Blowing Shop has stunning works of art and is open most days
• Betty’s Country Store is a touristified grocery store worth checking out
• Parking can be tight on busy weekends, and pretty much every lot charges to park
• The Christmas shop doesn’t open until after Memorial Day
• The Chattahoochee River runs right through town and is popular for tubing
• Helen is only about 90 minutes north of Atlanta
• Anna Ruby Falls is just a short drive away and worth pairing with a Helen visit
• The town is walkable once you park
• Many shops have outdoor flower displays and photo-worthy storefronts
• Dogs are welcome on most streets and patios

How We Got to Helen

Jeremy and I rolled into Helen on Monday, May 4th after a full day of hiking Tallulah Gorge and Anna Ruby Falls. We checked into the Riverbend Hotel, dropped our stuff, and headed out to find dinner before walking the town.

Our timing was, in hindsight, terrible. We had two days in Helen, Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. That’s the absolute worst window for visiting because most of the shops are closed both of those days.

I’m putting this in bold letters for anyone reading: visit Helen Thursday through Sunday. Just trust me on this.

Dinner at Hofbrauhaus Restaurant

The first night, we had dinner at the Hofbrauhaus Restaurant, which sits right along the Chattahoochee River. This place has been a Helen landmark for decades, and it shows in the decor and the menu. Long wooden tables, German-themed everything, and a menu full of authentic Bavarian dishes.

Our waitress was a young woman named Maddie, and she was an absolute delight. Friendly, attentive, and full of recommendations.

My full review of the joint is coming soon, but bottom line: we loved it! 

The Hofbrauhaus has its own website where you can check out the menu and hours: hofbrauhaushelenga.net.

The Riverbend Hotel

We stayed at the Riverbend Hotel in Helen. It was a comfortable spot with a pretty decent breakfast included for guests. Nothing fancy, but everything we needed after a long day of hiking and exploring.

The hotel sits along the river, which is a nice touch. You can hear the water flowing from your room if your window faces the right direction.

What Was Closed (and It Was a Lot)

This is the part of our Helen visit that I want to flag for anyone planning a trip. So much was closed.

The wine tasting room was closed.

The Christmas shop was closed (and apparently doesn’t open at all until after Memorial Day, so that one was a double whammy).

The candy shop we wanted to check out was closed.

Several other shops we walked past had signs saying they’d be back Thursday or Friday. Sigh…

We wandered the streets and peeked in windows at all these adorable little stores we couldn’t actually shop at. It was equal parts charming and frustrating.

What WAS Open

The Glass Blowing Shop was seriously a bright spot. They had some of the most beautiful pieces with shapes and styles that were absolutely mesmerizing. We didn’t buy anything, but I wanted to. The shop had everything from small pendants to large decorative pieces.

Betty’s Country Store was the other place we made sure to visit. It’s a regular grocery store on the surface, but it’s been touristified with souvenirs, local snacks, and Helen merchandise. We stopped in specifically because Jeremy’s late mother was named Betty. It felt like a small way to honor her memory by walking through a store that bore her name.

A handful of restaurants were open. The Hofbrauhaus, of course. A couple of other places along the main street. So you can definitely eat in Helen on a Monday or Tuesday, even if you can’t shop.

Walking Around Helen

Even with the shops closed, walking the streets of Helen was enjoyable. The Bavarian-style architecture is genuinely charming. Every building has those half-timbered facades and painted accents that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a German village.

We walked at least a mile through town, possibly more. We took pictures of the bridges, the river, the storefronts. We enjoyed seeing a guy fishing in the river too.

Tubing the Chattahoochee is a hugely popular activity in Helen, especially in summer. We didn’t have time for it on this trip, but it’s something I’d like to do on my next visit.

Breakfast at the Hotel

Tuesday morning, we ate breakfast at the Riverbend Hotel. They had a proper breakfast spread for guests, which was a nice perk. We did our stretch class, ate some yummy food (and even grabbed some snacks from their bar for the road), packed up, and then headed back out for one more walk through Helen before getting on the road home.

The morning light in Helen is really pretty. The town wakes up slowly, the streets are quiet, and you can take all the pictures you want without dodging crowds. If you do visit on a quieter day like we did, the morning hours are when the town shines.

What I’d Do Differently

If I could redo our Helen visit, here’s what I’d change:

– I’d visit Thursday through Sunday so everything would be open. This is the single biggest change I’d make.

– I’d plan time for Anna Ruby Falls and possibly a hike or two in nearby Unicoi State Park. There’s a lot of natural beauty in this area that gets overlooked because the town itself is so attention-grabbing.

– I’d try Bodensee Restaurant or Muller’s Famous Cafe for variety, even though Hofbrauhaus was great.

– I’d plan a day of tubing if the weather was warm enough.

– I’d visit Hofer’s Bakery in the morning for German pastries.

– I’d check out Nora Mill Granary, a working grist mill where you can buy fresh-ground grits and other Southern staples.

Why It’s Worth the Visit

Helen is one of those quirky destinations that you either love or find a little overdone. I fell on the love side, even with the shops being closed.

The Bavarian theme is so committed and so well-executed that it stops being kitschy and becomes its own thing. The food is excellent (at least at Hofbrauhaus). The setting along the river and in the mountains is genuinely beautiful. And the people we met were friendly and welcoming.

It’s the kind of place you visit once and then keep wanting to come back to during different seasons. Christmas in Helen is supposed to be magical. Oktoberfest is legendary. Spring brings out flowers everywhere. Summer is tubing season.

A Note About Oktoberfest

Helen’s Oktoberfest is one of the longest-running in the country. It typically runs from early September through early November. The town gets packed with visitors, live polka music plays everywhere, and the German beer flows freely.

I haven’t been to Helen during Oktoberfest yet, but it’s now officially on my list. If you’re a fan of German food, beer, and celebration, plan a fall trip.

Final Thoughts on Helen, Georgia

Helen is a delightful little surprise tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s not a place you stumble into. You have to actively choose to drive there. But once you do, you’re rewarded with a unique town that doesn’t really exist anywhere else in the South.

Just please, for the love of all things German, visit Thursday through Sunday. Or even just Friday to Sunday if you want the full experience.

We had a wonderful time despite our timing miss. The Hofbrauhaus dinner alone was worth the trip. Maddie’s hospitality made it better. And the chance to walk a Bavarian village without leaving the United States is something everyone should experience at least once.

I’m already planning my return trip to Helen. Thursday through Sunday this time. Promise.

Universal Joint in Clayton, Georgia delivered a killer quesadilla and a tzatziki misstep. Here’s my honest take on this dog-friendly mountain town gem.

Finding Universal Joint in Downtown Clayton

After a long day of hiking Whitewater Falls in the Nantahala National Forest on Sunday, May 3rd, Jeremy and I were tired, hungry, and looking for a decent meal. We were spending the night at the Days Inn in Clayton, Georgia, and we wanted dinner that wasn’t fast food.

Universal Joint at 109 N Main Street in Clayton kept showing up in our searches. Reviews looked solid. The location was easy to get to from our hotel. So, we decided to give it a shot.

You can find more info on the Universal Joint Clayton website or the Explore Georgia listing.

First Impressions of the Place

Universal Joint sits in what used to be an old gas station, and they kept some of that character in the design. Picture a horseshoe-shaped bar inside, outdoor patio seating with a fire pit, and that easy, laid-back vibe that makes you want to settle in.

Live music sometimes happens here. They’ve got 17 beers on draft. And here’s the part Jeremy and I cared about most. Dogs are welcome on the patio. We didn’t bring Baileys and Kahlua this time, because they were resting at the hotel after a big hiking day, but it’s good to know for future trips.

The place wasn’t too busy because of the time of night we got there. There was a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in and outside of the bar. It definitely felt like the kind of neighborhood spot where regulars have favorite bar stools.

What I Ordered

I went with the Southwest chicken quesadilla. It came with chicken, cilantro-corn, monterey jack cheese, chipotle aioli, salsa, and sour cream. Black beans were supposed to be inside too, but our waiter mentioned they were spicy, so I asked for them on the side.

The quesadilla was excellent. The chipotle aioli had a smoky kick without being overpowering. The cilantro-corn added a nice fresh pop. The cheese was melty and generous. 

The black beans on the side gave me the option to add them in one bite at a time, but I feared adding in any more spice!

I also subbed my side from chips and salsa to the arugula salad. That salad ended up being one of the highlights of the meal. Baby arugula, sun-dried cranberries, mandarin oranges, feta cheese, and pecans, all tossed in their house version of a thousand island dressing. The combination of sweet, salty, peppery, and creamy was really something special.

If I went back, I’d order both again without thinking twice.

What Jeremy Ordered

Jeremy got a gyro with tater tots on the side.

Here’s where the meal went sideways for him. The gyro itself was fine, but the tzatziki sauce had way too many cucumbers in it. Like, the cucumber-to-yogurt ratio was completely off. 

Tzatziki should taste like creamy garlic yogurt with a hint of cucumber. Instead, it tasted and looked like cucumber salad with a little yogurt mixed in.

He ate it because he was hungry, but he wasn’t a happy camper. He said if the tzatziki had been done right, the gyro would have been a great meal. That’s a pretty big “if.”

The tater tots were good though. Nothing fancy, just well-cooked tots.

Friendly Service and Decent Atmosphere

Our waiter was great. He proactively warned me about the spice level of the black beans, which I appreciated. He checked on us regularly without hovering. 

Even with the tzatziki misstep, Universal Joint had a welcoming feel that made us feel comfortable. After a day of hiking, sitting somewhere that didn’t feel rushed was exactly what we needed.

The bar had a nice selection of drinks. I noticed they offered non-alcoholic options too, including non-alcoholic beer for folks who aren’t drinking. That’s a thoughtful touch that I don’t always see at small-town bars.

We didn’t partake in any adult beverages because we were exhausted, but we might if we ever go back.

A Few Things to Know

Universal Joint Clayton is open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight. They make everything in-house and fresh daily. It’s a bar and grill, but it’s family-friendly enough during regular hours.

They’ve got plenty of parking, prices are reasonable, and we didn’t feel like we were paying tourist prices…which can sometimes happen in popular mountain towns.

Will I Go Back?

Yes. If we’re ever back in Clayton, Georgia, I’d return to Universal Joint without question. The quesadilla and salad alone was worth the stop for me. And next time, I’d convince Jeremy to skip the gyro and try one of the signature burgers (which apparently are what they’re most known for anyway).

What I’d Order Next Time

If you find yourself at Universal Joint in Clayton, Georgia, here’s my recommendation list based on what I tried and what other reviewers rave about:

• Southwest chicken quesadilla (my pick again)
• Arugula salad as a side
• Any of their burgers (they’re known for them)
  • Black bean burger for vegetarians
• BBQ Brisket Nachos
• Brisket French Dip with au jus
• Skip the gyro unless you’re a fan of heavy cucumber in your tzatziki

Final Thoughts on Universal Joint Clayton

For a small mountain town in north Georgia, Universal Joint punches above its weight. The food is mostly excellent, the service is warm, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the location can’t be beat if you’re exploring Tallulah Gorge, Whitewater Falls, or anywhere else in the area.

It’s the kind of restaurant that locals love and tourists discover with delight. The dog-friendly patio makes it even better for travelers like Jeremy and me who bring our fur babies along.

Skip the gyro. Get the quesadilla. Try the arugula salad. Maybe sit on the patio if the weather is nice and order something off the craft beer list.

My honest take on California Dreaming in Augusta, GA. The steak went sideways, but the cheesecake had me forgiving everything fast.

How We Ended Up at California Dreaming

Jeremy and I were supposed to be hiking Whitewater Falls on Saturday, May 2nd. That was the plan when we left Gainesville, Florida earlier that morning. Then the rain started, and I’ll be honest with y’all, I completely forgot we’d ever planned that hike. The weather had different ideas, and we did too.

We were already trying to stay off the interstate for the entire trip. So instead of fighting the rain on a hike that didn’t make sense anymore, we ended up driving through Augusta, Georgia looking for food.

Our first stop didn’t work out. We tried to drive over to a golf course in Augusta, but it turns out it’s closed to the public. Of course it was. By this point we were hungry anyway, so we got back in the car, looked for something nearby, and pulled into California Dreaming.

I had high hopes. Y’all, I really did. The place was packed, so I thought it would be an amazing meal…

What Jeremy Ordered

Jeremy went with the Blackened Chicken Pasta. It came with fettuccine Alfredo, scallions, tomatoes, and Romano cheese. He absolutely loved it. From the first bite to the last, he was a happy camper. I’d say it was the highlight of the meal from his side of the table.

Honestly, if I’d ordered the same thing, this review would probably read a whole lot different. But that’s not how my night went.

What I Tried to Order

I had my eye on the filet mignon. I ordered it with a loaded baked potato as my side, and Jeremy and I split a Caesar salad as our appetizer.

The Caesar salad was actually really good. We split it without any complaints from either of us, and it set the bar for the rest of the meal at a pretty high level. Crisp, well-dressed, plenty to share. A solid start.

Then the steak came out.

My Steak Saga

I’d ordered the filet medium rare. What I got was a confused piece of beef that was well done on the outside and very rare on the inside. Not medium rare anywhere on the plate. The center was practically still mooing while the outside had been overcooked into oblivion.

I sent it back. I HATE doing that. The staff was nice about it, which I appreciated, but I really didn’t want to be that girl…

Now, what happened next is the part that confused me. Instead of starting over with a fresh steak, they took my same piece of beef and tried to re-cook it. Well, you might be able to guess where I’m going here…

It came back to my table even more well done on the outside, and still pretty rare in the middle. 

Same problem, just amplified. At that point, I knew this filet was a lost cause.

I told the server I’d just split Jeremy’s pasta with him. I filled up mostly on that loaded baked potato, which was honestly pretty good. Big, hot, plenty of toppings. If the kitchen could handle a potato that well, the steak situation became even more frustrating.

The Cheesecake Redemption

This is the part of the night where California Dreaming earned some points back. Actually a lot of points!

The manager came over and apologized. They took the steak off the bill, which was absolutely the right call. And then they brought out a slice of cheesecake to make up for it.

Y’all. That cheesecake.

It was rich, creamy, and exactly the kind of dessert that makes you stop being mad at a restaurant. I forgave them on the spot. Jeremy and I tore into that thing like we hadn’t already eaten dinner.

If you go to California Dreaming and remember nothing else from this review, remember the cheesecake. It might be the best thing on the menu…well at least in my case.

The Service Was Solid

I want to give credit where credit is due. The service was friendly throughout the entire meal, even when things went sideways with my steak. The manager handled the situation about as well as anyone could in that spot. They removed the cost of the steak, brought us a delicious apology dessert, and didn’t make us feel weird about any of it.

That counts for a lot in my book. A bad meal can turn into a worse night if the staff gets defensive or makes the customer feel like the problem. None of that happened here.

I’d still rather have gotten the steak I ordered, but as far as service recovery goes, they did right by us.

Would I Go Back?

This question matters most, and my answer is complicated.

I would absolutely not order the steak again. In fact, two weeks after this trip, I’m still craving a good steak. I keep telling Jeremy I just need to buy a filet at the grocery store and cook it myself, because at this point I’m pretty sure I can do a better job than what came out of that kitchen.

But would I go back for the Blackened Chicken Pasta, the Caesar salad, and that cheesecake? In a heartbeat. If Jeremy and I ever pass through Augusta again, I’d probably stop in just to try a few more menu items I didn’t get to sample.

What I’d Order Next Time

If we make it back to California Dreaming, here’s my plan:

• Caesar salad to start
• Blackened Chicken Pasta as my main
• Cheesecake to finish
• Skip the steaks entirely

Stick with what they do well. That seems to be pasta, salads, sides, and dessert.

My Honest Bottom Line

Was California Dreaming in Augusta worth the stop? For Jeremy, absolutely. He had a great meal and walked out happy. For me, the food itself was a mixed bag, but the service recovery and that cheesecake softened the blow enough that I’d still recommend the place to other travelers passing through.

If you’re driving through Augusta, Georgia and looking for something a little nicer than fast food without going full special-occasion, California Dreaming could work for you. Just maybe stay away from the steaks until you’ve heard better reports than mine.

And note to self for the millionth time, I really do need to buy that steak and cook it at home. The craving isn’t going anywhere.

My honest review of Keke’s Breakfast Café in Gainesville, Florida. The omelet was a winner, but the stuffed French toast had some work to do.

Finding Keke’s on a Saturday Morning

Jeremy and I checked out of our Gainesville hotel on Saturday, May 2nd with one goal in mind. We needed a good breakfast before hitting the road back toward Augusta, Georgia on our road trip home.

After a quick stretch class, we drove over to Keke’s Breakfast Cafe at 4062 Plaza Boulevard in the Butler North area of Gainesville.

Pulling into the parking lot, the place was hopping. That’s usually a good sign for a breakfast spot.

Sometimes it’s also a warning that you’re going to be waiting a while, but luckily, our party arrived before us and already snagged a table.

If you want to plan ahead, you can check their hours and location info on the Keke’s Gainesville page. They’re open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every single day of the week.

Splitting Plates Like We Always Do

Jeremy and I are huge fans of splitting meals when we travel. It saves money and it cuts down on food waste (because what are you going to do with leftover French toast in a hotel room?). 

Sometimes, it lets us try more than one thing on the menu if we want two meals and are super hungry, which WAS the case this particular morning.

At Keke’s, we ordered two things to split. The ham and cheese omelet and the stuffed French toast. One winner, one okay performer. Let me break down both.

The Ham and Cheese Omelet Was the Star

Y’all. This omelet was really, really good.

The ham was generous. The cheese was melty in the best way. The egg was cooked just right, not rubbery or overdone like you sometimes get at breakfast chains. I’d order it again in a heartbeat.

The omelet came with home fries and cinnamon raisin toast as the sides. The cinnamon raisin toast was a nice touch. I love when a breakfast spot offers something other than the standard white or wheat. Cinnamon raisin somehow makes a regular breakfast feel a little fancier. Just me?

Now, the home fries. They were the one disappointment of the savory side. Neither Jeremy nor I cared for them. I can’t quite put my finger on what was off about them, but they just didn’t do it for us. If I went back, I’d ask if I could swap them for something else.

The Stuffed French Toast Had Potential

Here’s the deal with the stuffed French toast. It’s a really cool concept on paper. Keke’s offers their stuffed French toast with several fruit options. Apple cinnamon, blueberry, or raspberry. We asked if they could swap in strawberries instead, and the kitchen accommodated us without any fuss.

I appreciated the flexibility.

But the French toast itself was a little dry. Not horribly so, just not as moist and rich as I would have hoped. The strawberries were fine, but they couldn’t quite save the bread itself.

Now I’m going to brag a little. I make a stuffed French toast at home that I created as a copycat of the version IHOP used to serve. Mine is rich, custardy, and has the perfect balance of sweet, soft and moist. Keke’s version reminded me a little of mine in concept, but mine wins in execution.

The Atmosphere Earned Some Points

The restaurant itself is clean, bright, and feels like a step up from your standard chain diner. The decor leans toward trendy without being over the top. The staff was friendly. We didn’t have to flag anybody down to get refills or check in on us.

Service was efficient. Our food came out at a reasonable pace, which mattered because we had a long drive ahead.

The dining room was full but not chaotic. It felt like the kind of place locals actually love rather than just a tourist trap. 

If you’re in Gainesville visiting family or for a University of Florida event, Keke’s is a solid stop.

Would I Eat Here Again?

Yes. With caveats.

If I were back in Gainesville…or any city that has a Keke’s now that I know it’s a chain…I’d absolutely return to Keke’s. But I’d probably order differently. I’d stick with the omelet (or try a different savory dish), and I’d skip the stuffed French toast next time. Maybe I’d try the pancakes or one of the breakfast combos.

That ham and cheese omelet earned my respect. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to come back even when other parts of the meal disappoint.

What I’d Order Next Time

If we make it back to Keke’s Breakfast Cafe in Gainesville, here’s my game plan:

• Ham and cheese omelet (Jeremy can fight me for it)
• Swap the home fries for something else
• Try one of the specialty pancakes or waffles instead of the stuffed French toast…or at least try the nutella stuffed French toast because I’m betting that wouldn’t be as dry
• Cinnamon raisin toast, always

Final Thoughts on Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

For a breakfast spot in Gainesville, Florida, Keke’s hits a sweet spot. It’s nicer than your average diner without being expensive enough to feel like a special occasion. The food is mostly good, the service is solid, and the atmosphere is comfortable enough that you don’t feel rushed.

The omelet was worth the trip. The French toast needs some work. The home fries should probably be reconsidered. But none of that is enough to keep me from going back.

If you’re driving through Florida (since that’s where 90% of their locations are), and need a real breakfast that’s not a fast food chain, look for a Keke’s and give it a try. Just order strategically.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go make myself some stuffed French toast now that I’m back at home.