Oktoberfest Helen GA is in full swing, but there’s still plenty of time to join in the festivities.
This beloved celebration is the largest of its kind in all of the southeast, and runs from mid-September through the end of October. But what should you know before you come? In order ensure that you have the safest and most fun experience possible, we’ve put together these five simple rules for surviving Oktoberfest Helen GA – and having a great time while doing it.
Rule #1: Have a Game Plan
The autumn months in the Alpine village are mainly dedicated to the Oktoberfest Helen GA festivities. Because of this, there are a lot of things going on, many restaurants to try, plenty of taverns to visit, and numerous bands to check out. Although you may be tempted to just “play it by ear”, after having a few beers, you may find that your group is simply wandering around aimlessly through crowds, causing you to end up missing out on the opportunity to do something that you had wanted. Do some research and decide where you want to go before you head out for the night, so that you have a solid game plan set in place.
Rule #2: Don’t Drink and Drive
Although it should go without saying, it’s very important that you make arrangements ahead of time to ensure that you will never be in a position where you have to be behind the wheel after drinking. Even if you don’t plan on exceeding the legal driving limit while enjoying the party, it’s best to expect the unexpected. What if you end up drinking more than you planned, or what if a friend needs to be taken back to your place of lodging before your blood alcohol content goes down?
On top of everything else, the Helen area is likely unfamiliar terrain to you. Even driving after consuming a single beer in the mountains, after dark, could cause you to feel somewhat disoriented. Because of this, it’s in your best interest to either assign a designated driver who will not drink – period, or to call a cab. Be sure to look up the names and number of local taxi companies in the area before you plan to hit the town.
The good news is that Helen is a relatively small community. After being dropped off by your DD or cab service, you’ll have no problem walking to the various restaurants, taverns, and to the Festhalle throughout the evening.
Rule #3: Avoid Long Commutes
You may find that accommodations that are located a bit further away from downtown Helen are a little bit cheaper, but it may not actually be worth the inconvenience. Driving back and forth between Oktoberfest Helen GA and your hotel or cabin can quickly become exhausting and expensive – especially if you are taking a taxi. Fortunately, there are plenty of great opportunities for lodging, right in Helen.
Rule #4: Go Bavarian or Go Home
You made the decision to attend Oktoberfest Helen GA for a reason, so indulge yourself and join in the revelry! Everyone is visiting for the same reason – to have a good time. There’s no reason or excuse for you to sit on the sidelines while everyone else is living it up, letting loose, and dancing to polka music all night long. When the “Chicken Dance” begins to play, don’t be shy! This type of silliness is accepted and embraced at Oktoberfest, and it’s a part of the experience. Meet new friends by dining communally in the Festhalle, try a new brew, dress in your Bavarian best. Whatever you do, have fun.
Rule #5: Pace Yourself
Beer may be a big part of Oktoberfest Helen GA, but that doesn’t mean that you have to overdo it. Throwing back pints at rapid speed may seem fun at first, but could bring your night to a screeching halt if you get sick, or become incoherent. And the last thing that you want to happen during your getaway to northern Georgia is to wake up with a hangover so bad that you can’t even enjoy the rest of your trip. By pacing yourself, eating enough, and saying hydrated, you can have fun until late in the evening, and still be ready for more the next day.
Have you ever visited Oktoberfest Helen GA in the past? If so, what survival tips to you have for future festival goers?
