How nice, after a day spent panning for gold, horseback riding, or wading in creeks, to settle into a hot tub. We all know that sound "Ahhh!", as we feel the chill and wear-and-tear release us and float away. Hot tubs are considered romantic, healing or luxurious, and are welcomed features in our vacation cabins.

But every bit of heaven comes with some restrictions, and it's wise to be realistic about hot tub safety and cleanliness. You want to pamper your body not stress it, and by observing some safety pointers, you will be able to get maximum comfort and healthful benefit from your soak.

The following blog will not only explore safety and benefit, but also the benefits of hot tubs and a list of activities for when you need a break from the hot bubbling waters.

Georgia is home to the number one Christmas town in the US - Helen. According to a new study from mydatingadviser.com, Helen has ranked the first spot out of 152 towns to celebrate Christmas. It is also in the second spot when it comes to Most Christmas Activities and the fourth spot in Best For Food. 

In October, as the clouds gather beneath a full moon and the bats start to swirl, visitors flock to North Georgia for some of the spookiest attractions around! Why go to some plastic-coated theme park for the scariest night of the year, when you could be spending All Hallow's Eve in a natural forest, possibly, in your very own secluded cabin!

Fall is in the air. Experience one of the longest-running fall foliage seasons in the world in North Georgia. There are plenty of trees with different shades of vibrant reds, yellows, oranges, and browns. If you're ready to be bedazzled by the fall colors, here are the places you can visit near Helen, Georgia.

Blue Ridge Mountains

In early October, the leaves begin to change in the higher elevations in the mountain. By early November the leaves then work their way to the lower elevations. The intensity of color often varies greatly mile-to-mile. 

Having been canceled last year due to the pandemic, Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia is finally here! So what's in store for you?

Helen's biggest celebration is running from September 9-12, September 16-19, September 23-26, and reopens again on September 30 which will run through the entire month of October. Enjoy German music, lots of dancing, food, and drinks.

This is the longest-running Oktoberfest in the US and this year will be its 50th celebration! There are German-style bands from around the country. While German tunes are played, there are also modern favorites. But 90% of all music played at the event must be Bavarian to take away the traditional authentic German experience. The bands performing this year include Yodel Blitz, The Czechers, Prost, Squeeze Box, Alpenmusikanten, Europa and Martin Gross und sein Sonnenschein Express. Dance the polka and others. Are you ready for the chicken dance?

The festivities will happen at the riverside Helen Festhalle where there are rows of long tables so you can eat and drink while watching the shows. Festhalle is located at 1074 Edelweiss Strasse in Helen. You can buy your tickets at the door. The event is kid-friendly. Active and retired military gets free admission but on Sundays, everyone gets in free. If you cannot go to the festivity, you can watch what's going on at the Festhalle live here.

Image courtesy to owner

Many people will be dressed in traditional attire, lederhosen, and dirndls.

The parade at noon on September 11, 2021, in downtown Helen, marks the start of the celebration. The parade starts on Edelweiss Strasse near the Festhalle, turns on the Chattahoochee Strasse, turns on to the Main Street, and ends at the Betty's Country Store.

Image courtesy of the owner

There is a ceremonial tapping of the keg. Plenty of German food you can try at the Hofer's of Helen, Cafe International, Bodensee, The Troll Tavern, and other restaurants in town. 

What should you bring?

Bring your ID with you as you will be asked for identification. Don't forget to bring cash since most parking lots accept cash only and you may want to tip servers and musicians with cash.

Where to stay for Oktoberfest?

Accommodations book up for Oktoberfest quickly so make plans in advance. Cedar Creek Cabin Rentals cabins are popular options for the amenities whether you are traveling with your partner, family, or group. Many of our cabins have hot tubs, sauna, full kitchens, firepit, and jacuzzi. 

The weather will still be warm and it only gets cooler in late October. The Georgia mountains by then will be bursting with fall colors. The fall colors of the leaves are an annual display that attracts many people to enjoy nature and it also coincides with the Oktoberfest schedule.

Are you going to the Oktoberfest this year? Share your experience!