July is one of the most popular months to visit Helen Ga and the North Georgia Mountains, for many reasons. In addition to the cooler temperatures (than most anywhere else), outdoor activities, shopping and dining, July brings even more fun events for vacationers and locals alike.
The Annual 4th of July Fireworks Display in Helen starts things off with a bang. Literally! They start at dusk on the south side of Helen near the tubing companies. Bring a blanket or chairs and hang out early to get a good spot. If you prefer to stay in town and avoid the traffic, we now have newly remodeled condos within walking distance!
Earlier in the day, Unicoi State Park is hosting “4th of July Mountain Style” which promises to be fun for the whole family! Sack races, a hoe down, a watermelon eating contest…call the Park for details at 800-573-9659. Unicoi also hosts the “Saturday Evening Concert Series” featuring live music (Bluegrass, Country, Gospel) every Saturday night at 8 p.m. Check it out!
There’s more live music at the local wineries- Habersham Winery hosts Second Saturday on July 14th on the lawn in front of the winery at Nacoochee Village, just south of Helen. From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be live music, arts & crafts booths, and food. And on Saturday, July 21, from 2-5 p.m., Sautee-Nacoochee Vineyards hosts the “Swinging in the Vines” music series, with complimentary wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and great music on the deck! 
The Annual Georgia Mountain Fair is held this July 20-29, in Hiawasee, Georgia. The fairgrounds are only a 30 minute drive from Helen, and it’s a very scenic drive up the mountains with lots of gorgeous views along the way. There will be a Pioneer Village, arts and crafts booths, live music, carnival rides, and midway games. Some well-known country artists will be playing this 2012 season, such as: Glenn Campbell (July 13th, call for info), Lee Greenwood, Marty Stuart, Janie Fricke, and many others! Go to www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com or call 706-896-4191 for more information. This is a great side trip from Helen, with lots to see and do along the way!
Rounding up this busy summer month is the 8th Annual Show and Shine for Cystic Fibrosis open car show, in Helen. The “Cruise-In” is on Friday July 27th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., and the car show and Awards will be on Saturday, July 28th, from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Awards will be given for several different categories, and all proceeds will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Have fun, drool over cool cars, and support a good cause! Call 706-795-2264 if you would like more information.
Of course, you can always choose to simply relax at your cabin or condo and enjoy nature, have a cookout, soak in the hot tub, have a bonfire in the fire pit….the choices are endless in the North Georgia Mountains! We are always glad to help plan your stay. What else would you like to do on your July Vacation?
