Helen, Georgia
Though often overlooked as a destination in Georgia, the Alpine Village of Helen enthralls the imagination with cobblestone roads and more than 200 specialty shops.
While browsing the colorful stores, groups should be sure to stop by the Nora Mill Granary and pick up a fresh package of stone-ground grits, also known as Georgia ice cream. Other notable stores include the Habersham Winery, the Hot and Sweet Coffee Company and the Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen, which features treats like hand-glazed pineapple slices, almond butter toffee and pecan logs. One of the store’s owners, David Jones, wrote the book “Candy-Making for Dummies.”
The Bodensee Restaurant is a local favorite, complimenting the city’s Bavarian themes with authentic, German cuisine. Chef Aurel Prodan studied the culinary arts in Romania and later established his reputation as a master chef in Bavaria, Germany, bringing back traditional dishes like pork schnitzel, beef stroganoff and veal cordon bleu.
The area is also renowned for the surrounding waterfalls, such as Anny Ruby Falls and Raven Cliff Falls. Groups can stop by the nearby Chattahoochee Stables for horseback riding or take a tubing adventure in the Chattahoochee River.
Paducah, Kentucky
Located halfway between major cities Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee, Paducah provides a convenient location for traveling groups in central Kentucky, surprising many visitors with its eclectic offering of eateries, art galleries and historic attractions.
One of its prized features is the National Quilt Museum, which displays an exquisite collection of artisan quilts.
“You’re among the greatest fiber art in the world,” said Fowler Black, group sales director at Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau. “These are not the quilts our grandmothers used to make. This is fine contemporary art.”
To put the skill of the craft in perspective, groups can sign up for the Creative Stitch VIP tour and quilt-making workshop.
“I was a guinea pig for this experience,” said Black, “and I proudly display my quilt here at the office. It’s a great conversation point when talking with people.”
Another quintessential attraction in the city is the Hotel Metropolitan, a historic hotel that housed African-American guests during segregation. As soon as visitors step onto the porch, history comes alive as the hotel hostess, Miss Maggie, warily opens the door and tries to shoo any white guests away to the “white hotel,” complaining about Jim Crow laws. Eventually, she allows the group inside, where they can learn about the building’s unique past and enjoy a slice of chess pie.
“It’s incredible to learn about its history,” said Black. “Even famous African-Americans had no place to stay in town except the Metropolitan.”
In the Lower Town Arts District, many artists lead hands-on workshops; they include Kijsa Housman, owner of Make Paducah, and Kristin Williams from Ephemera Paducah, who offers embroidering and Bible-journaling classes.
Popular dining options include Kirchhoff’s Bakery and Deli, Cynthia’s and the Freight House Restaurant, which is in an old freight depot.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Built during the late 1800s, Eureka Springs carries a significant amount of history, with its Victorian-style hotels, homes and shops.
“We have a ton of shopping and art galleries in our downtown area,” said Gina Rambo, publicist at the Eureka Spring Convention and Visitors Bureau.
True to its name, the city is interspersed with about a dozen natural springs, with Basin Spring nestled in the center of town. Other favorites include Grotto Spring, which emerges from a mountain cave, and Crescent Spring, where visitors will find a stone staircase and trail adjacent to the historic Crescent Hotel.
Before the town was established, many early settlers traveled to the area to experience the healing mineral waters, and Eureka Springs continues to serve as a prime environment for rejuvenation, with nearly a dozen spas and wellness centers. Reminiscent of European castles, the Palace Hotel and Bathhouse combines modern amenities with romantic charm, with a century-old bathhouse downstairs.
One hidden gem in town is the Thorncrown Chapel, an award-winning structure that features exquisite glass walls and crisscrossing beams.
