Helen Disney Travel Agents Near Me

Overview

Introduction

This town 65 mi/105 km northeast of Atlanta, once a lumber-mill settlement, has been transformed into an Alpine village. In fact, if you blink, you might believe that you've been transported to a German or Swiss Bavarian village. The place is filled with authentic-looking German chalets, cobblestone streets, more than 200 shops that sell imported German or Swiss merchandise, and restaurants that serve delicious schnitzel, rouladen, sausages, strudel and other typical Bavarian fare. Store owners and shopkeepers even dress in lederhosen and dirndl skirts to accent the feel of Old World Germany.

The best time to visit Helen is during Oktoberfest, in late October during the height of Georgia's autumn leaf-viewing season. The town adds street singers, musicians and folks in period costume who stroll the lanes as characters from the old country. Hotel reservations, especially for September-November dates, must be made well in advance.

Several state parks with lodges or cabins are within 60 mi/100 km. Check out Unicoi State Park, which offers accommodations in its 100-room lodge and rental log cabins, enfolded in 1,080 acres/440 hectares of forest. The lodge restaurant serves three meals a day. State Road 356, Helen.

For more information, contact Helen Welcome Center and Convention and Visitors Bureau, 726 Brucken Strasse, Helen, GA 30545. Phone toll-free 800-858-8027. http://www.helenga.org.

Overview

Introduction

The state's major Mississippi River port is a beautiful old city with antebellum and Victorian homes, 90 mi/145 km east of Little Rock. Its peaceful atmosphere today belies the horror of the Civil War battle that was fought there in 1863: The bloody conflict is recalled at the Confederate cemetery on Crowley's Ridge, overlooking the river.

The Delta Cultural Center operates two sites of interest downtown: a restored train depot with permanent exhibits on the culture and history of the region, and a visitors center with temporary exhibits of various sorts.

The King Biscuit Blues Festival takes place in Helena in October, with regional and national acts taking the stage.

Overview

Introduction

Helena, the state capital located 225 mi/360 km northwest of Billings, began in the 1860s as a gold-rush boomtown.

Today, it's home to the old Queen Anne-style governor's mansion, the Greek Renaissance-style state Capitol (with a dome of copper mined in Montana) and The Cathedral of St. Helena, which is an imposing part of the city's architectural history.

Last Chance Gulch, the historic downtown's walking mall, offers a wide range of art galleries, shops, restaurants, music and craft fairs (in the summer months). Great Northern Town Center in north downtown features a beautiful carousel and ice-cream parlor, a children's science center (Exploration Works) and great dining opportunities.

Also downtown, you'll find the Holter Museum of Art, with new shows every six weeks. The Grandstreet Theater presents classic and modern plays, and The Montana Shakespeare Company holds outdoor shows in Performance Square.

Overview

Introduction

Overview

Introduction

Located near Castle Rock, Mount St. Helens was the site of a staggering volcanic eruption in 1980. The explosive eruption blew 1,312 ft/400 m off the top of Mount St. Helens. Rock, snow and ice produced an avalanche traveling down the mountain at 200 mph/322 kph. The avalanche poured into Spirit Lake, sending out water and flooding the lower areas around the lake. Other blasts wiped out nearly everything within 16 mi/27 km. Up to 3 in/8 cm of ash buildup blanketed areas up to 150 mi/241 km away from the eruption. You can still see the jaw-dropping effects of the explosion: a crushed automobile near Windy Ridge, the enormous logjam at Spirit Lake and the shattered crags of Mount St. Helens itself.

In 2004, lava began massing in the crater again, spewing steam, gas and ash. Because of this activity, some areas may be closed on short notice. Ashfalls typically last five minutes: Cover your mouth and nose with fabric, and go inside. Drivers should roll up the windows but not start the car, as the airborne rock particles can damage engines.

East of Castle Rock on Highway 504 is the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Visitor Center at Silver Lake, where you can see a diorama and watch films of the 1980 eruption. The telescopes on the deck of the center provide excellent views into the crater, and a short trail leads to an overlook that's 35 mi/55 km from the mountain. Naturalists are usually on hand to give talks during the summer. Phone 360-274-0962.

Another vantage point is the Johnston Ridge Observatory, where you can get a straight-on view into the crater from 5.5 mi/9 km away. It includes a wide-screen movie theater that shows a film re-creating the eruption. This site has the best view of the crater. Phone 360-274-2140.

Visit the Windy Ridge Viewpoint for a close-up look at the growing lava dome (access it from the east side of the park—Randle is the closest town). Rim climbs and hikes are limited (and sometimes restricted) because of increased volcanic activity. Apply for a permit at the ranger station.

On the southern side of Mount St. Helens (near the town of Cougar), Ape Cave is a large lava cavern that formed during a volcanic eruption more than 2,000 years ago. Keep in mind that many of the roads around Mount St. Helens are often closed in winter, as are some of the visitors centers. https://www.fs.usda.gov/giffordpinchot.