Inside the Old Sautee Store: A Timeless Detour Near Helen, Georgia
Podcast Show Notes: The Old Sautee Store
Step inside a piece of Georgia’s history. In this episode, we visit the Old Sautee Store, a landmark that has been welcoming travelers since the 1870s. More than just a country store, this place is part museum, part mercantile, and part café, making it one of the most unique stops you can make in North Georgia.
We’ll talk about the history of the store, how it has evolved from its days as a trading post into a modern visitor favorite, and what makes it such a fascinating detour when exploring the Helen–Sautee Nacoochee Valley area.
📍 Location
Old Sautee Store
2315 GA-17, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
oldsauteestore.com
The store sits at the intersection of GA Highway 17 and Highway 255, just a few minutes outside Helen, Georgia.
🛒 What You’ll Find
A museum section with antique fixtures, an original fireplace, and historic merchandise displays.
A modern shop selling local jams, jellies, honey, cheeses, cured meats, and regional wines.
Specialty gifts ranging from hand-crafted goods to nostalgic candies.
A café counter with sandwiches, fresh bread, and coffee—perfect for fueling up while exploring the valley.
🌄 What’s Nearby
If you’re planning a visit, make a day of it by exploring the surrounding area:
Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound – Just down the road, this iconic mound with its small white gazebo is one of the most photographed sites in North Georgia.
Helen, GA – A Bavarian-themed alpine town filled with shops, restaurants, and seasonal festivals.
Hardman Farm State Historic Site – Historic home and dairy farm tied to Georgia’s agricultural heritage.
Sautee Nacoochee Center – Local cultural hub featuring art galleries, performances, and Appalachian history.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe
Wherever you go, take the story with you. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and all major platforms. Don’t forget to follow so you don’t miss future episodes.
Helen, Georgia: The Bavarian Town That Shouldn’t Exist
How a fading mountain town reinvented itself as an Alpine village in the Deep South.
Classic beer garden in downtown Helen, Georgia.
Nestled in the North Georgia mountains is a place that looks nothing like the South. Half-timbered chalets. Bavarian beer halls. Gingerbread rooftops. It’s called Helen, Georgia, a town that once teetered on the brink of collapse, until a handful of locals decided to gamble on a wild idea: transforming a former logging town into a Bavarian Alpine village.
In this episode, we dig into the improbable reinvention of Helen, from its boom days of timber, to its desperate pivot to tourism, to the Oktoberfest capital it has become today. Along the way, we’ll look at what worked, what didn’t, and why this “Alpine illusion” continues to draw millions of visitors a year.
Whether you love quirky roadside Americana or just wonder how a place like this even happened, Helen’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the strangest ideas are the ones that stick.
Peach Perfect: Must-Knows for First-Timers in Georgia
The "Peach State" of Georgia offers a delightful blend of Southern charm, vibrant cities, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, Georgia has something for everyone. But before you pack your bags, here are a few things every first-time visitor should know:
Getting Around:
Metro vs. Mountains: Georgia is a diverse state. Atlanta, the bustling capital, has a well-developed public transportation system (MARTA) but a rental car is ideal for exploring the charming towns and breathtaking mountain ranges.
Southern Hospitality: Remember, politeness goes a long way. A friendly "yes ma'am" or "no sir" can open doors (literally and figuratively) and enhance your experience.
Watch Chad’s Video About Georgia!
Weather Wise:
Four Seasons of Fun: Georgia enjoys all four seasons. Pack accordingly! Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, while summers can be hot and humid, especially in Atlanta. Winters are mild, but there can be occasional frost and snow in the mountains.
Beat the Heat: If you're visiting during the summer months, plan your outdoor activities for early mornings or evenings. Stay hydrated and don't forget the sunscreen!
Must-See Sights:
Atlanta's Gems: Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Atlanta. Visit the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world, or explore the World of Coca-Cola. Atlanta is also a hotbed for film and TV production – see if you can spot a familiar filming location!
Savannah's Southern Charm: Stroll through the moss-draped streets of Savannah's historic district, a visual treat with its antebellum architecture and horse-drawn carriages. Take a ghost tour or explore the scenic squares.
Beyond the Cities: Georgia's natural beauty is a treasure. Hike through the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, go whitewater rafting in the Chattahoochee River, or relax on the beautiful beaches of Jekyll Island.
Foodie Delights:
Southern Comfort Food: Don't miss the chance to savor classic Southern fare like fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and peach cobbler. Georgia is also known for its delicious barbecue – be sure to try different regional styles.
Local Brews and Spirits: Georgia's craft beer scene is booming, with breweries offering unique and flavorful options. Sample local wines or explore the state's growing selection of craft spirits.
Extra Tips:
Embrace the Pace: Life in Georgia tends to move at a slower pace than in some other parts of the US. Relax, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the Southern hospitality.
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is customary in restaurants and for service providers. A 15-20% tip is generally expected.
With its welcoming atmosphere, diverse attractions, and delicious food, Georgia is a state that will leave a lasting impression. So, come explore the Peach State, and get ready for a truly unforgettable Southern experience!
10 Best Things to See & Do on Jekyll Island, GA
Just across the Florida-Georgia border and a short drive from both Jacksonville and Savannah is Jekyll Island. One of the Golden Isles of Georgia, Jekyll Island is one big state park which you’ll have to pay $8 to access. Once you’re on the island, there’s a whole town to explore along with gorgeous beaches, a turn-of-the-century hotel and plenty of other things to keep you busy.
Plantations with homes made of tabby were established on the island during the British colonial period. A few structures from that era continue to hang on despite the ravages of time.
By the turn of the last century, the nation’s elite had discovered Jekyll Island. Some of the wealthiest people in the world came here to hunt and play while spending the night in a large clubhouse.
Tycoons of America’s Gilded Age fell in love with the natural beauty of this place and constructed winter retreats in the form of mansion-size cottages, most of which still stand.
The Great Depression led to money troubles for the club and the island was eventually evacuated over security concerns during the war years of the 1940s.
In order to preserve the historic community, the government of Georgia purchased the island and turned it into a state park.
On this episode, I highlight the 10 best things to see and do on Jekyll Island.
