Blue Ridge is a charming town that offers more than just pretty views—it’s a place where history, local flavor, and a bit of mystery come together. What makes the area stand out are its diverse tour options that cater to different interests. We especially enjoy a good blend of culture and history, like the 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen, which gives you a relaxed walk through this Bavarian-inspired town while sampling local wines and candy. It’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of history without breaking a sweat. For those interested in the spooky side of town, the 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour delivers ghost stories and haunted sites, making it a fun and slightly eerie experience. And if you’re curious about the darker stories of Helen, the Helen Haunts, Murder, Mystery Tour With Paranormal Investigation offers a shorter, intense dive into its haunted past with real paranormal investigation elements.
In this guide, we’ll look at these top experiences and help you decide which tour fits your style and schedule. Whether you want a laid-back cultural stroll or an adrenaline-pumping ghost hunt, there’s something in Blue Ridge for every traveler.
1. 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen
At number 1 on our list, the 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen offers a friendly, accessible way to get to know this Bavarian-themed town. For just $28.50 per person, you’ll enjoy a roughly two-hour walk that covers Helen’s history, architecture, and local attractions. The tour includes visits to the Helen Arts & Heritage Center, where you’ll see works by local artists and learn about the town’s origins. You’ll also stop at Wildewood to learn about North Georgia gold mining and see a gem mining demonstration, which is fun if you’re interested in the area’s mineral history.
One highlight is sampling wines at Fox Winery—free tastings included—where you can sip local bottles and enjoy the scenic vineyard views. The Glassblowing Shop features live demonstrations of artisans creating beautiful glass pieces, and the Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen offers a sweet peek into local confectionery craftsmanship. Finally, the tour wraps up with stops at outdoor murals, Bavarian cuckoo clocks, pretzels, and even a Bigfoot photo opp, making it a lively mix of culture, history, and fun photo moments.
Bottom line: This tour is great for those wanting a relaxed, informative walk with plenty of tasting opportunities and colorful sights. The reviews rave about its punctuality and friendliness, making it a strong choice for first-time visitors.
2. Heavenly Helen Scavenger Hunt
For travelers looking for a truly interactive experience, the Heavenly Helen Scavenger Hunt ranks high. Priced at $29. per person, this two-hour adventure turns wandering through Helen into a game. What sets this apart is the use of a live, remote host who helps guide your team via your phone, making it a fun and social way to explore. This scavenger hunt is crafted by a company based in Austin, TX, and is available in over 300 cities, ensuring a polished, creative experience.
The hunt combines puzzle-solving, photo challenges, and local stories, making it ideal for families or groups who want to see Helen from a different perspective. It’s perfect if you prefer a flexible, self-paced activity that mixes sightseeing with a bit of friendly competition. Plus, the digital format means you can do it rain or shine—no worries about weather conditions. The reviews mention that it’s a “creative challenge” and “a great way to discover hidden corners,” which suits travelers who enjoy interactive fun.
Bottom line: This tour offers a memorable, personalized way to learn about Helen’s sights without a strict schedule. It’s especially good for tech-savvy groups wanting a unique activity to break up a day of sightseeing.
3. 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour
If you’re drawn to stories of the supernatural and dark history, the 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour is a perfect pick. Priced at $28.50 per person, this walk takes you through Helen’s shadowy side, exploring stories of ghosts, murders, and eerie legends. For those interested in paranormal tales, this tour offers a chilling look at the town’s haunted locations, including the historic Two Tire Tavern—once a hospital in 1913—known as Helen’s most haunted site.
The tour highlights include learning about local ghost stories, seeing the basement of a haunted building with paranormal activity, and hearing firsthand accounts from the guide. People who enjoy haunted history find this experience especially engaging, with some reviews noting how informative and fun it is. The guide’s storytelling skills are a plus, making the spooky tales come alive. If you’re curious about Helen’s darker stories but prefer a walk, this is a compact, thrilling option.
Bottom line: Ideal for those interested in ghost stories and haunted sites, especially if you want to combine history with some spine-tingling entertainment. It’s a shorter tour, but packed with suspense.
4. Helen Haunts, Murder, Mystery Tour With Paranormal Investigation
For those seeking a shorter but intense peek into Helen’s haunted past, the Helen Haunts, Murder, Mystery Tour With Paranormal Investigation is a fun, 1.5-hour experience. With a price tag of only $20, it’s an economical way to explore the town’s darker side. The tour combines stories of voodoo rituals, murders, and local legends, culminating in a paranormal investigation where participants get to use ghost-hunting equipment.
This experience is ideal for the curious or adventurous traveler who wants a quick dose of mystery. The tour is lively and engaging, with reviews mentioning Heather as an energetic guide who makes the stories memorable. The inclusion of paranormal tools adds an interactive element that many find exciting. Keep in mind, because it’s a shorter tour, it’s better suited for those with limited time or a specific interest in ghostly investigations.
Bottom line: Great for small groups or those interested in a night of spooky tales combined with a hands-on paranormal experience. It offers a condensed but thrilling taste of Helen’s haunted history.
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend. If you prefer a relaxing cultural walk with wine tasting and local art, the Helen culture tour is a solid choice. Those who love interactive, game-like experiences should opt for the scavenger hunt. For a spooky adventure, the haunted walk offers intriguing stories and ghostly tales, while the murder and paranormal tour delivers a shorter, more intense paranormal experience.
Budget-wise, all options are reasonably priced, but if you want a combination of fun and education, the cultural tour provides excellent value with its multiple stops and tastings. For a more immersive, tech-driven experience, the scavenger hunt is ideal. And for those who love ghost stories and a bit of mystery, any of the haunted tours will satisfy.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, as tours fill quickly. Check the weather, too—some walks are best enjoyed in mild conditions.
Final Thoughts
Blue Ridge offers a variety of tours that cater to different tastes—from laid-back culture walks and wine tastings to adrenaline-pumping haunted adventures. For travelers who love history and local flavor, the Culture Tour provides a comprehensive and enjoyable introduction. If you’re after a fun, interactive challenge, the scavenger hunt is hard to beat. And for those interested in spooky stories and ghostly mysteries, the haunted walking tours will keep you on the edge of your seat.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on the best experiences Blue Ridge has to offer. Dive into these adventures and discover a side of Blue Ridge that’s as engaging as it is memorable.