The town of Helena is one of the most picturesque and quaint places in all of Shelby County. There are delicious restaurants, beautiful nature areas, and plenty of shops and entertainment to keep you busy. Dive into the details below for the best ways to spend 24 hours in Helena.
24 Hours In Helena
Helena, Alabama has the perfect small-town feel, but it is still close to many major attractions. Close to I-65, I-459, and Highway 31, Helena is easy to access no matter which direction you may be traveling from. From beautiful parks to delicious restaurants, Helena offers something for everyone to enjoy. If you want to explore Shelby County and plan the perfect day in Helena, then keep reading all the details below. Just know that 24 hours might not be enough to explore all the wonderful things that Helena has to offer!
Breakfast At Buck Creek BnB
The best way to start your time in Helena begins the night before. The whole family will love a stay at Buck Creek BnB, an outstanding boutique bed and breakfast in the heart of town. A local restaurant keeps the in-room kitchens stocked with ready to bake breakfasts, so you can warm your meal whenever you are ready! Early birds and late risers will all love the unique and delicious breakfasts offered to guests every morning. Trust us, this is the perfect way to start your day in Helena.
Explore Buck Creek
Buck Creek is one of the most beautiful places in Helena, and taking a stroll alongside the creek is a great way to spend some time. Relax as you listen to the sounds of the waterfall near downtown. There are plenty of walking trails to explore, and you can even bring a fishing pole to fish in the creek. You could spend hours enjoying the outdoors along Buck Creek, but make sure you leave time for the other activities on the list!
Exploring Buck Creek is fun on a normal day, but if you happen to make it there for the Buck Creek Festival, you are in for a real treat! Live music, arts and crafts vendors, and food trucks make for a spectacular weekend. And perhaps the best part is the rubber duck race! Thousands of rubber ducks are released into Buck Creek, and they travel down the creek before tumbling over the waterfall. It surely is a sight to behold! The ducks all head into a net at the end of the race, and spectators of all ages always love the duck race.
Shop Downtown
You can tell a lot about a town by its shopping opportunities. In Helena Old Town, the shops are as unique and special as the downtown itself. From gift items to clothing to handmade soaps, there is a little bit of everything in Helena. Some local favorites to visit downtown are The Petal Cart, Oh My Sole, and Skull Girl Soaps.
Grab Lunch At The Depot Deli & Grill
The Depot Deli & Grill is a local icon nestled in the heart of Old Town Helena. This converted train depot now serves up some of the best food in the area. You can easily walk to The Depot since most businesses in Old Town Helena are easily accessible on foot. The Depot is known for its delicious burgers and famous Philly cheesesteaks. Not only is the food outstanding, but the views from The Depot cannot be beat.
The best way to enjoy lunch at The Depot is by sitting outside and taking in the amazing views. From the outdoor patio, you can see the waterfall on Buck Creek. Dining outdoors is always a great way to go, but sitting on the patio in the fall is the best. Not only will the weather be wonderful, but the fall foliage behind the waterfall makes for an idyllic setting. Overall, there may not be a better lunch spot in Helena than the patio at The Depot Deli & Grill.
Happy Hour At Oversoul Brewing
Oversoul Brewing is truly a locally owned and operated brewery. Brothers Scott and Jason Pruitt treat this business as a labor of love, and their hard work certainly pays off. They deliver some of the freshest beer around, and the atmosphere cannot be beat. Located in Old Town Helena, Oversoul is surrounded by a natural and beautiful setting.
As for the types of beer available, you can expect all the standards. Browns, porters, IPAs, and pales are all available and outstanding. The Pruitt brothers even incorporate local fruit from the Helena Farmers Market into some of their brews, and customers seem to love the outcome. Fresh peaches, blackberries, and other fruit make for interesting and delicious flavor combinations. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views while sipping the freshest and most delicious beer in Shelby County.
Relaxed Dinner At Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
Dinner at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is the perfect way to cap off your day in Helena. Located a stone’s throw from Buck Creek BnB in Old Town Helena, this wonderful restaurant is home to one of the liveliest porches on the Shelby County restaurant scene. Everything on the menu is outstanding, but you cannot go wrong with a classic favorite – wings. If seafood is your preference, the fish and chips or salmon make for wonderful choices. Locally owned and family-run, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is sure to be a great way to cap off your day in Helena.
Plan Your Perfect Day In Helena
Helena is a great place to spend the day, and there are plenty of things there for everyone to enjoy. From outdoor parks to fine restaurants, there is no shortage of fun activities in Helena. You might even decide to stay overnight at the Buck Creek BnB to make for an outstanding weekend! Plan your trip and head to Helena today!