Georgia Days: Callaway’s Collage

Amidst the coarse, red clay of Middle Georgia’s makeup is a rich, green oasis dappled generously with colorful, native flora, thousands of butterflies and the silvery strands of lakes.  While a jewel to be sure, these gardens nestled in Pine Mountain country once started as a diamond in the rough.

Callaway Gardens was created to be a place of inspiring beauty, serenity and wholesome enjoyment for families.  Beginning with a unique vision, textile mogul Cason J. Callaway and his wife, Virginia, took a dream and turned eroding cotton fields into lush gardens quite simply “for the benefit of mankind.”  There is little evidence of the dying cotton industry now amidst the bold azaleas and many natural attractions that Callaway has to offer.  It is a resort for the senses that continues to improve with age in its 57 years of operation.  This is how the original Callaway’s meant for their non-profit foundation to live on and it continues to serve its main purposes by fulfilling charity, education and recreation.  So, while the atmospheric and whimsical Southern charm of the gardens suffuses its visitors with relaxation, there is also the chance to pick up some horticultural and environmental education and learn about the generosity of others.

Callaway Gardens is a trip that can last for a very long daytrip or be savored over a weeklong vacation.  Either way, be sure to enjoy all of the natural offerings, both within the gardens and nearby if you have the chance.  This is a place where you can explore at your own pace and create ideal adventures.  While the Gardens invite visitors to begin the day at the Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center, you can start wherever you like.  It is the main resource for discovering other attractions, tours and possible events going on during your visit.  Here, you can also enjoy seasonal exhibits, a lunch by the lake or even visit the Birds of Prey show and watch with wonder as eagles and other raptors fly overhead.  So, if you are new to Callaway, this might be the first stop for you.  However, it is also refreshing to enjoy the hearty breakfast buffet at the Mountain Creek Inn before you start your exploration of the Gardens. 

The spring sees many visitors to Callaway Gardens, especially during sunny weekends. The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, a glass conservatory with winding paths that lead through a tropical butterfly garden, is one of the most popular attractions.  Rare butterflies and tropical parrots flutter through the conservatory, lighting on plants from their native countries for ideal photo opportunities.  While an enchanting place, the Butterfly Center can also fill up fast on a Saturday with the temperatures reaching peak humidity as crowds gather; going during the morning hours is a good idea.  Close to the Butterfly Center is the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center, a creative indoor/outdoor expanse of garden that features flowers and plants from across the world.  Seasonal topiaries also dot the landscape and you can soak up some sun relaxing in a swing or go inside to sit by the waterfall.  The gift shop here is one of the best and oftentimes offers locally bred flowers and plants to take home for your own garden. 

Currently, the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl is in full, explosive bloom, providing a rainbow of color with over 700 varieties of the flowering bush.  The Overlook Garden also provides another view of Callaway’s famous azaleas.  These can be seen by driving through the gardens, renting a bike and taking the Discovery Bike Trail or by simply walking along the numerous miles of nature trails.  Anywhere within the gardens is considered the “scenic route.”  

Stroll through Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden, where the PBS show “The Victory Garden” is filmed and pick up some gardening tips from the experts and volunteers on hand.  Visit the 1830s Pioneer Log Cabin that features historical demonstrations and learn how a family of 15 once occupied the small space.  Sit in a pew of the peaceful Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel wonder at the inspiring stained glass work depicting the South’s seasons. Lounge on the warm sand of Robin Lake Beach where the possibilities for fun are endless, from swimming and playing mini golf, table tennis or shuffleboard to renting a paddleboat or enjoying the floating playground.  Or enjoy one of Callaway’s claims to fame by golfing on the scenic green.

The Gardens feature several different dining options – ranging from the healthy and organic to the comforting and fattening – and gift shops specifically unique to their attraction, including fresh produce at the Vegetable Garden location. Lodging ranges from cozy cottages and villas to the comfortable inn and a new luxurious lodge and spa, which features a state-of-the-art fitness center, massage salons and sauna.  You determine your level of comfort and luxury when at Callaway. 

Depending on when you go, different packages are available.  It is also possible to arrange for a more fitness-oriented vacation that includes a ropes course, tennis, fishing, boating or learning how to wakeboard or water-ski.  Check the calendar for one of their many popular events.  Certain weekends feature plant fairs and sales from the creative nurseries on site, photography or art lessons, horticultural education and volunteer experience or annual holiday celebrations.  The eagerly anticipated Masters Waterski & Wakeboard Tournament kicks off summer at Callaway during Memorial Day weekend and is not to be missed, much like the Surf and Sand Spectacular that follows for the Fourth of July.

If planning to stay longer in the Pine Mountain area, make sure to check out all of your options.  Pine Mountain is a cheerful small town filled with antique shops and restaurants.  Columbus, Thomaston and LaGrange are all close by, as is the Wild Animal Safari, Warm Springs, Hills & Dales Estate, Roosevelt’s Little White House, Butt’s Mill Farm and Georgia’s largest state park, F.D.R. state park, complete with Roosevelt Stables for horseback riding. 

As spring fades through the door into summer, Callaway Gardens is vibrant, full of life and just waiting for you to come visit.  Take off for a refreshing and rejuvenating “Pleasant Valley Sunday” and you will learn just how beautiful Georgia really is.