Callaway Gardens

Callaway Gardens is a sprawling 6,500 acre complex providing all manner of attractions. The gardens were founded in 1952 by Jason & Virginia Callaway to protect a rare azalea species found in that area, and to encourage a harmony between people and nature. The Callaways first got the idea to start the gardens in 1930, when they discovered the plumleaf azalea, the rarest azalea in the eastern United States. When the Callaway Gardens opened in 1952 it had several lakes, scenic drives, and a golf course. Today they have to become a thriving resort with dozens of attractions, several great restaurants, and a few different lodging accommodations.

 Attractions:

1. Begin your tour and learn the history of the Callaway Gardens at the Callaway Discovery Center.
2. See the 22-foot indoor waterfall and a host of spectacular plants at the Sibley Horticultural Center.
3. The Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl has more than 3,000 azalea!
4. See an incredible display of flowers at the Overlook Azalea Garden and Azalea Trail.
5. Callaway Gardens has two beautiful golf courses ($50-100 for an 18 hole game), a great practice facility, and several tournaments throughout the year.
6. See flowers in bloom almost year-round at the Thornhill Hydrangea Garden (Hydrangeas color is changed by soil acidity).
7. See more than 50 varieties of butterflies at the Day Butterfly Center.
8. Catch a glimpse of life in the 1800s at the Pioneer Log Cabin.
9. Walk the Holly Trail – one of the world’s top holly displays – and see Daphne, Edgworthia, Camilla, and other flowers in Meadowlark Garden.
10. Go tightrope walking, ride a zip line, and more, with Treetop Adventure ($35/person).
11. See Raptors flying up close with the Birds of Prey exhibit!
12. Ride on 10 miles of bicycle trails (bike rentals available).
13. Hike on eight different nature trails.
14. Play Tennis ($6.50-$9.50/person – rentals & lessons available).
15. Go boating and fishing (rentals available).
16. Enjoy a bunch of activities on Robin Lake Beach!
17. Go tubing, wakeboarding, and water skiing on Robin Lake Beach ($70/half hour per boat).
18. Walk among vegetables & flowers at Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden.
19. See the varied nature & wildlife at the Callaway Gardens.
20. Step inside the peaceful 16th-century Gothic style Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel.

Events:

Callaway Gardens has a great selection of events year-round, so be sure to check out their calendar before planning your visit.

Signature Events:

• See the Fantasy in Lights, named world’s “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights,” by National Geographic Traveler (Nov. 22nd – Dec. 30th).
• See the landscape explode with color as 20,000 azaleas and hundreds of other flowers come into bloom with Celebrate Spring!
• Listen to the Symphony on the Sand.
• Enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend Festival.
• See fireworks, listen to live music, and more during the July 4th Weekend Star Spangled Beach Party.
• Have a ton of fun at the 4 – 7 day Summer Family Adventure camp.
• Watch as dozens of hot air balloons take to the sky during the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival.
• Feel the thrill of a horse race at the Steeplechase at the Callaway Gardens.

Entertainment Events:

• Hear an Organ Concert at the Callaway Memorial Chapel.
• Watch incredible feats performed by the FSU Flying Circus!
• Listen to live bands each Friday night during the summer with the Summer Music Series.

Gardening Events:

• Go to the Southern Gardening Symposium.
• Buy some plants at the annual Plant Fair.
• Attend the Callaway Gardening School.
• Participate in one of the several Spring Gardening Workshops.

Education & Cultural Events:

• Be amazed by the Free-Flight Birds of Prey shows.
• Learn DSLR Photography with Jim Henderson.
• Make a Christmas Wreath.
• Get free admission to the garden on Founders’ Day (Nov. 6th, Feb 21st).
• Learn a new skill with the Callaway Garden School of Needle Arts.
• Practice basket weaving and watercolor painting with the Spring Art Workshops.

Sports & Recreation Events:

• Run in the Callaway Gardens Fitness Series.
• Watch a Tennis Tournament.
• Learn the art of Fly-Fishing in one of the almost monthly schools.
• Enjoy the Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament.
• Join in Bike MS to raise money for a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.
• Play in the Annual Golf Tournament, or just enjoy watching.

Food & Wine Events:

• Game Day at the Vineyard Green.
• Enjoy a Thanksgiving Feast at the Callaway Gardens.
• Meet the Gingerbread Man at the Holiday Character Breakfast.
• Enjoy delicious food at the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day all-you-can-eat buffets!
• Food and dance await at the New Year’s Eve Party.
• Don’t miss the Breakfast Buffet each morning in the Plant Room Restaurant.
• Attend the Wine Tastings each Tuesday.
• Friday night is the time for a great Seafood Buffet.
• Enjoy a classic Southern Buffet every Saturday evening.
• Get fresh food at the Farmers’ Market.
• Try to solve a crime at the Spring Murder Mystery Dinner Theater.

Dining:

The Callaway Gardens also have several excellent dining options, many of which do not require Garden Admission.

• Gardens Restaurant.
• Country Kitchen.
• Plant Room Restaurant.
• Vineyard Green Restaurant & Spirits.
• Champions Grill.
• Rockin’ Robin’s Malt Shop & Pizzeria.
• Discovery Cafe.
• Robin Lake Beach Pavilion & Beach Bar.
• Check out their Special Dining Events too!

Lodging:

Callaway Gardens offers four different lodging options, each of which include garden admission, Wi-Fi, and access to the Fitness Center.

• The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, Autograph Collection
• Mountain Creek Villas & Vacation Homes come in five different types and sizes.
• Southern Pine Cottages are one & two bedroom suites with all the amenities, including a living room fireplace.
• Mountain Creek Inn can give you a view of the Great Lawn, or the Glistening Pool.

Admission & Directions:

Regular admission to the Callaway Gardens costs $9 for children 6-12, and $18 for adults. In January and February, admission is free Monday through Friday. For full details and group rates, click here.

The Callaway Gardens can be found at 17800 US Hwy 27 Pine Mountain GA 31822.