Callaway Gardens is a 13,000-acre resort located in Pine Mountain, Georgia. It was founded in 1952 to protect the native azalea species, but has expanded to include a wide variety of activities. Pine Mountain is located 80 miles southwest of Atlanta and 39 miles north of Columbus, Georgia, which is home to the Army's Fort Benning. F.D. Roosevelt State Park and Roosevelt's "Little White House" are also nearby in Pine Mountain.
The Azalea Bowl features more than 3,400 hybrid azaleas, and is a glorious mass of red, pink and white blooms each spring. This garden includes a gazebo, pavilion and arched bridge from which to admire a quiet stream. "Mr. Cason's Vegetable Garden," named after founder Cason J. Callaway, has served as the southern setting of the PBS show "Victory Garden." Besides vegetables, it includes fruits, herbs and a trial garden.
The Overlook Garden is the site of the founders' original azalea planting. Azalea expert Fred Galle helped plant more than 700 carefully chosen varieties there.
The Sibley Horticultural Center is both a garden and greenhouse, including a tropical conservatory, fern grotto and sculpture garden. It is there that you will find a constantly changing floral display, such as cymbidium orchids in the spring, topiaries in the summer, chrysanthemums in the fall and poinsettias in winter.
A quiet trail brings you to an authentic 1830s hand-hewn yellow pine Pioneer Log Cabin. Original and period reproduction furniture give visitors a sense of southern pioneer life.
Set in a tranquil woodland, the Ida Cason Memorial Chapel is in the style of a 16th century Gothic chapel. Six stained glass windows depict the southern forest through the seasons.
There are eight nature trails, ranging from easy half-mile walks to longer and more challenging hikes. There is also a 10-mile bicycle trail that takes riders through a variety of terrain. Rental bicycles and helmets are available.
The Mountain View golf course is ranked as a top-rated course by Golf Digest and Golf magazine. Tennis and fishing are also available.
Callaway's Birds of Prey program rescues injured birds that can no longer live in the wild, including a bald eagle, peregrine falcon and several different owls. Trainers present an informative show daily.
The Butterfly Center is an enclosed tropical conservatory featuring 1,000 butterflies of more than 50 species. It provides a rare opportunity to get an up-close glimpse of these fascinating creatures.
Each season brings special activities, among them a hot air balloon festival, a steeplechase and a winter "Fantasy in Lights." Accommodations and dining facilities are available year-round.
