GEORGIA'S NATURAL BEAUTY
CALLAWAY GARDENS

Story and Photos by
Pamela A. Campbell

Not everyone who finds a rare flower (the Prunifolia azalea) can indulge in their passion for beauty in their gardens spread throughout a 14,000-acre property. But thanks to the legacy of love for azaleas left by Cason Callaway and his wife Virginia, every one of the millions of visitors to Callaway Gardens are more than welcome to enjoy the blooming flowers, native to certain parts of the west-central region of Georgia.

Callaway Gardens, home to "the world's largest azalea garden" is located in Georgia's Presidential Pathways Travel Region, an hour southwest of Atlanta. In Cason Callaway's words, his goal was to create a place "prettier than anything since the Garden of Eden."

It just takes one look at the profusion of azalea blooms in an endless color array around the one-acre Mirror Pond and it will leave you breathless with admiration; so yes, Cason Callaway's dream has come true in Pine Mountain, Ga.

The resort offers a host of activities, some fun, some adventure, but suitable for all ages. When was the last time you attended a Beach Blanket Boogie? I did this past summer. At Robin Lake Beach, the resort's longest inland, man-made beach in the world, complete with a 65-acre lake. And it was fun! Live music, tables of sumptuous, colorful and tasty buffet fare at just the right temperature!

Then there's fishing, boating, an award-winning tennis center and a championship golf course. If you're into fly-fishing, sign up for lessons and guided tours. Every Fall the Mountain View Golf Course is the venue for the PGA Buick Challenge Tour.

Guest accommodation range from rooms at the Callaway Gardens Inn, charming Country Cottages or luxurious Mountain Creek Villas. (Try to park as close to your room as possible, if not, it could be quite a hike especially with luggage bigger than an overnight bag).

Callaway Gardens opened its resort doors to the public in 1952, with a great emphasis on the enjoyment of nature, and remains committed to active conservation through unique educational programs. Whatever your fancy, feel free to indulge yourself surrounded by the sheer beauty of nature. I would suggest the one or two-way scenic drives to get familiar with the property. I wish I had more time to explore some more of the walking and bicycle trails. (Don't forget to take along your map/guide, which outlines distance, time duration and level of difficulty for the trails).

Although I am not a practicing gardener, I stopped by Mr. Cason's Vegetable Garden, only to leave with a renewed interest and respect for "home grown" produce. Guests learn successful gardening and my meals at the resort's restaurants included some of the herbs, fruits and vegetables harvested on site. The garden enjoys its claim to fame every week when six million viewers watch the southern segment of the PBS television series "The Victory Garden" taped on location with host Lucinda Mays.

In season, breakfast at the Veranda Restaurant is a delightfully refreshing time to savor your meal and enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds Mountain Creek Lake. I could have sat and gazed all day at the boats going idly by or just watch the fishermen waiting patiently for their first bite.

At the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Conservatory it's a rendezvous with over 1,000 butterflies, hummingbirds and several ground and water birds. The free spirited occupants and the plants they cavort around are a colorful delight to witness, especially if you happen to spot the conservatory's pride and joy - African butterflies (this is where they made their first international appearance).

At Callaway Gardens there's a reason for every season, to visit, that is. With the holiday season fast approaching the resort is set for "the world's largest holiday light show" - Fantasy In Lights. This holiday tradition runs until December 26. The magic of Christmas Tree Lane and Santa's Workshop are only the introduction to more fascinating sights as the excitement builds in the fresh crisp air, and guests ride through Snowflake Valley on to The Callaway Christmas Village, where the festivities continue with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

As the brochure says, "With over a million lights, we'll make your spirits exceptionally bright." Believe me, they will.