Special Memories Are Made At Pine Mountain Georgia’s Callaway Gardens

Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain Georgia can definitely claim bragging rights for they host the largest manmade beach in the world. But besides this awesome claim to fame, Callaway Gardens family vacation attractions are rich in fun activities and wildlife conservation.

Tickets to CALLAWAY GARDENS SPECIAL EVENTS

Callaway Gardens provides something awesome to experience for every member in your group, Whether you have outdoorsy sporty people, horticulture lovers, wildlife activists or those who just enjoy meandering, Callaway fits the bill. 

Typically, we go for about 3 nights at a time however, I would love to stay longer.  Each time, we find an area we missed before, a nook or a cranny, that is absolutely gorgeous and special. 

Callaway Gardens is totally affordable, offering options that will meet any budget.  There are several places to stay on the property such as cottages, villas and a clean low budget inn, Mountain Creek Inn.  

All of Callaway’s rentals are cozily nestled within gorgeous scenery with views of lush forests or calming water.  Most of the cottage and cabin rentals have full kitchens, spacious rooms and fireplaces with lovely porches to sit and have wine or coffee while enjoying nature.

One of our personal favorites is the Lodge And Spa that overlooks Robin Lake and the grounds.

The Lodge sports a rustic mountain chic combined with a Vegas luxurious spa style. Very upscale with balconies overlooking gorgeous scenic vistas, the Lodge is surrounded by forest and gardens.

You cannot go wrong wherever you chose to stay. As a guest of Callaway Gardens, you have access to all their onsite amenities and events.

 

BOOKING.COM CALLAWAY GARDENS AND PINE MOUNTAIN

Plus, VRBO has some beautiful home rentals in Pine Mountain with pet friendly options. 

The Lodge rooms do not have full kitchens however, there is an onsite full service restaurant (the breakfast is incredible),  and small sandwich bistros.  There is also a beautiful swimming pool with a commanding view of the largest manmade sandy beach in the world wrapping around gorgeous Robin Lake.

Robin Lake is the hubbub of Callaway Gardens. Encircled by a true sink your toes in it sandy beach and enormous pines, Robin Lake hosts a large pavilion area where food and drinks are served. Water inflatables are kid’s favorite place to hang out while the adults enjoy either the large porch swings shaded by the pines or sitting on the white sandy beach.

It is around Robin Lake that Callaway Gardens holds all its seasonal events such as professional ski tournaments, a circus, hot air balloon glow, symphonies and Santa to name a few. There are beach chairs and umbrellas and cabana rentals. You can also rent a boat and driver for water skiing or peddle a beach bike across the lake and watch the wildlife.

It is typically here that we begin, and end, the 11 mile paved bike path loop that meanders about the Callaway Gardens property.  This is an highly scenic bicycle path that is easy, beautiful and highly enjoyable.  

 

 

 

I love every bit of Callaway Gardens but I especially love the wildlife rehab and conservation efforts program designed to help beautiful birds of prey.  The Birds Of Prey show is performed at regular intervals at the Discovery Center which is also located along the 11 mile bike path but is accessible by car as well.

You will get to meet incredible birds now living at the facility due to unfortunate circumstances they have encountered in their lives and all will warm your heart, especially Olive. Olive is a very elegant regal old owl whom everyone instantly falls in love with. 

The Birds Of Prey show for me is not only entertaining and informative but it is also thrilling as I observe the care and painstaking effort made by the staff to ensure these incredible birds are happy and healthy. This show is highly educational for everyone and is a must while visiting the Discovery Center.

After watching Olive and ducking the dive bombs of Rohmann the Showman (Harris’ Hawk) you can walk across the bridge to the Discovery Center where there is food (wraps are delish), a gift shop, bathrooms, bicycle rentals and zip line. You can also take in incredible views of forest and the lake.

Hopping back on the bike trail (did I mention they are paved), you really can best experience the beauty of Callaway this way rather then in a car, we head to our next stop. And there are tons of stops along the trail besides the Discovery Center to enjoy.

One of my favorite stops is a rustic pioneer cabin where I spend at least an hour rocking in the rocking chairs on the old front porch and walking the trails nearby.

This cabin was constructed in the 1830’s with longleaf pine and was occupied by families until 1959.  Next to the cabin is a charming garden filled with summer veggies or pumpkins in the fall.

The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center is a must with adjoining paths through the hydrangea garden.  Absolutely gorgeous tropical paradise with over 50 species of butterflies fluttering throughout a 7300 sq. ft. glass structure.  There is an informative and beautiful shop in the building plus bathrooms.

 

 

A Memorial Chapel is along the bike path and here, there is a large maze of walking trails through an elaborate azalea garden. You can plan to spend some serious time here because the garden is immense and there is a whole lot of beauty to try to take in.  

All along the bike trail, there are many places to get off your bike and explore gorgeous gardens and hiking trails.  You will cross many scenic bridges and ride along several lakes and creeks. Eventually, you will do a loop that will take you back to the beach and Robin Lake and The Lodge.

RESERVE YOUR FAVORITE VEHICLE THROUGH RENTALCARS.COM

JETRADAR SEARCHES ALL AIRLINES TO FIND YOU FLIGHTS WITH THE BEST DEALS

TIME TO EAT!

The Lodge has the Piedmont Dining Room which is great and there is also a true German style restaurant, Gardens Restaurant, a short drive from the Lodge and it is also a stop along the bike trail. The food is brilliant, my fave is the salmon dinner with red wine, but the price is a budget killer.

I try to do this restaurant at least once on a trip. It is worth it.

When you make reservations to the Garden Restaurant, be sure to ask for a table on the veranda at sunset. You won’t be disappointed even if it rains.

We also enjoy the Country Kitchen right up the road from the Garden Restaurant which is much kinder to the wallet, has a delicious menu, a view of the park and you can grab some home made jelly on your way out.

This is really a great place for the entire family. It is a nature lovers’, garden fanatics’ paradise. My family and I love it here and we try to go as much as we can. It is a lovely getaway all year round and one that my family and I highly recommend.

TIP: Christmas at Callaway Gardens is spectacular.  Fantasy In Lights is a magical display of Christmas lights you can drive your car through.  I highly recommend this brilliant event.  Usually running from the end of November to the first week in January, this event will require tickets (link at top of page) and it is totally worth it.

Also, for more resorts that participate in wildlife conservation programs, check out Wildlife Protection And Eco Resorts.

Vacation Lifestyle Shopping is my shopping page created for your travel necessity shopping or for home design that makes you feel as if you are on vacation while in the comforts of home.  Travel Deals, Savings And Specials is available and updated regularly to offer vacation and travel price reductions.

 

WE ARE AN AFFILIATE WITH THE LISTED ESTABLISHED COMPANIES. ANY BOOKINGS FROM SITE ALLOWS A COMMISSION FOR US AT ZERO EXTRA COST TO YOU.  THANK YOU!