Callaway Gardens

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Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel at Callaway Gardens

Callaway is a 13,000 acre resort complex located near Pine Mountain, Georgia. The resort's most popular attraction is Callaway Gardens which draws over 750,000 visitors annually.^[1]

It was founded, in 1952, by Cason Callaway, to promote and protect native azalea species. His son, Howard Callaway, helped develop and run the garden. It now has a wide variety of recreational features including a large enclosed butterfly habitat, the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, and the John Sibley Horticultural Center, known for its wide variety of cultivars and native plants. The native palm Sabal minor maintains one of its northernmost populations in the area.

1 History
2 Attractions
3 References
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] History

Callaway Gardens opened on May 21, 1952 as the Ida Cason Gardens, with a number of lakes, a golf course, and scenic drives. Robin Lake Beach and the Overlook Azalea Garden opened the following year. The gardens were renamed Ida Cason Callaway Gardens in 1955. The Masters Water-ski Tournament, now an annual event, held its first competition in 1959. The Cason J. Callaway Memorial Forest opened in 1972, and the U.S. Department of the Interior named it a Natural Landmark. The John A. Sibley Horticultural Center opened in 1984. The annual Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens ran its first race in 1985. The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center opened on September 25, 1988. "Fantasy in Lights" debuted in 1992. The Azalea Bowl opened in 1999 as well as the premiere of the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival. In 2002, the gardens were renamed Callaway.

[edit] Attractions

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[edit] Trails

The Discover Bike Trail, a 10 mile trail that weaves through the wooded gardens, provides guests access to all attractions. Guests can rent bikes and helmets at the Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center.

[edit] Robin Lake Beach

Pavilion by the lake at Overlook Gardens

Robin Lake Beach in Callaway Gardens is the world's largest manmade, white sand beach.^[2]^[3] It stretches a mile around 65-acre Robin Lake. The beach serves as the hub of summer activity and the center stage for the "Summer Adventure" program.

The lake features swimming, sunbathing, miniature golf, table tennis, shuffleboard, volleyball, a fitness trail, paddle boats, concession area, picnic tables, a store, and equipment rentals.

The Florida State University "Flying High" circus takes up residence every summer. This troupe of college students performs eight shows weekly under the big top adjacent to the beach. They perform daily except Wednesdays, June 3 through August 11.

Equipment rentals include sailboats, canoes, and motorized Suncats.

Robin Lake Beach is open May 26 through August 13 and September 1-4 for Labor Day and the hot air balloon festival.