callaway gardens

Love the gardens ! So much to do in the spring and summer. It is much quieter this time of year. We enjoyed the Butterfly house and birds of Prey show. We biked through the gardens and during this time of year there are so few people that it's easy to get around and enjoy the peace and tranquility!

Peaceful, pretty place to stretch our legs after a long drive. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the solitude and easy walking path around the lake. We didn't like that several of the exits were blocked after we came in and it was tricky to find a way out.

I've always wanted to go and look at their Christmas lights, since I was a kid. Its definitely worth doing once!! I'd like to go back when it's Spring time when everything is in bloom. I can imagine it's beautiful.

I have visited a few times before and February is not the best time to visit. The butterfly house is still great. We really enjoyed the bird show. That was interestedly cool and amazing to see the birds of prey. The azaleas are not in bloom yet and it is kind of quiet. They were not charging admission at this time of year so that is a real plus. I was hoping there would be more going on in the vegetable garden but there wasn't. The replicas of the useful/ medical plants in the museum by the lake were amazing. I was blown away. This is an amazing place, but visit in spring or summer if you can, but if you are in the area I would still pay a visit out of season.

If you thought February might not be the ideal time to visit a garden, think again. There is always something to see and February is special because weekdays are free (check web site for any changes). We visited twice and stopped at the "Birds of Prey" show once and the "Horticultural Center" the next time. The Birds of Prey presentation usually has at least four birds of prey that are being rehabilitated but most likely are too damaged to return to the wild and survive. The birds can fly and will swoop low over your head. A great thrill for all involved. The owl was so silent and so majestic. The Birds of Prey presentation is near the "Discovery Center" which has some exhibits (limited in winter). Check for times before heading to the show.The "Horticultural Center" has indoor and outdoor exhibits. One of the exhibits includes Mediterranean plants that can survive with little water. The plant arrangements and flowers, all appearing in a "natural" setting are great for photographers. The outdoor area was a bit too cool when we visited, but still well maintained.We also made a short stop at the "Victory Garden" to see if any winter vegetables were being harvested. No luck, but did see some nice flowers. We did not visit the "Butterfly" center or the chapel either time. The Butterfly exhibit should be on your "list" if this is the first time. Also check for the times when the organ in the chapel will be played. Great sound for a small instrument.Crowds are not a problem weekdays in February and we were able to enjoy a leisurely drive through the gardens. Were able to see lots of wildlife and enjoy the peace and quiet.Eating can be a problem weekdays in February. Many of the restaurants in Pine Mountain are closed for lunch.

If possible, do not miss the light show at Callaway between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Also, if possible, rent the two bedroom cabin as you get a huge cabin with wood-burning fireplace and enough seasoned firewood for an entire evening. You can walk to the bus that takes you to the light show which saves the hassle of parking. The Birds of Prey show is amazing, as well. The Butterfly House is beyond relaxing. This is a great place!

It is impossible to write that one review about Callaway Gardens which fits all because the experience there will greatly depend on the time of the year and which of the many options were chosen. (Callaway Gardens offers lakes, a man-made beach/ water obstacle course, canoeing/kayaking/johnboat, high ropes course/ tree top adventures/ Zip Lines, bike riding on the numerous bike trails, walking trails for all types, cabins to rest, picnic grounds, gardens, golf and tennis courts...)During spring time / in the summer you definitely need more than one day to take in all that this place has to offer in terms of things to see and relaxing things to do.Certain times of the year Callaway Gardens also features Signature Events like the Hot Air Balloon Festival in September and a light show called Fantasy in Lights around the winter holiday season.Year round there is also the Butterfly Garden and the Discovery Center with exhibits and the indoor Birds of Prey show. Unfortunately, even when the sun is out, not many butterflies seem to roam around at the Butterfly Garden. The Birds of Prey show is very educational and also fun. During the show, the presenters allow some of the birds to fly loose over the audience’s heads. This may be a bit scary for small children, but certainly exciting for kids the right age.Every staff member was very friendly. Even landscapers working out in the cold still had a warm hello for the guests.By the way: During the cold off-season months of January and February Callaway Gardens offers plenty of free admission days.

We hope you can be here soon. Watch our website - we'll post the Azalea Watch beginning in mid-March! Thank you for posting!

What fun! We are so glad you were able to visit. Every season provides a great reason to visit. We look forward to your next visit!

The ground are always groomed, trimmed and lovely to look at. The Birds of Prey show is a must see. I was a little put-off by the Christmas decorations still hanging about...especially the dirty soldiers guarding the entrance.

Great family fun. Butterfly house was great. Birds of prey show was perfect. Beautiful grounds. Good clean fun.

We loved Callaway Gardens. I have been going to Callaway for years and it never gets old. We loved the miles and miles of biking and hiking trails it has to offer. Plus all of the great attractions from the beautiful flowers along the trails to the Butterfly Center. Hallway is great place for all ages and we can not wait to go back there again.Read more about our stay here: http://www.peanutsorpretzels.com/perfect-getaway-callaway-gardens-georgia/

breathtaking views of Gods handywork in flowers, tree, shrubs and natures creatures...not thrilled about the beach area..too commercialized...but great with kids..

Callaway Gardens is a great place to spend a few days. The Birds of Prey show is always great.The biking trails and walking trails are fun. We were there is February so the gardens were not so great but the Sibley Center and Butterfly Center were good. We live close by and have an annual pass. We visit every month just for the walking trails and Birds of Prey show. The flowers in the spring are a must see.

You really can visit the gardens year round. We spent a wonderful early February day just walking around the Horticultural Garden and the Butterfly Center. We watch a nice "Birds of Prey" show and took a short stroll to see the beautiful Memorial Chapel and listen to the live organ music that echoed down the path as we walked to the chapel. The staff we very friend,y and helpful. It was really enjoyable.