PINE MOUNTAIN, GA – Spring is a magical time to visit The Gardens at Callaway™. With azaleas, daffodils, dogwoods and many more flowers blooming, warmer temperatures and lots of activities, being at Callaway is sure to let spirits soar.
Spring Celebration in the Gardens is definitely a reason to celebrate. The Southeast Tourism Society selected Spring at Callaway as a March 2004 Top 20 event. Amid the beauty of Spring, each weekend between March 20 and April 25 will have its own unique theme.
March 20 and 21 Callaway will host its first Family Bike Weekend. Designed for the seasoned and casual riders, this non-competitive event encourages families to bicycle together through the Gardens. Saturday activities include a bike safety rodeo; guest speakers; children's mountain bike races for ages four to nine; three, six and 10-mile guided rides through the Gardens; 25-mile fitness ride and more. To register in advance or for more information, visit www.active.com or call Dave Johnson Enterprises at (770) 565-5208.
With cycling as the weekend’s focus, for the first time ever Callaway is offering complimentary Guided Bicycle Tours of the Gardens at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. March 20 and 21. Tours begin at the Bike Rental office at the Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center.
The sight of 40 acres of both hybrid and native azaleas blooming is breathtaking. The unique design of the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl, the world's largest azalea garden, and its location make it feel as though it has existed forever although 2004 is only its fifth anniversary. To celebrate, March 27 and 28 feature complimentary Wine and Cheese Receptions from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. amid Spring’s beauty and the music of a harpist. Also, Callaway's experts and volunteers will share azalea-growing tips (April 10, 11, 17 and 18).
Eager Spring gardeners find unique plants at the Callaway Plant Fair, Sale and Flower Show (free admission). Select nurserymen from around the Southeast convene at Callaway with their specialty plants April 1 through 4. Friday, April 2 showcases the three-session Southern Living Gardening School with expert Bill Slack sharing his knowledge (advance registration required by calling 1-800-CALLAWAY ext. 5153). On April 3 and 4 guests can enjoy complimentary Wine and Cheese Receptions at the newly renovated John A. Sibley Horticultural Center from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. as a classical guitarist provides soothing music.
Easter egg hunters of all ages should bring their baskets to Callaway's annual Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 10 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (included with admission). Insider’s tip: Be sure to look for the special prize eggs. Sunday, April 11 provides an opportunity to contemplate the meaning of this special day at the inspiring Easter Sunrise Service at Robin Lake. The Auburn University Choir performs and Dr. Stuart Gulley, president of LaGrange College, brings a message of hope and joy. The service begins at 6:30 a.m. Admission is free until 8:00 a.m. Callaway restaurants will provide Easter Brunch options.
Join the excitement with the Alice Rhodes Puppet Theater April 17 and 18. Join Mr. and Mrs. Fox, Hen and Bird as the clever little hen outwits the fox in "The Little Small Red Hen and the Fox."
Even though every day is Earth Day at Callaway, April 24 and 25 offers some bonus fun, educational activities focusing on conservation. Guests can sample Guatemala Certified Shade Grown Coffee and Rain Forest Treats at the Sibley Center while they learn where this coffee is grown and its technical classifications. Callaway experts will be on hand for Conservation Chats to share with guests the conservation efforts of Callaway and explain how everyone can make a difference in their own home. A weekend highlight is the opportunity to Climb a Tree. Climbers learn about the proper equipment and techniques as they climb high to get a perspective from above (small fee).
While the adults are decompressing as they take in the spectacular scenery, each weekend offers a selection of special activities to engage children including Spring for a Sprout, where guests plant a seedling and take it home to nurture; Wildflower Trail Scavenger Hunts; Sidewalk Chalk Art; Q&A at the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center; Bird Walks; Storytelling; Snakes Alive demos; and more. Guests can even build a Fairy House from natural materials.
To enjoy your visit even more, stay overnight. A special Spring Bed and Breakfast Package is available for $105 (Sunday through Thursday); $125 (Friday and Saturday) in the Mountain Creek® Inn with breakfast for two in the Plantation Room and Gardens admission (valid March 20 to April 25, 2004; cottage and villa rates available, some restrictions apply).
The Gardens at Callaway™ is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Most activities will be offered between 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please visit www.callawayonline.com for a schedule of events.
Callaway is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. For additional information, contact Callaway at 1-800-CALLAWAY (1-800-225-5292) or visit www.callawayonline.com.