By Scottie Davis
Callaway Gardens, in Pine Mt., Ga. is the perfect resort for a multigenerational family gathering. Located in the rolling foothills of Georgia’s Pine Mountains, 80 miles west of Macon, Ga. and 60 miles from Atlanta Hartsfield airport, it is an easy place to meet.
Callaway is one of those rare vacation spots that offer enough diverse and different kinds of activities to pique the interests of all ages and keep the whole family occupied and happy. This 13,000 acre resort has won many awards and is frequently touted as the “Family Resort of the Year.”
Florida State University’s Flying High Circus, the Summer Family Adventure Program, and activities around Robin Beach are central to Callaway’s unique summer activities. The Tree Top Adventure is new this year, with zip-lines, swinging bridges and other aerial challenges for those who love an adrenaline rush.
The circus has been an integral part of the summer program since 1961. A select group of the University circus troupe performs five days a week (no Tuesday and Wednesday performances) under a huge green and white tent. Their daring feats on the high wire, exciting stunts on the trapeze, and thrilling juggling acts delight children of all ages.
My own adult children recall with great affection vacationing at Callaway Gardens. Now, my grandchildren are following suit and all of us are mesmerized by the circus. As I said before, this is a marvelous multigenerational vacation spot.
The college students who perform in the circus also serve as counselors for the Family Adventure Program. This seven day program runs from Saturday to Saturday and includes accommodations, scheduled activities and entertainment for all family members.
Youngsters from ages 3-17 can attend camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. while the adults are at leisure to do as they please. Evening activities are planned for the entire family. Families participating in this program stay together in The Cottages and Villas.
For families that prefer a less structured vacation, there are an array of activities available – golf, tennis, boating, fishing, biking 17 miles of nature trails, the Birds of Prey shows, Sibley Horticulture Center, Mr. Cason’s Garden, and the Day Butterfly House — to name a few.
Then, there is Robin Lake Beach, the world’s largest man-made white sand beach and a 65-acre lake. Swimming, water skiing and other water sports (including blaster boats), miniature golf, a children’s playground and the circus make Robin Lake Beach the hub of summer activities at Callaway Gardens.
Restaurants abound throughout the resort and accommodations range from the Mountain Creek Inn to the Southern Pine Cottages, Mountain Creek Villas and the Lodge & Spa. The latter, with 150 rooms, is now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
There are some incredible packages offered online. For additional information: callawaygardens.com or call 1-800-Callaway.
The summer program runs through mid August, so start packing, call the family and make plans to get together soon. Let’s hope the grands can keep up with you!
Scottie Davis recently went to Callaway Gardens with her granddaughter to check out the zip lines.