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.
We hope you can be here soon. Watch our website - we'll post the Azalea Watch beginning in mid-March! Thank you for posting!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
breathtaking views of Gods handywork in flowers, tree, shrubs and natures creatures...not thrilled about the beach area..too commercialized...but great with kids..
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.
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.