Tag Archive for: Callaway gardens

CALLAWAY GARDENS LODGE AND GARDENS 2024

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/4/24

Callaway Gardens Lodge & Spa

Naturally, it’s Callaway! John and I recently went down to Callaway Gardens to enjoy their Pumpkins at Callaway and got treated to a weekend retreat in their “stay amidst the wonders of nature,” at the Lodge & Spa. It is a majestic mountain lodge with stunning waterfalls, carefully sculpted greenery, lake views, and walkable, relaxing grounds!

You walk up to the Lodge and are greeted with cozy mountain lodge vibes, soaring stone fireplace, and relaxing lounge. It all feels so natural, a rustic lodge, with modern touches! Up in the rooms, large, airy modern rooms open into spacious balconies to take in the beautiful grounds. When you walk in the bathroom is on the left with a walk-in shower, separate soaker tub make it an oasis. The comfy kind bed and seating area in the room is relaxing and you can open the drapes for views!

On the grounds, the Lodge at Callaway has two restaurants, Cason’s Taproom where we enjoyed their seared salmon and delicious cocktails, also the Piedmont Dining room for more formal affairs. They have a large pool and then trails down to Robin Lake Beach. It wasn’t the season to lounge at the beach or we would have!

Also, during our weekend stay at Callaway Resort & Gardens, we got to explore the gardens that come free with your stay! It is a whole world of butterflies to rustic chapels to breathtaking lake views to winding garden paths all in the Gardens at Callaway!

Butterfly Center & Memorial Chapel


Butterfly Center is my favorite spot in the gardens. A perfectly manicured grounds, soaring greenhouse filled with so many butterflies you’re surrounded by them! It’s like a tropical paradise inside. A must do there is to watch the butterflies hatching. My second favorite spot in the gardens is the Memoria Chapel. It is the place to reflect. Stone structure outside leads into a rustic soaring wood ceiling inside then surrounded and encompassed by detailed and beautiful stained glass. The entire building is surrounded by streams and a lake with beautiful yellow lily pads!

Discovery Center & Azalea Bowl

Discovery Center is for those that love learning! They have crawling bugs in one room, history of birds of prey, birding and plant education and more. But the grounds are just stunning, in the center it is all wood surrounded by their twinkling lights and lake views. Plus, they have multiple bridges and wooden walkways to explore the lake. When you get hungry, they have a cafe on site to enjoy a snack. I heard their French fries were really good! If you are looking for a scenic walk, go to the Azalea bowl! Unfortunately, there were no azaleas in bloom, I’d recommend going in Spring! But the walk through the wood was beautiful and they have a waterfall and lots of lake views!

Pioneer Cabin & More


The Pioneer Cabin is a fun quick stop to explore pioneer days. It is on the way to the Butterfly center, check this out! A rustic old cabin with pioneer history, clothing, living and sleeping area all set up like it would have been then! It was very cool to read about how they dropped the loom from the ceiling to sow! We’d recommend reading all of the information about the cabin to get the best experience. There is also the Overlook Azalea Garden we didn’t get to, and the property also has golf, Robin Lake near the Lodge for swimming in season, and Cason’s Garden (which was taken over for pumpkins at Callaway).

Pumpkins at Callaway

Life is gourd at Pumpkins at Callaway! The main reason John and I recently went to Callaway Resort & Gardens is their annual Pumpkins at Callaway. This is one of fall’s can’t miss events, so mark your calendars for next year mid-September through first week of November.

Save this agenda for your Pumpkins at Callaway trip:
Gardens by day:
🌲 Start at the Pumpkin tree for a photo op when the Robin Lake Beach opens for the day!
🛍️ Head into the large, big top for a little shopping, entertainment, and photo ops.
🌌 Take the trolley to Carson’s Garden to see the NEW Harvest Sky art instillation.
🌻 Take a trip through the sunflower field. It is gorgeous and I spent a lot of time watching the bees pollinate.
🎃 Enjoy the Garden of Giants (pumpkin). They are huge!!
🍺 Grab some refreshments from Carson’s Beer & Wine Garden! They have a great Sunflower cocktail and tasty bratwurst and peppers combo meal!
🌽 If you want to do Carsons’s Corn Maze, we recommend doing it at night instead! Now if you have kids, do it now. There are two, one is easier than the other and they have a map. Take a picture of the map!
Go back to Robin Lake Beach as the sunsets for Glow by night:
👻 Watch the Pumpkin tree sing Monster mash, Ghostbusters, and tell jokes! A must do!
🎃 Go through the mesmerizing Foggy Hollow! Hanging lights, carved pumpkins, glow in the dark animals, foggy creeks, and even smoke bubbles! The best experience they have!
⛳️ Enjoy mini golf? Do a round of unFOREgettable glow in the dark course!
🌽 Get back in the trolley to do Carson’s Corn Maze at night. They have pop music and fun lights!

Next up is their amazing Fantasy in Lights. We went last year and loved it!

CALLAWAY RESORT & GARDENS KICKS OFF FALL COUNTDOWN, ANNOUNCES MORE DAYS, NEW TRICK OR TREAT EXPERIENCE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/9/24

GET A 10% DISCOUNT BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: https://tickets.callawaygardens.com/events?k=daily_admission&promoApplied=true

Event Dates: Select Dates Sept. 14 – Nov. 2
Location: Robin Lake Plaza & Cason’s Corn Maze at Callaway Resort & Gardens
Price: Value Night Adult $24.99 Child (3-11) $19.99
Prime Night Adult $29.99 Child (3-11) $24.99
Overnight Resort stays start at $279 nightly (incl. Gardens & Pumpkins at Callaway admission)
Members Platinum Memberships at $99 per person include access to the gardens all year and special events like Pumpkins at Callaway and Fantasy In Lights.

With autumn just around the corner, Callaway Resort & Gardens announced today it is already readying for the return of the popular family-friendly and non-spooky fall experience Pumpkins at Callaway – Gardens by Day, Glow by Night (select dates Sept. 14 – Nov.2) featuring thousands of plump pumpkins, colorful characters, towering cornstalks, golden sunflowers, and twinkling lights. This year, the harvest-time fun returns with new daytime and nighttime attractions and activities, including:

HARVEST SKY at Cason’s Corn Maze — hundreds of golden streamers glisten in the autumn sky in this stunning art installation, adding flair and color overhead along a 100-foot pathway.

TREAT TRAIL – For three special days, Callaway extends the festive harvest season as Pumpkins at Callaway offers trick-or-treating for the first time from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.*

SUNFLOWER CORN MAZE – Callaway’s popular corn maze, featuring two levels of difficulty, returns with a new sunflower-inspired custom design.

PUMPKIN KIDS PARADE – A new nightly parade for children of all ages around the towering Pumpkin Tree at Robin Lake Plaza.

STORYTIME WITH SPOOKLEY – Everyone’s favorite square pumpkin invites his friends to join him for his favorite tales.

“As the leaves start to change color throughout Callaway’s woodlands garden, Pumpkins at Callaway provides the perfect excuse for a fall family getaway,” said Clarissa Chaudoin, marketing director at Callaway Resort & Gardens. “There is always something happening for all generations, including testing your navigating skills in our two-tiered Corn Maze during the day and also at night, capturing picture-perfect moments amid hundreds of pumpkins, and simply meandering through acres of towering sunflowers. As night falls, the Enchanted Pumpkin Forest illuminates the season’s warmth with hundreds of pumpkins in whimsical scenes and the Foggy Hollow pathway, where kids love playing with Fobbles—bubbles filled with fog.”

In addition to all the Gardens and fall activities, guests can savor the tastes of the season with autumn-inspired drinks and bites in Cason’s Beer & Wine Garden.

Due to limited capacity and for the best value, advance ticket purchase is highly recommended at Pumpkins at Callaway | Callaway Resort & Gardens (callawaygardens.com). Special Pumpkins at Callaway overnight packages include an overnight getaway and access to all resort amenities and garden attractions by day and night.

In addition to all the special Pumpkins at Callaway activities, Callaway Resort & Gardens offers families indoor and outdoor attractions and recreation, including seeing hundreds of butterflies at the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, flying over the lake on the TreeTop Adventure & Zipline course, marveling at the Birds of Prey lakeside show, and exploring the Megabugs trail.

*TREAT TRAIL is available Oct. 31, Nov. 1, and Nov. 2, 4-9pm at select sites at Robin Lake Plaza and Cason’s Garden. Guidelines are available.

Family-friendly, non-offensive, non-violent costumes are allowed within the guidelines below. Failure to not adhere to these guidelines may result in entry refusal or a request to remove the costume.

For Guests ages 13 and under:
Costumes and some costume masks may be worn; masks must provide unobstructed peripheral vision at all times, including openings so eyes can fully be seen.

For Guests 14 Years of Age or Older:
Masks that cover the face are not allowed.
Costumes may not contain any props or accessories that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects, or materials that may accidentally harm another visitor.
Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable.

CALLAWAY GARDENS UNFORGETTABLE LABOR DAY CELEBRATION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/6/24

Colorful Balloons Light Up the Sky During Lakeside Spectacular — 

Labor Day Weekend Hot Air Balloon Show & Glow Returns

Callaway Resort & Gardens Hosts Farewell-to-Summer Tradition, 

Introduces New Dinner Under the Skies

Event Dates:  Aug. 30 – Sept.1

Location: Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Resort & Gardens

Price: Overnight Resort stays start at $279 nightly (Gardens & Special Event admission included)

One-Day Adult $35.99 Child (3-11) $26.99

Two-Day Adult $49.99 Child (3-11) $39.99

Three-Day Adult $69.99 Child (3-11) $59.99

Premium Members Free

A beloved family tradition returns Aug. 30 as Callaway Resort & Gardens celebrates its one-of-a-kind Labor Day Weekend Hot Air Balloon Show & Glow. The skies explode with color day and night as visitors experience vivid balloons during this end-of-summer weekend. New this year, Callaway introduces a lakeside barbecue on Saturday and Sunday for the best and tastiest way to experience the spectacle in the sky. Advance tickets include prime reserved seating, a Callaway keepsake, all-you-can-eat ribs, chicken, sides, dessert, and soft drinks. A cash bar for alcoholic drinks is available. 

In addition to Callaway’s regular family attractions, Labor Day weekend offers sun-up to sun-down activities, including tethered balloon rides*, live music, a Classic Car Cruise-In, a K9 Flight show, lakeside kids’ activities, water sports, and a nightly “glow,” where gigantic, rainbow-hued balloons light up and dance to a custom soundtrack around Callaway’s Robin Lake Beach before a grand finale fireworks display.

“Thrilling thousands for more than 25 years, these brightly-colored balloons dancing by the lake day and night are a beloved spectacle for all generations,” said Clarissa Chaudoin, marketing director, Callaway Resort & Gardens. “The easiest and best way for families to enjoy this cherished tradition is staying at Callaway’s Lodge or in a resort cottage. Guests enjoy admission to all the weekend’s festivities and all of Callaway Garden’s regular attractions, creating an affordable family getaway packed with activities.” 

Labor Day Packages start at $279 nightly, including accommodations at a full-service lodge or family-friendly cottages and villas, Callaway Gardens’ attractions admission, Labor Day Weekend Hot Air Balloon Show & Glow admission, and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at Piedmont Restaurant. For a limited time, two-day and three-day admission advance online tickets are also available, providing families who live nearby the opportunity to play all weekend and save.

Visitors can experience the magic of the flying works of art in the early morning when weather permitting, they inflate near Robin Lake Beach. Later in the day, wind and weather permitting, families can get an up-close view and even take a tethered ride*, experiencing the thrill of flight while staying connected to the ground. When night falls, the balloons glow under the stars and provide a breathtaking show synchronized to an original music score. 

For the second year in a row, Daniel Stukas serves as Callaway’s balloon meister. In this role, Stukas manages and coordinates the balloon pilots and their support teams, assuring they all meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. An expert balloonist who has won multiple balloon races and flown on three continents, Stukas has previously flown as a participating pilot at Callaway’s event, debuting in 2023 as its balloon meister. Stukas has more than three decades of experience in ballooning, competing in races, serving as a balloon meister, or working as a safety officer. In addition, Stukas has garnered the highest accolade for pilots, the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, for more than 50 years of safe flying, including six years in the U.S. Air Force and 25 years with Delta Airlines. 

In addition to the balloon show, on Saturday, Aug. 31, Callaway also hosts a Classic Car Cruise-In at the Robin Lake Beach Dome featuring one-of-a-kind vintage cars and trucks. Veteran and newbie car enthusiasts can check out specialty vehicles and talk with exhibitors from 11AM – 3PM. Also, at Robin Lake Beach, daily live music is featured at 4PM and 7PM from Friday, Aug. 30 to Sunday, Sept. 1. In addition to all the special Labor Day weekend activities, Callaway Resort & Gardens offers families indoor and outdoor attractions and recreation, including seeing hundreds of butterflies at the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, flying over the lake on the TreeTop Adventure & Zipline course, marveling at the Birds of Prey lakeside show, and exploring the Megabugs trail. 

LABOR DAY WEEKEND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, August 30
9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.Beach Entrance open
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.Robin Lake Beach recreation activities open including cabana & water sports rentals
12 – 10 p.m.Dining & Drink Specials at Robin Lake Grill
12, 3 & 6 p.m.K9’s In Flight Dog Show
4 – 8 p.m.Live Music at Robin Lake Beach
8:30 – 9:30 p.m.Balloon Show & Glow (wind & weather conditions permitting)
9:30 p.m.Fireworks Show
Saturday, August 31
6:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.Beach Entrance open
6:30 – 8 a.m.Balloon arrival / set-up / inflation (wind & weather conditions permitting)
8 – 11 amTethered Rides (wind & weather conditions permitting)
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Classic Car Cruise-In at Robin Lake Beach Dome
9 a.m. – 8 p.m.Robin Lake Beach Recreation Activities: Swimming, Aqua Island Water Obstacle Course*, Water Tubing*, paddleboats*, paddleboards* and kayaks*
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.Children’s Activities at Robin Lake Beach
11 a.m. – 10 p.m.Dining & Drink Specials at Robin Lake Grill
12, 3 & 6 p.m.K9’s In Flight Dog Show
12 – 3 p.m. & 5 – 8 p.m.Live Music at Robin Lake Beach
4:30 – 9:30 p.m.Tethered Rides (wind & weather conditions permitting)
6 – 8:30 p.m.Under the Skies Dinner*
8:30 – 9:30 p.m.Balloon Show & Glow (wind & weather conditions permitting)
9:30 p.m.Fireworks Show
Early morning/late afternoonTethered balloon rides* (wind & weather conditions permitting)
Sunday, September 1
6:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.Beach Entrance open
6:30 – 8 a.m.Balloon arrival / set-up / inflation (wind & weather conditions permitting)
8 – 11 amTethered Rides (wind & weather conditions permitting)
9 a.m. – 8 p.m.Robin Lake Beach Recreation Activities: Swimming, Aqua Island Water Obstacle Course*, Water Tubing*, paddleboats*, paddleboards* and kayaks*
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.Children’s Activities at Robin Lake Beach
11 a.m. – 10 p.mDining & Drink Specials at Robin Lake Grill
12, 3 & 6 p.m.K9’s In Flight Dog Show
12 – 3 p.m. & 5 – 8 p.m.Live Music at Robin Lake Beach
4:30 – 9:30 p.m.Tethered Rides (wind & weather conditions permitting)
6 – 8:30 p.m.Under the Skies Dinner*
8:30 – 9:30 p.m.Balloon Show & Glow (wind & weather conditions permitting)
9:30 p.m.Fireworks Show
Early morning/late afternoonTethered balloon rides* (wind & weather conditions permitting)
Monday, September 2
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.Gardens Entrance Open
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.Robin Lake Beach recreation activities open incl. cabana & water sports rentals
12 – 6 p.m.Dining & Drink Specials at Robin Lake Grill

*Additional ticket or rental fee required. Hot Air Balloon rides are CASH ONLY, $20/person.