February 25, 2026
Every path, petal, and pine at Callaway Resort & Gardens tells a story of a vision shared by Cason J. and Virginia Hand Callaway. As we celebrate Virginia’s birthday this February, we reflect on the woman whose "Legacy of Love" transformed this corner of Georgia into a world-class destination for conservation and education.
Virginia wasn't just a co-founder; she was a pioneering conservationist. Her hands-on approach to protecting the rare Plumleaf Azalea and her dedication to the birds of the air created the soul of this sanctuary. Today, we invite you to hear the "Call" that she answered decades ago.
Many guests enjoy our hospitality without realizing that Callaway Resort & Gardens is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation. This distinction is vital to our identity. Every ticket purchased and every night stayed directly supports the mission Virginia held dear.
When you visit, you aren't just a guest; you are a patron of the arts, sciences, and environmental stewardship. Your support allows the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation to maintain 2,500 acres of woodland and water for the public's benefit.
One of the most visible ways we continue Virginia’s legacy is through our world-class Birds of Prey program. Virginia had a special affinity for the winged residents of the gardens. Today, our specialists carry on that work through extensive rehabilitation and education efforts, caring for non-releasable animal ambassadors that teach thousands of visitors about the importance of biodiversity.
Our "Callaway is Calling" campaign is more than a slogan: it is an invitation to experience the same sense of wonder that Virginia felt for this land. It is a call to slow down, to breathe deeply, and to reconnect with the natural world. By answering this call, you are helping us preserve Virginia’s vision for another seventy years.
Whether you are walking through the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center or cycling the 10-mile Discovery Trail, you are walking in the footsteps of a visionary. We invite you to celebrate Virginia Hand Callaway’s birthday by visiting the gardens she so loved.
Every visit contributes to the ongoing preservation of our trails, lakes, and wildlife.
It is time to be part of the story.
All
All
