The Callaway Gardens story begins with a picnic and a flower. The year is 1930. Taking a break from their busy day-to-day lives, respected business and community leaders Cason and Virginia Callaway escape to the west Georgia woods for a weekend picnic. Relishing the time away from the hustle and bustle, the weekly excursions become a welcome routine, nourishing the couples’ health and souls.
One weekend, Cason and Virginia come upon a bright red azalea. Discovering the plum leaf azalea is rare and native to the area, the Callaways decide they’ve found their life’s second calling — preserving the gorgeous bloom and the woods where they found it.
The Callaways and their family lovingly shape a woodland garden with no equal. Charged with preserving the wild natural beauty so future generations can experience it as Cason and Virginia first did, renowned landscape architects plan and develop the landscape. Native flora, including more than 3,400 azaleas, is restored and planted.
In 1952, Callaway Gardens opens to the public with lakes, a golf course, and scenic drives.
Just one year later, America’s largest inland white sand beach, Robin Lake Beach, gives visitors more ways to play outdoors.
