The 40 acres of vibrant gardens at the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl is where over 3,000 azaleas burst into color each spring. Meandering paths, seasonal blooms, and a serene gazebo overlooking Falls Creek Lake make it an ideal spot to relax and recharge. Dedicated to brothers Fuller and Ely Callaway, and made possible by a gift from Ely Callaway Jr., founder of Callaway Golf, the garden is a beautiful tribute to a legacy that continues to inspire.
Built in 1951 alongside Mountain Creek Lake, the Boathouse is a cornerstone of Callaway Gardens’ early history. Part of Cason and Virginia Callaway’s vision to create a place where people could connect with nature and enjoy outdoor recreation, it opened along with the Lake View Golf Course, Overlook Pavilion, and Gardens Office (now the Information Center). These foundational features helped shape the public gardens that officially opened in 1952.
Opened in 1988, the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center was one of the first of its kind in the U.S. Named in honor of Days Inn founder Cecil B. Day, the center was a gift from his wife, Deen Day Sanders. Inside the glass conservatory, more than 2,000 butterflies flutter among lush tropical plants, offering an up-close experience with nature’s most delicate wonders.
Built in 1962 by Cason Callaway to honor his mother, the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel is a peaceful retreat nestled in the woods of Callaway Gardens. Inspired by 16th-century Gothic architecture, it features local fieldstone, soaring wooden beams, and stunning stained-glass windows that reflect the changing seasons of Georgia’s forests. A custom-built Möller pipe organ adds to its charm, making it a beloved spot for quiet reflection, weddings, and organ concerts.
A Pine Mountain favorite since 1952, the Callaway Gardens Country Store offers a warm Southern welcome just outside the Callaway Gardens entrance. Housed in a charming 1950s-era building, it’s known for its specialty foods, local gifts, and signature items like stone-ground grits and homemade preserves.
The Discovery Center is the gateway to exploring Callaway Resort & Gardens. This 35,000-square-foot facility honors Virginia Hand Callaway’s passion for connecting people with nature. Inside, visitors find helpful information, art exhibits, an auditorium, and an education wing.
Currently closed, The Gardens Restaurant originally opened to the public in 1952—then known as Ida Cason Gardens. With exposed wood beams, floral accents, and panoramic windows overlooking Mountain Creek Lake and the golf course, the dining room blends classic charm with beautiful views.
The Ida Cason Callaway Foundation preserves Callaway’s many scenic hiking trails. The 1.5-mile Mountain Creek Lake Trail winds through peaceful woodland along the water’s edge. The paved Robin Lake Trail circles the lake, making it ideal for walking or biking. For a gentler option, visitors can enjoy the 2.4 km Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl and Chapel Trail, which showcases beautiful gardens and historic landmarks.
Built in the 1830s from hand-hewn longleaf pine, this two-room log cabin offers a glimpse into early settler life. Moved from Troup County to Callaway Resort & Gardens in 1959, it stands as a tribute to the resilience of the families who lived there—one of which included 15 members. Simple and sturdy, the cabin brings the past to life in a powerful way.
Spanning 3,000 acres at Callaway Resort & Gardens, this National Natural Landmark was established in 1971 by Virginia Callaway to honor her late husband, Cason. The forest protects the unique transitional ecosystem of Pine Mountain Ridge and serves as a living classroom for conservation and natural beauty.
