Enjoy sweet sounds of Summer with live music from a variety of bands every Friday night, May 24-Aug. 30, on Robin Lake Beach. Stop by the Robin Lake Beach Pavilion & Beach Bar for food and drink specials all night long. Click here for the complete schedule* of bands and to learn more about the bands. Admission to Robin Lake Beach is free** beginning at 4 p.m.
Download your own Summer Music Series poster HERE.
How does some Fun in the Sun sound? How about while watching an international water sports championship? You can do that Memorial Day Weekend at Callaway Gardens.
For a complete lineup of the weekends festitivies, including competition schedule, musical entertainment and more, click Memorial Day Weekend Schedule.
For more details on the Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament, visit www.masterswaterski.com
To reserve your overnight stay for Memorial Day Weekend, visit Memorial Day Weekend Package or call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292).
We look forward to seeing you May 24-27 at Callaway Gardens!
You may have seen or heard about Callaway Gardens and its weapons policy in the news this week. An organization contacted Callaway Gardens to discuss hosting a convention on our property. During the on-site visit, the organization was incorrectly told that it was permissible to open-carry their weapons during both their site visit and their future convention. Upon receiving a contract, the organization added an open-carry permission statement. The organization signed and returned this version. Business contracts are taken very seriously. When received, the team members were moved to confirm the weapons policy, which has been in place for decades with very few issues. A counter-signed contract was never returned and, therefore, a binding contract was not created. Unfortunately, the organization didn’t anticipate a problem and announced their meeting dates without a signed deal. As previously stated, we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this has caused the organization and its members, and are happy to host them with the adherence to our existing weapons policy.
As part of our more than 60 year commitment to land stewardship, we understand the balance between man and nature, and the role weapons play in that balance. Having previously operated a Gun Club and with plans to re-open it in the near future, Callaway Gardens has been gun-friendly for decades. But, we feel guns are most appropriate where they can be safely discharged. We feel strongly that weapons are not appropriate at golf courses, tennis courts, meeting facilities, restaurants or in our beautiful Gardens. These areas are closely monitored by our responsive Security team and local law enforcement officials.
Callaway Gardens continues to be committed to providing a family-friendly place of “inspiration, relaxation and a better understanding of the living world.”
Enjoy the fifth annual Symphony on the Sand featuring the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) under the stars on the beach at Callaway Gardens® on Friday, April 26, 2013, at 8 p.m.
““We’re excited to have Jere Flint conducting the ASO at Symphony on the Sand in 2013. To experience this level of musical talent in such a beautiful setting is truly a treat,” said Robertson. “And, the opportunity for everyone to socialize before the concert around the tables or on the lawn makes it a truly unique Callaway evening.”
Robertson added, “Guests often use this event to celebrate special occasions, such as anniversaries and birthdays. We encourage everyone to call soon for tables as there are a limited number near the stage. But, if they sell out, lawn seating is a wonderful alternative.”
General seating* on the lawn at Robin Lake Beach can be purchased at a discount in advance, online for $20 per person. Tickets are available at the gate for $25 per person. Callaway Gardens Annual Passholders (with membership card) and active/retired military and their dependents (with a valid military identification card) receive half-price of both advance and gate pricing. For groups of 15 or more, special advance pricing is available by calling in advance.
Tables* on the beach (with eight chairs and a table cloth) are available for between $250 and $400 based on proximity to the stage. A variety of food baskets and floral arrangements are available for purchase. To reserve a table, visit www.callawaygardens.com/aso.
Dress is casual. The Robin Lake Beach gate will open at 5 p.m. The concert will begin at 8 p.m.
“With the Spring beauty at Callaway Gardens by daylight, I highly recommend guests stay overnight and make it a weekend getaway,” said Robertson.
The Symphony on the Sand Overnight package includes concert tickets and starts at $159** in the newly renovated Mountain Creek Inn. Rates also are available for the cozy Southern Pine Cottages, homey Mountain Creek Villas and a variety of luxury vacation homes.
Proceeds benefit the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation (ICCF). For information on becoming a sponsor, please call Geoff Robertson at (706) 681-3329.
Callaway Gardens®, is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. For additional information, call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com/aso.
*Tents and umbrellas are not permitted.
**Rates are per room, per night based on double occupancy in the Mountain Creek Inn. Taxes are not included. Based on availability. Not valid for groups.
Celebrate the arts this Spring at Callaway Gardens’ fourth annual Plein Air Paint Out, Art Show and Sale. The beauty at Callaway Gardens is spectacular during this time of year and Plein Air, the process of capturing the beauty of outdoors with natural light, is a wonderful art form in which to capture its essence.
Artists from around the United States and Canada have been selected for the juried event by Beverly Blount McNeil, founder of Portrait Brokers of America and more recently involved with Portraits, Inc. The selected artists include:
Allen, Gordon Chapel Hill, N.C.
Boyd, David Newnan, Ga.
Blair Brown, Anne Nashville, Tenn.
Bryant, Jane Lakeland, Fla.
Chapin, Jane St. Petersburg, Fla.
Cheek, Durinda Ringgold, Ga.
Christman, Sue Gay, Ga.
Davis, Barbara B. Montgomery, Ala.
Debner, Claudia Sharpsburg, Ga.
Dillon, Mikki Root Lilburn, Ga.
Farnsworth, Bill Venice, Fla.
Gosch, Millie Roswell, Ga.
Grice, Gail LaGrange, Ga.
Guernsey, John Marietta, Ga.
Jaenicke, Barbara Roswell, Ga.
King, Rebecca Black Mountain, N.C.
Larsen, Kirk Hicksville, N.Y.
Losey-Sumpter, Brenda Brooks, Ga.
Lovett, Amanda Cumming, Ga.
Mani, Gloria Columbus, Ga.
Marshall, Chuck Mason, Ohio
Mehta, Lynn Alexandria, Va.
Netherton, George St. Simons Island, Ga.
Odom, Kathie Knoxville, Tenn.
O’Shea, Rae Kendall Park, N.J.
Price, Morgan Samuel Altamonte Springs, Fla.
Roberts, Robin Ashland, Ohio
Rodgers, Bill Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Smith, F. Daly Macon, Ga.
Stewart, Karen Columbus, Ga.
During the week of April 15, 2013, these artists will spend time painting the beauty they see at Callaway Gardens and other public and private gardens in the region, including Columbus, LaGrange and Newnan. Their works of art will be submitted on Friday and judged for cash awards by William U. Eiland, director of the Georgia Museum of Art in Athens, Ga. That evening the original paintings created throughout the week by these artists will be featured at a Preview Party at the Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center. Cocktail attire is appropriate. Tickets can be purchased at www.callawaygardens.com/pleinair or by calling 706-681-3329.
The Art Show & Sale will continue Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall of the Callaway Discovery Center. April is a beautiful time to visit Callaway Gardens and enjoy the color of Spring throughout the Gardens. Celebrate Spring! admission is $25 per adult and $12.50 per child age 6 to 12. Children 5 and younger are admitted to the Gardens for free. Callaway Gardens Annual Pass holders and active/retired military with ID receive free admission for the cardholder and up to five guests in the same vehicle per day.
“Art In Action” is a great way to describe the Quick Draw competition in Downtown Pine Mountain on Saturday, April 20, 2013, from Noon to 2 p.m. Artists of any skill level can sign up to participate in this very exciting part of Plein Air Week. Spectators, collectors, those interested in art and those who aspire to collect can watch artists at work, smell the paint, and get caught up in the excitement of watching each canvas come to life. At the end of two hours, the paintings are submitted, judged for cash awards and immediately go on sale to the public. Prices range from $400 to $700. Details are available at www.callawaygardens.com/pleinair.
For those who want to become a Plein Air artist or to simply improve their painting skills, renowned artist Anne Blair Brown will offer a three-day Plein Air Workshop, April 22-24, 2013. This workshop is perfect for anyone who has a basic understanding of how to set up their easel, working with materials, perspective and some drawing ability. The classes will include location demonstrations, individual instruction at each student’s easel, plenty of painting time for students, group critiques at the end of each day, personal critiques of student’s work brought from home and take away items. Registration is $375 per student. Special lodging rates are available at Callaway Gardens. To registration for the workshop, contact the Callaway Gardens Education department at education@callawaygardens.com or 706-663-5153.
The fourth annual Plein Air Paint Out, Art Show and Sale continues Callaway Gardens’ tradition of supporting the fine arts. Proceeds benefit the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation and its mission of environmental education and land stewardship. For more detailed information or to view samples of the artists’ work, please visit www.callawaygardens.com/pleinair.
Overnight lodging is available in a variety of accommodations including the newly renovated Mountain Creek Inn, Southern Pine Cottages, Mountain Creek Villas and a variety of vacation homes.
Callaway Gardens®, is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. For additional information, visit www.callawaygardens.com or call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292).
Finally, the blooming of azaleas has arrived. Don’t miss this amazing display of color that happens only a brief time each year. The Overlook Azalea Garden is quickly progressing toward peak bloom for this weekend and into next week! In addition, dogwoods, redbuds, red buckeye, spring wildflowers and more are in bloom, too. Over the next few weeks, the native azaleas will be very impressive as well.
For a glance at what they look like today, visit the Azalea Watch section of www.callawaygardens.com or visit the Callaway Gardens Facebook Fan Page. A variety of Spring overnight packages are available in the newly renovated Mountain Creek Inn as well as the Southern Pine Cottages, Mountain Creek Villas and a variety of vacation homes.
For more information, contact Callaway Gardens at 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or www.callawaygardens.com.
Today Callaway Gardens announced major improvements and renovations for 2013. The most significant of these improvements will be the renovation of the Mountain Creek Inn.
“I’m extremely pleased to share that by April 1, 2013, all 274 rooms in the Mountain Creek Inn will be new,” said Edward Callaway, chairman and CEO for Callaway Gardens. “As a test, we renovated 30 rooms in October for the Fantasy in Lights season. Our guests’ reaction was off the charts. With that response, we are renovating all of the Mountain Creek Inn rooms to the same standard the guests loved so much.”
“To be clear, we are taking the rooms down to the bare walls and floors and starting over,” Callaway stated. “At the completion of this project, all of the rooms will be new with either two queen beds or a king bed. In keeping with the Callaway Gardens’ mission of environmental stewardship, all furnishings in the room have been vetted for sustainability and environmental appropriateness. In addition, the restaurant, ballroom and pool at the Mountain Creek Inn also are being renovated.”
The charming Mountain Creek Inn was the largest hotel between Chattanooga and Tallahassee on the main highway between the two cities when it was built. The first 50 rooms, the Gardens View rooms, were constructed in 1956, and are today the most highly requested rooms.
“Imagine how many guests the Inn has hosted over the years,” Callaway said. “We frequently hear from guests that share they honeymooned here or visited with family, friends or on business trips. We still have guests requesting to stay in the same rooms as on previous visits. We are so excited to be offering the next generation of guests these opportunities for wonderful new memories and experiences with overnight stays at the Mountain Creek Inn.”
The complex includes a lobby with a front desk dedicated to the Inn, Mountain Creek Villas and Southern Pine Cottages. There also is an Inn store for sundry and gift items; the Vineyard Green Restaurant and Spirits, which serves lunch and dinner; the Plant Room, which serves a full, hot, Southern breakfast buffet and two weekend dinner buffets; a patio perfect for gatherings; a 10,000-square-foot ballroom space; a swimming pool; a fitness center and free wireless internet. The Mountain Creek Conference and Training Center is within walking distance for meetings or classroom space.
The improvements at Callaway Gardens are not just limited to the Mountain Creek Inn. Enhancements for the Gardens as well as the Robin Lake Beach area will be announced soon.
“As we celebrate the 61st anniversary of Callaway Gardens, we are excited about the positive direction of the Callaway experience. The Sibley Horticultural Center is looking great. Our holiday festivals, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day, were just spectacular in 2012, guests had a great time, and we set records at each. TreeTop Adventure, our zipline and obstacle course, has been extremely well received and we are expanding it soon. And, Fantasy In Lights®, recognized by National Geographic Traveler magazine as one of the “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights in the World” as well as a top five event in the country by CNN and Yahoo Travel, had its best year in our history,” Callaway explained.
“With all this success in 2012, we wanted to reinvest in our old friend, the Mountain Creek Inn. We would love to reacquaint you with the Callaway Gardens experience,” Callaway stated. “We hope to see your family or your group in 2013. And you can see the new rooms for yourself. ”
To experience nature at its finest, call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292), email info@callawaygardens.com or visit www.callawaygardens.com. For information or to request information for an upcoming meeting, please call the Callaway Gardens Group Sales office at 1-800-543-7121 or email sales@callawaygardens.com.
Join us on the final night of Fantasy In Lights for a five-mile bicycle ride through Enchanted Rainbow Forest, Firefly Cove, Santa’s Workshop, Snowflake Valley and other scenes that make Callaway Gardens one of National Geographic Traveler’s “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights”. Tickets are $16 per adult, $8 per child (ages 6-12), free for children ages 5 and younger. CLICK HERE or call 1.800.CALLAWAY (225.5292) for reservations.
PLEASE NOTE
• The ride will begin and end at the Callaway Discovery Center. Cyclists should arrive at this location, with their own bicycles, by 4:30 p.m.
• No cyclists will be permitted to start the ride after 5:15 p.m.
• The ride will begin and end at the Callaway Discovery Center. Cyclists should arrive at this location, with their own bicycles, by 4:30 p.m.
• Helmets are suggested for all riders. Georgia law requires bicycle helmets for all riders ages 16 and younger.
• Following the ride, automobile traffic will be directed onto Discovery Parkway to exit the Gardens. Guests are invited to visit Robin Lake Beach, home to two special light-and-sound shows, The Nativity and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas; great shopping opportunities in the Christmas Village and the Snow Globe; and a wide variety of dining options.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Fantasy In Lights Makes for a Perfectly Festive Family Getaway
See why Fantasy In Lights was named one of the world’s Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights by National Geographic Traveler. Our central location in the Southeastern U.S., coupled with comfy accommodations such as the spacious Mountain Creek Villas, make Callaway Gardens the perfect holiday gathering spot for family and friends. CLICK HERE for details and budget-beating overnight packages!
