It was a good night for sleeping. We finally have a cool night.
Callaway Gardens was an all day adventure. The 14,000 acres comprise landscaped gardens, natural woodlands, several attractions as well as first class resort and conference facilities. Due to the foresight of Carson and Virginia Calloway, their vision of lush landscapes where nature and humans work together is realized. The history of the gardens is worth a read on their website.
This is a great place for families because there are enough diversions for everyone. We managed to visit the Butterfly Center, a glass enclosed conservatory that is home to 1,000 butterflies. Dan walked around with one on his shirt.
The Bird of Prey show was entertaining with a bald eagle, owl, hawk and vulture flying over our heads before landing on their perch to get a hand out from the trainer.
I especially like the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center, a huge indoor/outdoor featuring beautiful displays of plants.
We also took in the Mr. Carson Vegetable Garden, a five-acre place with both plants and vegetables. We found a front porch (that’s all, just a porch from the old Victory Garden TV show with rockers and a cool breeze. We chatted with another couple for some time enjoying the beautiful surroundings and the shade.
The gardens are planted to have color throughout the year so even though it is fall there was plenty of color.
The gardens have a Fantasy in Lights from mid November to December. We saw the decorations already up on parts of the scenic drive. I think we will return for that.
I have heard about Callaway Gardens but had no idea of their expanse and beauty. They should be on anyone’s must see list.
Tonight as I write this, the sounds of children playing is dying down, as it gets closer to their bedtime. The air has the smell of campfires burning, the chirp of insects and the occasional wheel on gravel as a car passes our loop. The moon is full, the air is cool and the gnats have all but disappeared tonight. A perfect camping night.
