As a youngster growing up in Richland and Stewart County, Georgia, one
of our yearly school trips was to Ida Cason Callaway Gardens, yes,
back in the day that is what that special destination was called. The
school-bus trip was energizing because you had the choice of spending
time on the man-made beach, riding the paddle boats, watching the
water-ski demonstration or hiking one of the nature trails. Some
chose to attend the Florida State University Flying High Circus, tour
the chapel in the woods or visit the butterfly garden exhibit. There
was something for everyone.
According to one of the websites about the Callaway family, “Callaway
Resort and Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, is a truly unique
destination that families, couples, and friends have enjoyed together
for decades. It all started in 1952 with a family and their desire to
share their special retreat with the public. It was just too beautiful
for only one family to enjoy. The Callaways, their generous spirit,
and their love of nature have come together in this spectacular
2,500-acre attraction, which keeps visitors coming back year after
year.”
I enjoyed countless visits to Callaway Gardens over the years as a
child and as an adult but I never gave much thought to where these
super wealthy and generous people actually resided. One of my
life-long friends Jackie Chappell New called one evening telling me
about a story in the newspaper about the Callaway home in Lagrange and
wanted to know if I wanted to go with her and tour the mansion. Those
who know me best already know the answer was yes, it sounded like an
interesting journey.
It is difficult to describe the massive size of the Callaway home in
Lagrange, and they spared no expense in the furnishings or the
gardens. Sadly it rained the day we toured and we only saw the
beautiful flowers in the huge fresh arrangements displayed the home
but we will go back for the outside tour later since we were issued a
rain check.
Hills and Dales estate was completed in 1916 and is thirteen thousand
square feet of beauty and grace; the home was designed to live in
harmony with the opulent gardens designed by Nancy Ferrell in 1832.
The grounds cover thirty five acres near downtown Lagrange, and it was
the home to several generations of the Callaway family before it was
opened to the public in 2004. There is more to see than I can
possibly describe; make plans to visit and enjoy this beautiful museum.
Jackie and I always have a good time together and this trip was
exactly that, more fun than I can explain in several paragraphs. We
enjoyed great food to include the “Taste of Lemon” restaurant which is
situated in an old church building and exploring several interesting
downtown shops.
I was driving when we entered a one-way street; I am thankful for the
gentleman in the black pickup that blinked his headlights to signal to
us.