Callaway Gardens, at Pine Mountain (tel. 800/225-5292 or 706/663-2281; www.callawaygardens.com), include floral and hiking trails and acres of picnic grounds. Special events abound, particularly the Spring Celebration. In May, Callaway plays host to the Masters Waterski Tournament. July 4 is the occasion of the sunrise-to-sunset Surf and Sand Spectacular, giving way to the Sky High Balloon Festival over Labor Day weekend. The Fall Festival celebrates the beauty of the chrysanthemums, and Fantasy in Lights at Christmas is a brilliant ride through the gardens with a display of lights and music.

The park has many attractions. The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, a $5.3-million center, ranks with the world's foremost conservatories in London, Melbourne, and Tokyo. The octagonal conservatory houses more than 1,000 free-flying butterflies and numerous birds. The conservatory includes a 12-foot waterfall and lush tropical foliage.

The John A. Sibley Horticultural Center, one of the most advanced garden and greenhouse complexes in the world, encompasses 5 acres with 20,200 square feet of indoor floral displays, plus 30,675 square feet of greenhouse space. Floral displays integrate indoor and outdoor settings.

Mr. Cason's Vegetable Garden, started in 1960, was the last major project initiated by Mr. Callaway. On 7 1/2 acres, gardeners demonstrate scientific, educational, and practical applications of fruit and vegetable cultures. A trio of large terraces in a semicircular design, the vegetable garden produces more than 400 varieties of crops that range from traditional Southern fruits and vegetables to wildflower test plots. The PBS show Victory Garden films its Southern segments from here.

The Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel, in the English Gothic style, was built to honor Mr. Callaway's mother, Ida Cason. It was dedicated in 1962 by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. It's patterned much like a rural wayside chapel of the 16th and 17th centuries.

The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with extended summer hours. Admission is $13 for adults, $6.50 for children 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.