If the gorgeous weather this weekend has made you think of spring – the season comes earlier the further south you are. Callaway Gardens won’t really have Spring in February, but they are offering free admission throughout the month (and you’ll be closer to Spring there than the northern part of the state.) That's a substantial savings over normal admission.

Callaway’s amazing azaleas won’t be blooming in February, but there are lots of other things to see and do.  Kayak or canoe in the lake (or yes, fish it.) Or just admire the view of the lake while challenging one of the golf courses.

Take a walk down any of several beautiful nature trails and experience the smells and sounds of a garden, even in February. The Callaway Gardens Discovery Bicycle Trail is seven and a half miles long – and relatively flat. The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center is breathtaking, and you’ll want to see the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center and certainly the $12 million Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center. There is a daily Raptor Show included in your admission.

If all that sounds a little tame – then try the Garden’s newest attraction, the Tree Top Adventure. It has five zip lines and 19 various rope or suspended challenges. There is an additional charge for the Tree Top Adventure and you must be 54 inches tall. It is open every day but reservations are strongly recommended.

There are cottages, villas, the Mountain Creek Inn and the Lodge and Spa at Callaway if you’re thinking of staying overnight. Valentine’s Day is coming, and one way to avoid the lines and traffic in Atlanta is to take advantage of the Garden’s specials for Valentine’s Day, which include dinner and dancing.

Butterfly photo courtesy Callaway Gardens. Used with permission.