HOW DO YOU GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT? Our family travelled to Pine Mountain, Georgia recently to experience a few special family moments together at Callaway Gardens. The weeks following Thanksgiving are sure to fly by in a big rush. Lots of scheduled plans usually find our family exhausted by the time the new year arrives.

We met my parents and immediately enjoyed a lunch (and incredible views) at The Country Store. We had time to visit the Day Butterfly Pavilion mid afternoon. The best time is actually around midday when the sun is at it’s highest, but we  got a glimpse at some wonderful butterflies in their habitat anyway. My kids were fascinated at the larger butterflies eating the fruit which is placed up in the trees.

Although they are all familiar with the life cycle of the butterfly, there is something special about seeing the crysalids actually moving and working to become a beautiful butterfly. Even my teenager, Jordan, was enamored with the different stages displayed in the pavilion.

As the sun went down we donned our jackets and excitedly prepared for the main event – Callaway’s Fantasy in Lights. As we arrived at the Beachside area we first saw the Nativity Story being portrayed in lights with a full narrative. Up in the food and concession area there were fires glowing, smores, kettle corn, and even heartier goodies to enjoy. Soon we boarded the trolley set to take us on the nighttime tour of the gardens. I had brought blankets to share, but the weather was moderate and we needed only jackets. Gotta love the weather in Georgia!

The initial part of the ride allows you to ease into the nighttime sky and then you begin to see the entryway to the lights and their glow. And then the oohing and aahing begins:

The kids had a great time because so many of the animated lights were delightful. I loved how the new additions to the exhibit included the butterflies we had enjoyed earlier in the day. It was just the right experience to put us in the Christmas mood.

After the ride we made our way to the  heated, indoor Christmas Village and visited with a really authentic looking Santa (or as we call it – a good Santa) for pictures at a reasonable price. There were so many specialized gift items inside and also opportunities for children to make glazed pieces as personalized gifts or memories for your family. We had a fabulous night together.

We stayed at the Cottages at Callaway Gardens and found them perfect for our needs. 4 queen sized bed made sleeping our family plus grandparents simple. There is a full kitchen inside the cottage and a living area complete with a already stocked fireplace. That’s what we enjoyed best of all…the fireplace. We all gathered around late at night and enjoyed some much needed conversation and down time with no television (through there were three available in the cottage).

The next day we awoke refreshed and after enjoying an early morning fire with coffee we headed off on our next adventure. Callaway has a full site of information about their 20th anniversary year of the Fantasy in Lights event. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about the experience.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided with Callaway Gardens Holiday in Lights tickets, admission to the Gardens, and a night’s stay in one of their lovely 2-bedroom Cottages so I could experience this event and give you my honest feedback in this review.