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Greatest Show on Earth! Circus, Nature, Sports Adventures at Callaway

Program Number: 2532RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/23/2013 - 6/28/2013; 7/14/2013 - 7/19/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Callaway Gardens, Georgia
Price starting at: $793.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational
Intergenerational
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 9 - 11 years of age.

This unique, jam-packed outdoor educational adventure will be fun and unforgettable for you and your grandchild. You’ll be in the great outdoors, learning about nature and some favorite recreational sporting pastimes. Shuffle board, ping-pong, mini-golf, lake and pool swimming round out your week of education and fun — it's awesome!




Highlights

• Enjoy a special class on circus skills at the Florida State University Flying High Circus, as well as some tennis and golf for beginners.
• Bike through beautiful paved trails through pine forests and lakeside for an up-close look at southern flora on a “bike hike.”
• Mingle with 1,000 tropical butterflies in the glass-enclosed conservatory at the Day Butterfly Center.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to one mile a day.



Coordinated by Georgia College and State University.




Callaway Gardens

Callaway Gardens is nestled in the southern foothills of the Appalachians. Visitors flock here to pick up gardening tips and stroll through the horticulture and butterfly centers, nature trails, greenhouses and lush gardens.
Accommodations
Charming inn with a southern flair located in the South’s premier outdoor playground, with walking trails, fitness facility, outdoor pool, Jacuzzi and heated pool nearby.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Charlie Coffman
Charlie Coffman is a PGA Assistant Golf Professional. He relocated from Miami, Florida to LaGrange, Georgia to become the golf professional at Callaway Gardens after graduating from Florida International University.
 
Patricia Collins
Patricia Collins has been with Callaway Gardens for more than 30 years, serving as the first female horticulture intern and today as director of education. She was display coordinator for the Greenhouse complex and the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center for nearly 10 years. In 1985 she developed a program that now numbers nearly 600 volunteers. As director of the education department, she oversees programs on a variety of horticultural, natural history and wildlife topics for Gardens visitors.
 
Steve diFeliciantonio
Steve diFeliciantonio, the head tennis professional at Callaway Gardens, is originally from the Philadelphia, Pa. area and graduated from Penn State in 1975. He began his career as a tennis instructor in 1976 on Hilton Head Island, S.C., and later moved to Callaway Gardens where he has accumulated more than 26 years of teaching experience. He still plays on occasion and has been ranked in the top ten in his respective division in the state of Georgia.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Mountain Creek Inn at Callaway
  Pine Mountain, GA 5 nights
 Mountain Creek Inn at Callaway
Type: Resort
  Description: The Mountain Creek Inn provides comfy lodging for visitors to Callaway Gardens in a charming, home-styled country fashion. The Inn boasts rooms completely renovated in 2013, featuring repurposed furniture, new carpet and enhanced décor. Callaway proudly partnered with the Wounded Warriors program to make these new rooms possible. Anyone who visited the Inn before may not recognize their room when they open their door! Inn amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center and two restaurants featuring the Plant Room, which offers a daily breakfast buffet and mouth-watering dinner buffets. Free WiFi access is available in all guest rooms, as well as the lobby and the 10,000-square-foot Mountain Creek Ballrooms.
  Contact info: Highway 27
Pine Mountain, GA 31822-2000 USA
phone: 800-225-5292
web: www.callawaygardens.com
  Room amenities: In-room coffee, hair dryer, cable TV, iron/board and desk. Vanity area separate from toilet/shower area. Road Scholar will request rooms close to the outdoor pool. Some rooms have small refrigerators. The room has either two double beds or a king size bed.
  Facility amenities: Callaway is comprised of 13,000 acres of natural and man-made beauty. 2500 acres are open to the public with 14 lakes, spring fed streams and forests to delight anyone who loves the outdoors. This is a unique public garden in that it was designed to be a place of refuge and solace for the people and not just for the Callaway family. The natural landscaping combined with the more formal areas make it a truly spectacular place. The displays at the horticultural and discovery center change frequently, so that there is a new presentation with each of the seasons. Not only can the gardens be enjoyed by automobile, but there is approximately an 8-12 mile bicycle/walking trail that accesses most of the major venues (e.g. butterfly center, chapel, tennis courts, golf course, etc.) For summer programs a white sand lake beach, a putt-putt golf course and shuffle board as well as ping-pong are all part of the what Callaway has to offer.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $105.00-115.00 Participant must call the number listed below and identify themselves as being part of the Road Scholar program to receive the Road Scholar rate. Participants should call well in-advance to insure there are vacancies.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $105.00-115.00 Participant must call the number listed below and identify themselves as being part of the Road Scholar program to receive the Road Scholar rate. Participants should call well in-advance to insure there are vacancies.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Road Scholar registration table available at 3:30 p.m. in Hotel Lobby. The Hotel Check-In Time is 4:00 p.m. You will be staying at Mountain Creek Inn at Callaway that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends by 10:30 a.m. Room checkout is at 11:00 a.m. You will be staying at Mountain Creek Inn at Callaway the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Road Scholar medical information and contact information for grandparents and grandchildren required. Other required forms include: Callaway Gardens Bicycle Waiver, Callaway Gardens Aqua Park Waiver, and Georgia Colleges waivers of liability which can be filled out during orientation. Children forms must be signed by the parent/guardian. On-site waivers must be signed by the grandparent/guardian.
  Parking availability:
As of this date, no fee for parking at Mountain Creek Inn at Callaway.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Pine Mountain, GA
  Nearest city or town:  Atlanta, GA
  Nearest highway: US HWY 27
  Nearest airport:  Atlanta, GA (Airport code = ATL)
  From End of Program
  Location: Pine Mountain, GA
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

ATL Airport/Pine Mountain, GA

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Signature 1 Transportation
phone: 800-848-2520
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$160 up to three people
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hours and 15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

approximately 70 miles
   

Ask for Keisha Mackie to receive Road Scholar rate. Reservations Required - please call in advance to confirm schedule and rates or email a detailed request to: reservations@signature1transportation.com.
 
Driving Directions
  From NE: Atlanta, Georgia (Approx. 70 miles) Take I-85 South to I-185 (exit 21). From I-185, exit at U.S. HWY 27 (exit 42). Follow Hwy 27 South to Pine Mountain. In Pine Mountain, stay on HWY 27 to find the Mtn. Creek Inn. (To access the Gardens, turn right on to Hwy. 354 West. Proceed to GA Hwy 18 and turn left in to the actual gardens.)
  From SE: Macon, GA (Approx. 80 miles) Take US Hwy 80 West to GA Hwy 208 West to US Hwy 27 North. Stay on Hwy 27 to find the Mountain Creek Inn. (To access the Gardens, turn left on to GA Hwy 354 West and proceed to Hwy 18. Turn left in to the Gardens)
  From SW: Columbus, GA (Approx. 30 miles) Take I-185 North to GA Hwy 18 East (exit 34). Hwy. 18 turns in to Hwy 354. Stay on 354 until you reach Pine Mountain. Turn right on to Hwy 27 to find Mountain Creek Inn. (To access the Gardens, exit right off of Hwy 18 in to Gardens before you get to Pine Mountain.)
  From W: Montgomery, AL (Approx. 110 miles) Take I-85 to to GA Hwy 18 East (exit 2). Stay on Hwy 18 (Hwy 18 becomes Hwy 354) until you intersect with Hwy 27.Turn right off of Hwy 354 on to Hwy 27. Stay on Hwy 27 and Mtn. Creek Inn will be on your right. (To access the Gardens, exit right off of Hwy 18 before you get to Pine Mountain)
Equipment Requirements: Golf and tennis equipment, bikes and helmets provided as part of program.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration, Getting To Know You and Orientation/Moonlight swim
(Sunday, June 23)
   
 Afternoon: Check at lobby registration desk and ask where program registration site has been scheduled. Program registration table will be available by 3:30 p.m., hotel check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. Please meet for Road Scholar orientation starting between 4:30-5:00 p.m. Different "Getting to Know You" activities for grand kids and grandparents will be scheduled for this time. Then, the whole group will be brought together for additional introductions and orientation to the week's program. Besides the schedule review, a daily diary is presented for each grandchild, a map depicting all states represented by participants from this particular Road Scholar, and the poster board project are all explained.
 Dinner: The Plant Room provides a dinner buffet complete with a variety of great options, including many mouth-watering examples of traditional Southern fare. Fresh, local vegetables are selected seasonally and prepared, often from Mr. Cason’s own “Victory Garden”! The crisp salad bar offers fresh fruit selections which may vary daily, and the buffet items feature a variety of entrees from fish, chick and/or beef as well as much more – including scrumptious desserts.
 Evening: Dana, our assistant facilitator, is a certified Lifeguard and will be on duty for a "moonlight" swim. This is a good way for grandkids and grandparents to further their acquaintances. Sometimes the grandparents only like to sit on the side of the pool and visit with each other, and sometimes they like to get in the water. The kids are usually very anxious to get in to the pool.
   
Accommodations: Mountain Creek Inn at Callaway
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Nature or sports classes/Discovery Center Cafe/Big Top Circus Performance followed by private instruction. Buffet dinner and optional star gazers class.
(Monday, June 24)
   
 Breakfast: Head back to the Plant Room for a hearty breakfast buffet including a wide variety of hot line buffet choices such as pancakes or French Toast with eggs, bacon and potatoes, plus cold and hot cereals, seasonally selected fresh fruit options, and a delicious assortment of breakfast baked goods.
 Morning: Pro golf lessons start the day followed by a walk through the lovely Wildflower Trail guided by a Callaway naturalist.
 Lunch: Enjoy a light lunch of tasty salads and/or specialty sandwiches at the charming Discovery Center Café while relaxing either in the indoor dining area or the spacious patio overlooking the Mountain Creek Lake while ducks glide by and turtles bask on the banks. Lunch menus will be selected during orientation and vegetarian options are available.
 Afternoon: Time for a "free-swim" at the Inn with Dana our lifeguard back on duty, then off to see the Circus! The performance is followed by a private class on specific circus skills. The circus performers are hired to teach us exciting and unique circus skills. Grandchildren and Grandparents may elect to try some of the tantalizing high flying, or ground-bound activities under the guidance of the teachers and with appropriate safety apparatus (if needed). For example, put on a safety line/belt and "fly through the air with the greatest of ease - and become the one on the high trapeze." Or, learn the basics of juggling, ride on the bicycle built for five with one of the instructors, or test your balancing skills on the bongo board or the low wire.
 Dinner: A late dinner relaxing in the Plant Room follows the exciting circus activities. Buffet options will vary daily based on seasonal availability and chef preference.
 Evening: An optional visit to the beach pavilion for a Star Gazers Class will be offered to any night owls who would like to take advantage of this great opportunity to experience the beauty of a rural night sky.
   
Accommodations: Mountain Creek Inn at Callaway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Special classes/activities for grandparents and grand kids/At the Beach Pavilion/Robin Lake Beach / Quiet time activities to prepare for Dress Alike, Look Alike fun.
(Tuesday, June 25)
   
 Breakfast: Wake up with great selections in the Plant Room’s hearty breakfast buffet.
 Morning: Start the day with tennis lessons before heading to the beach. Robin Lake Beach offers lots of fun activities- in addition to swimming, guests may enjoy playing mini-golf, ping pong, and shuffle board.
 Lunch: The Beach Pavilion is a great spot to cool off with fun Fast food styled selections. Participants will present meal cards at public eating venues and choose from a variety of options, such as: grilled chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken fingers.
 Afternoon: Families work on an educational and satisfying gardening/horticulture project that is usually "take home" in nature i.e. "Shoe Gardening". Quiet time activity: Work on map, projects and/or diaries. Prepare for evening activity.
 Dinner: Relax in the Plant Room after a full day packed with adventure. Buffet options will vary daily based on seasonal availability and chef preference.
 Evening: Dress Alike, Look Alike family fun. No money should be spent for this activity. Props are made from napkins, or straws, newspapers, etc. Many grandparents report that this is a good bonding, family activity and lets them "create" together. Working on the project, also serves as a "quiet time" activity when they are in their hotel room. An optional visit to the covered pavilion which overlooks beautiful Robin Lake for music, shuffle board, ping pong or a stroll along the lake with new found friends completes the evening activities.
   
Accommodations: Mountain Creek Inn at Callaway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Enjoy a day of biking, a nature class and Aqua Island activities.
(Wednesday, June 26)
   
 Breakfast: Head back to the Plant Room for a hearty breakfast buffet including a wide variety of hot line buffet choices such as pancakes or French Toast with eggs, bacon and potatoes, plus cold and hot cereals, seasonally selected fresh fruit options, and a delicious assortment of breakfast baked goods.
 Morning: Grand kids go on instructor-led "Bike Hike" on paved trail through gardens. Grandparents will spend time enjoying beautiful Callaway sites including the English Gothic designed memorial chapel with its stained glass windows depicting the seasons of the year, followed by a stroll through the incomparable horticulture center with its colorful displays. Grandparents are welcome to join the youngsters for the bike hike if they prefer. Grandparents and youngsters reunite for a nature class and lunch at the Discovery Center. (Bikes and helmets provided.)
 Lunch: Enjoy a light lunch of tasty salads and/or specialty sandwiches at the charming Discovery Center Café while relaxing either in the indoor dining area or the spacious patio overlooking the Mountain Creek Lake while ducks glide by and turtles bask on the banks. Lunch menus will be selected during orientation and vegetarian options are available.
 Afternoon: The Aqua Island activity is something the youngsters look forward to all week. They can test their strength and balance on the new floating playground located in Robin Lake. Grandparents will enjoy watching the antics of their grandchildren play on the floatation devices from the shady, grassy lawn overlooking Aqua Island.
 Dinner: Relax in the Plant Room after a fun, action-packed day. Buffet options will vary daily based on seasonal availability and chef preference. For any allergies or dietary restrictions, specific arrangements will be made as needed.
 Evening: Evening program will be a fun family activity, such as Bingo with prizes.
   
Accommodations: Mountain Creek Inn at Callaway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden/ Pizza Party/Graduation and Farewell Activities
(Thursday, June 27)
   
 Breakfast: Head back to the Plant Room for a hearty breakfast buffet including a wide variety of hot line buffet choices such as pancakes or French Toast with eggs, bacon and potatoes, plus cold and hot cereals, seasonally selected fresh fruit options, and a delicious assortment of breakfast baked goods.
 Morning: Explore Mr. Cason's Vegetable garden as featured on the PBS show "Victory Garden" during a scavenger hunt. Learn how to make a leaf pounding design of your own as a keepsake. Swim in the Cottages Pool with Dana on duty for a change of scene. Grands can enjoy the hot tub.
 Lunch: We will have a delightful Pizza Party at the fun 1950’s-style diner known as Rockin’ Robin's Malt Shop & Pizzeria. House-made pizzas and hand-dipped ice cream taste even better when music playing from the old-fashioned jukebox enhances the small-town hot-spot atmosphere.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a nature class at the Discovery Center followed by a visit to the Butterfly Center, which is one of the largest and most lush indoor facilities on the East Coast. The Butterfly Center is truly for "kids" of all ages.
 Dinner: Relax in the Plant Room for a final evening feast and reflect on an incredible week of action-packed adventure, family fun and all of the new life experiences shared with fast friends. Buffet options will vary daily based on seasonal availability and chef preference. For any allergies or dietary restrictions, specific arrangements will be made as needed.
 Evening: A graduation exercise and sharing of talents occurs on this final night (skits, etc.). Youngsters bring and share the posters they have been working on all week. Usually, a slide show of the week's activities concludes the evening's festivities.
   
Accommodations: Mountain Creek Inn at Callaway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Putting Instruction/Tournament
(Friday, June 28)
   
 Breakfast: Head back to the Plant Room for the last time to enjoy the hearty breakfast buffet you’ve come to love, including a wide variety of hot line buffet choices such as pancakes or French Toast with eggs, bacon and potatoes, plus cold and hot cereals, seasonally selected fresh fruit options, and a delicious assortment of breakfast baked goods.
 Morning: Basic golf etiquette, behind the scenes in club house, putting instruction and a grandparent/grandchild team putting contest w/ prizes. Must be checked out of hotel by 11:00 a.m. Last class usually finishes by 9:45 or 10:00 a.m.
 Lunch: Lunch not included on last day.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Pine Mountain, GA Opportunities At Callaway
Participants can relax around the pool, walk the many beautiful trails, enjoy the sports opportunities, etc. The little town of Pine Mountain has nice antique shops and there is a Wild Safari about 15 miles from town. Columbus (approximately 30 miles away) hosts the Civil War Navy Museum and the quite famous River Fest, which is a well-known Performing Arts Center. FDR's Little White House in Warm Springs, GA is approximately 30 minutes from Callaway Gardens. For additional information, visit www.callawaygardens.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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