Guest post by Angela Gary.
Shown is one of the treatment rooms offered at the Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga. Photo by Callaway
Nestled among beautifully landscaped grounds in Pine Mountain, Georgia, is a wonderful lodge where you can get spa treatments, relax at the pool, enjoy fine dining and stroll through the nearby Callaway Gardens. The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is a paradise spot where visitors don’t even have to leave the grounds to have a relaxing and rejuvenating get-away.
The lodge is the perfect girlfriend get-away destination for North Georgia residents, as well as also being a great place for families and couples. It’s only a few hours drive away and it offers a great weekend or week-long get-away.
After checking in on a recent Friday night, we headed to the Piedmont Grille, located adjacent to the lobby. The Piedmont Grille offers fine dining with the Friday night seafood buffet being the perfect choice to kick off your visit.
The highlight of the seafood buffet is the amazingly succulent and tender crab legs. We couldn’t stop eating them, although we also managed to try the shrimp and grits, grilled fish, raw oysters and a few more delicacies. The shrimp and grits were the best I’ve ever had with scallops adding a nice touch.
While the seafood buffet was a feast, we managed to save room for dessert with the offerings including bread pudding, strawberry shortcake and pecan pie. It was a feast fit for a king (or a queen, in this case).
For a more casual evening, the Ironwood Lounge is also offered near the lobby area. On Saturday night, we enjoyed the local band performing in the lounge. It’s a great place to hang out with friends after your day exploring the area.
The grounds are perfectly landscaped with several waterfalls adding to the peaceful, serene atmosphere. The outdoor fire pit was also popular with groups and couples. You can even order the fixings for s’mores and enjoy them at the fire pit.
Amanda Myer of Commerce, Ga., is shown relaxing after a massage treatment at the Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens. Photo by Angela Gary
The Spa at the lodge an oasis of relaxation, offering wonderfully soothing services that will leave you rejuvenated and relaxed. The staff was so friendly and accommodating. Tamika greeted us at the desk and led us inside where the attendant, Suzy, catered to our every need.
The hot stone massage is a great choice to get rid of all your stress and tension. My massage therapist, Katherine, was wonderful, while my friend said that Samantha was also amazing. We both left the spa with a peaceful smile and feeling very tranquil.
The treatment began with a hot towel being placed on my back and then a soothing foot massage. It was very relaxing and a great way to unwind. With the soothing oils and eucalyptus face mask, I was in bliss. After your treatment, check out the sauna or head to the relaxation room where comfy lounge chairs, a fireplace and snacks make it a wonderful spot to end your spa day.
The grounds at the Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens are perfectly landscaped with several waterfalls adding to the peaceful, serene atmosphere. Photo by Angela Gary
As for the accommodations, each of the rooms has a private balcony overlooking the grounds. It’s a great place for a cup of coffee in the morning or to unwind at the end of the day and enjoy the sunset. The rooms are spacious and the bedding is so comfortable.
One thing that makes the property stand out is the warm hospitality given by the staff. Every employee you encounter offers a friendly smile and greeting. The front desk staff, gift shop employees, room attendants and restaurant staff all offered top-notch service.
While you may not want to leave the lodge, you should plan to spend some time checking out the nearby Callaway Gardens, where something is always blooming. Touring the gardens, bicycling, boating and fishing, hiking, golfing and a treetop adventure are among the options.
To start planning your trip, go to www.callawaylodgeandspa.com or call the reservation desk at 1-706-489-3300.
Angela Gary is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism. She has over 30 years in the newspaper business and is editor of a North Georgia publication. She has won numerous writing and photography awards from the Georgia Press Association and the National Newspaper Association.