Fantasy in Lights a Christmas Tradition

With gas prices so low at the moment, you might consider driving south of town to the Fantasy of Lights at Callaway Gardens, just over an hour away. Famous for its azalea trails in the spring, the gardens light up for the holidays with 8 million lights. If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, you can take the tram. It is open and this is a cold drive, so bundle up and bring a thermos of something warm. (You can purchase hot chocolate in the Christmas Village and under the Pavilion on the way to the trolley.) By the way, Callaway Gardens offsets 100 percent of its electricity use with wind power credits, so the Fantasy is compensated with “green” power. But back to the lights – cars line up by their allotted time and then are released for this drive. It’s a tradition among many families, now stretching back 17 years. It has been recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Event, the American Bus Association as one of the Top 100 Events and by America’s Best and Top Ten as the Top Three Light Shows in America, so while it may be expensive, it is a good value. (Weekdays are cheaper than weekends. Check out the website at www.callawaygardens.com for pricing and reservations.) If you can do an overnight, Callaway offers a range of very nice accommodations, good food and plenty of other things to do.  To get there, take Interstate 85 south to Interstate 185 (exit 21). From Interstate 185, exit at U. S. Hwy. 27 (exit 42). Follow Hwy. 27 South to Pine Mountain. In Pine Mountain, turn right onto Hwy. 354 West. Proceed to Ga. Hwy. 18 and turn left into Callaway Gardens.

(Photos courtesy of Callaway Gardens.)