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Planning a family vacation at Callaway? Leave the gadgets and gizmos at home, because the gorgeous natural surroundings are all you need to tune in to nature, and those around you. Trust us, you won't be bored.

This could certainly be a day trip, but to experience all that Callaway offers, a stay is recommended. There's something to interest everyone in the family

In a nutshell, Callaway Gardens is a resort, preserve, conference center, restaurants, shops, golf, tennis, fishing, shooting club, gardens, a butterfly conservatory, horticultural center, chapel, inland beach, and nature trails.

During a springtime visit, the flowers bloomed in brilliant colors, the grounds were lush, and the vibe low-key. A two-bedroom cottage was home base, offering a full kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, and two bathrooms. The furnishings were pretty basic, even rustic. But even with a television, the children were too entranced by the birds and plants all around to even turn it on. Paved roads in between and around the cottages made for easy stroller walking, and although we weren't in a main guestroom facility, we could still order room service!

For those interested in more lavish surroundings, the villas - beautifully appointed vacation homes with huge living rooms and even laundry rooms - are the way to go.

The newly opened Lodge and Spa is a more hotel-like experience, with deluxe guest rooms and suites adjacent to the Spa Prunifolia, and a beautiful nature-inspired pool and deck area.

The hands-down favorite attraction for the children in our group was the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center. About 1,000 butterflies flit around the climate-controlled dome, among tropical plants. Sitting or standing still offers the best chance of being a butterfly rest stop, and it's an amazing experience for children and adults.

The Virginia Hand Callaway Discover Center houses artwork, exhibits, helpful staff members (who know where everything is and how to get to it), and a film about the origins and evolution of Callaway plays on a continuous loop.

The Birds of Prey show takes place at a lakeside amphitheater, and is not to be missed - it's truly educational entertainment.

Walking the nature trails at different times of year offers a unique experience every time. But our favorite is springtime, when the signature azaleas are in full bloom.

Educational programs, familly getaway packages, and annual special events like Fantasy in Lights keep families returning. And the seasonally open (May-August) Robin Lake Beach is the world's largest manmade, white sand beach, and a hub for summertime activity, as well as Callaway's signature Summer Family Adventure.

Callaway is a quick drive from Atlanta and one of our favorite recommendations for a relaxed getaway.