This past week, we took a three-day trip to Pine Mountain, 1.5 hours South of Atlanta. This mini vacation was a gift to myself for my 40th birthday – spending time with my husband and kids (“team H”) in a forest, not much else can compare!
Thanks to everyone who suggested things to do in response to my pre-trip Facebook post!
We stayed in one of the original 1930s log cottages in F.D. Roosevelt State Park, and absolutely loved it! The wood, the character of this place, the rugged yet comfy lodging… Reminded me of the pluses of my childhood years growing up with our family of 4 in a one-bedroom apartment. For a short time the closeness encouraged by limited quarters can be refreshing!
No TV, no computer, limited cell service. And a wonderful forest, quiet and full of life all at once.
We spent our first day exploring the surroundings, in the State Park. The kids loved the lake, and the weather was in the 70-80s during our stay, so getting wet was perfect! And – of course, had my birthday cake, an assortment of treats from a favorite Atlanta bakery.
Our second day was spent in beautiful Callaway Gardens, where we admired the blooming azaleas, the Butterfly Center (Mary thinks herself a “butterfly researcher”), the Birds of Prey show (even more fun that I remembered it from many years ago!) – Ending the afternoon splashing at Robin Lake Beach was perhaps Roy’s favorite part of the day!
On the third day we explored and played mostly around our cottage, with an afternoon trip to Butts Mill Farm, where we were surprised to find an entire outdoor collection of playgrounds, pony rides and mini golf!
On the day we left we visited Dowdell’s Knob, a favorite picnic and contemplation spot of F.D. Roosevelt, then we went to Pine Mountain’s Wild Animal Safari, which was amazingly fun! We took the hour-long bus safari included with admission, and loved all the animals who came all the way up to us to be fed — the girafes were incredible, such alien and fascinating creatures!
That pretty much sums it up, I promised a report since the season is just starting and many of you are planning to go over the next few weeks. I know we’ll be back before long!
Feel free to ask any specifics in the comments below, and enjoy the (way too many) pictures!
