Atlanta to Auburn, AL
 

Next May, we must attend a graduation at Auburn University on a Tuesday, and will be flying into Atlanta the Saturday before. I've already made reservations for four nights in Auburn, but now wonder if there's somewhere else we could go for two days either in Georgia or Alabama.

Have "connected" many times at Atlanta, but haven't ben out of the airport. As for Alabama, have only been to some gardens (the name escapes me until I hit Send) in the southern part of the state.

We prefer outdoor things, definitely not theme parks or shopping.

In the area: Little White House of FDR in Warm Springs, GA. Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA. Providence Canyon State Park and Westville near Lumpkin, GA. Horseshoe Bend National Military Park (where Andrew Jackson defeted the Creek Indians) near Alexander City, AL. The town of Eufaula, AL (antebellum homes). Several lakes (Lake Martin, West Point, Lake Walter F. George). Tuskegee Institute nearby. Montgomery has "White House of the Confederacy" and within a day trip distance is Plains, GA (Jimmy Carter's hometown) and Andersonville (Civil War Prison Camp)

I think 4 days in Auburn would be a lot.
Thereis not much there other than the university.

Callaway Gardens are north of Columbus and they are well worth seeing.
In fact, why not shift one night in Auburn to Callaway Gardens. The installation has a first class hotel.

Just did this drive today. Second the Callaway Gardens recommendation, should be pretty in May. I also recommend the Little White House, which is interesting. Plains is also interesting, but out of your way a bit. There is also a state park nearby Plains with the "Little Grand Canyon", so you could walk around it after visiting the Carter Presidential site. It will probably already be quite warm in May in Auburn, so keep that in mind in making your plans.

clousie: our son worked and lived in columbus, ga, and recently married a gal who lived near and attended auburn u. so we flew many times to atlanta and then made the drive to columbus and auburn. (we won't be going there anymore for the 2 of them moved out east to attend grad school). i concur with previous posters: callaway gardens is a very nice destination resort. the place is noted for its flowers plus has over 8 lakes for fishing, 3 golf courses, a few shops, hotel, et al. my son worked part time at callaway as a fly fishing guide so if you have any fishing questions i can get them answered. have fun.

Thanks for your suggestions. I knew there had to be more to do in the area than just sitting around with relatives, and you've mentioned some promising sites. Pine Mt and Callaway Gardens sound especially interesting. Imagine early May is already quite warm in the area.

I am the corporate relations manager for Callaway. May is a great time to visit the Gardens. Rhodoendron should be blooming. We are hosting a tennis tournament the first weekend, and Mother's Day Brunch on May 9, and the first ever Antique Auto Show at Callaway May 13 - 18.

We are happy to provide additional information. You can contact us at 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or via email at [email protected]. Our website is www.callawayonline.com.

Thanks.

Rachel Crumbley

PS - We appreciate everyone's kind words. Please come visit soon.