This Here Town is Pine Mountain, Georgia
Are you planning a trip to Pine Mountain, Georgia? You'll find all the must-hit spots below, from the best lunch spot to a drive-thru safari and the best Christmas lights show you’ve ever seen.
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Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens is a must-see during the holidays.
Y’all, did you know Pine Mountain’s Fantasy in Lights made National Geographic’s Top 10 Light Displays in the World?!
Pine Mountain, population 1,400, boasts the best of all worlds: hiking at camping at FDR State Park, a luxurious resort experience at sprawling Callaway Resort & Gardens, and a quaint, historic downtown.
I just wrapped up my second stay in Pine Mountain, Georgia, and this tiny west Georgia town is a great weekend away, especially during or right after the holidays.
If you love small-town charm, antiques, and a quality dining experience, you’re going to want to read this one.
Drop by Earth Made Provisions for a glass of wine in Pine Mountain, Georgia.
The Vibe:
Pine Mountain has a feel that’s classy, charming, welcoming, and tourist-friendly without being touristy. The central shopping area is quite small, but the antique shops and retail stores feature a sophisticated collection of gifts and quality specialty items.
The downtown is on the sleepy side, but you can head to Callaway Resort & Gardens for an evening glass of wine or later dinner if you’re getting into town late.
Beautiful murals abound in Pine Mountain, Georgia.
The Charm Factor:
Pine Mountain is just darling. Everything is cute. The bike path from the resort is lovely; the resort is stunning; the downtown is precious; the murals are adorable… just… yes. To all of it. Even the quirky dinosaur sculptures at the town’s main intersection are sure to make you smile.
Did I mention the murals? Colorful, well-maintained murals flank rows of retail businesses, the town fountain is surrounded by pristine brick hardscaping, and even the water tower gets a Christmas-light bow during the holidays.
Pine Mountain was founded in 1882 with the arrival of the railroad from Columbus, Georgia.
The History:
Pine Mountain has had more names than P. Diddy. Known as the village of “Hood” in 1880, the name was changed to Chipley in 1882 at the official formation of the town, thanks to the extension of the railroad up from Columbus. In 1958, the name was changed to Pine Mountain with the opening of Callaway Resort & Garden.
Franklin D. Roosevelt fell in love with Pine Mountain when he first came to Warm Springs in 1924 to swim in the springs’ naturally heated water. He built a small vacation home in 1932, which remains one of the most charming and historic attractions in the area.
Callaway Resort & Garden opened in 1952. Founders Cason and Virginia Callaway “longed for a place where man and nature could abide together for the good of both.” Six decades later, the resort offers just that.
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Visit the butterfly garden at Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia.
11 Best Things to Do in Pine Mountain, GA:
Attend the Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens
Hailed as one of National Geographic’s Top 10 Light Displays in the World, Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Resort & Gardens is a fantastic way to spend an evening with loved ones during the holidays. The beautiful 2,500 acres are decked out with more than 10 million glittering lights, some of which are timed to festive holiday music. Book your tickets in advance, as prime time slots will sell out, and come early to enjoy the winter village’s bar, photo ops, shopping village, and hot chocolate vendors.
Hike at FDR State Park
FDR State Park measures a whopping 9,049 acres and offers 40 miles of scenic trails. The park also features forests, lakes, and small waterfalls, and the Liberty Bell swimming pool is fed by cool natural springs.
Purchase a ticket to visit the Callaway Resort & Gardens Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center.
Visit the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center.
The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center is a magical experience sure to enchant all ages. Peruse the informative exhibits before entering the main atrium, which is filled with beautiful flowering plants, gorgeous landscaping, decorative waterfalls, and, of course, butterflies. This activity is available year-round for resort guests and visiting tourists alike.
Check out the Dino Park.
If you have small kiddos in tow, your crew may enjoy a trip to Dino Park in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Check the website or call ahead to confirm the business current hours and check for any closures for before you go.
If a stay at Callaway Resort & Gardens isn’t in the budget, camp at FDR State Park!
Camp at FDR State Park.
Reconnect with nature by camping at FDR State Park. The campgrounds are well-maintained, affordable, and centrally located to enjoy Callaway Resort & Gardens attractions or spend the afternoon shopping downtown.
Go see Roosevelt’s Little White House.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt fell in love with the healing warm springs outside Pine Mountain, and he built his Little White House in 1932. The house is, for the most part, just how he left it, and visitors can enjoy a historic tour of the home and grounds.
Spend the day antiquing and perusing the curated goods in Pine Mountain’s downtown stores.
Spend the day shopping in downtown Pine Mountain, Georgia.
Eating and antiquing are my two favorite sports, so wandering the shops in downtown Pine Mountain was a dream for me. As someone who spends a lot of time antiquing, I have to give a shout-out to the carefully curated selection at both the antique stores and the general retail spaces. Old South Bazaar Antiques, Refuge Mercantile, HRH Antiques and Provisions, Chanticleer, and the Urban Native are all wonderful spots.
Drive through the Wild Animal Safari.
I did this one with my family several years ago when we visited Pine Mountain, and it was a fun, funky experience. There are several ways to enjoy this attraction, including a drive-through safari ride and walkable zoo exhibits.
Eatz on the Corner dishes up flavorful Caribbean fare in Pine Mountain, Georgia.
Spice up your lunch routine.
Pine Mountain offers some tasty restaurant options, and Eatz on the Corner is a must. The colorful corner eatery dishes up substantial portions of Caribbean food, and they definitely don’t skimp on the veggies. We got the Chaka Chaka Philly Cheese Steak and the Curry Chicken Stir-fry.
Wander the gardens at Callaway Resort & Gardens.
The gardens at Callaway Resort & Gardens are impressive all year round, but you may want to plan a trip to the Azalea Bowl while the flowers are in season. The Meadowlark and Hydrangea gardens are also lovely, the Pioneer Cabin is informative, and you should time your visit to catch a birds of prey flight demonstration at the Discovery Center.
Pure Chipley offers quality provisions and a tasting room inside a retro service station.
Grab a glass of wine at Pure Chipley.
Housed in a retro service station, Pure Chipley offers quality goods, a tasting room, and a beautiful patio space. Drop in to relax after your day exploring the town.
Have you been to Pine Mountain, Georgia? What are your favorite things to do and places to eat? Drop ‘em in the comments below!
