Star Spangled Garden Party

Still haven't picked your spot to celebrate the Independence Day festivities? So far, we've made recommendations for Mount Rushmore, Las Vegas and the Statute of Liberty, but nature lovers might want to consider Callaway Gardens in the Appalachian Mountains.

This 13,000-acre Pine Mountain resort, located about an hour southwest of Atlanta, is hosting three days of events this July 4th weekend.  Their annual July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party starts on Friday night with activities like the Michael Blair Beach Olympics, circus performances, golf, shuffleboard and table tennis. On Saturday, the party officially begins with all-day swimming at Robin Lake Beach, paddleboat rides, a rock climbing wall, the world's largest inflatable water slide, the Iceberg Island floating water playground and a fireworks finale at 9:30pm. Most of the same activities, save the fireworks, are also available on Sunday as well.

Say you catch an early sunburn and need a break from the beach. Stroll inside the 57-year-old complex itself to enjoy a bike ride on Discovery Trail, explore its 17 miles of hiking trails or check out one of their many conservation exhibits like Mr. Cason's Vegetable Garden or the Cecil B. Butterfly Center (North America's largest, glass-enclosed conservatory). There are even education classes and lectures for those wanting to learn more about preserving the environment.

For its Star Spangled Beach Party, the Gardens is offering special weekend packages that include lodging. Check out the website for more information.

Photos courtesy of Wikipedia.