Historic LaGrange estate hosts Mother's Day picnic

LAGRANGE, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Since it was finished back in 1916, the massive LaGrange estate known as Hills & Dales has seen many Mother’s Day celebrations. And for the 12th year, the property is welcoming mothers and children for a special event aimed at creating memories and giving families a chance to spend some quality time together.

Hills & Dales Estate is hosting its 12th annual Picnic in the Garden this Saturday, May 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the property’s Pecan Grove. Admission to the garden is free for anyone who brings a picnic basket and blanket, and visitors will get to enjoy activities including face-painting, yard games, live music, and an old-fashioned cake walk. 

In case you’ve never visited before, Hills & Dales is a gorgeous and meticulously-maintained 35-acre property in LaGrange, and was originally the home of Fuller E. Callaway Sr. and his family. The 13,000-square foot home was finished back in 1916, designed by famed architects Neel Reid and Hal Hentz – and the estate is currently preserved by the fourth generation of Mr. Callaway’s family. Tours of the home are available, as are tours of the renowned grounds, known worldwide as one of the best-preserved 19th Century gardens in the United States. The gardens, by the way, pre-date the house, and were designed by Sarah Ferrell starting in 1841. 

Regular hours at Hills & Dales Estate are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.  Admission to the house and garden costs $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $8 for students (ages seven through college), and free for children 6 and under. Garden-only admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for students, and is free for kids 6 and under. The estate is located at 1916 Hills and Dales Drive in LaGrange. 

The Good Day feature team was hunting for some good Mother’s Day celebration ideas – and when we heard about the picnic at Hills & Dales, we had to schedule a morning to check out the property and tour the house.  Click the video player above to see more!