Naturescapes
Capturing wildlife in its most natural environment is a favorite for us. Calloway Garden's Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, where 1,000 tropical butterflies, representing more than 50 different species, flutter freely through the air. Tropical plants provide an oasis for these magnificent creatures in one of North America's largest, glass-enclosed tropical conservatories. The award-winning film, On Wings of Wonder, plays continuously on two wide-screen monitors in the center's multi-purpose room, explaining the life cycle of butterflies. Every visit to the Day Butterfly Center is a new experience because this is a living, growing, environment. The butterfly conservatory was replanted in March 2005, so a brand new ecosystem grows here. The animal population and the plants will grow and change dramatically over time.

Cityscapes
With the revitalization of smalltowns around the country, it's wonderfully interesting to find gems of communities in very close promimity to major cities. This town is no exception, Serenbe Georgia, is a 1,000 acre community located under 30 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. It is a national model for the future of balanced development in the U.S.— focusing on land preservation, agriculture, energy efficiency, green building, walkability, high density building, arts and culture, and community living for multiple generations. This urban model promotes walkability and community living, with private residential homes (currently, approximately 170 residents), commercial space, art galleries, original shops, stables, and a 20-room inn with conference facilities. Serenbe has devoted 30 acres to farming—the Serenbe Farm is certified organic and biodynamic with a thriving CSA program and Saturday markets. The community is home to three thriving restaurants—Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop (the nation’s smallest Silver LEED certified building), The Farmhouse (which has received national critical acclaim in Gourmet and Bon Appetit magazines, and is consistently featured in local publications), and The Hil (owned by executive chef Hilary White, and has received national critical acclaim in Food and Wine magazine, and was named a Best New Restaurant by Atlanta Magazine and the Atlanta Journal Constitution).