Madison Is The Best Small Town In Georgia For A Weekend Escape
By Lisa Sammons|Updated on July 28, 2023(Originally published August 22, 2022)
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
The Peach State has some magnificent bigger cities, don’t get us wrong. There is so much to do in Atlanta, and it goes without saying that Savannah is gorgeous. But to only focus on the larger metropolitan areas of the state means you’ll miss out on some wonderful small towns in Georgia. Some are isolated and rural, and some are suburbs conveniently tucked away right outside of a larger city, but the one thing they all share is their quaint charm and Southern hospitality. It should come as no surprise to anyone who’s spent much time here that some of the best towns in the state, like Madison, Georgia, are home to fewer than 10,000 people.
One small town in Georgia that has garnered quite a bit of attention nationally is the wonderful town of Madison, GA. Located about half an hour south of Athens, this delightful little town was named Best Small Town in Georgia by Southern Living magazine and has also appeared on lists from various other publications. There’s enough to do in this region of the state that you could easily visit for an entire week, but the next time you’ve got just a few days to spare, plan on taking a trip to this great small town. Here are a few ideas of things to do in Madison, Georgia to get you started.
From the Hawaiian Island of Oahu to the coast of Massachusetts and everywhere in between, come along with OnlyInYourState as we introduce you to the best Small Town Getaways you can take this year. From nature lovers and foodies to history buffs and shopaholics, there’s something for everyone within these unforgettable, two-day itineraries curated by our local travel experts just for you.
Is Madison, Georgia worth visiting?
Madison's population is right around 5,000, though it is steadily increasing as more people learn about all the attractions here. This small town in Georgia was incorporated in 1809 and was named after President James Madison.
The town was once home to several factories from a variety of industries and is primarily known for having one of the largest historic districts in Georgia. The city is filled with gorgeous examples of antebellum architecture.
Walking through downtown Madison almost feels like you stepped back in time a few hundred years. There are plenty of great historic buildings and local businesses to check out in Madison, GA, particularly in the charming downtown area. We've put together a great two-day itinerary to help you plan a visit to this delightful small town in Georgia.
Madison is about half an hour outside of Athens. It's easily accessible from several highways, including 441, 83, and 278. The relatively centralized location within the state means it's easy to visit from just about anywhere in Georgia. The closest airport is the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport if you'd prefer to fly in. The airport is a little over an hour away from Madison, so you would need to rent a car to reach your final destination. We recommend driving in if it's at all possible since that's much simpler than driving a rental car through the chaotic traffic in Atlanta!
You can walk around much of downtown Madison. Most of the spots we mention in this Madison, Georgia travel guide are within just a few blocks of one another. Still, there's no public transportation here, and a few of the destinations that we'll mention are far enough away from downtown that you'll want to have the option of hopping in the car. It's definitely recommended that you have access to a vehicle while staying in the area.
Honestly, there's no bad time of year to visit Madison. Spring and summertime bring a myriad of outdoor concerts and festivals. Visit in the winter and you'll get to see the city decorated up for the holidays, with Christmas lights all over the downtown area. The Northeast Georgia region is famous for having some of the best fall foliage in the state, making autumn a good choice, too. You really can't go wrong with a visit at any time of year!
Where To Stay In Madison
There are a couple of Airbnbs and Vrbo vacation rental homes in Madison, Georgia along with several chain hotels and a few independent options.
One great choice is the Brady Inn. This little bed and breakfast in a Victorian home dating back to 1885 is an absolute delight and the perfect spot to enjoy such a historic town. The inn offers seven rooms, each decorated with antique furniture that adds to the charm and vintage atmosphere.
Want another unique option of where to stay in Madison, GA? You're on vacation, so why not try something new?
Southern Cross Ranch, 1670 Bethany Church Rd, Madison, GA 30650, USA
Southern Cross Ranch gives you the opportunity to do just that. This all-inclusive ranch offers up a bed and breakfast with horseback riding and plenty of on-site amenities. It's an especially good option if you're visiting with kids, as there's lots at the ranch to keep them entertained.
Morning One: Breakfast and Exploration
Your first stop in Madison will be to grab some food from the wonderful The Sinclair. This cafe serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Sinclair serves up a light breakfast and tasty coffee in a fun atmosphere. The selection is fairly limited in the mornings, but the food is delicious and it's definitely worth a visit while you're in town.
The Sinclair, 298 Hancock St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
We love the retro vibe at The Sinclair. This place has such a great vibe to it that will make you feel at home immediately, even if it's your first visit.
After you've enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast from The Sinclair, walk around downtown Madison for a bit. Attractions in Madison include plenty of local boutique shops. You'll find retailers selling clothing, furniture, antiques, and plenty more.
The tree-lined streets and antebellum architecture make strolling downtown feel like you're walking through a park. Madison is the quintessential Georgian small town that looks straight out of a movie, no matter what the season is.
All that walking around will make you hungry, so why not stop by the hidden gem R+B Cafe for lunch?
The soul food here is can't-miss. The Southern-style home cooking that you get just may be the best soul food in Georgia. The daily special includes meat plus two sides and a drink. Opt for the macaroni and cheese - it's a must-try. If you're fond of sweets, make sure you get a slice of red velvet cake for dessert.
Afternoon One: Sweet Treats, Historic Homes, And Seafood Eats
There are plenty more things to do in Madison, Georgia but here in the South, we like to take it a little slow. Why not take a moment to chill out with a sweet treat?
Scoops is the perfect place to cool off and take it easy for a bit. This charming retro ice cream parlor serves up small-batch ice cream in a variety of flavors. You can also find candy, sundaes, shakes, and handmade chocolates, making it the perfect place to appease your sweet tooth.
One of the things Madison, GA is best known for is its incredible history. According to local legend, the town was spared in Sherman's March to the Sea because of its beauty.
Heritage Hall, 277 S Main St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
There are several notable antebellum homes in Madison. One of the most beautiful is Heritage Hall. Built in 1811, this home now serves as a museum that shows how the city's wealthiest residents lived before the Civil War.
The Rose Cottage was designed in 1891 by a widowed former slave who supervised the construction. It's pretty amazing that its owner, Adeline Rose, was able to build this cottage and own a business despite the fact she was a black woman in a time when she faced immense discrimination.
It's now one of the most popular house museums in Madison, and it provides a fascinating look back into history.
Any weekend or day trip to Madison, Georgia must include a visit to the Rogers House. This is the oldest house museum in Madison, having been built back in 1809.
Rogers House Museum, 179 E Jefferson St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
Purchasing a ticket to tour Heritage Hall includes entrance to the Rose Cottage and Rogers House, so it's a three-for-one deal. You can find out more information, including pricing and hours, from the Morgan County Historical Society website.
All those activities throughout the day in Madison will leave you feeling a little peckish but don't worry, we've got a great dinner spot for you! Ricardo's Kouzzina is a family-owned restaurant in the heart of downtown, and it's easy to see why this is one of the most popular restaurants in Madison, GA.
Ricardo's is a beautiful restaurant, and it features two floors of dining in a historic building. There's also an outside patio area that's perfect for warm weather days. The food is splendid and the service here is impeccable. One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the pork chops.
Morning Two: Coffee And Shopping
If you're like us, you can't get your day started without a cup of joe, so stop by Oconee Coffee Roasters. There's no shame in needing some caffeine to get going!
Oconee Coffee Roasters, 142 Academy St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
This family-owned coffee roaster focuses on quality beans and big flavor. The coffee from Oconee Coffee Roasters is great whether you're an espresso snob or just love a good cup in the morning. Beans are sourced from all over the globe.
Community Roots Market is a great example of the type of small business that you'll find all over downtown Madison, GA. This unique organic grocery store strives to be zero-waste.
Community Roots Market, 292 Hancock St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
Madison Markets is an indoor market with more than 20,000 square feet of antiques from over 75 vendors. It's right in the heart of downtown Madison and is a great spot to visit if you're looking to spruce up your home with some new decorations. It's so fun to browse at an antique store, and this one feels almost like a museum as you walk through the seemingly endless aisles!
After all that shopping, you're likely ready to rest your legs for a bit. Grab a bite to eat at the tasty Madison Chophouse Grille.
The restaurant specializes in prime rib, but there's a variety of great side dishes available.
Afternoon Two: Green Space, Community Events, And Dinner
Now we're ready for some more exploration! Madison is such a charming little town and we've already seen some great shops and amazing restaurants here, so let's enjoy the outdoors for a bit.
Madison Town Park, 171c GA-83, Madison, GA 30650, USA
For the afternoon, we'll focus on some great outdoor spots in Madison. The Madison Town Park is an adorable little green space downtown. You'll often find events or concerts, especially if you visit during the weekend.
We hope you got your legs warmed up at that small city park because your next stop is a good bit larger. The stunning Oconee National Forest is a preserve in Northeast Georgia spanning more than 860,000 acres.
Oconee National Forest, 2780 Baldwin Dairy Rd, Madison, GA 30650, USA
You'll find over 850 miles of trails here, with rivers, campgrounds, lakes, and plenty more. This magical preserve offers endless opportunities for outdoor fun and is the perfect spot to experience the serenity of Georgia nature.
You'll end this amazing two-day trip to this small town in Georgia with a visit to Town 220 Restaurant. As one of the most elegant restaurants in Madison, it's the perfect end cap to an amazing weekend.
Town 220 Restaurant, 220 W Washington St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
The menu at Town 220 offers a wide array of American dishes, from soups and salads to steak and seafood. There's something for everyone here and the upscale atmosphere adds a wonderful touch.
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If you’re not able to make it to Madison right now, check out this YouTube video from user Build The Dream:
Have you ever visited this charming small town in Georgia? Share your favorite attractions in Madison, GA in the comments! We’d love to update this Madison travel guide with your suggestions.
If you’re looking for nearby places to check out, you won’t want to miss the classic city of Athens, Georgia.
If you’re going to have to travel for a bit to reach Madison, Georgia, you’ll definitely want to check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List to make sure you’re prepared before hitting the road.
Not Your Average Bucket List Podcast
Only In Your State’s podcast Not Your Average Bucket List takes a deep dive into Madison, Georgia and everything it has to offer. Our hosts, Marisa Roman and Sara Heddleston, discuss what their “Perfect Day” in Madison would consist of. From wildlife hiking trails to sleeping in a cottage by the ocean, take a look at the infographic below to get your own suggestions for the perfect day exploring this small town.
To discover even more about Madison, Georgia in a fun, easily-digestible manner, tune in to OnlyInYourState’s brand new podcast, Not Your Average Bucket List, where we talk all about this charming town. Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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