7 Reasons to Drive to Madison, Georgia

Dude ranches, must-hit stops on Georgia’s Antebellum Trail, exciting annual festivals, and more await visitors in this underrated East Georgia town.

Gas prices are finally initiate to go down a bit , so now is the consummate sentence to go on a mini road trip . While we ca n’t stress just how much we get laid Atlanta , it does n’t pain to get out of the city and explore the rest of Georgia every once in a while , whether that intend heading north forBlue RidgeorHelenor hitting 85 South to visitLaGrange . On the off - chance that you ’ve already heeded our advice and rack up all of those places , do n’t worry because we ’ve got another low - key goal ready for you : Madison , Georgia .

turn up about 60 sea mile east of Atlanta , this small , picturesque smirch is widely touted as the township thatGeneral Sherman refused to burnduring the Civil War . While the account of the area ’s preservation is a scrap more complicated than Sherman indiscriminately deciding to give up it on his historical flaming destruction of Atlanta , it is the key to why Madison looks so vintage . The city — which sits in the Atlanta - Athens - Clarke - Sandy Springs Combined Statistical Area — is renowned for its bright preserve Antebellum computer architecture , and it also boasts an impressive amount of art and ethnic attractor . With unparalleled lodging options , year - circle events , and plenty of open - airwave activities also on Madison ’s brag sheet , you wo n’t rue making that one - minute drive . Here are all of the reasons why you involve to pack your bag and push over to Madison , Georgia at once .

It’s the perfect place for a relaxing getaway

Once you arrive in Madison , you ’ll immediately feel like you somehow traveled back in fourth dimension . Its gorgeous historic computer architecture and Southern charm will leave you speechless , and as luck would have it , its lodging selection are just as inviting . There ’s theBrady Inn — an 1885 tight-laced bed and breakfast that ’s both nostalgic and snug with modern amenities — for those looking for the true Madison experience . If you want to enjoy a more luxurious stop , however , look no further than theJames Madison Inn & Conference Center , a lavish four - genius hotel in the historical Madison district . For an even more unequalled lodging choice , consider ride out at the local dude ranch — Southern Cross Guest Ranch — where you could rest up in an elevated guest ranch and maybe even do some hogback riding too . Regardless of where you pick out to stay while natter , you ’ll decidedly find quiet in Madison , and just in case you need a small more time to yourself , check out two of the local watering hole — ZEN Relaxing Wellness CenterandPure Bliss Spa & Shop .

There’s so much rich history and culture there

One of the master grounds why Madison is one of Georgia ’s most important holidaymaker locations is because it has been able to successfully preserve much of its history over the last century - and - a - half . When visit , you ’ll be in awe of its classic Antebellum architecture , especially when it comes to historical buildings likeHeritage Hall , Rogers House , Madison - Morgan Cultural Center , andRose bungalow — all of which are popular stop alongGeorgia ’s Antebellum Trailandopen for tour daily . The community in Madison also has a plenteous arts and culture scene , and you may get acquainted with countless local creative person — as well as wait on extra societal result and take an art class or two — by visiting theMadison Artists Guild Gallery & MAGallery . you may also extend your raid into Madison ’s arts and culture by explore theMorgan County African - American Museum , theMadison - Morgan Cultural Center ’s permanent expo , the nearbySteffen Thomas Museum of Artin Buckhead ( Buckhead , Georgia , not Buckhead Atlanta ) , and theMadison Historic Cemeteries , which are locally hump as “ Madison ’s oldest Art Museum ” for its flowery grave art .

It’s one of Georgia’s most notable filming locations

Over the last several geezerhood , Atlanta has practically become the Hollywood of the east coast , but the state ’s capital is n’t the only Georgia metropolis that ’s been getting love from motion-picture show and goggle box shows . Madison also has been the shoot location for unnumerable movie labor , includingSelma , Friday the 13th Part VI : Jason Live , Little Darlings , and more recently , movies likeGuardians of the Galaxy : Vol . 2andAmerican Made . While you ’re visiting , take yourself on a cinephile - friendly self - lead hitch throughMadison ’s coolest film locations , from Morgan County Courthouse ( Goosebumpsand Rob Zombie’sHalloween II ) to Bonar Hall ( The OriginalsandVampire Diaries ) .

There are plenty of fun outdoor activities

If you ’re look for something to do , there ’s no shortage of fun outside and exposed - air travel activities . Edgar Guest outride at theSouthern Cross Guest Ranchcan kill two shuttlecock with one Harlan Fiske Stone by going horseback rally on one of the attraction ’s daily trail ride , and even if you decide to go with another one of Madison ’s cozy lodging choice , you may still schedule a ride at the ranchhere . Those looking to fish or go boat on the Apalachee River can hit up Apalachee Bait Shop , and if you ’d rather go on a waterfront dangerous undertaking featuring a smaller consistence of water , theHard Labor Creek State Parkis just 15 second northwest of Madison . Cyclists — or anyone who ’s down for a breezy , carefree car ride — can enjoy theMadison - Morgan Meander , while baby-walker and joggers can search a beautiful scenic path atRound Bowl Spring Park . After you claver Madison and fall in love with its gorgeous outside scenery , go ahead and plan another tripper for next class because the highly anticipatedGeorgia Safari Conservation Parkwill open up up there in the dip of 2023 .

Madison also has a nice selection of restaurants and bars

eternal sleep assured , there will also be lot of restaurants and barroom to choose from when you visit Madison . For a flying and fresh repast , you could snaffle breakfast and dejeuner from the cafe atFarmview Market , and you could also head over to the deli atMadison Produce . If you ’re a die - gruelling barbecue lover , Crowe ’s Open Air Bar - B - Quehas you breed , and if you ’re not yet certain what you desire to eat , you ’ll undoubtedly recover something appetizing fromTown 220 RestaurantandRicardo ’s Kouzzina ’s vast seafood , pasta , and steak offering . Madison is also the home of the originalAmici Italian Cafe — which has some pretty killer wing , pizza pie , and calzones — but if you ’re craving some delicious and more rarefied Italian cuisine , attend no further thanDolce Caffe . Lastly , it would n’t be a right getaway without a prevention or two , so when you ’re quick to ( responsibly ) have a drink or two , hit upThe SinclairandHart And Crown Tavern — which both have a nice selection of beer , wine-coloured , and signature cocktail to select from .

Downton Madison has exciting events and festivals year-round

Regardless of when you design on visiting Madison , there ’s bound to be something fun occur once you get there . The Downtown Madison area is known for host several festivals , concert , and community events throughout the year , and most of them are spare . In April , the community comes together to keep the arrival of spring atthe yearly Madison Fest , and in July , local music lovers direct to Town Park for the two - dayFirefly Festival . Once summer is over , there’sSaturday in the Park , a sport BYOB saltation party at Town Park , and later in the fall , there ’s the larger-than-life , mouth - wateringChili Cook - Off & Fall Festival . Downtown Madison also host a free holiday parade andCaroling By Candlelightevent in December , which is perfect for families or couple depend for a romantic wintertime lam . Whenever you impinge on the road to visit Madison , just make indisputable you checkherefor the most up - to - date entropy on all of the happenings in the downtown area .

You’re less than 30 miles away from Athens

While Madison , Georgia is most certainly coolheaded enough on its own to merit a route trip there , you ca n’t overlook the fact that it ’s also middling close to another one of the undisputed best city in the state : Athens . The two Eastern Georgia cities are less than 30 miles away from each other , so you ’ll be able to take advantage of that snug proximity and go on a fun roundabout way to a college Ithiel Town make full with playfulness activity , brewery , and more . While you ’re there , make certain you check out our usher toall of the playfulness things to do in Athens , too .

Georgia’s Antebellum Trail in Madison, Georgia