Madison Is The Best Small Town In Georgia For A Weekend Escape
The Peach State has some magnificent bigger cities, don’t get us wrong. There is so much to do in Atlanta, and Savannah is gorgeous. But to only focus on the larger cities 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.
One small town in Georgia that has garnered quite a bit of attention nationally is the wonderful town of Madison. Located about half an hour south of Athens, this delightful little town was named Best Small Town in Georgia by Southern Living and has also appeared on lists from 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 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 worth visiting?
Madison's population is right around 4,000. This small town in Georgia was incorporated in 1809 and was named after President James Madison.
Walking through downtown Madison almost feels like you stepped back a few hundred years in time. There are plenty of great historic buildings and local businesses to check out in Madison, 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.
How To Get To Madison
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 need to rent a car. We recommend driving in if you can, since that's much simpler than driving a rental car through the chaotic Atlanta traffic!
Getting Around Madison
You can walk around much of downtown Madison. Most of the spots we mention in this Madison travel guide are within just a few blocks. 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.
Best Time To Visit Madison
Honestly, there's no bad time to visit Madison. Spring and summertime bring 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. 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 available in Madison, 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.
Brady Inn, 250 N 2nd St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
This all-inclusive ranch offers up a bed and breakfast, horseback riding, and plenty of on-site amenities. It's an especially good option if you're visiting with kids, as there's plenty at the ranch to keep them entertained.
Southern Cross Ranch, 1670 Bethany Church Rd, Madison, GA 30650, USA
Morning One: Breakfast and Exploration
Your first stop in Madison will be to grab some food from the wonderful This, That Breakfast and Moore.
You can get breakfast here six days a week, with lunch, dinner, soul food, and seafood served on select days. There's a wide variety to choose from here. You'll find classic breakfast dishes you'd expect but also creative offerings such as breakfast pizza and meat-stuffed pancakes.
This,That Breakfast and Moore, 1990 Eatonton Rd, Madison, GA 30650, USA
The creamy grits are a must-try. Add some cheddar for a real Southern treat. This, That Breakfast and Moore is a great introduction to the type of wonderful local businesses (and delicious Southern cuisine) you'll find in Madison.
The tree-lined streets and antebellum architecture make strolling downtown feel like a walk in the park. Madison is the quintessential Georgian small town that looks straight out of a movie.
This place is not far from downtown Madison and has been delighting residents and tourists for more than 30 years.
R+B CAFE, 461 Burney St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
The soul food here is can't-miss. The Southern style home cooking just may be the best in the state. The $10 daily special includes meat plus two sides and a drink. Opt for the macaroni and cheese, and if you're fond of sweets, 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, but here in the South, we like to take it slow. Why not take a moment to chill out with a sweet treat?
Scoops, 123 W Washington St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
Scoops is the perfect place to cool off and take it easy. 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.
There are several notable antebellum homes in Madison. One of the best-known is Heritage Hall. Built in 1811, this home now serves as a museum that shows how the city's wealthiest lived before the Civil War.
Heritage Hall, 277 S Main St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
179 E. Jefferson Street, Madison, GA 30650
Purchasing a ticket to tour Heritage Hall includes entrance to the Rose Cottage and Rogers House. You can find out more information, including pricing and hours, from the Morgan County Historical Society.
Rogers House Museum, 179 E Jefferson St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
Ricardo's Kouzzina, 271 W Washington St St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
The lovely restaurant features two floors of dining in a historic building, plus an outside patio area. The food is splendid and the service impeccable. Pork chops are one of the more popular dishes on the menu.
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.
This family-owned coffee roaster focuses on quality beans and big flavor. The coffee 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.
Oconee Coffee Roasters, 142 Academy St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
Need a snack? Check what's in season and grab some Georgia-grown fruit!
Community Roots Market, 292 Hancock St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
This indoor market has 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!
Madison Markets ~ Antiques & Interiors, 144 Academy St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
The outdoor seating area is perfect for a sunny day.
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 here, so let's enjoy the outdoors for a bit.
For the afternoon, we'll focus on some great outdoor spots in Madison. The Madison Town Park is an adorable little greenspace. You'll often find events or concerts, especially if you visit during the weekend.
Madison Town Park, 171c GA-83, 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.
Oconee National Forest, 2780 Baldwin Dairy Rd, Madison, GA 30650, USA
Town 220 Restaurant, 220 W Washington St, Madison, GA 30650, USA
Have you ever visited this charming small town in Georgia? Share your favorite attractions 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.
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.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Madison, GA 30650, USA
