The 10 Best Things To Do In Madison, Georgia

Located just an hour east of Atlanta, the small town of Madison, Georgia, is filled with charm. If your travels take you to or through Madison, you can consider yourself lucky. When you're there, you'll encounter historic architecture, great restaurants, and a lively small-town spirit that will make you want to move right in. The town is noted for the many well-preserved 19th century homes and buildings in and around the historic district. Some of them are now house museums in which you can learn about the history of the town. Madison is also located near the Oconee National Forest and Lake Oconee, which means that outdoor adventure is not far away. From your morning coffee to your afternoon activities, here are ten of the best things to do on a day trip to Madison.

Fuel Up at Oconee Coffee Roasters

The best way to start your day in this historic town is with a cup of locally roasted java at Oconee Coffee Roasters. Located on Academy Street, this family-owned spot is a specialty roastery and cafe where you can pick up bags of beans (like their Oconee Blend, which has notes of brownie, toffee, and soft berries, and their Southern Classic Blend, which has notes of dark chocolate, molasses, and stone fruits), as well as cups of coffee from the cafe.  

Do Some Antiquing

You can't go far in this town without stumbling on a treasure trove of antiques, collectibles, and housewares. On South Main Street in downtown Madison, you can get your fix of memorabilia and vintage collectibles at J&K Fleas An'Tiques. You'll discover a more upscale mix at Madison Markets Antiques and Interiors, a large renovated warehouse that houses many dealers. Inside you'll find aisles of architectural salvage and antiques ranging from a pair of elaborately carved doors to vintage barware.

Enjoy Lunch in Downtown Madison

When it comes to lunch in Madison, you have options. Mad Taco is a favorite for tacos and margaritas. Hart and Crown Tavern serves British classics like scotch eggs and fish and chips in a tavern setting. If classic French breads, pastries, and desserts are what you're after, look no further than the Patisserie on Main, where the offerings are baked fresh daily.

Take a Self-Guided Tour

Next, pay a visit to the Madison Welcome Center. Pick up a brochure, and begin your self-guided walking tour of the more than 50 notable sites in the city's downtown historic district. Many must-see locations can be found on nearby streets, including the Rogers House and Rose Cottage. Built in 1809, the Rogers House is Madison's oldest house museum, and it is open for tours. It’s located on East Jefferson Street. A couple of blocks over on South Main Street, Heritage Hall is a striking example of preservation, something that becomes even more impressive when you learn that the building didn't always occupy its present location. The 1811 Greek Revival mansion sat on a lot 200 feet away until it was dragged over logs to the current site in 1908.

Explore in the Outdoors

Madison is located near the Oconee National Forest, which is made up of 850 miles of trails of varying difficulties. That makes it a popular place for hikes and walks. The trails run through more than 800,000 acres of Georgia woods, and there are also waterways and campgrounds for more outdoor adventures. Lake Oconee is also nearby. The lake, a manmade reservoir formed by the Oconee and Apalachee Rivers, is a popular place for recreation, having more than 50 miles of shore and more than 19,000 acres for exploring on the water.

Hit the Town 220 Restaurant

After a few hours of antiquing, score a table at chef Francisco De La Torre's Town 220 Restaurant on West Washington Street. Start with the sashimi ahi tuna or fried green tomatoes served with red pepper coulis. Then end the night with the fresh berries Napoleon, a crispy pastry stuffed with vanilla custard and a sea of caramel sauce.

Spend Time at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center

From Heritage Hall, it's a short walk to the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center on South Main Street. Located in a restored Romanesque Revival schoolhouse that dates to 1895, the center houses the room where Oliver Hardy of Laurel & Hardy fame attended first grade. (It's preserved just as it was when he attended.) The building also serves as the venue for Madison's performing and visual arts scene.

Visit the Morgan County African-American Museum

The Morgan County African-American Museum has a mission to preserve and share the history, art, and stories of African-American culture in Morgan County over the centuries. You can tour the museum, which is located on Academy Street, to see the space's exhibits during the opening hours, which are from Tuesday through Friday and the first and third Saturdays of each month.

Explore Your Dining Options

If you find yourself in Madison and hungry, you can always find something delicious. Located in the historic district. The Dining Room is an upscale space for fine dining alongside expertly paired wine selections and prix fixe menus, all of which change weekly. For seafood, everyone heads over to the family-owned Ricardo’s Kouzzina, and if you ask around, you'll learn that you can never go wrong with the delicious daily specials and soul-food sides at R+B Cafe. Another favorite Madison restaurant is The Sinclair, which serves (depending on the time of day) breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as coffee and cocktails.

Stay the Night at The James Madison Inn

Reserve a room at The James Madison Inn, a storied boutique hotel located in the historic district on West Washington Street. The inn offers all the charm you would expect of a boutique property, from its elegant lobby to its rooms and suites (with in-room fireplaces and oversize rain showers). You'll feel like staying awhile.