Madison: "America's #1 Small Town"

Top 5 Must Do / Must See / Must Experience

Stepping into Madison, Georgia is like stepping back in time. It lies between the mountains and the plains in the heart of Georgia's Piedmont country, located in Georgia's Historic Heartland. It is a living museum containing some of America's most treasured architecture, the shining gem of Georgia's Antebellum Trail. A dream like vision of a world gone by, a reminder of more tranquil, less hurried time. A place where the best of the past merges with the hope of the future. This is the city of Madison, Georgia. Truly "America's #1 Small Town."

Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum

The microcar, a vehicle born out of need, was a child of its time and became the symbol of a people's spirit. After WW II, bright, talented engineers put their minds to mobilize a shell-shocked population under adverse conditions. The microcar or "bubble car" came to symbolize this period of renewed energy and pulling together. The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum seeks to pay tribute to the people who built and loved these wonderful vehicles!

Heritage Hall

This Green Revival home, built in 1811, is unique in Madison in that it is the only home in town with four columns flanked by two square piers. Like many antebellum homes in the area, Heritage Hall was originally part of an in-town farm on four acres. The house was constructed 200 feet from its current site and moved prior to 1912 when the owner at that time sold a portion of the acreage. The entire home was lifted, placed on logs, and pulled by teams of horses and mules to its current site.

Morgan County African American Museum

The Morgan County African-American Museum is an institution dedicated to preserving African-American heritage and promoting awareness of the contributions the African American has made to the culture of the South. The museum rooms are furnished to the home’s respective period and are filled with wonderful artifacts and valuable information on African American history and culture.

Follow Georgia's Antebellum Trail

Antebellum means before the war. - Before the war of Northern aggression. The Antebellum Trail is a 100-mile trek through seven communities that virtually escaped General Sherman's burning march through Georgia. Madison's authentic Southern architecture, delightful restaurants, abundant shopping and good old fashioned Southern charm provide the perfect setting for a sublime walk into the history of art and beauty.

Madison-Morgan Cultural Center

Recipient of numerous awards for the innovative restoration and adaptive reuse of the original historic structure, The Center exemplifies an ongoing community focus on historic preservation. The Center serves as a resource not only for the Piedmont area but the entire state of Georgia and the Southeast, meeting a variety of cultural and educational needs for an extensive audience of all ages. The Center serves more than 30,000 people annually from all over the United States and numerous foreign countries, presenting 5 - 7 exhibits, 10 - 20 professional performances and a wide variety of workshops, lectures, residencies, symposia and other programs.

Dining at The Perk Avenue Café

Whether you're in for a quick cup of java, or you've got some time to sit down and enjoy a meal, you'll find some of the most decadent desserts, sublime sandwiches and luxurious coffee concoctions at Perk Avenue. Come dine in this circa 1800’s café, or enjoy your “perks” to go! Some menu items include your favorite Lattes, Americanos, Cappuccinos, Smoothies, hot Paninis, Wraps and Melts, as well as soups and salads, Quesadillas and cold deli plates!

The Sunflower Farm Festival

In 2001 the eight acres of sunflowers at The Sunflower Farm were in full bloom on the 4th of July. As the annual antique tractor parade, led by Bobby West, was going past the field, it was determined that others should be able to experience this spectacular sight - thus the Sunflower Festival was born.The Sunflower Festival has grown into a much anticipated community and regional event with over 6,000 in attendance last year. Heritage crafter's and artists set up to demonstrate their hand-made items. Home-grown music is played, delicious, local, and traditional 4th of July food is served, and kids can participate in games and art projects or take a hay ride in a tractor-drawn wagon.

The Spa at the James Madison Inn

The Spa at the James Madison Inn, Madison’s premier day spa, is committed to your comfort and well being. Their well trained therapists will take every opportunity to ensure you receive the best services possible. They offer reminder confirmations for your appointments, freshly made teas before your therapy and fresh fruit after. Since they will encourage you to continue your progress at home, they carry many fine products that will be of great benefit to you and your family.

The James Madison Inn

The James Madison Inn unites historic Madison's timeless beauty with Southern hospitality at its finest. Located in the heart of downtown Madison, it is within walking distance of antebellum homes, graceful parks, centuries - old cemeteries, stellar shops, art & antique galleries, spas, and fine restaurants. The elegantly appointed James Madison Inn offers a unique and luxurious way to experience all that Madison has to offer. Our goal was to create a landmark within the "Treasure of the Antebellum Trail". Come see for yourself the finest, most comfortably luxurious boutique hotel in north Georgia.