Easy Atlanta Getaway Day

Atlanta is a mecca for sports fans from across the world. If you are in the ATL for world-class soccer, baseball, basketball and more, we invite you to extend your stay in Madison — one of the South’s prettiest small towns. Just an hour outside of Atlanta, here in Madison you’ll discover authentic small town America with historic charm and true hospitality that feel’s worlds apart.

From Civil War history to authentic soul food, from esteemed European art galleries to the world’s best outdoor adventures, however you like to play you’ll be able to find the perfect way to stay here in Madison. So, take a break from the high-powered and extremely energetic atmosphere of the International Soccer Match and slow things down with a visit to Madison, Georgia.

For the Artist

Steffen Thomas Museum of Art

The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art honors the life and work of the German-born artist, who relocated to the Peach State in 1930. Thomas’ work highlights the many pop culture events that occurred throughout his life, including both world wars and the Civil Rights movement. With over 800 permanent pieces belonging to the museum, there is never a dull moment at the remote museum.

Madison-Morgan Cultural Center

Built in 1895, the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is the only Romanesque Revival building in Madison, a stark contrast to the numerous Greek Revival buildings. Originally serving as the first public school in the community, the building has since become a shrine to both the history and art of Madison. While inside the building, you can learn about the work of artist George Andrews – better known as “The Dot Man” – a Madison-born artist famous for his vibrant and unique painting style.

Morgan County African-American Museum

Just a short walk from downtown is the Morgan County African-American Museum, which serves as another ode to the deep-rooted history of Madison. Tourists can find art pieces, collections, tools and more that tell the story of those that came before us in Madison. The house itself served as the home of John Wesley Moore, an African-American man who was deeded the land in 1899.

Madison Artists Guild Gallery

For a more modern approach to art, tourists can swing by the Madison Artists Guild Gallery just off of Main Street. With work from a number of local artists present or a local artist staffing the shop, tourists are sure to learn something about the deep artistic background of Madison.

For the History Buff

Self-Guided Walking Tours

On one of Madison’s self-guided walking tours, you can experience the vintage European architecture scattered throughout the town. Greek Revival and Gothic Revival styles highlight a town littered with an eclectic mix of history and architectural genius. With nearly 30 stops along the way, tourists can experience numerous different types of European architecture, historic houses and buildings and a number of other attractions. There is enough for art buffs, history buffs and normal tourists alike to stay entertained.

Madison-Morgan Cultural Center

While at the aforementioned Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, tourists can immerse themselves in the deep history of Madison. As the first public graded school in Madison and the only Romanesque Revival building in town, the building itself is historic for a number of reasons. Once inside, visitors can step inside the original classroom, dive into the history of the Piedmont Region or explore the historic art gallery. Additionally, the original auditorium has been restored and is still used for performances and shows to this very day.

Madison's Historic Cemeteries

Just another short walk from the downtown square is the Old Cemetery. Dating back to 1811, the cemetery is commonly referred to as Madison’s oldest outdoor art museum due to the ornate designs created by a number of world-renowned artists. With graves dating back to the early 1800s, visitors can honor the lives of American Patriots who fought for the country’s freedom in the American Revolution.

Just across the railroad tracks is the New Cemetery, where tourists can view a number of Confederate graves that were relocated to this current location in 1880.

For the Outdoor Enthusiast

Hard Labor Creek State Park

If you want to spend some time in Mother Nature, make sure to visit Hard Labor Creek State Park — the second-largest state park in the state of Georgia. Consisting of a total of 5,804 acres, tourists can choose from a plethora of hiking trails, kayak and paddleboard rentals, a mini-golf course and much more.

Hard Labor Creek State Park also houses The Creek Golf Course at Hard Labor State Park, a challenging yet stunning 18-hole layout designed by James B. McCloud and Dennis Griffiths.

Southern Cross Guest Ranch

Southern Cross Guest Ranch — a German-owned dude ranch — is widely regarded as one of the best dude ranches in the United States. Just outside of Madison, the ranch is inside a beautiful setting consisting of woodlands and pastures, with roughly 150 horses roaming the property as well. The ranch offers a tranquil escape from the stresses of everyday life, perfect for tourists from halfway across the globe to relax.

Georgia Safari Conservation Park

Just minutes from downtown, tourists can find nearly 500 acres of authentic safari adventure with zebras, giraffes, rhinos and a number of other exotic animals at Georgia Safari Conservation Park. With three different experiences to choose from, visitors to the park can get closer than ever to the wildlife at the park.

For those that want to be even more immersed within the wildlife, the park offers overnight stays in luxury safari tents or even right beside the giraffes in a luxury suite.

For the Foodie

Soul Food

During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, the term “soul food” was coined around the same time that soul music was growing in popularity. The cuisine itself had been around for decades at that point, originating from the rations of food given to enslaved people. Collard greens, cornmeal, flour, lard and unwanted cuts of meat highlighted the main ingredients used in the creation of soul food.

Madison is home to a number of black-owned soul food restaurants, producing some of the tastiest plates in town.

Benny Paul's Soul Food

Benny Paul’s Soul Food has been a staple in Madison since its opening in 2014 and even more so after their relocation to downtown in 2022. Owned by Daisy Benford, Benny Paul’s offers delicious down-home cooking to their visitors. The savory pecan pie and “fall-off-the-bone” fried chicken are just a few of the tasty options available to visitors.

Martha's Favorites

Martha Williams re-opened the doors to Martha’s Favorites in 2010, making it the oldest soul food spot in town. The meat-plus-three style restaurant has long been a favorite of Madison locals and tourists alike. The Fish Friday flakey fried catfish is among the establishment’s most popular deals.

R+B Cafe

Only opening their doors in 2019, R+B Cafe is by far the newest addition to Madison’s short list of soul food establishments. Less than a mile from the downtown square, the inviting atmosphere of the restaurant is highlighted by their vibrant red doors and rocking chairs on the front porch. But the macaroni and cheese and a number of daily specials are another reason to keep visiting.

If You’re Missing A Taste of Home

Hart & Crown Tavern

At Hart & Crown Tavern, visitors can order a number of British pub favorites – including a famous fish and chips to go alongside a pint. With authentic decor brought over from the United Kingdom, the atmosphere is more than just the food. Executive chef Troy N. Thompson began his career under Michelin chef Gunter Seeger and has brought this high level of experience to Madison.

Patisserie on Main

Born in the Chamonix region of Eastern France, Chef Edouard Fenouil brought his French breads and pastries to Madison in 2023. He has delighted diners across America and Europe, including a stint at the award-winning Along’s Bakery and Market in Atlanta. You can also taste some of Fenouil’s creations at The Dining Room, just a short walk from downtown.

The Dining Room

The Dining Room gives visitors the chance to experience a caliber of dining usually reserved for major cities, all within the charm of Madison’s Historic District. Through its Chef in Residence program, the restaurant regularly welcomes acclaimed chefs from across Georgia to create limited-time menus inspired by Southern ingredients and global culinary techniques. Current Chef in Residence Daniel Chance has trained in some of Atlanta’s most celebrated kitchens, bringing a fresh and ever-changing fine dining experience that has reinforced The Dining Room as a culinary destination in its own right.

Amici

Chris Torino – the son of a former Italian immigrant – bought a pizzeria in Madison in 1993, turning it into the now state-wide chain known as Amici. Known for their stellar pizza and in-house micro-brewery, Amici has served the residents of Madison for over 30 years. With a number of awards to their name in recent years, Amici has long been a staple of the region.

Ricardo's Kouzzina

Ricardo Casillas moved to Georgia in 2007 and began serving Madison residents at his own restaurant, Tequila Express. In 2013, the restaurant moved to its current location and rebranded as Ricardo’s Kouzzina. The restaurant also boasts a unique atmosphere, as it is located inside a former icehouse with pulleys still hanging on the ceiling of the now two-story eatery.

Southern Cross Guest Ranch

Known as a tranquil escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of normal life, Southern Cross Guest Ranch also boasts a world-renowned menu. Founded in 1991, Inge Van Rheenen has turned the resort into one of the country’s best dude ranches.

During the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, a German publication rented out the entirety of the property and spread the good word in their home country. Since then, the ranch has consistently attracted international tourists at an extremely high rate. The ranch’s well-known German cuisine has also become a favorite amongst Madison locals, with many flocking to the ranch to simply enjoy a meal.

While Madison is not easily reachable via Uber or Lyft, it is just a short one-hour ride from Atlanta. With a small airport and bus stop just outside of town, there are options for everyone to reach Madison. Make sure to use our Trip Planner to help lay out your visit to one of the south’s best small towns!

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