Top 10 Fall Activities in Madison, Georgia
Fall is officially here! Cool, clear weather has us grabbing a fleece and getting outside to enjoy the autumnal beauty. If you are looking for fall vacation ideas or even just a weekend getaway, enjoy a few of our favorite fall activities below. Just an hour outside of Atlanta, an escape to Georgia’s authentic small town is the perfect way to relax and take time to enjoy the season.
1. Fall in Love with Madison's Historic District
The tree-lined streets of small-town Madison and its magnificent National Register Historic District are bursting with fall color and festively decorated porches. Stop by the Welcome Center to learn the locals’ favorite spots and get started on the free audio walking tour. The walking tour is the best way to discover the history of this small town and uncover the lore of the enchanting historic sites, churches, schools and homes you’ll see along the way.
For a more spine-tingling experience, consider reserving a spot on a haunted history tour with North Georgia Tours. These guided excursions take you through the Madison Historic District and cemeteries, sharing ghost stories and eerie tales that bring the past to life.
Prefer to explore by bike? Check out the Madison-Morgan Meander for cycle-friendly routes through scenic and historic Morgan County, GA.
2. Attend Fall Festivals and Events
Take part in fun, family-friendly events like the annual Chili Cook-Off & Fall Festival where you can listen to live music, shop artisan wares and, yes, sample chili to vote for the winner of the coveted people’s choice award. If you can’t get enough delicious fall flavor, head to the Flavors of Fall Festival at Farmview Market. Kids will love the petting zoo, face painting and hayrides, while adults will enjoy live music, shopping with farmers market vendors, and sampling seasonal sides.
Another local favorite is the Madison Lions Club Fall Fair, packed with classic fun like carnival rides, games and a baking contest. Just 15 minutes down the road, the “Small but Special” Town of Rutledge hosts its own Spooky Fall Fest, featuring treats, costumes and a whole lot of small-town fun for all ages.
Check out our calendar of events for a full list of fall happenings around Morgan County.
3. Farm Fresh Finds & Foodie Fun
Find the farm fresh getaway you have always wanted. Delight in locally-sourced foods at Community Roots Market and Farmview Market and dine at restaurants focusing on farm-to-table ingredients like Hart & Crown Tavern or The Dining Room. Be sure to check out Farmview Market’s Flavors of Fall Festival, a family favorite event with fun activities, delicious treats and a seasonal farmer’s market.
4. Go Horseback Riding
Hit the horse trails at Southern Cross Guest Ranch for some prime leaf-peeping and fresh air. Enjoy the Ranch’s famous lunch buffet with European comfort food and a beautiful view of the pastures while you’re there. Make sure to call ahead to book your reservation, as this is an experience you won’t want to miss!
5. Explore the Outdoors at Georgia's Second Largest State Park
Hard Labor Creek State Park transforms into a stunning autumn oasis as the leaves turn from red to gold in this 5,804 acre park. Fall is the perfect time to go camping or explore the park’s miles of hiking trails, where you can enjoy the crisp air and colorful views. Seasonal events add to the fun, from guided hikes with a Park Ranger to wagon rides and the spooky Haunted Village experience – set at the filming location of Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. For golf enthusiasts, the park’s picturesque golf course offers a delightful backdrop for a round or two.
And did you know fall is also one of the best times of the year to look to the sky for the autumnal constellations? Hard Labor Creek State Park offers several opportunities to stargaze with their popular Twilight Kayak Tours. Bundle up, pack some hot chocolate, and keep an eye out for shooting stars.
6. Enjoy Outdoor Dining
The weather is perfect in the fall for dining al fresco and Madison has an abundance of outdoor dining options! Whether you’re lunching at Amici, Madison Produce, Betty Gene’s, or The Sinclair, or enjoying dinner at Ricardo’s Kouzzina or Town 220, Madison has a patio to suit every taste.
7. Check Out an Art Museum
For days when you prefer to find some autumn beauty indoors, the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art (pictured above) showcases not only works by German-born artist Steffen Thomas but also rotating special exhibits featuring artists from across the region or even around the world.
Art lovers will also delight in discovering the permanent and rotating exhibits on display at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center as well as Madison Artists Guild and MAGallery. Meet local creatives and visiting artists alike at MAGallery, where upcoming exhibitions showcase a range of captivating work. From August 28 to October 4, explore Helene Roberts’ striking mixed media sculptures, which examine the human form through textiles and ceramics. Then, from October 9 to November 8, Arlene Phillips presents a luminous collection of fused glass creations in a special exhibition you won’t want to miss.
8. Wrap Up Your Holiday Shopping
The holidays are fast approaching and, if shopping and decorating are on your mind, Madison’s annual Shop, Sip & Stroll on select Saturdays in November will have you wrapping up your list in no time. This annual event invites shoppers to enjoy live music in the streets, complimentary refreshments, special offers from retailers and restaurants and a few holiday surprises to get in the holiday spirit. This year’s Shop, Sip & Stroll Saturdays occurs November 15 and 22 and is closely followed by Shop Small Saturday on November 29.
After indulging in some retail therapy, consider treating yourself to a special spa experience. Whether you’re looking for relaxation before the holiday rush or simply need a break from the holiday hustle, check into one of Madison’s spas to unwind and rejuvenate. Pure Bliss Spa and Just Breathe Day Spa offer a variety of therapies to get your mind and body centered and ready for the holiday season.
9. Take a Wild Adventure
As autumn paints the local landscape with vibrant hues, a visit to Georgia Safari Conservation Park delivers a spectacular opportunity to experience exotic wildlife in the Park’s 500+ acre savanna. Expert safari guides drive guests through scenic trails to observe exotic animals including giraffes, zebras and rhinos and share fascinating animal facts about these majestic creatures. The cooler fall temperatures make for a comfortable and enjoyable visit, allowing safari-goers to fully appreciate the beauty of both the Park’s wildlife and the changing seasons. Upgrading your experience with up-close animal encounters will further enrich your visit, making this trip a memorable addition to your fall adventures.
10. Stay for the Weekend
With so much to do in Madison this fall, why not make it a weekend getaway? Burnt Pine (pictured above) is a unique choice for enjoying seasonal bird hunting, clay shooting and fishing. Guests also enjoy thoughtfully prepared dinners in the dining hall, drinks in the lounge, a game room and library.
Check out the wide variety of lodging options available in and around Madison and make plans for your fall escape today!