Top 10 Reasons to Travel Solo in Madison, GA
Traveling is undoubtably a fun way to recharge. Many trips involve friends, family or significant others; however, it can be just as wonderful to take some time for yourself.
Solo travel is a great way to explore new places and do exactly what you find enjoyable at your own pace. When you visit Madison, Georgia, there are many ways to personalize your trip and have a fabulous experience while travelling alone.
1. Explore a Friendly Downtown
With an easily walkable downtown, begin your trip with a visit to the Welcome Center for information on local attractions and to get started on a free, self-guided walking tour.
In town, stroll through a variety of boutiques and numerous antique stores. With friendly residents on every corner, there are plenty of opportunities to strike up a conversation about your trip and learn local favorites for what to see next.
2. Set Your Own Schedule
When you travel solo, one of the biggest benefits is creating your own schedule. Early riser? You don’t have to worry about waking others up. Prefer to sleep in? You won’t feel rushed to get out the door. As a solo traveler, you can take as much or as little time as you like to enjoy Madison’s downtown.
This rural community offers an assortment of lodging options to choose from that will fit any travel style, from welcoming B&Bs and Inns to popular hotel brands. Really want to get away from it all in your solo journey? Enjoy a rustic, true farmstay at Crafdal Farm (pictured above). This quaint, one-room cabin on a 50-acre alpaca farm offers a unique, back-to-nature experience including outstanding nature views and plenty of furry friends.
3. Do Exactly What You Want
Embrace the freedom to choose the attractions and experiences you want to take part in. No need to worry whether your interests align with your travel partner’s. Whether you are an outdoor adventurer, relaxation seeker, or history buff, you can tailor your solo trip to suit your individual destination goals.
Check out these sample itineraries for all the different ways you can experience Madison on your own.
4. Detox from Social Media
What better way to detox from scrolling on social media than by putting down your phone and unplugging in nature when you visit Hard Labor Creek State Park? As Georgia’s second largest state park, there are many ways to enjoy at this outdoor escape. With over 20 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, a sand beach, and two lakes, you are sure to find your preferred way to relax in the great outdoors.
Devote a part of your solo trip to being in the present moment without a phone or computer screen. You won’t regret it.
5. Book a Tour
Looking to channel your inner history buff? Madison has multiple historic homes and museums to tour. Take a stroll down Main Street and explore Heritage Hall, one of Madison’s oldest homes—it was built in 1811, just two years after Madison’s incorporation. If you want to see other historic house museums, you might take a combined tour of Heritage Hall, Rogers House, and Rose Cottage for a discounted rate.
Learn about the art and history of the local African American community during your stay when you visit Morgan County’s African-American Museum. Operating out of the historic Moore House, the museum features artifacts, artistic displays and showcases some of the important figures in Morgan County’s history, including pictures, tools and tales of the life of sharecropper John Wesley Moore.
6. Take a Class
The Madison Artists Guild & MAGallery is the perfect place to unleash your inner artist and appreciate local art while you travel solo. Check MAGallery’s event calendar to view upcoming workshops or special exhibit openings. Book a class at the guild and create something to commemorate your stay in Madison or browse the creations of more than 30 local artists.
Have just a little time to spend? Why not create a tiny work of art to display at one of Madison’s Free Little Art Galleries. These unique public art displays give visitors the opportunity to take a piece of art and leave a piece behind for others to enjoy while exploring the streets of Madison.
7. Pamper Yourself
Take time to treat yourself by indulging in an afternoon at one of Madison’s relaxing spas.
At ZEN Relaxing Wellness Center, guests can luxuriate in a holistic approach to relaxation with services such as float therapy, dry salt therapy and an infrared sauna. Located inside ZEN, The Spa Madison offers a personalized experience for every guest when they visit. Book a massage and let your worries melt away while you enjoy the peace and quiet.
Want to have a bit of retail therapy while you relax? Stop by Pure Bliss Spa & Shop where you can not only enjoy a massage, facial or beauty treatment, but also take a bit of feel good home with you from the Spa’s vast selection of mists, moisturizers and more.
8. Turn Teatime into Me Time
Love a warm cup of freshly steeped tea? Ruby’s of Rutledge not only has delicious teas made fresh daily but also has a serene setting alongside Lake Rutledge in Hard Labor Creek State Park. Relax with that book you really want to read or even journal or meditate on the sand beach.
More of a coffee person? Oconee Coffee Roasters features small batch coffee that is seasonally sourced and roasted in house. Pick up an expertly made latte and take a short walk to Town Park, complete with a gazebo, table seating and bench swings overlooking the great lawn.
9. Savor the Social (or Just the Meal)
With a growing culinary scene, Madison has a variety of options when it comes to food and drinks. One of the best parts of traveling solo is that you get to pick where to go for cocktail (or mocktail) hour! Stop by The Sinclair for lite bites and a coffee or mixed drink on the patio.
Really hungry? Relish a Mediterranean meal at Ricardo’s Kouzzina. Sit at a table and admire the vestiges of the historic icehouse turned restaurant or dine at the bar to mix and mingle with other travelers and locals.
10. Attend a Concert or Festival
No matter the season, fun concerts and festivals await. During the summer season, the free Summer Nights events in Madison Town Park are a great reason to let loose and dance on the grass to live music or lay back on a blanket while watching a movie.
Traveling in fall? Spice things up with the Chili Cook-Off & Fall Festival. With local produce, handcrafted wares, a beer tent and live music, this is an event you do not want to miss.
Learn more about all the best upcoming events here.
Embrace the joy of creating your own schedule and changing plans on a whim. Discover a fulfilling getaway on your next solo trip to charming small town Madison, Georgia.