Madison has retained so much of its antebellum-era architecture that most of the city is part of a National Historic District. An hour east of Atlanta, Madison is often said to be so beautiful that Sherman refused to burn it during his March to the Sea. In reality, Sherman spared Madison out of deference to a family friend — a pro-Union politician who had a home there.
Either way, Madison is one pretty town.
The visitors center on the town square should be your first stop, to pick up a map for a self-guided walking/driving tour. Most sights are within walking distance of the square. And just a short drive outside of town you’ll find other worthwhile attractions.
Be sure not to miss the antebellum homes
Many of the historical homes in Madison are private residences, so you’ll have to be content to gawk at them from the street. Some houses that are open to the public along the walking tour are Heritage Hall, a multi-columned Greek Revival house built in 1811 and filled with antique furnishings; Rogers House / Rose Cottage, on the same property as Heritage Hall, revealing contrasting antebellum styles; and the Morgan County African-American Museum, which offers a distinctive view of pre-Civil War life in Madison.
Antiques and shopping aplenty downtown
It’s fitting that a town with so many pre-war structures is also a first-rate destination for antique hunters. The downtown area is filled with locally owned specialty shops, including Madison Markets, with its 75 dealer booths in an old cotton warehouse; and In High Cotton, an antique, furniture and accessory store also in a former cotton facility.
Laughing Moon is a gift and apparel boutique in the historical Belmont Hotel building.
Mulberry Toys, owned by two teachers who are also mothers, sells playthings that educate and empower children as well as entertain them. Very few of their selections require electricity or batteries.
Big Sandy Creek Dairy Farm
Especially suitable for families and other groups with small children, Big Sandy Creek Dairy Farm — in operation since 1950 — is a working family farm just north of town that offers tours from March 1 to Oct. 31. Co-owner Julie Benkoski has a background in education and takes pride in making the farm tours an agricultural learning experience.
You’ll get an up-close view of farm life and its animals, including such hands-on activities as a hayride through the pasture to help feed the cows, a milking demonstration, butter churning and a petting zoo.
Tours are by appointment, cost $5 per person ($50 minimum charge for groups of fewer than 10) and last approximately 90 minutes.
Mark your calendar for October when visitors can pick their own pumpkin from the patch and navigate a corn maze. 706-342-2727, www.bigsandycreek.com.
The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum
Microcars — they’re not the Hot Wheels you played with as a kid.
The microcars filling this museum are actual, tiny automobiles that have no more than two doors and engine sizes of 700cc or less. Think of the European Smart Car recently introduced to American roadways — now think a lot older and smaller. Microcars are also referred to as “bubble cars.”
The museum, which claims to be the largest of its kind in the world, is just south of I-20 near Madison. $5 admission. www.microcarmuseum.com.
Provided by Demand Studios
About the Author
