One Of The Best Small Towns In America: 1hr 28min From Augusta
This town is steeped in history. Think of a courthouse on the square with the bell chiming on the half and top of the hour and homes dating back to the 1800’s. One house was built in 1809, the same year the town was established. This is one of the best small towns in America: 1hr 28min from Augusta. It’s definitely worth the trip!
Madison, Georgia, was named after President Madison. The historic downtown takes you back in time with antique stores, great local restaurants, boutiques, and more. One of the most unique places I saw was an old gas station called the Sinclair. It’s a coffee shop offering pastries, muffins, cookies, craft beers, and specialty cocktails: coffee and cocktails. I’m in!
The homes you see in Madison are some of the most historic homes in the country. They are beautiful, and it’s amazing to see the styles like Greek Revival. Large porches were a thing then, too. I can only imagine a summer day in this town in the 1800s.
I was surprised to see a historical marker downtown about the Hardy Hotel, which comic actor Oliver Hardy’s mother owned. As Augusta area folks know, Hardy was born in nearby Harlem, GA; He also lived in Madison for a while. He attended Madison Elementary School. According to visitmadisonga.com, he used to sit in the lobby of his mother’s hotel and watch people coming and going and study their mannerisms, which Hardy used later in life as one of the most popular comedians of his time.
It is worth the short hour-and-a-half trip from Augusta to check out this small town and go back in time. Plan to spend most of the day to see all of the Southern charm. I hope you enjoy Madison, GA, as much as I did!
