Madison, Georgia

In Georgia’s lakes region, about an hour east of Atlanta, Madison is a living reminder of a world gone by, a place steeped in history and Southern tradition.

In 1845, it was described as “the most cultured and aristocratic town on the stagecoach route from Charlestown to New Orleans” and was home to wealthy plantation owners. When Union General William Tecumseh Sherman marched from Atlanta to the sea during the Civil War, he spared Madison because, according to legend, it was too pretty to burn. 

Even today, Madison is often called the “Prettiest Small Town in America,” and it is a designated historic district, noted as one of the finest in the South. The leafy downtown is full of colorful shops and cafes, bookstores and galleries. 

Housed in a beautiful Romanesque Revival red brick building, the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center hosts receptions, lectures, symposiums, exhibits and theater presentations. Madison Markets features an eclectic mix of merchandise, everything from vintage clothing and handcrafted furniture to Turkish rugs.

Sprawling Lake Oconee just beyond town limits is the place for fishing, water skiing, sailing, picnicking and golf. In fact, the Golf Club at Cuscowilla has been ranked in the top three “Best Residential Courses” by Golfweek Magazine.

Antebellum and Victorian homes with overflowing gardens of Wisteria and roses sit tucked along shaded lanes. Non-historic properties include ranch ramblers and bungalows.