Although the 3,900 citizens of Madison, Georgia, extend a warm Southern welcome any time of year, never is the hospitality more heartfelt than at Christmas. It is then that countless visitors travel to this quaint little hamlet halfway between Atlanta and Augusta to share in a legendary holiday celebration. Festive evergreen wreaths and garlands adorn every doorway and lamppost, crowds line the cobblestone streets to watch the annual parade, and thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the town square and a host of historic buildings dating back to the Civil War era.
Built in 1811 as an elegant Greek Revival mansion, venerable Heritage Hall has been restored and opened to the public as a museum by the Morgan County Historical Society.
Visitors can discover an exquisite array of period furnishings and antique treasures dressed in Yuletide finery.
Heritage Hall once served as a travelers inn. Mrs. W.F. Manley Sr., who acquired the property in 1946, gifted it to the people of Madison and Morgan County.
Those who elect to explore the village over a weekend will find deluxe accommodations at The James Madison Inn—a charming boutique hotel featuring custom furniture crafted by area artisans and fine paintings depicting renowned local landmarks.
To read more about this lovely holiday destination, see our Victoria Classics Holiday Bliss 2014 issue.
