Madison, Georgia
October 13-15, 2023
Discover small town charm in one of Georgia’s largest historic districts.
Join us this fall for the highly anticipated return to Madison, where you’ll enjoy a rare glimpse inside magnificent homes and fascinating historic sites.
In the 1845 Guide to Georgia, Madison was described as “the most cultured and aristocratic town on the stagecoach route from Charlestown to New Orleans.” Over 170 years later, it still lives up to that claim, with one of the finest historic districts in the nation.
In 2022, Madison was named one of the “55 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America” by Architectural Digest and listed as one of “The South’s Prettiest Small Towns” by Southern Living magazine.
Enjoy a weekend of exploring stunning architecture, dining at enchanting historic sites, and discovering the southern charm and hospitality of one of Georgia’s largest National Register historic districts.
Heritage Reception
A Complimentary Event for Upper-Level Georgia Trust Members ($300+)
Saturday, October 14
During the Ramble weekend, before Saturday’s dinner, upper-level Georgia Trust members ($300 and up) will enjoy an exclusive private reception at the historic Poullain Heights, a beautifully restored 1905 neoclassical style house with expansive grounds and a breathtaking canopy of trees. Located at the end of an impressive allée of oaks, the stately home is situated on one of the few remaining historic pecan groves in Madison.
Fun Fact: The exquisite house was built in 1905 for two sisters from the Poullain family, Sara and Florida, who were descended from two prominent surgeons in the Revolutionary War — Dr. Lancelot Johnston, who was reputed to have been a physician to General George Washington, and Antoine Poullain, a surgeon to the Marquis de Lafayette.
To upgrade your membership to be a part of this exclusive reception, contact 404-885-7818 or membership@georgiatrust.org.
Image: Van Jones Martin, from Madison: A Classic Southern Town. The Historic Madison-Morgan Foundation
Friday, October 13
TOWN & COUNTRY
Experience small-town charm and discover historic sites in Madison and beyond. Named one of the most beautiful small towns in America by Architectural Digest, Madison features a large representation of architectural styles spanning the early nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Visit Cedar Lane Farm (pictured), an authentically restored 1830s farmhouse, and meander through its award-winning formal gardens. Enjoy cocktails and dinner on the grounds of The Oaks, a rarely-opened-to-the-public 1832 Greek Revival private residence located off the beaten path.
The deadline to purchase tickets with meals is September 29.
Image: Van Jones Martin, from Madison: A Classic Southern Town. The Historic Madison-Morgan Foundation
Saturday, October 14
MANSIONS OF MADISON
Explore the fine homes and fabulous estates of intown Madison, one of Georgia’s largest and most well-preserved National Register historic districts. Visit the elegantly restored Madison Morgan Cultural Center, housed in an 1895 Romanesque Revival building. Enjoy a rare opportunity to visit the circa 1851 Boxwood (pictured) and dine on its beautifully landscaped grounds that have been lovingly maintained for generations. Featured in Garden & Gun magazine, Boxwood is one of the most prominent homes in Madison and is notable for its contrasting front and rear facades and its boxwood parterres.
The deadline to purchase tickets with meals is September 29.
Image: Diane Kirkland, from Architecture of the Last Colony. Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation
Sunday, October 15
STUNNING TRANSFORMATIONS
Discover breathtaking transformations of some of Madison’s most historic homes and buildings. Enjoy brunch at Empire Mills, a former oil mill complex built in 1913 that has been adaptively reused as a unique 17,000 square foot event venue and a recipient of the Excellence in Rehabilitation Award from the Georgia Trust. Ramblers will be one of the first to tour “Madison’s Masterpiece on Main,” the newly restored Foster-Thomason-Miller House (pictured), once a Place in Peril and sold through the Madison-Morgan Conservancy’s Revolving Fund. It is an impressive example of the American Aesthetic Movement and was inspired by Oscar Wilde’s 1882 House Beautiful tour.
The deadline to purchase tickets with meals is September 29.
Event held rain or shine. Sites and times are subject to change.
More than 45 of Madison’s most historic private homes and sites will be open for tours during the Fall Ramble. Each day of the Ramble offers different sites. In order to maintain homeowner and site privacy, we do not release the schedule of sites with site addresses prior to the Ramble. All Ramble sites and addresses will be listed in the Program that will be provided at packet pickup during the Ramble.
Accommodations
The Georgia Trust Fall Ramble
Madison, Georgia
October 13-15, 2023
Please make your reservations right away. Prices do not include taxes.
Hampton Inn
2021 Eatonton Road
Madison, GA
706-342-9003
$149/night + taxes and fees
Mention “GAT” to receive discounted rate
SOLD OUT
Other options near Madison, group rate not available. Individual rooms may be available, please contact the hotel directly for availability and questions:
James Madison Inn
260 W. Washington Street
Madison, GA
706-342-7040
SOLD OUT
Holiday Inn Express
1041 Ramada Lane
Madison, GA
706-342-9190
Days Inn by Wyndham
2020 Eatonton Road
Madison, GA
706-342-2121
Quality Inn
2001 Eatonton Road
Madison, Georgia
706-342- 1839
Additional hotel availability in nearby Covington, Georgia, located approximately 23 miles from Madison, Georgia. Group rates not available. Individual rooms may be available, please contact the hotel directly for availability and questions:
Hampton Inn
14460 Paras Drive, Covington
678-212-2500
Holiday Inn Express
14450 Paras Drive, Covington
470-441-9500
Home2Suites by Hilton
14470 Paras Drive, Covington
470-327-2900
LaQuinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham – approximately 25 miles from Madison, Georgia
9159 Access Road, Covington
770-784-9200
Generous Thanks to Our Partner
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Presenting
Gold
Silver
Bronze
LAMBERT, REITMAN AND ABNEY, LLC
Attorneys at Law
Donald B. Harris, District 1 Commissioner
Bill Kurtz, District 5 Commissioner/Vice-Chair
Blake McCormack, District 2 Commissioner
Ben Riden, District 3 Commissioner/Chairman
Philipp von Hanstein, District 4 Commissioner
What are Rambles?
Rambles feature exclusive tours and social events in historic properties not usually open to the public. Tours of historic homes and buildings are self-guided, and guests provide their own transportation. Maps and programs are provided at packet pick-up. Catered meals are offered as part of registration packages; however, there are tour-only (no meals) options as well.
These trips attract hundreds of participants per Ramble and are offered two weekends each year (fall and spring). Recent Rambles have included Augusta, Thomasville, Macon and Newnan.
For more information, contact the Trust’s Special Events Department at 404-885-7812 or SpecialEvents@GeorgiaTrust.org.