All eyes around the country are focused on the state of Georgia during this week, particularly our region. We are looking forward to newcomers  seeing Madison for the first time, or just a return visit. The James Madison Inn would like to welcome all visitors coming to stay with us during this time. Our hopes are that we can further make this a special time during such a great sporting event. We are preparing for a tremendous week, and hopefully we can expect to see and equally tremendous golf tournament

On Sunday February 21, 2010 if you were by chance scanning through the Atlanta Journal Constitution and came across the Travel section, you would have seen a nice write up on “Town Spared By Sherman”. The Picture set right below this title is a Shot of  “The Hunter House”, including a shot down the sidewalks of Downtown. In this article is a beautiful write up on the city of Madison, the History that dwells here, and a little bit of what the town has to offer. It is a sign that Madison, though small at heart, is definitely on the rise to becoming a legend in the making.

I hope everyone was safe during the recent snow we had here in Madison, and at the James Madison Inn. The snow definitely made for some great shots of the hotel. I hope that you will take the time to look at our shots from “Snow Day at the James Madison Inn.

I am an employee of the James Madison inn, and was lucky enough to get the opportunity today to walk in the Madison Markets for the first time. I was completely taken back at the Variety of  Gifts, and collectibles that they had to offer. I am not an expert in antiquing or even at knowing what im looking for, but I do know what I like. The Markets had a lot that i liked, and that people i buy gifts for would like. I would encourage you to check this place out if you havent already.

The Indigo Girls are going to be at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center on Sunday March 7th at 7pm. Its a treat to have musicians of this caliber to be performing in madison. Call 706.342.4743 to secure your tickets today

Lillywind Kids opened in November 2007 and is located opposite the new Town Park. The owners chose Madison,  because the city  is unique and the store compliments that. The feel of small town USA in the city is reflected by 70 per cent of the merchandise being hand made in the USA.  From the new born to those leaving school, every item for sale, has been especially chosen, to bring a personal touch for each gift.

During the year, children can be pictured with the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and new for this year, fall pictures, with the first 5×7 color shot being free.

Each anniversary of the store’s opening brings with it, a 10 per cent off sale throughout the store and a drawing for a $50, $75 and $100 shopping spree. For those that would like their gift personalized, for example, a bath robe or back pack, there will be a $5 fee.

The most popular items at the moment are the machine washable, bears, bunnies and puppies, which are all baby safe. The puppies and rabbits are personalized on their ears, and bears on their ribbon. The price for these animals is $19.95.

The store opening hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 am until 5 pm, with Wednesday opening 10 until 1. The store is closed Sunday and Monday, but is open for all events in the park. If hotel guests have the bed and benefits package, or if they have one of the Lillywind brochures, then they are entitled to a 10 per cent discount.

The nature of the store is more of a handmade personalized gift center, rather than just a toy store. The store does carry Madison Georgia t- shirts, baby bibs and drinks cozees, which can all be personalized.

Their website can be found at www.lillywindskids.com, where items can be ordered online. All items hold a uniqueness, which means that you know that you are going to have something special. Customers can also avail themselves of the gift bags, which are filled with tissue paper and tied with ribbon.

Town and Country opened its doors for the first time on October 21 2008. The concept of Town and Country, is to combine the rural county area, with the vibrant cities that surround it. Offering high quality brand names, catering for both men and women, unique to Madison, with items you would not find in a mall or other small town. Items are available to those age 6 and upwards, with some youth sizes also catered for.

Specialized items, include Tilley hats, with insect shield and sunscreen protection, ties, belts, sunglasses boxer shorts, socks flip flops, visors, watches and to go with your gift,  a greetings card.

For those that follow the Georgia Bulldogs, Town and Country holds numerous items of UGA Collegiate wear, for boys and girls, men and women. These include, jackets, raincoats, slacks, UGA tops, golf shirts, button down shirts, hoodies, with accessories which include, wallets, money clips, shaving bags, belts and watches.

The opening hours of the store are 10 am to 5.30 pm, Monday thru Saturday. If you stay at the James Madison Inn, you are able to take advantage of 10 per cent off any one regular priced item, if you show your key.

Shopping at Town and Country, brings a new meaning to personal service. The conversation can range from directions to a particular store, to where to eat and what to do. The store has extended opening hours for park events.  The store is very proud of Morgan County and will be selling the new architecture book, commemorating the bicentennial, around Christmas time, called Madison, by William R. Mitchell Jr., with photography by Van Jones Martin. This book is a great resource for not only the city of Madison, but also the surrounding areas of Morgan County.

For those eager to sample the great outdoors, Town and Country, carry heavy duty jackets, oil skin vests, gun wore jackets and alpine utility vests. Golf attire which will include Ben Hogan from next Spring, can be acquired, with slacks, shirts, vests, belts and for the inclement weather, raincoats.

To celebrate their one year anniversary Town and Country will host an open house, where there will be a selection of door prizes available to those that enter the free prize draw. Between the day after Thanksgiving and December 23, Town and Country has a special prize draw. With every purchase, the customer receives one entry with a chance to win a North Face Jacket.

In May 2007, Chef Fransisco De La Torre, saw that Town 220 was for sale, which he believed had a potential and unique quality. His background is in French classic cooking, but over time, he introduced along with French, Californian, and Southern Italian. The diverse menu with a taste for every pallet, is combined with the classic and elegant atmosphere of the fine dining establishment. The attention to detail paid to the salads at lunchtime, their own bread and the homemade desserts make Town 220 a cornucopia of culinary delights.

Town 220 opens its doors for lunch at 11 am to 2.30 pm, Tuesday thru Saturday. Dinner starts at 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm, on Tuesday to Thursday, finishing at 10 pm, on Friday and Saturday nights.

The work force is local, with an opportunity to introduce staff to products and ingredients form around the world. Dishes that originated in France and Italy, or in the cities of Chicago and New York, can be found at the restaurant. Combine this taste sensation, with special offers to hotel guests, for both for lunch and dinner, and Town 220, becomes a culinary heaven.

The Doggy Doodle, Taste of Madison and Taste of Eatonton, have all been catered by Town 220. This idea of bringing ‘the town’ to ‘the country’ provides an introduction to Beef Wellington, Paellas, and other dishes, foreign to the native Georgian tongue.  Weddings are also catered for, with rehearsal dinners at the Inn and for larger groups the private dining room at Town 220. Full wedding banquets, at The James Madison Conference Center, providing Town 220, with a platform, to begin and end the wedding weekend.

The private dining area, is available to any small group upon reservation, and can seat up to 36 persons. The $150 charge includes rental of the room and providing linens. The capacity of the main seating area of Town 220 is 95. Behind the main area, the patio can hold 50 people on the upper deck and 50 on the lower deck. The restaurant is open until 11pm during the week and midnight on Friday and Saturday. There is wheel chair access from Madison Markets and an elevator, which will take you to the main seating area of the restaurant.  The menu can be customized to cater for vegetarians and those that have a gluten free diet. Chef is always accessible for questions, and reservations for lunch and dinner, can be made by the Concierge.

I am an employee of the James Madison inn, and was lucky enough to get the opportunity today to walk in the Madison Markets for the first time. I was completely taken back at the Variety of  Gifts, and collectibles that they had to offer. I am not an expert in antiquing or even at knowing what im looking for, but I do know what I like. The Markets had a lot that i liked, and that people i buy gifts for would like. I would encourage you to check this place out if you havent already.

The spa has some great promotions running for Valentines day, Call and get your appointment… Gift Certificates available