Nestled on the Ohio River, Madison is a beautiful town that also boasts the largest contiguous historic district – 133 blocks – in the United States. Whether you’ve never been or need inspiration for a return visit, here are nine reasons why you should make plans to visit this fall.
By Sarah Prasil | Photos by Cameron Tichenor were taken on a recent trip to the river town
CHAUTAUQUA FESTIVAL OF ART & OLD COURT FALL DAYS
Enjoy Southern Indiana’s premier open-air juried fine arts and crafts show featuring artists and craftsmen from across the nation. More than 240 vendors will line the streets from Broadway to Vine Street. The Old Fall Court Days will line the streets around the Jefferson County Courthouse with vendors as well. Add the above with the already great shopping in Madison and you have plenty to see and do. Grab the girls and make it a day of shopping. The event is Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. There will be food, entertainment and a children’s activity tent. No admission charge. For more information go to www.madisonchautauqua.com or www.visitmadison.org.
CLIFTY FALLS STATE PARK
Whether a scenic drive through the park or an adventure to hike the trails, Clifty Falls State Park is the perfect picturesque leaf season at its best. There are four wondrous waterfalls to gawk at and make for a great selfie with your loved ones. The fall foliage at Clifty is simply breathtaking. Don’t forget to stop in the Falls Restaurant and get some delicious award winning sugar cream pie.
THE BELLE OF LOUISVILLE CRUISES
There are two ways to cruise on this great paddle wheeler on the Ohio River: A public cruise will be available Oct. 23. The cruise, which lasts more than an hour is $15 for adults/seniors and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. On Oct. 24, The Belle will be offering a Fall Foliage Cruise from Madison to Louisville. Transportation will be provided back to Madison. The cost is $97.20 per person. For more information on either cruise, call 502.574.2992.
LANIER MANSION & MADISON GHOST WALK
The first stop on the Ghost Walk will be the Historic Lanier Mansion. A costumed guide will take guests throughout the house, including its eerie basement, and recount stories about spirits that many believe inhabit the home. Then, the group will take to the nearby streets of downtown Madison and stop outside three other locations that are rumored to be haunted. Guests should be prepared to go up and down stairs and walk on uneven surfaces. Tickets for the walk, which will be held regardless of the weather and is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 21, 27 and 28, are $15 per adult and $7 per child (18 and under). The number of tickets for each group is limited. Call 812.273.0556 to get yours.
NIGHTS SPIRITS AT LANIER MANSION
Come enjoy Nights Spirits at Historic Lanier Mansion 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 20. Costumed actors portray “spirits” dramatically telling true, 19th century stories of disastrous events that occurred in the beautiful mansion. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door and $5 for children under 18 in advance or $7 at the door. Reservations can be made by calling 812.273.0556.
SOUP STEW CHILI & BREW
Soup Stew Chili & Brew is Madison’s favorite fall festival. The event features delicious food, fun activities, live music, shopping, and beer and wine gardens. Nestled in the heart of one of America’s Best Communities, the festival takes place right on Main Street. Soup Stew Chili & Brew is organized by the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce and serves as a fundraiser for many area nonprofits. Come have some soup, some stew, some chili and some brew 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 14.
MADISON MAIN STREET LOFT TOUR
See how the upper half lives as you explore eight historic lofts within Madison’s National Historic Landmark District. While on this self-guided walking tour, you will see spaces in varying stages of development, and even get to visit the highest point in Madison. The tour takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 7. Feel free to take your time and enjoy all that downtown Madison has to offer. Tickets are $15 per person and may be purchased at one of the following downtown locations: Bad Apple Mac’s, Blush on Main, Madison Visitors Center, and Village Lights Bookstore.
BEAUTIFUL FALL LEAF AND FOLIAGE SEASON
Enjoy the charming river town during leaf season. The fall foliage is beautiful. Make it a part of your trip to Madison while enjoying other
INDIANA WINE TRAIL FALL HAUL
What better reason to get the girls together than for an adventure on Indiana’s Wine Trail Fall Haul event 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 4. This is an annual presentation at each winery to kick off the fall season. Visit each winery and enjoy special wines, fun recipes prepared with wines and big discounts. Don’t forget the beautiful fall sceneries along the way and of course stocking up for the holidays! Visit all seven wineries to complete your wine trail passport and receive our 2017 Wine Trail Glass. For more information visit indianawinetrail.com.
Writer Sarah Prasil is director of marketing and advertising for Visit Madison, Inc.
