This post is really about pictures.
I was at the 2021 Dan River Boat Race wearing a cardigan over shorts and a sleeveless top (it was supposed to be 80 degrees) when I got to thinking about the fru-fru coffees they sell at The Mad Bean in downtown Madison.
They also offer hot breakfasts or you can get a premade croissant or apple fritter.
Down by the train tracks, they have a beautiful building with a commemorative clock. I love the bricked up arches. I assume that those were windows back in the day. I have no idea what this building was.
The plaque reads:
The Madison Town Clock
1919
A memorial to the men who served and died in World War I
Jim Vaughn, The American Legion and local citizens contributed to the purchase of the clock. The purpose of the clock was to serve as a local war memorial for those who served in the Great War. The clock is a rare number two striking clock with still operates by winding.
The clock rang as I was standing there.
Right next door to the Madison Town Clock is the American Legion. I think that this is an anti-aircraft gun.
There is a beautiful old depot just across the street. Just as old rail trails are being turned into hiking/biking trails, old depots are being fixed up in some small towns and turned into tourist attractions. (We have one up in Bassett but I haven’t seen it open).
But this historic depot is not empty. It is home to the GIA Distillery. Open on Fridays and Saturdays in the afternoons and early evenings. I’m not a huge fan of whiskey but it wouldn’t kill me to stop in and see what they offer.
GIA Distillery
My husband and I used to be very good about getting down to Madison to see new businesses. We loved Southern Spirits, an old fashioned downhome restaurant with fun specialty drinks to go with dinner. If there is such a thing as an American pub, Southern Spirits is it.
And now there’s another new place … Wine Nox. Check out their Facebook Page. It looks like they have a wonderful sitting area in the back and live music?
Madison is just a pretty place. Even the local recycler’s building is beautiful on a rainy morning in August.
Life In & Around Martinsville-Henry County 
This was interesting to read; not sure I ever knew there was a Madison, NC. I did look up the building housing the clock tower and learned it was built in 1919 as an automobile garage. the businessman, Nat Pickett, agreed to house the tower and clock in his building.
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Madison is one of those quaint old downtowns that can either take or not. I don’t know why some do and some don’t. Madison is pulling out all of the stops though. It’s got a fabulous vibe.
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It looks like a place I would like!
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