Southern Indiana Business November/December 2022 | Page 26

For those that have planned a trip to Columbus but did not book a stay in the historic mansion Inn at Irwin Gardens can still take a walk around its beautiful garden when it is open to the public on Tuesdays and Sundays through October . Photo by Makenna Hall

Southern Indiana residents looking to treat themselves to a winter vacation don ’ t have to look past their own border for festive day trips or week-long excursions . Indiana ’ s Madison , Nashville and Columbus each include sites , events and activities that are worth the hour or so drive . Clark and Floyd counties also offer a string of holiday events and places to stay to get away from the humdrum of everyday life .

Madison , Jefferson County
A mere hour ’ s drive northeast of the region , nestled in the center of several larger midwestern cities , sits a charming historic city with a number of vacation destinations — Madison .
Not only does Madison ’ s downtown have 133 blocks on the National Register of Historic Places , but it is also home to businesses , natural sites and events that will make a trip to the city worthwhile .
As the holidays approach , downtown Madison buildings will soon be adorned with string lights and garlands and banners will ornament street poles .
The city puts on several events welcoming the holiday season that bring out locals and tourists alike .
Downtown businesses kick off the events with the annual Holiday Open House , where they decorate their stores , offer special promotions and stay open late for shoppers . This year the event will take place on Nov . 11 .
On Nov . 25 , the city will light the Christmas tree on Main Street and turn on the street ’ s string lights during Light
Up Madison .
The third and last event welcoming the season is A Very Merry Christmas Parade on Dec . 3 . Santa Claus and other characters will proceed down Main Street on floats , along with marching bands and balloons .
Those looking to visit Madison and learn about its centuries of history can purchase tickets to the Nights Before Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes . The tour , which includes private homes and public historic sites , will take place on Nov . 25 and 26 and again on Dec . 2 and 3 .
Visit Madison ’ s Executive Tourism Director Andrew Forrester said that the event is a big draw for Madison , and people travel from different states to do the tour .
More information about the tour , in-
26 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022