checking out madison, florida (Tampa, Tallahassee: travel, health, home)

[jquackquack]

I live in Tampa and my Dad lives in North Georgia. Madison florida is halfway between us (acutally a little closer to me ). We're checking out some land on one of the many rivers out there as a possible joint investment/second home. I'm planning on bringing my wife and two year old to Madison on Friday and checking out the town. I'd appreciate any advice on good places to eat and things we might want to check out. Also, I'd appreciate anything you can tell me about Madison...the good, the bad, and the ugly. I'm all ears, folks!

[plagued_with_apathy]

I've lived in Madison for a while now.

Now as far as things to do goes, if you're into boating, fishing, hunting and what not, you're in a pretty good place for that. There are many rivers nearby as you stated earlier that are easily navigable by a small boat or canoe. Cherry Lake is just a few miles north of town, where you can put in a ski boat or fish as well. Most of the land around the lake is privately owned, but there is a public boat ramp by the 4-H camp.

Downtown (if you want to call it that) there are a few small shops and restaurants. The parking, at least during weekdays can be a bit limited, so be prepared to walk a few blocks to get where you want to go.

As far as eats go, there are basically two restaurants that are worth visiting. LaRenya is a small take out mexican joint one block off the main downtown strip. This isn't taco bell or "off the border". This is REAL Mexican. Yea, it's completely unhealthy, but seriously amazing. The other of which I would highly recommend is Kens BBQ. I can say nothing bad about this place. It's real BBQ, some of the best BBQ meat I've ever eaten, and if you live here, and like BBQ, you will be a regular. While I personally think the sauce could use some improvement, there's nothing saying that you can't take your own with you. (just don't let them see you :P)

Madison is a very old fashioned and generally conservative town. They like to stick to their old southern values. The town is deeply rooted in the christian faith, and it's hard to find someone who doesn't go to church at least on a semi-regular basis.

For larger city amenities, you will need to travel either to Valdosta Ga. (30 mi.) or Tallahassee Fl. (70 mi). The only problem is, gas in Madison is highly inflated as compared to the areas around it. Two men run the oil in this town, so they collude, and nothing is done about it. Basically, buy your gas in Ga, on the way to Valdosta.

If you need any other information on the town, feel free to message me.

-mike