The Madison
Orange, VA
"Gracious lodging since 1928"
Event Schedule
We recognize the diverse interest of our guests as they enjoy retirement here at The Madison. Because of this recognition, we have supplemented our daily activities with special events throughout the year. So far this year, we have scheduled the following events:
Winter Events
January 10 (Sun.): Winter Big Woods Walk
Tour the James Madison Landmark Forest. A 200-acre old-growth forest that lies behind the Mansion’s back lawn. Designated by the U.S. Department of Interior as a Nation Natural Landmark, the “Big Woods” is recognized as the best example of an old-growth forest in this the Piedmont area of Virginia.
February 15 (Mon.): President’s Day
Celebrate President’s Day with a tour of the home of James Madison, Father of the American Constitution.
Spring Events
March 17 (Wed.): Open House Wine and Cheese Social at The Madison 2-6PM
RSVP. (724)4-THEPMI
March 29-April 2 (Mon.-Fri.): Archaeology Expedition
Assist with an actual excavation! Work with trained professional archaeologists as they excavate the recently discovered Madison-era North Kitchen.
April 10 (Sat.): Easter Egg Roll
Join in the fun of an old fashioned Easter Egg Roll at Montpelier, celebrating the American tradition established by Dolley Madison, wife of our fourth president.
May 1-2 (Sat.-Sun): Montpelier Wine Festival
Sample award-winning Virginia wines and relax on Montpelier’s splendid 2,650-acre grounds while enjoying speciality foods, children’s activities, kite contests, vendors, crafters, and more!
May 12 (Wed.): Open House Wine and Cheese Social at The Madison 2-6PM
RSVP. (724)4-THEPMI
Summer Events
June 9 (Wed.): Open House Wine and Cheese Social and Tour at The Madison from 2-6 pm.
RSVP. (724)4-THEPMI5
July 22-25 (Thu.-Sun.): Orange County Fair
Join local farmers, craftsmen, cooks and gardeners for an annual celebration of rural life in the Virginia Piedmont. Sponsored by the Orange County Fair Board and the 4-H Club.
August 1 (Sun.): Freedman’s Farm Tour and Confederate Winter Camp Site Walking Tour
Tour the Gilmore Farm, home of George Gilmore, born a slave at Montpelier, followed by a walking tour of the Confederate winter encampment site.
Fall Events
September 16 (Thu.): Constitution Day at Montpelier
October 8 (Fri.): Wine Tasting at Montpelier
Stroll the North Terrace after hours, just as James and Dolley Madison did, while sampling the best of Virginia wines. Reservations required.
November 6 (Sat.): Montpelier Hunt Races
Experience the thrill of steeplechase horse racing at the 75th running of the Montpelier Hunt Races on the historic grounds of James Madison’s Montpelier. Come early to see the Jack Russell Terrier races, stick horse races, dog agility demonstrations, and other entertainment.