As you may have gathered, regular readers, our Day Tripping posts are quickly becoming our favorite thing to do! We’re now getting requests to visit towns and we’re
Save this post, pick a date, and go do some day tripping in coastal Madison!
At just 36 square miles, Madison is small but mighty. There’s a lot of seaside town vibes here, a lovely downtown with lots of good boutique shopping, and an excellent variety of eateries.
Step 1. Get some fresh sea air at the beach
Start the day with some deep breaths of fresh sea air. Ahhhh. Hammonasset Beach State Park is a two mile stretch of beach front on Long Island Sound in the town of Madison. It’s the state’s largest shoreline park, and a perfect spot to park and take a stroll no matter the season. Bonus: plenty of parking in the off-season.
Make sure you flex your creative side with some gorgeous beach shots. Fahh-rameable!
Step 2. You deserve a trip to Meriano’s Bakery & Cannoli Truck
After 2-5k steps on the beach (but who’s counting?) – you’ve earned yourself a trip to
Between the pink to-go boxes we got our goodies in and the family history that you can taste in those holy-cannolis, this was a great pit-stop. No day trip should be without baked goods. And yes, we’ll be adding that to our mission statement.
Step 3. Retail therapy at Willow & Birch
Madison has an idyllic downtown with lots of independent stores and cute boutiques. Willow & Birch on Wall Street
Willow & Birch is the retail dream of Nancy Karas, who, besides curating and running the store, is also a pediatric nurse for Yale. A wonder woman with a healing touch – go and enjoy some of her retail therapy.
Step 4. Lunch at The Wharf at Madison Beach Hotel
Whaddya know, it’s time to eat again…and enjoy the most beautiful lookout as we do it. Located at 94 West Wharf Road, The Wharf serves up classic New England dishes in their cozy, nautical dining room, or outside, on their porch for year round al fresco dining. We opted for inside by the fireplace, sandwiches and fries.
Step 5. Overnight at The Homestead
Tack on a night at The Homestead, 391 Boston Post Road, and turn this day trip into a full-on
MAD Facts
Madison was first settled around 1650 on land bought from the Nehantic and Mohegan Indians in 1641. The Town of Madison, named for President James Madison, was incorporated in 1826. It was once a center for fishing, shipping, shipbuilding, farming, and crayon manufacturing!
Factoids brought to you by – www.madisonct.org
Pics: Lora (except as noted) / Words: Bev
As part of the America’s State Parks First Day Hike program, the Meigs Point Nature Center at Hammonasset Beach State Park is hosting a one-hour hike on New Year’s Day, January 1st, at 1PM.
Led by Don Rankin, Shannon Schiesser and John Picard, the hike through Meigs Point trails will include searching for wintering birds and seals, while enjoying the fresh air and natural beauty of the Park. Binoculars are suggested for enhanced viewing opportunities.
• Also on January 1st from noon to 3PM Gary Nolf and Don Rankin from the Friends of the Office of State Archaeology will conduct an Open House in the new Meigs Point Nature Center, displaying and discussing locally-discovered Native American artifacts. People are invited to bring in their own artifacts for interpretation and comments.
Great Article all so true Love Willow and Birch! Love Madison ?
I live just 20 minutes away and never get tired of visiting – my go tos also include Cohens Bagels – Get those carbs in before heading to Hammonassett – Walk the Green Way Trail its 2 mile round trip easy walking path. Lunch at Moxies their soups are amazing. and Catch a movie at the historical Madison Arts Cinemas.