Madison, Connecticut is a small but vibrant town on the Connecticut Long Island Sound shoreline, located halfway between New York City and Boston. Its small size makes it easy to miss, but Madison is one of the best beach towns in the United States, and you do not want to miss everything it has to offer. I recently spent a week in Madison with my mom and my sister, and this laid-back beach town was the perfect location for a relaxed, fun, family vacation. From sunbathing at the beach to exploring the picturesque Main Street, Madison has everything you need to soak up the sun and relax during the summer.
Where To Stay:
My family rented a beachfront house on Kelsey Drive through Realtor.com, but you can also do so through Airbnb. I would highly recommend renting a house. We felt at home in our rental, and it gave us far more privacy and space than a hotel room would have. In our house, we could sunbathe on our porch or on the beach, cook meals in our kitchen and eat them outside, and watch movies and relax at night. We also had a beautiful view and access to a private community beach. However, if you’re really attached to staying in a hotel rather than a rental, I’d recommend the Madison Beach Hotel, which is located directly on the beach.
The view from our rental house
Where To Eat:
The Wharf Restaurant
The Wharf Restaurant is a seaside restaurant with a beautiful view and fantastic seafood. My mom and I ordered a dozen oysters and devoured them in minutes. We loved them so much that we ordered another plate, adding up to a grand total of twenty-four oysters. It was expensive but well worth it. If you’re going to be overly indulgent, this is the place to do it. Although they’re known for their seafood, their pasta is just as delicious; I ordered the beet and goat cheese gocce, and I loved every bite.The Chamard Vineyard
The Chamard Vineyard is a wonderful French bistro-inspired restaurant for a special occasion. I chose to spend my birthday dinner there, and I was not disappointed. While driving onto the grounds of this vineyard, I was floored by its beauty. I felt as if I was driving through the French countryside. I would highly recommend sitting outside so that you can properly appreciate the breathtaking view, but head inside once the sun sets—the mosquitos get vicious at night. The food is just as marvelous as the scenery—we split the charcuterie board and camembert as appetizers and loved them. For entrées: I ordered the gnocchi, and my sister ordered the croque madame. We were both fully satisfied, but of course, we left room for dessert. The chocolate pot de creme was the star of the night, but my mom’s creme brulée was a close second.
The gnocchi and croque madame
Moxie
For a more casual meal, Moxie is a fantastic option. Located on Main Street, Moxie offers a modern twist on traditional meals. The ambiance is cozy but fun, and there is an outdoor bar that’s reminiscent of a tropical beach resort. The cocktails are creative, delicious, and fruity. We ordered a parmesan-garlic monkey bread as an appetizer, and it came topped with a homemade mixture of goat cheese and truffled mascarpone that blew the entire table away. My entrée was a delicious cheeseburger. Overall, Moxie is an excellent location for a laid back, lively meal.
The parmesan-garlic monkey bread
Ashley’s Ice Cream & Yogurt
On the way home from Moxie, we stopped by Ashley’s Ice Cream & Yogurt. This retro ice cream shop serves different homemade flavors every day. Although the line was a bit long, the ice cream was well worth the wait. Outside, we met an enormous, adorable dog, whose owner brings her here once a week for a treat. We spent about ten minutes petting the dog and talking to her wonderful owner. This interaction truly speaks to the gregariousness and openness of Madison locals—it’s not hard at all to make a friend here or find someone to talk to.
My ice cream at Ashley’s