Enjoy a day at the beach!
A great weekend in Madison might begin with a late Friday afternoon check-in at the luxurious Inn at Lafayette, The Grandfield B&B across from Hammonasset Beach, the Scranton Seahorse Inn, or Madison Beach Hotel — all great places to stay. And once you’re unpacked, drive east on the Boston Post Road for a casual seafood dinner at Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale — a shoreline favorite. Come morning, pack your towels, books, and sunscreen and head for Hammonasset Beach State Park, where two miles of beach beckons and birds fly high above Meigs Point Nature Center. Then it’s back to town for lunch on the patio at RJ Café & Bistro, where you’re also an arm’s reach from R.J. Julia Booksellers, one of the best indie bookshops in the nation. Favor a cool breeze from a kayak? You can launch right on the East or Hammonasset Rivers. And for the real seafaring visitor, rentals are available at East River Marine. Back in town, stop by Susan Powell Fine Art, a prominent gallery, visit the delightful boutiques located right downtown, stroll through the antique, flea, and farmers markets usually held on the green, or soak up some history at the Allis-Bushnell House and Deacon John Grave House. Hungry? Relax and enjoy a dinner of fine Italian and American cuisine at Café Allegre, fresh seafood at Donahue’s Clam Castle, or something casual and savory from Donahue’s Madison Beach Grille, followed by a first-run flick at the truly unique Madison Cinema, where patrons enjoy concessions that include hot food, beer, and wine.
