Secrets of Madison

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The heart and soul of Madison, Connecticut is its small town feel and sense of community.  A resident of three weeks who moved from New York City enthuses that neighbors are friendly, bringing homemade cookies to her new home.  But Madison is also sophisticated with an enticing potpourri of cultural activities.  The shoreline community has an ideal location; a short two-hour ride from the new train station takes Shore Line East commuters to Boston or New York City.
Nestled between sophisticated Fairfield County and the Route 9 corridor of Middlesex County, Madison, CT in New Haven County has a front row view of Long Island Sound that is bookended by Cockaponset State Forest to the north and Hammonasset State Park and Beach on the south end.  Bus, air, and rail service is available from New Haven, Hartford, Providence, and New York.
World-class music and drama are in nearby New Haven at The Yale Rep, Long Wharf Theatre, and The Shubert; the vintage architectural treasures, Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, and the newly opened Katharine Hepburn Theatre —The Kate— is in neighboring Old Saybrook.  The town boasts three museums:  The Allis-Bushnell House and Museum —home of the Madison Historical Society, the c. 1685 Deacon John Grave House, and The Lee Academy, a children’s museum with special changing exhibits.
First settled in 1641, the town was originally named East Guilford, incorporated in 1826, and then renamed after James Madison, the 4th President of the US.   Eileen Banisch, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce says, “Although the town is growing every year, it has measured growth.  And Madison is safe.”  During her 31-year residency, the town has grown from a population of 10,000 to 18,000.  “Madison changed dramatically when I-95 was constructed.  Before I-95, Madison was a secret place.”
Downtown Madison has an abundance of free parking, and here, the pace is leisurely.  Take in the sights and The Sculpture Mile and start a “sculpture-related discussion of nudes, nonsense and non-objectivity,” a brochure says.  More sculptures and shops are at Station Square:  Savvy Tea has over 250 loose leaf teas from around the world, gourmet soups, salads, sandwiches, Panini, and hot entrée items.  At Homeward Bound find that special something for your home to create interior harmony.  They have designs with élan, organic and sustainable furnishings, and they also offer interior design consulting to turn your home into a model showcase.  Casual clothing with style can be found at Khaki & Black.  Now you no longer need to make the trip into the city to get a cutting edge style. Timothy Pamment Salon brings fresh-from-the-runway looks to the shoreline. Their master stylists fit clients with the season’s most popular hairstyles. Owner, Timothy Pamment, stepped out from behind the chair to share insider’s favorites: “The long Bob gracing the heads of fashion muses Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Alba, and Heidi Klum. Wear it straight, or rough it up for a little texture. Get drop dead gorgeous with a cut that’s soft or sharp, but full of movement, or light up a room with a shade of light golden blonde, deep rich brunette, or glorious red.”
Jacqueline at France Ameriques offers 14 years of fashion with a French flair for life in Connecticut, London, Paris, New York,  and the islands, where the discriminating woman will find Atelier de Couture, on site expert alterations, and Jacqueline’s own designs.  For the frugal fashionista, try Jolie Boutique —the most unique collection of affordable sweaters on the shoreline, priced from $39, from French inspired boucles to this season’s trendy short sleeves and sweater dresses.
An exceptional selection of European table and bed linens, fine china from Glen, Bernardaud, and Wedgewood, tableware from Vietri, Arte Italica, and Mariposa, as well as lighting and accessories can be found at Maggie’s of Madison.
Country Shop is a unique woman’s specialty boutique featuring Eileen Fisher and specialty jackets and sweaters.  Anna Mia’s features gorgeous women’s and children’s shoes, accessories and gifts.  They have a section of earth-friendly shoes and gifts that are organic, vegan, recycled, and sustainable, with top-notch customer service.
Susan Powell Fine Art specializes in contemporary realism, landscapes, still life paintings, marines, and New York City scenes.  Susan is a consultant for 19th century American paintings, she has been an art dealer for over 25 years, she was the Director of American and European Paintings at Doyle New York Auction House, and she has worked at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC.
Dazzle her —or him— with custom designed jewels from Bella Perlina, where each piece is born of the love of color, texture, and design.  Elizabeth’s Café is for the foodie traveler, serving lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, rated 28 by Zagat.  This Madison landmark lures food lovers from all over Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Indulge, shop, sample, and relax, and behold the pristine white clapboard Victorian houses with wraparound porches, ionic columns and dentil molding, anchored by the venerable circa 1900 E. C. Scranton Memorial Library with brick and stone façade.
Turn the corner by the library and take a stroll down Wall Street where more shops offer a bounty of treasures.  Give a silk bouquet to your love from Everlastings, specializing in custom silk floral design and realistic botanicals.  There, you will also find Limoges, Vera Bradley handbags and luggage, jewelry, cards, distinctive accessories for the home, and fine gifts for all ages and every occasion.  Take a stroll and enjoy shopping at Asiye’s Boutique for prom dresses and accessories, special clothes for special events from New York and Europe, from head to toe dressing including jewelry and wardrobe consulting.  Ciao Bella Moda International is a 2400 square foot boutique that offers clothing and accessories for tweens, teens, and hip chicks, as well as personal shopping in addition to “Gotta Have It” gift registry, gift cards, and party favors.  The Nosey Goose has nine rooms of decorative items for the home and garden, housed in a 1904 home, featuring “Shabby Chic” cottage style furnishings and accessories, along with hand painted white distressed furniture and unique baby gifts and antiques.
Summer House Fine Arts, nestled on the bank of Tuxis pond has owner Laura Prete Pelliccio’s photography, and the current exhibit “A Sense of Place” —powerful yet peaceful abstractions of shore scenes— oil paintings by Eugene Healy, Eliza Draper Gardiner’s master wood block prints, brush and ink sketches by Rudolf Scheffler, and works by Rex Ashlock in an art gallery with a stunning marsh view.
Madison is also the place for professional services in facial rejuvenation and cosmetic plastic surgery.  Zachary G. Klett, MD at Klett Oculoplastic Surgery has over 13 years experience performing a wide variety of eyelid and related procedures, including blepharoplasty, brow and forehead elevation, and mid-face rejuvenation, as well as extensive expertise using Botox™ and injectable soft-tissue fillers for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.
Much of the town’s original farm and forested land has been developed for housing, but Madison still has protected lands and forest.  The nascent Shoreline Greenway Trail, for walking, jogging, and bicycling will ultimately connect shoreline Madison to East Haven.  Some portions are open now in Hammonasset State Park, which has two miles of beaches, a generously proportioned pavilion, well maintained bathhouses, picnic areas, concession stands, and camping available for travelers who are on a budget.  The park has fishing and bird watching year round.  And speaking of beaches, there is the West Wharf, the Surf Club has a park and athletic activities, and the East Wharf has a charming gazebo.  “Madison is Westport on sale,” Banisch says.  “The real estate has Fairfield County quality at lower prices, but you don’t have Fairfield’s hectic pace or crowds.”
It’s easy to walk to the beach, the train, the library, the shops —and the Madison Arts Cinema, an avant-garde theatre.
Stop and stay awhile in comfort and luxury—The Scranton Seahorse Inn is close to all that is near and dear to Madison.  Housed in the 1833 Greek revival home of Sereno Scranton, The Scranton Seahorse Inn has the charm and ambiance of a historic New England homestead.  Seven guest rooms each have a private bath (three with Jacuzzis), cable TV, and the deluxe suite has a fireplace and a rain shower Jacuzzi.  Come see why it won the 2007 Shoreline Newspaper Comfiest Bed and Breakfast category, and Best Bed & Breakfast by the New Haven Advocate 2008 Reader’s Poll.
Tap your toes to live music at the Farmer’s market every Friday afternoon from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on the town green.  From May to October Connecticut farmers bring a bounty of flowers, fresh fish, lamb, soaps, and produce to sell.  Newcomers can connect easily with the community by getting involved in and volunteering for the many civic, sports, and social organizations for youth and adults.  “It’s a great way for people to get to know each other,” Banisch says.  “The level of education in the town is high and there are a lot of professionals here.”
Madison is a quintessential small New England town with quiet character, and personal service —a vacation destination so special that some people decide to stay —a slice of paradise.