10 Things to do in Madison That You Shouldn't Miss

Located in the shoreline town of Madison, Connecticut, RJ Julia Booksellers has always been a place of inspiration, information, and excitement. RJ Julia opened 30 years ago as an independent bookstore whose mission was, and is, to be a place where words matter, where writer meets reader, where the ambiance and selection and merchandising of books creates an atmosphere that is welcoming and presents the opportunity for discovery. Ultimately we are fiercely committed to putting the right book in the right hand. We are extremely proud of having won several major awards nationally, statewide and locally, including in part: Publishers Weekly Bookseller of the Year, Lucile Pannell award for bookselling excellence, Connecticut Magazine Best Bookstore, Connecticut Retailers Award for Community Commitment, the Advocate's Best Bookstore and the New Haven Business Small Business Award.

This Family Run homestead farm is located one mile from downtown Madison and its beaches. The mission of this farm is to promote education and awareness of local sourcing of foods and sustainability. The farm property expands over 13 acres and two historic home properties that have been preserved and converted back into original farmland by the current owners. The grounds are home to beef cattle, dairy cattle, dairy goats, Shetland and Hampshire sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and one very lovable donkey. Farm Education for all ages comes in many different ways here on this farm: culinary classes for children and adults, farm tours, volunteer opportunities, farm stay program for families looking to vacation on a working farm, children's camps and school session programs, and field to table dining. All events are open to the public with various costs. The website is current with events and pricing. There is also barn stall and outdoor paddock rental available for horses, as well as a four season indoor riding arena. This is certainly a historic gem not to be overlooked.

The Audubon Shop is the original birding store in Connecticut, having opened in 1986. Owned and operated by Janet and Jerry Connolly, we are located in an historic home on the Post Road in Madison, a town situated on Long Island Sound. A stone's throw east of us is Hammonassett State Park, one of the best birding sites in the state and one of the most significant breeding and migratory bird stopover areas on the Atlantic Coast. The Connollys are avid birders, leading weekly local field trips as well as trips far a-field including: Costa Rica, Belize, Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Trinidad, Tobago, and Africa. The Audubon Shop is widely known by birders throughout the state and the country as the place for optical equipment, international travel and field guides, and expert advice. Jerry has given optics talks for CT Audubon, CT Ornithological Association, The Linnaean Society of NY, and numerous nature centers and bird clubs. Since moving into our new "digs" in 2002, with twice the square footage, we have been able to expand our lines of international travel guides, maps and field guides, bird feeders, seed, artwork, and nature gifts.

Sandy beach ideal for walking.

Public library. Books, CDs, DVDs, Internet access, WiFi service, adult, teen and children's programs.

Meigs Point Nature Center is an exciting and vital environmental learning center open to all ages at Hammonasset Beach State Park. The Nature Center is host to a variety of native animals, including: turtles, snakes, amphibians, crabs and fish. Most of the animals at the Nature Center cannot be released because of previous previous injuries or for other reasons, but are well cared for.