The Best of Madison, New Jersey

10 Best Things to Do In Madison, New Jersey

Madison is charming and quaint that people often believe the downtown could pass for movie sets – which perhaps explains why it offers the best in the setting or production of films such as “The Family Stone, the Sopranos”, and “The World According to Garp”. Besides the manicured façade, Madison is home to many attractions and favorite spots to enjoy. Madison is close to New York City and offers and exciting small-town environment. In less than 10 minutes, students are able to walk from Drew University to downtown Madison or they can hop in a car and get to New York City is just under an hour. Madison is known for its culture and art, historical landmarks, and intimate community. Of the five professional live theatre companies, Madison houses two of them. There is the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey that offers its prime stage productions within the Kirby Theatre at Drew University. The Shanghai Jazz is a favorite for the jazz lovers and it was named among the top 100 jazz clubs globally by Downbeat magazine. The Harmonium Choral Society is also found in Madison and it comprises a 100-voice auditioned choir that performs a wide repertoire of music round the year. Having said a thing or two about Madison, here are 10 things to do in the town:

Top 10 Madison, NJ

• The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

  A leading Shakespeare theatre in New Jersey, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is among the professional theatres within the state. It serves over 100,000 people including adults and children every year. Through its productions as well as education programs, the theatre company works relentlessly to illuminate the global and lasting relevance of the classics.
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• Museum of Early Trades & Crafts

  At the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, visitors can explore American history often focusing on stories and life of the 18th and 19th centuries’ artisans and craftsmen. METC connects the lives and stories of people while providing a bridge to link the past with the future. This museum is housed in the Richardsonian Romanesque Revival building that was donated by Willis James in 1900. https://www.metc.org/

• Escape Room

  For those who would want to indulge in team building activities, the Escape Room NJ is an ideal location. The visitors can enjoy the Live Escape Game within an interactive adventure environment for a unique experience. Locked within a themed room, a group of people is surrounded in clues, locks, puzzles, challenges, and codes that you have to resolve together as a team. The goal is to escape the room in 60 minutes. If you plan to visit this New Jersey’s best party center and teambuilding spot, you need to arrive at least 15 minutes or earlier otherwise you may not get an opportunity to participate in the Live Escape Game. https://escaperoomnj.com/madison-nj-rooms/

• The Harmonium Choral Society

  Being among the New Jerseys, top choral arts organizations, the Harmonium Choral Society was founded in 1979. It is made up of 100 member chorus along with its select 20 voice singers usually comprising volunteers including music educators. The organization strives to inspire and transform the community through music. They perform a wide range of repertoire of choral music. https://ewww.harmonium.org

• Grace Community Music

  By presenting high-quality concerts, Grace Community Music is dedicated to enhancing the cultural life of the people of Madison. The organization has concerts and related events hosted throughout the year to build a stronger sense to the people and the community. You can get your tickets by having a donation at the door. You may also have your ticket in advance for the concerts sponsored by Light Opera of New Jersey, Harmonium Choral Society, and Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey events. https://www.gracemadison.org

• Madison Sidewalk Gallery and Art Gala

  If you are seeking works of art, you can find the Madison Sidewalk Gallery and Art Gala a perfect spot to visit. It offers a large outdoor exhibit featuring colorful art banners within and around downtown Madison particularly during mid-autumn. Art collectors and lovers have an opportunity to purchase their favorite works as the Sidewalk Gallery Auction. https://www.madisonartsnj.org

• Short Stories Bookshop & Community Hub

  Monthly exhibits are featured at the Short Stories Bookshop and Community Hub by local craftspeople as well as fine artists. The open community space displays leading authors while also fostering local talent through musical jams, community events, classes, open mics, book clubs, and workshops. https://www.shortstoriesnj.com

• The Arts at College of Saint Elizabeth

  The arts at CSE allow students, families, and the community to come together. You can catch the latest art show within the Maloney Art Gallery or you can sample out theatrical and musical performances in Dolan Performance Hall and the Greek Threat. Visitors not only enjoy themselves but also learn about town’s art and performances through the various shows. www.cse.edu/about-cse/the-arts

• Loantaka Brook Reservation

  A general-purpose park, Loantaka Brook Reservation comprises 889 acres of land with trails stretching 9.9 miles. The linear greenway passing through a lush flat terrain offers a perfect moment for people jogging, bicycling, horseback riding, hiking, and cross-country skiing. You find paved and unpaved trails in different sceneries. https://www.morrisparks.net/index.php/parks/loantaka-brook-reservation

• Healthy Italia

  Indulge in a cooking class at Healthy Italia with the best chefs. There are cooking classes to help you learn authentic Italian cooking experience. Healthy Italia brings you authentic, genuine, and 100 percent Italian products in a burgeoning food market comprising many inauthentic Italian food choices. The goal of Healthy Italia is to help guests to experience the real taste of Italian cuisine. https://healthy-italia.com/

Why Madison is Great!

If you are in Madison, New Jersey, there are plenty of things to do and see. The little town dotted with galleries and theaters displays the artwork and history of the town. You will have an opportunity to explore the different museums, parks, galleries, exhibits, and entertainment spots. Visitors also have a chance to sample out the artwork and stories of Shakespeare at the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey.