Experience It
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
One of the leading Shakesperian theaters in the U.S., this local gem celebrates its 52nd season with sparkling performances. 973-408- 5600; shakespearenj.org
Shanghai Jazz
Downtown’s world-class jazz restaurant and bar offers savory Asian fare and live music six nights a week. A Zagat’s favorite. Private parties available. 973-822-2899; shanghaijazz.com
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts
Historic building in the heart of Madison is home to exhibits of amazing crafts by 18th- and 19th-century New Jersey inhabitants. Guided tours available. 973-377-7358; metc.org
Short Stories Bookshop
Stage A Read In: Bookstores
Short Stories Bookshop
23 Main Street
For a quiet corner and a good read, visit this charming bookstore and community hub that hosts readings, signings and book clubs, and fosters local writers and musicians. Private parties, too. 973-845-6086; shortstoriesnj.com
The Chatham Bookseller
8 Green Village
This quaint downtown shop, in business for 40-plus years, specializes in rare, out-of-print and first-edition books. They also carry jazz and classical CDs. Browsers welcome. 973-822-1361; chathambookseller.com
Indulge: Spas + Salons
Cuozzo Studio
79 Main Street
973-377-1180
Flies & Honey
21 Central Avenue
973-845-9100
LA LA LAND
36 Main Street
973-845-2525
The Loft Salon
17 Waverly Place
973-520-8053
Salvatore Minardi Salon
8 Park Avenue
973-443-4455
Vincent Chiarell Salon
9 Central Avenue
973-966-6700
Grab A Bite Or Savor A Meal
Drip
34 Main Street
Neighborhood cafe serves micro-roasted coffee, baked goods, light fare.
Harvest Bistro
50 1/2 Main Street
Creative cuisine and catering. Breakfast, wraps, salads, sandwiches.
Bagel Chateau of Madison
45 Main Street
Gathering spot for breakfast, deli sandwiches, soup, salad.
Urban Fire
6 Main Street
Customized Neapolitan pizza, paninis and sandwiches.
Blue Wazabi
20 Waverly Place
Inventive pan-Asian eatery offers sushi, hibachi and ramen.
Il Goccino
33 Main Street
Northern Italian fare is served in a cozy bistro in the heart of downtown.
Il Mondo Vecchio
72 Main Street
This candlelit restaurant is Zagat rated for upscale Italian fare.
Nahm
41 Main Street
Eat in or take out classic French Thai cuisine with fresh veggies.
Redux
3 Central Avenue
Hip, relaxed, modern American cuisine and a full retail specialty shop.
Need A Sweet?
Sugar Rush
10 Waverly Place
Chocolate, candies and custom cookies await. Sugar Rush caters weddings and kids’ birthdays. 973-845-2390
Baba’s Bakery/Cafe
39 Kings Road
Enjoy Italian pastries, cookies, cakes and breads, lovingly made by a family of bakers. 973-593-2066; babasbakerycafe.com
Crowley Cupcakes
7 Waverly Place
Indulge in divine desserts like fun-flavored cupcakes, cookies, brownies and breads. 973-377-4422; crowleycupcakes.com
McCools
26 Main Street
Family-owned ice cream parlor serves frozen yogurt, cakes, milk-shakes, smoothies, gourmet coffee. 973-301-0303; mccoolsicecream.net