So I found my own "dupe" of the Hamptons about 100 miles away in New England: Madison, Connecticut. The town defines coastal calm, with just about everything the Hamptons has, minus the crowds.

Resting along the Mystic River between New York City and Boston, the aptly named Mystic, Connecticut, is one of the best East Coast beach towns for a relaxing escape. Brimming with small-town ...

Keep in mind, though, that many Connecticut beaches charge admission ... At the southern end of the town sits Ocean Beach Park, an illustrious white sand beach. Complete with a kiddie spray ...

But where in Connecticut is the right place for you ... a lively boating scene, and a beach town vibe, it’s also attractive because it’s close to New Haven. Just a quick drive away, you ...