Chester

 

 

Home to sprawling family farms, quaint brick-lined streets, and perfectly kept historic buildings, Chester is an idyllic town located a mere 50 miles from New York. Offering visitors and residents no shortage of pastoral charm, this borough of Morris County is renowned for its classic Victorian architecture, an abundance of fresh produce, and tight-knit small-town community. Other prominent architectural styles include Federal Colonial and textbook farmhouses on large property lots.

 

With the earliest Chester property deeds dating back to 1713, the region eventually developed and encouraged a burst of economic activity leading to the thriving town Chester is today. This part of New Jersey is still significantly tied to its farming roots despite extensive modernization.

 

 

• Idyllic small town with historic buildings and beautiful farms
• Close to many major cities, including New York and Philadelphia
• Bustling town center with many shopping and dining opportunities
• Locally grown fresh produce and meat are on offer in most town grocers

 

 

Chester encompasses all there is to love about rural, small-town charm. From rolling hills covered in fields of fresh produce to shops selling handmade wares and locally grown fruits and vegetables, the laidback lifestyle of most residents contributes to a community atmosphere one might expect from a feel-good movie.

 

Within central Chester, single-family homes with tree-lined yards are the norm. Moving deeper into the countryside, large family farms with rustic farmhouses and rolling fields become dominant.

 

 

Chester’s dining, shopping, and entertainment scenes very much revolve around the town’s center and the off-shooting Main Street. The borough is home to many excellent restaurants, including Marilyn’s Cafe, located in the popular Chester Shopping Mall. The cafe serves classic American dishes like pancakes and filling breakfasts and has become a favorite among locals. Another casual dining spot is Redwoods Grill & Bar. This lively bar and restaurant offers many meat dishes cooked on a wood-burning grill and is an undisputed local staple. For those with a sweet tooth, a stroll down to Taylor’s Ice Cream Parlor, with its 40-plus delicious ice cream flavors, satisfies even the most urgent sugar cravings, no matter the season.

 

For a unique retail experience, a visit to the Main Street Shoppes is a must for contemporary shopping in old-world boutiques and stores. Offerings include custom tailoring, interior design and decor, handmade accessories, and the popular Objects of Desire, an upscale boutique that sells handmade fashions and jewelry crafted by international artists. Another must-see is the ever-popular The Streets of Chester Shopping Center, which offers customers 19 upscale stores like Coach and Banana Republic in a unique outdoor setting.

 

 

With Chester’s old-world charm comes a unique lineup of local festivals and attractions. The annual Cheers in Chester Wine & Beer Festival brings crowds from all over New Jersey to explore and savor excellent brews and pairings. The Spring and Fall Craft Shows also bring in hundreds of visitors as it hosts exhibits from over 150 artists and is ranked one of the top craft shows in the country. For families, no day out is better than a visit to the nearby Morris County 4-H Fair at Chubb Park, which features food stalls, a petting zoo, live music, and amusement rides. And for those who want to pick their own food instead of buying it, Alstede Farms just outside Chester caters to self-picking peaches, strawberries, apples, and a variety of vegetables to take home.

 

 

Chester boasts several excellent public schools and educational opportunities, including:

 

• West Morris Central High, Grades 9 to 12
• Black River Middle School, Grades 6 to 8