Charming and quaint are two words synonymous with the bucolic, historic, nostalgic aura of Chester. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

Though governed independently, Chester Borough and Township come together like the sundry ingredients of a recipe passed down for generations to produce a fine-spun, folksy flavor that stands the test of time. The township is the doughnut around the “hole” of the borough, the center more lovingly referred to as the jewel in the crown of this rural gem on Morris County’s southern border.  

Centuries in the making, Chester remains true to its agricultural origins while keeping pace with its consistent forward motion. 

“Chester’s been creating itself since the 1700’s,” Borough Mayor Janet Hoven said. “It’s a place that evolves and continues to evolve; but it’s important that we remember its history, honoring the legacy of families who have shaped the town that we all enjoy today. I see myself as a steward in what will be its continuing history.” 

Here’s an inside-out look at the borough and township; 12 hours to make a day of it in Chester that’ll surely be one for the history books.  

The streetscape of Chester harkens yesteryear, pure Americana with well-preserved historic storefronts. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

A Borough Borrowed from the Past 

Stroll down the brick sidewalks of Chester Borough’s Main Street, and you might imagine a stagecoach pulling ’round the next bend. The streetscape harkens yesteryear, pure Americana with well-preserved historic storefronts, complete with creaky painted porches and old glass windows.  

It’s impossible to walk past Main Street’s myriad boutique shops and eateries without stepping inside, each one unique, inviting, independent mom-and-pops stocked with lovingly curated and hand-crafted wares.  

Antique shops are a main attraction on any historic Main Street, and there are certainly abundant treasures to be discovered here. Antiques by Chester Crafts & Collectibles (28 Main St.) offers an ever-changing collection of antique furniture, artwork and vintage housewares, and provides custom refinishing to renew your old furniture. Find fine and stylish vintage furnishings, jewelry and designer handbags presented with artistic passion at Grouse In Pearls (54 Main St.). Or visit the Dainty Dandelion (58 Main St.) for painted Made-in-America vintage furniture and rustic resurrections. 

Dip into The Maple Shop for pure Vermont-made maple syrups and even learn how it’s made. Photo by Maureen G. Nowak Photography

Fill your basket and your belly with foodstuffs from merchants, like Mercantile on Main (76 Main St.), for artisan foods, DIY food kits, gifts, and sensational sauces, spices and rubs; The Olive & The Stone (58 Main St.) for specialty and infused olive oils, aged balsamics, gift baskets and accessories; or dip into The Maple Shop (105 Main St.) for pure Vermont-made maple syrups and even learn how it’s made.  

Everyone is a kid in a candy store at Black River Candy Shoppe (44 Main St.), where a sugar rush of nostalgia leaves you giddy among the baskets and jars and boxes of every candy you can imagine or remember, including a head-turning wall of Pez dispensers. But if ice cream is your pleasure, it’s just a lick down the road to Taylor’s Ice Cream Parlor (18 Main St.), scooping out 48 flavors of homemade creamy goodness. 

Don’t fly past A World of Birds (15 Perry St.) without stopping in to visit Katie the green-wing macaw and Elvis the yellow-naped Amazon, two old-feathered friends perched center stage in this bird lovers’ paradise that carries everything a bird owner needs, so you don’t have to wing it. 

There’s so much more going door to door on Main Street — you’ll find hand-crafted jewelry, hand-poured candles and soaps, handmade woodworks and more along the way. If you need a dose of modern retail, the Streets of Chester mall is just one left turn away onto Route 206, with White House Black Market, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and Talbots among the high-end shopping options. 

Saving your visit for a special occasion? The Chester Craft Shows in spring (June 4-5, its 24th annual) and fall (Sept. 10-11, its 48th annual) are rated among the Top 50 in the nation; and the 21st Annual Classic Car Show is coming up on May 14. 

Listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, the Cooper Gristmill is the last remaining water-powered mill in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

Encircled by Nature, Steeped in History 

Chester Township is nature’s embrace on the borough, not only surrounding but also sharing its parks, farms and outdoor pleasures without drawing boundaries. Township Mayor Marcia Asdal presents “just one Chester,” but proudly noted the bountiful assets under her governance. 

“If you’re not from around here, you don’t really appreciate what Morris County is,” Asdal remarked. “I recommend a hike at Hacklebarney State Park, an extremely picturesque, 2-mile loop that gives a sense of New Jersey through a different lens. We are close to major highways, but we have a lot of green, open space, parks and farmlands. You can get your 10,000 steps in on our trails, and you won’t even realize you’re doing it because it’s so pretty.” 

Carving out a few of your 12 hours in Chester for hiking is highly recommended, and there are countless options for stepping out. The flat, 5-mile West Morris Greenway Trail parallels the Black River and has its trailhead at the Black River Wildlife Management Area, accessible from North Road (Route 513). Prefer something a little shorter? Try the 1.5-mile Orange Trail at Kay Environmental Center (200 Pottersville Road), where you’ll be enchanted by meadows of flowering trees, shrubs and wildflowers in season. 

Stream fishing, lounging and wildlife observation make Hacklebarney State Park perfect for year-round outdoor enjoyment. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

The Black River runs through Hacklebarney State Park, portions of which lie in neighboring Long Valley. Hiking, biking and equestrian trails (with waterfalls visible from high trails), stream fishing and wildlife observation make for year-round outdoor enjoyment.   

Listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, the Cooper Gristmill is the last remaining water-powered mill in New Jersey. Built in 1826, it continues to produce flour and cornmeal and conducts scheduled tours of the mill’s inner workings, with guides in period costumes to demonstrate the process. The 14-acre site has several hiking trailheads and invites stream-side picnics, fishing poles optional. 

Alstede Farms is a 600-acre farm-apalooza, producing a huge variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

Harvesting ‘Just One Chester’ 

Farms and food unify Chester Township and Borough. Everyone loves Jersey Fresh; everyone loves great food. Chester is home to both, in abundance.  

It’s believed that “pick your own” originated in Chester at Riamede Farms (122 Oakdale Road), when a worker shortage in the mid-1970s inspired the owners to open the apple orchard to the public to pick their own bushels and save the harvest. That eureka moment created a favorite fall outing for all, as families come from near and far to pick the apples, sample the cider and savor the doughnuts while grabbing other farm-fresh goodies from this intimate and authentic farm. 

Alstede Farms (1 Alstede Farms Lane) is a 600-acre farm-apalooza, producing a huge variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers — including pick-your-own just about everything. It hosts numerous seasonal festivals and family activities and serves farm-to-table breakfast and brunch in season. 

Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill has some mouthwatering, farm-fresh delights such as cider hot dogs. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

April through December, the Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill (104 State Park Road) is a relaxed and relaxing family farm open for delicious cider, pies and doughnuts — and the simple pleasures of an autumn hayride, corn maze challenge or s’mores by the fire on cool afternoons. 

And now for a final foodnote. Chester’s bounty ensures you won’t go hungry. Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and a serving of homemade quiche or baked goods at Marie’s Coffee Shop (56 Main St.); mangia authentic Italian for lunch at Artista Salumeria (423 Main St.) and take home a little something for later from its pantry or prepared food selection; or relax with a spot of tea at Sally Lunn’s Tea Shoppe (15 Perry St.) and steep yourself in Victorian splendor while nibbling a buttermilk scone. 

The Old Mill Tavern (55 Route 24) is a long-standing local tradition for American pub classics with tap beers in a rustic setting, just across from Cooper Gristmill. On the other side of town, just a quick 2 miles down the road, the modern rustic Redwoods Grill & Bar (459 Main St.) just celebrated 25 years as a go-to place in Chester where wood-grilled dishes are a focus of its cuisine and craft cocktails, beers and infused spirits make for a lively bar, made livelier with live entertainment on Saturday nights.  

Only two words remain to describe Chester’s appeal, incredibly unspoken until now but synonymous with the bucolic, historic, nostalgic aura of Chester: charming and quaint. Two words you’ll conjure just two minutes into your 12 hours in Chester. 

Susan Kronberg is a freelance writer and Jersey girl. A married mother of two, she’s worked in insurance, transportation, marketing, newspapers and private education. Writing is but one thread that connects the patchwork of her professions.

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.

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