Things to Do in Chester, NJ: Farms, Shopping & More

With pick-your-own farms, seasonal festivals, historic buildings, locally owned shops and beautiful places to explore, Chester, New Jersey is an easy destination for a day trip in any season.

Many visitors know Chester for Alstede Farms and Stony Hill Farms, but the farms are only part of what makes the area worth visiting. Historic downtown Chester is filled with independent stores, restaurants, specialty foods, gifts and experiences that can turn a quick farm visit into a full day.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in and around Chester, NJ—including a visit to Steam Soapery and Chester Candle Company at 76 Main Street.

1. Spend the Morning at Alstede Farms

Alstede Farms is one of Chester’s best-known destinations. Depending on the season, visitors come for pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, the farm store, family activities, seasonal events and fall traditions.

Because farm offerings change throughout the year, check Alstede Farms’ current calendar before planning your visit. After spending the morning at the farm, take the short drive into historic downtown Chester for lunch, shopping and locally made gifts.

2. Visit Stony Hill Farms

Stony Hill Farms is another popular Chester destination, particularly during the fall. Seasonal activities can include apple and pumpkin picking, a giant corn maze, hayrides, children’s activities and visits to the farm market.

Available activities and hours change throughout the season, so check the farm’s current schedule before arriving. When you finish your farm visit, continue the day on Historic Main Street for a change of pace, lunch and locally owned shopping.

3. Shop Along Historic Main Street

One of the best things about Chester is its collection of independently owned shops. Historic downtown Chester is walkable and filled with distinctive stores offering home décor, clothing, accessories, specialty food, toys, bath and body products, candles and gifts.

Shopping downtown supports the small businesses that help Chester maintain its character. Instead of heading home immediately after visiting the farms, leave time to stroll along Main Street and see what is new. Street parking is available throughout downtown, including spaces directly in front of many Main Street businesses.

4. Visit Steam Soapery and Chester Candle Company

Steam Soapery and Chester Candle Company share a location at 76 Main Street, Chester, NJ 07930. We are beside the Chester Fire Company and across Main Street from PH Steak.

Inside, you can shop handmade bar soap, shower steamers, Shower Steamer Discovery Kits, small-batch soy candles, skincare, body care, body polish, cuticle oil pens, seasonal fragrances and locally made gifts.

More than 20,000 Steam Soapery shower steamers have been sold through our shops. They make an easy self-care treat, hostess gift or reminder of your day in Chester.

Store hours:
Sunday–Friday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Phone: (908) 954-8565

Plan your visit to Steam Soapery in Chester →

5. Pour Your Own Candle

Looking for an experience instead of another traditional shopping stop? Our Chester location includes the Chester Candle Company Pour-Your-Own Candle Experience.

Guests can select a vessel and fragrance, pour a custom-scented candle and return after its cooling period. It is a fun Chester activity for couples, families, friends and small groups, and an easy indoor addition to a farm or shopping day.

Explore the Pour-Your-Own Candle Experience →

6. Attend a Chester Craft Show

Chester hosts two major craft-show weekends every year. The Spring Chester Craft Show takes place the weekend after Memorial Day, and the Fall Chester Craft Show takes place the weekend after Labor Day.

The shows bring artists, makers and visitors into town for a full weekend of shopping. They are also great opportunities to explore Chester’s permanent shops and restaurants. If you are coming for a craft show, leave time to walk through Historic Main Street and visit the businesses that are part of Chester throughout the year.

Because the exact dates change annually, check the official Chester Craft Show page when planning your trip.

7. Explore Cooper Gristmill

Cooper Gristmill offers a look at Chester’s history beyond the downtown shopping district. The historic water-powered mill was built in 1826 and sits along the Black River.

Programs, demonstrations and access can vary by season, so check the Morris County Park Commission’s current information before visiting. It is a worthwhile stop for visitors interested in local history, historic buildings and scenic places.

8. Enjoy Chester’s Parks and Trails

The Chester area is surrounded by parks, woods and walking trails. Nearby outdoor destinations include Hacklebarney State Park and Black River County Park. Depending on the destination and season, visitors can enjoy walking, hiking, nature and scenic views.

Trail conditions, parking and access can change, so consult the appropriate park website before visiting.

9. Check Chester’s Seasonal Events

Chester hosts events throughout the year, including craft shows, holiday activities, community celebrations and seasonal downtown events. Before your visit, check the Chester events calendar to see whether anything special is happening.

A Suggested Day in Chester

Morning

Begin at Alstede Farms or Stony Hill Farms. Enjoy the current seasonal activities, visit the farm market or pick your own produce when available.

Lunch

Drive into historic downtown Chester and have lunch at one of the locally owned restaurants or cafés.

Early Afternoon

Walk along Main Street and explore Chester’s independent shops. Stop at Steam Soapery and Chester Candle Company to browse handmade bath and body products, candles, shower steamers and gifts.

Late Afternoon

Pour your own candle, explore more downtown shops or visit Cooper Gristmill or one of the area’s parks.

Before Heading Home

Pick up something special from a local business—a candle, shower steamer, gift, specialty food or another reminder of your day in Chester.

Make the Farm Part of a Full Chester Day

Alstede Farms and Stony Hill Farms may bring you to Chester, but Historic Main Street, local shops, restaurants and experiences give you plenty of reasons to stay.

When planning your trip, leave a little extra time to explore downtown and visit the small businesses that make Chester different from a typical shopping destination. We would love to welcome you to Steam Soapery and Chester Candle Company at 76 Main Street.

See Steam Soapery’s Chester hours, address and store information →