Welcome to Chester
Enjoy the peaceful, private atmosphere of this country community
Chester, New Hampshire, spans just 26 miles. This peaceful and private community offers country living away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities. Despite its small stature, there is plenty to occupy your time in town. There is also easy access to nearby cities with even more to keep you busy. Many two and three-story homes fill the area, with several new builds getting added in this growing neighborhood every year.
What to Love
- Tranquil nature of the area
- Proximity to other New Hampshire cities and locales
- Eclectic restaurants and shops
Local Lifestyle
Every autumn, you'll find scarecrows spread across town. This annual highlight is enjoyed by all. With eclectic shops and eateries also in the area, you have other places to explore when you want to get out and about. Enjoy small-town living in Chester for tranquility while being just a short drive away from more bustling cities.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Several favored dining establishments are in Chester, including Olde Post Restaurant. This family-owned diner is especially beloved for breakfast. The packed omelets are delicious anytime, while the pumpkin pancakes are a great choice in the fall.
Center Scoop is the ice cream shop to visit when you're in the mood for a cold treat. Although it's generally only open during the summer season, patrons of the area look forward to getting to visit and indulge in their favorite ice cream choices. A variety of flavors are offered in heaping helpings.
The Chester General Store is where most people do their regular shopping. Many local products are provided here, including special seasonings, sauces, granola, and pet foods. They also have an on-site deli where you can find ready-made sandwiches and hand-tossed pizza. You can even request gluten-free options. Bittersweet Blessings is a popular gift shop in town with unique offerings. They boast country comforts like soaps, candles, seasonal items, wood furniture, and other handmade creations.
Things to Do
The Chester Scarecrows are a longstanding tradition of the community. Hundreds of scarecrows fill yards throughout the neighborhood, many of which are quite unique. Drive through town in the fall, and you may just see a Batman creation, Oscar the Grouch, Mario, and a variety of other cartoon-based crafts, plus other quirky designs. The Chester Historical Society started the event and it has only grown over the years. It's essentially a fundraiser to help the community expand. Pay them a nominal fee for your starter scarecrow and decorate it how you see fit.
Wason Pond features a beautiful covered bridge that's a sight to behold. Many enjoy the stunning backdrop it provides. The entire area is picturesque and ideal for exploring regardless of season. Whether you're there to see the full summer trees, the changing leaves in the fall, the snow-covered treetops in the winter, or the blooming plants in the spring, there is always something to discover. The site used to be home to the Wason Pond Pounder. This event included a large obstacle course race that was fun for the community. Since the hosts retired, however, many make their way to the Thunder Run in nearby Candia now. It's available on a much larger scale and brings in many area participants.
Schools
The Chester School District serves students in the area, as do private establishments.
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Chester Academy, Pre-K-8
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Busche Academy, 6-12