Connecticut

Chester, Connecticut | Photographs

A collection of scenes from the picturesque village of Chester, Connecticut from photographer Caryn B. Davis.

By Heather Marcus|Feb 02 2016| Print icon

Chester, Vermont Photographs

Chester Point Marina with access to the Connecticut River.

Credit: Caryn B. Davis

Photographer Caryn B. Davis has been drawn to the Connecticut River Valley’s natural beauty ever since she saw it as a teenager on a road trip. After traveling around the world, she returned to Connecticut, camera still in hand, and began looking for a place to settle. Although she had never been to Chester, she landed there quite serendipitously when she decided to follow a road sign pointing to the town center. Following it, she found herself in one of the most picturesque villages she has ever seen. The year was 1999, and she has never left.

We asked Caryn to photograph the town of Chester, Connecticut as part of our ongoing “Could You Live Here” series. Highlighting towns with a small population, but plenty to offer in terms of a simpler way of life, the series celebrates the best of New England’s community spirit. Please enjoy this slideshow of some of our favorites from Chester, Connecticut.

Chester, Vermont Photographs
The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry provides safe passage across the Connecticut River from Hadlyme to its dock in Chester.
Credit: Caryn B. Davis
Chester, Vermont Photographs
Chester Fife & Drum Corps marching in Deep River Ancient Muster.
Credit: Caryn B. Davis
Chester, Vermont Photographs
Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, the second oldest continuously operated ferry service in Connecticut, en route to Gillette Castle.
Credit: Caryn B. Davis
Chester, Vermont Photographs
The medieval inspired Gillette Castle in Hadlyme was built by noted actor and playwright William Hooker Gillette. Constructed in the early 1900s, it took 5 years to complete and utilized the talents of local artisans.
Credit: Caryn B. Davis
Chester, Vermont Photographs
Chester Center’s classic architecture on Main Street.
Credit: Caryn B. Davis
Chester, Vermont Photographs
A decorative planter in Chester Center.
Credit: Caryn B. Davis
Chester, Vermont Photographs
Main Street is peppered with shops and restaurants including local favorite Pattaconk 1850 Bar & Grille.
Credit: Caryn B. Davis
Chester, Vermont Photographs
A pop of yellow welcomes spring in the town center.
Credit: Caryn B. Davis
Chester, Vermont Photographs
Treasures at Chester Americana Antiques and Gallery on Water Street.
Credit: Caryn B. Davis
Chester, Vermont Photographs
Chester Historical Society housed in a former mill circa 1860s overlooks a waterfall on Pattaconk Brook.
Credit: Caryn B. Davis
Chester, Vermont Photographs
A group training for a triathlon in the waters of Cedar Lake.
Credit: Caryn B. Davis
Chester, Vermont Photographs
The historic Chester Savings Bank, built in 1902.
Credit: Caryn B. Davis
Chester, Vermont Photographs
Chester Point Marina with access to the Connecticut River.
Credit: Caryn B. Davis
Chester, Vermont Photographs
Artist Lief Nilsson paints a large canvas in front of his Spring Street Studio.
Credit: Caryn B. Davis

Heather Marcus

Heather Marcus is the senior photo editor for Yankee. She works closely with the art director and contributing photographers to tell our stories about people and place in a compelling way. Living and growing up in New England, she continues to be inspired by the communities, the landscape, and the wonderful visual opportunities the region affords.

More by Heather Marcus

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  4. Thanks to a recent acquaintance with a former, but faithful , resident of Chester who introduced me to your lovely state. I am very grateful to her and you too for having the pleasure of enjoying the lovely slides.
    I hope one day to be able to visit and see it in nature. Thanks again. Jacob

    Reply

  5. I was just 17 years old, when I discovered the ferry boat ride across the river. 63 now, and how many trips across, or crusing through the back roads of Hadlym. East Haddam and Chester. After a day at Rocky Neck, I would drive up 9 and we all would go to the Chart House, with the water wheel and the great outside patio for margaritas. Those were the days…

    Reply

  6. My hometown! Rode my bike all over town as a child; from our house on Middlesex Avenue to Chester Elementary and even to John Winthrop Jr. High, downtown to Robbie’s and the Micceli’s pharmacy, fishing for brown trout below the falls at Jennings pond, to all my friends houses around town, and of course took my bike on the ferry (5 cents) to go visit and hang out at Gillette’s Castle. Lots of time down at the river at Parkers Point, pizza at Cozy Castle, and of course, the Chester Fair! Such a great town and wonderful place to grow up in the 60s – 70s!
    Lots of small changes over the years, but still a fantastic, small shoreline town.

    Reply

  7. Just lovely to see my old stopping grounds and what a beautiful tribute. I lived down the road from the Chester ferry but on the Hadlyme side and my husband and I recently moved to Jackson Hole to retire. I’ll always be a New Englander and miss my old home.

    Reply

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