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.
The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry provides safe passage across the Connecticut River from Hadlyme to its dock in Chester. Photo Credit : Caryn B. DavisChester Fife & Drum Corps marching in Deep River Ancient Muster. Photo Credit : Caryn B. DavisChester-Hadlyme Ferry, the second oldest continuously operated ferry service in Connecticut, en route to Gillette Castle. Photo Credit : Caryn B. DavisThe 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. Photo Credit : Caryn B. DavisChester Center’s classic architecture on Main Street. Photo Credit : Caryn B. DavisA decorative planter in Chester Center. Photo Credit : Caryn B. DavisMain Street is peppered with shops and restaurants including local favorite Pattaconk 1850 Bar & Grille. Photo Credit : Caryn B. DavisA pop of yellow welcomes spring in the town center. Photo Credit : Caryn B. DavisTreasures at Chester Americana Antiques and Gallery on Water Street. Photo Credit : Caryn B. DavisChester Historical Society housed in a former mill circa 1860s overlooks a waterfall on Pattaconk Brook. Photo Credit : Caryn B. DavisA group training for a triathlon in the waters of Cedar Lake. Photo Credit : Caryn B. DavisThe historic Chester Savings Bank, built in 1902. Photo Credit : Caryn B. DavisChester Point Marina with access to the Connecticut River. Photo Credit : Caryn B. DavisArtist Lief Nilsson paints a large canvas in front of his Spring Street Studio. Photo Credit : Caryn B. Davis
Heather Marcus
Heather Marcus is the senior photo editor for Yankee Magazine. She works closely with the art director and a large group of 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.
