Local Attractions

A quick taste of our region’s delicious dining and superb shopping

Dining

• Copper Beech Inn at Ivoryton —Savor four-star French cuisine in the Inn’s romantic Copper Beech Restaurant or stop by the café, Brasserie Pip, for a casual lunch. Executive Chef Tyler Anderson, who recently won an episode of the "Chopped" competition on the popular Food Network show, heads Brasserie Pip. 
• River Tavern in Chester — A neighborhood restaurant with relaxed elegance, the River Tavern showcases a fresh twist on a classic menu. 
• Aspen Restaurant in Old Saybrook — Chef de Cuisine David Borselle, a graduate from the Connecticut Culinary Institute, offers beautifully prepared contemporary American cuisine.  
  
• Griswold Inn in Essex — Founded in 1776 and one of the oldest continuously operated inns in the country, the Griswold Inn treats guests to a cozy tavern, live entertainment, fine dining and charming overnight stays. 
• Restaurant L & E — Located in Chester, the menu is a contemporary French inspired tasting menu that changes monthly to reflect the seasons, uses local New England ingredients when possible and allows diners to experience a wide range of tastes and flavors while enjoying a more fun and less formal dining experience.
• Brushmill by the Waterfall —Historic brushmill located on a roaring waterfall in Chester. Nice menu and cozy atmosphere.
• Gabrielle’s — Gabrielles, in Centerbrook, is a fusion of Connecticut history and a contemporary bistro atmosphere. It is a restaurant  with a commitment to fresh, simple and dynamic food.

Nearby Shopping

• Westfarms Mall in Farmington — A premier shopping destination just west of Hartford, the Westfarms Mall features upscale clothing and furniture shopping, as well as more than 100 other stores and services. 
  

• Factory Outlet Shopping Centers in Westbrook and Clinton — Tanger Outlet Center and Clinton Crossing are located about three miles apart, on opposite sides of I-95, and just a short drive from Chester! 
• Old Saybrook — From canoe rentals to quaint gift shops, Old Saybrook offers the largest selection of stores in the Connecticut River Valley with hundreds of stores and services located along Route 1—the Boston Post Road.
• The Crystal Mall in Waterford — The mall includes typical shopping choices, as well as big box retailers, toy stores, large bookstores, sporting goods shops and more in the surrounding area. 
• Newbury Street in Boston — Known as the "Rodeo Drive of the East," salons, boutiques and terrific dining fill eight urban blocks of what was once a residential neighborhood. It features striking European architecture, wide boulevards and lovely parkways. 

Cute, Quaint & Local Shopping in Downtown Chester:

• The Hammered Edge Studio & Gallery 
  Hand-wrought jewelry by artist/owner Kathryne Wright. An exotic collection of new, vintage and antique jewelry, beads, buttons, textiles, world music and international artifacts. Custom design, jewelry repair and classes. 
• Dina Varano 
  A spirited gallery featuring jewelry designed and handcrafted by owner Dina Varano, accompanied by a collection of innovative gifts designed by fellow artists. Visit and be inspired! 
  
• Ceramica 
  Renaissance-inspired Italian majolica ceramics, hand-painted by artisans in Tuscany and Umbria - particularly Deruta. An extraordinary collection of tableware, gifts and decorative accessories for the home.  
• C&G
  Opened in May 2007 by Jan Cummings Good and Peter Good, the boutique/gallery has become a welcome retreat from the bright lights, loud colors and overbearing prints and prices often found elsewhere. The eclectic collection of clothing and accessories even includes a selection of Peter and Jan’s art.