Chester is a short drive off Route 103 and has the feel of an old-money summer colony, perhaps somewhere along the New England coast in the 1920s. It was first settled in 1759 by immigrants from New England and Great Britain, and today it has a population of 1,250. The village is noted for its regal homes and quiet streets, along with the numerous islands offshore. The atmosphere here is uncrowded, untrammeled, lazy, and slow -- the way life used to be in summer resorts throughout the world. Change may be on the horizon: Actors and authors have discovered the place and are snapping up waterfront homes in town and on the islands as private retreats, giving a bit of an edge to the lazy feel of the spot.
The Chester Visitor Information Centre (tel. 902/275-4616; www.chesterns.com) is in the old train station on Route 3 on the south side of town. It's open daily from 9am to 7pm in July and August, from 10am to 5pm in spring and fall.
