Aging is inevitable, and for many, it signals the beginning of a new chapter - one where you cross off bucket list items and live life to the fullest, on your own terms. However, for some women, aging is a horrible prospect, filled with chronic fatigue, irritability, and inability to perform in the bedroom. If you're concerned about life in middle age and beyond, we've got great news: there are easy, proven steps that you can take to help stop the negative effect of aging.
Global Life Rejuvenation was founded to give women a new lease on life - one that includes less body fat, fewer mood swings, and more energy as you age. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider HRT (hormone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men and women are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
HRT, and growth hormone peptide therapies bridge the gap between your old life and the more vibrant, happier version of you. With a simple click or call, you can be well on your way to a brighter future. After all, you deserve to be the one in charge of your wellness and health. Now, you have the tools to do so - backed by science and applied by our team of HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
As women age, their hormones begin to go through changes that affect their day-to-day lives. For women, hormone deficiency and imbalance usually occur during menopause and can cause chronic fatigue, hot flashes, and mood swings, among other issues. Hormone replacement therapy helps correct hormone imbalances in women, helping them feel more vibrant and virile as they age.
Often, HRT treatments give patients enhanced quality of life that they didn't think was possible - even in their 60's and beyond.
The benefits for women are numerous and are available today through Global Life Rejuvenation.
As women age, their bodies begin to go through significant changes that affect their quality of life. This change is called menopause and marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycle and reproduction ability. Though there is no specific age when this change occurs, the average age of menopause onset is 51 years old. However, according to doctors, menopause officially starts 12 months after a woman's final period. During the transition to menopause, women's estrogen and other hormones begin to deplete.
As that happens, many women experience severe symptoms. These symptoms include:
The symptoms of hormone deficiency can be concerning and scary for both women and their spouses. However, if you're getting older and notice some of these symptoms, there is reason to be hopeful. Hormone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine for women can correct imbalances that happen during menopause. These safe, effective treatments leave you feeling younger, healthier, and more vibrant.
The most common reason for menopause is the natural decline in a female's reproductive hormones. However, menopause can also result from the following situations:
Oophorectomy: This surgery, which removes a woman's ovaries, causes immediate menopause. Symptoms and signs of menopause in this situation can be severe, as the hormonal changes happen abruptly.
Chemotherapy: Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can induce menopause quickly, causing symptoms to appear shortly after or even during treatment.
Ovarian Insufficiency: Also called premature ovarian failure, this condition is essentially premature menopause. It happens when a woman's ovaries quit functioning before the age of 40 and can stem from genetic factors and disease. Only 1% of women suffer from premature menopause, but HRT can help protect the heart, brain, and bones.
For many women, menopause is a trying time that can be filled with many hormonal hurdles to jump through. A little knowledge can go a long way, whether you're going through menopause now or are approaching "that" age.
Here are some of the most common issues that women experience during menopause:
If you're a woman going through menopause and find that you have become increasingly depressed, you're not alone. It's estimated that 15% of women experience depression to some degree while going through menopause. What many women don't know is that depression can start during perimenopause, or the years leading up to menopause.
Depression can be hard to diagnose, especially during perimenopause and menopause. However, if you notice the following signs, it might be time to speak with a physician:
Remember, if you're experiencing depression, you're not weak or broken - you're going through a very regular emotional experience. The good news is that with proper treatment from your doctor, depression isn't a death sentence. And with HRT and anti-aging treatment for women, depression could be the catalyst you need to enjoy a new lease on life.
Hot flashes - they're one of the most well-known symptoms of menopause. Hot flashes are intense, sudden feelings of heat across a woman's upper body. Some last second, while others last minutes, making them incredibly inconvenient and uncomfortable for most women.
Symptoms of hot flashes include:
Typically, hot flashes are caused by a lack of estrogen. Low estrogen levels negatively affect a woman's hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls body temperature and appetite. Low estrogen levels cause the hypothalamus to incorrectly assume the body is too hot, dilating blood vessels to increase blood flow. Luckily, most women don't have to settle for the uncomfortable feelings that hot flashes cause. HRT treatments for women often stabilize hormones, lessening the effects of hot flashes and menopause in general.
Mood swings are common occurrences for most people - quick shifts from happy to angry and back again, triggered by a specific event. And while many people experience mood swings, they are particularly common for women going through menopause. That's because, during menopause, the female's hormones are often imbalanced. Hormone imbalances and mood swings go hand-in-hand, resulting in frequent mood changes and even symptoms like insomnia.
The rate of production of estrogen, a hormone that fluctuates during menopause, largely determines the rate of production the hormone serotonin, which regulates mood, causing mood swings.
Luckily, HRT and anti-aging treatments in Chester Township, NJ for women work wonders for mood swings by regulating hormone levels like estrogen. With normal hormone levels, women around the world are now learning that they don't have to settle for mood swings during menopause.
Staying fit and healthy is hard for anyone living in modern America. However, for women with hormone imbalances during perimenopause or menopause, weight gain is even more serious. Luckily, HRT treatments for women coupled with a physician-led diet can help keep weight in check. But which hormones need to be regulated?
Lowered sexual desire - three words most men and women hate to hear. Unfortunately, for many women in perimenopausal and menopausal states, it's just a reality of life. Thankfully, today, HRT and anti-aging treatments Chester Township, NJ can help women maintain a normal, healthy sex drive. But what causes low libido in women, especially as they get older?
The hormones responsible for low libido in women are progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.
Progesterone production decreases during perimenopause, causing low sex drive in women. Lower progesterone production can also cause chronic fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms. On the other hand, lower estrogen levels during menopause lead to vaginal dryness and even vaginal atrophy or loss of muscle tension.
Lastly, testosterone plays a role in lowered libido. And while testosterone is often grouped as a male hormone, it contributes to important health and regulatory functionality in women. A woman's testosterone serves to heighten sexual responses and enhances orgasms. When the ovaries are unable to produce sufficient levels of testosterone, it often results in a lowered sex drive.
Often uncomfortable and even painful, vaginal dryness is a serious problem for sexually active women. However, like hair loss in males, vaginal dryness is very common - almost 50% of women suffer from it during menopause.
Getting older is just a part of life, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for the side effects. HRT and anti-aging treatments for women correct vaginal dryness by re-balancing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. When supplemented with diet and healthy living, your vagina's secretions are normalized, causing discomfort to recede.
Uterine fibroids - they're perhaps the least-known symptom of menopause and hormone imbalances in women. That's because these growths on the uterus are often symptom-free. Unfortunately, these growths can be cancerous, presenting a danger for women as they age.
Many women will have fibroids at some point. Because they're symptomless, they're usually found during routine doctor exams. Some women only get one or two, while others may have large clusters of fibroids. Because fibroids are usually caused by hormone imbalances, hysterectomies have been used as a solution, forcing women into early menopause.
Advances in HRT and anti-aging medicine for women give females a safer, non-surgical option without having to experience menopause early. At Global Life Rejuvenation, our expert physicians will implement a customized HRT program to stabilize your hormones and reduce the risk of cancerous fibroid growth.
Endometriosis symptoms are much like the effects of PMS, and include pelvic pain, fatigue, cramping, and bloating. While doctors aren't entirely sure what causes this painful, uncomfortable condition, most agree that hormones - particularly xenoestrogens - play a factor.
Endometriosis symptoms are much like the effects of PMS and include pelvic pain, fatigue, cramping, and bloating. While doctors aren't entirely sure what causes this painful, uncomfortable condition, most agree that hormones - particularly xenoestrogens - play a factor.
Xenoestrogen is a hormone that is very similar to estrogen. Too much xenoestrogen is thought to stimulate endometrial tissue growth. HRT for women helps balance these hormones and, when used with a custom nutrition program, can provide relief for women across the U.S.
Hormone stability is imperative for a healthy sex drive and for a normal, stress-free life during menopause. HRT and anti-aging treatments for women balance the hormones that your body has altered due to perimenopause or menopause.
HRT for women is a revolutionary step in helping women live their best lives, even as they grow older. However, at Global Life Rejuvenation, we know that no two patients are the same. That's why we specialize in holistic treatments that utilize HRT, combined with healthy nutrition, supplements, and fitness plans that maximize hormone replacement treatments.
If you've been suffering through menopause, is HRT the answer? That's hard to say without an examination by a trusted physician, but one thing's for sure. When a woman balances her hormone levels, she has a much better shot at living a regular life with limited depression, weight gain, mood swings, and hot flashes.
Here are just a few additional benefits of HRT and anti-aging treatments for females:
Hormone imbalance causes a litany of issues. But with anti-aging treatments for women, females can better process calcium, keep their cholesterol levels safe, and maintain a healthy vagina. By replenishing the body's estrogen supply, HRT can relieve symptoms from menopause and protect against osteoporosis. But that's just the start.
Global Life Rejuvenation's patients report many more benefits of HRT and anti-aging medicine for women:
If you're ready to feel better, look better, and recapture the vitality of your youth, it's time to contact Global Life Rejuvenation. It all starts with an in-depth consultation, where we will determine if HRT and anti-aging treatments for women are right for you. After all, every patient's body and hormone levels are different. Since all our treatment options are personalized, we do not have a single threshold for treatment. Instead, we look at our patient's hormone levels and analyze them on a case-by-case basis.
At Global Life Rejuvenation, we help women rediscover their youth with HRT treatment for women. We like to think of ourselves as an anti-aging concierge service, guiding and connecting our patients to the most qualified HRT physicians available. With customized HRT treatment plan for women, our patients experience fewer menopausal symptoms, less perimenopause & menopause depression, and often enjoy a more youth-like appearance.
Growth hormone peptides are an innovative therapy that boosts the natural human growth hormone production in a person's body. These exciting treatment options help slow down the aging process and give you a chance at restoring your youth.
Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.
Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.
Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.
Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.
One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies. Ipamorelin can boost a patient's overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life.
When there is an increased concentration of growth hormone by the pituitary gland, there are positive benefits to the body. Some benefits include:
Whether you are considering our HRT and anti-aging treatments for women in Chester Township, NJ, we are here to help. The first step to reclaiming your life begins by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation. Our friendly, knowledgeable HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!
866-793-9933Morris County spent nearly $5 million this year to replace its 20-year-old voting machines. But some of those machines rolled out to local precincts for Election Day are malfunctioning, poll workers say, while another town is struggling to accommodate a large voter turnout with half the complement of voting machi...
Morris County spent nearly $5 million this year to replace its 20-year-old voting machines. But some of those machines rolled out to local precincts for Election Day are malfunctioning, poll workers say, while another town is struggling to accommodate a large voter turnout with half the complement of voting machines they have received in the past.
Chester Township Council President Michael Inganamort, on the ballot this year for mayor, said he was "concerned" about waiting times of more than 90 minutes for District 2 and 3 voting this morning at Town Hall.
He blamed the delays on the township receiving only one machine for each of its five voting districts instead of the usual two. The lines eased after lunch, he said, but he worried the lines would return "after the whistle blows at 5 p.m."
Elsewhere in Morris County, printer problems appeared persistent on three of five voting machines at Dennis O’Brien School in Rockaway Township. The staff was seen banging on the printers to get the long ballot receipts out and said they were hearing "it was happening all over the county."
Election Day live updates:Lengthy Rockaway ballots jamming voting machines
The Morris County Board of Elections did not respond to multiple calls inquiring if any other towns reported printer problems or machine shortages.
Boonton voters experienced similar printer issues with the new machines but they appeared resolved before 9 a.m. One person who couldn’t wait said she was able to cast a provisional ballot.
The Morris County Commissioner Board in late 2021 authorized the purchase of 134 ES&S machines at a cost of $4.9 million. But a delay in authorizing the funds resulted in only partial delivery before the June primary, forcing some of the old Dominion machines back into use.
Hanover Deputy Mayor Thomas "Ace" Gallagher, running unopposed for reelection to the Township Committee, said Hanover districts also had some problems related to paper jams during the day, but "the county was very responsive" and had technicians on site to help resolve the problems.
William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
The Chester Township Council has moved forward with the Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop the Glenlora site with the public's input. CHESTER, NJ — In the ongoing process of redeveloping the Glenlora site on Route 24, the Chester Township Council has recently opened the Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop the Glenlora site on the township website.The township purchased the former Glenlora nursing home site in 2005 as a suitable location for affordable housing, which is mandated by the State of New Jersey.I...
CHESTER, NJ — In the ongoing process of redeveloping the Glenlora site on Route 24, the Chester Township Council has recently opened the Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop the Glenlora site on the township website.
The township purchased the former Glenlora nursing home site in 2005 as a suitable location for affordable housing, which is mandated by the State of New Jersey.
In a newsletter back in 2018, former Chester Township Mayor Marcia Asdal explained that Chester Township concluded litigation with Fair Share Housing in 2018, which “brought the discussion about what to do with the Glenlora site out from closed sessions to the public arena where it belongs,” she said.
Asdal stated that governing bodies in neighboring towns ended up settling in court on the constitutional mandates for affordable housing, whereas Chester Township not only reduced its legal expenditures but also allowed locals to participate in project ideation.
Now, over five years after Chester Township finished its affordable housing dispute, the RFP is being released, transferring decision-making for affordable housing commitments from the courts, where negotiations were private, to the town council, where the public may provide comments.
"Notably, this change in venue brought with it a significant reduction in legal expenses," township officials said.
Over the years, Chester Township, along with the community, decided on the following criteria for the future site:
Now that the RFP is online, a new procedure begins that will last many months and will eventually result in the planning board creating the official redevelopment agreement.
Township officials indicated that the Planning Board and Council sessions, like always, encourage public participation.
Read more here about Glenlora from the Chester Historical Society.
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CHESTER, NJ — As part of its efforts to control the white-tailed deer population in its 700 acres of parkland, the “controlled deer hunting program” in Chester Township has begun in its parks, according to the township.The Morris County Parks Commission recently announced that the firearm portion of the season has begun at the Black River Facilities, including Cooper Gristmill, Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center, Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center and Willowwood Arboretum.As a result, the parks and trail...
CHESTER, NJ — As part of its efforts to control the white-tailed deer population in its 700 acres of parkland, the “controlled deer hunting program” in Chester Township has begun in its parks, according to the township.
The Morris County Parks Commission recently announced that the firearm portion of the season has begun at the Black River Facilities, including Cooper Gristmill, Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center, Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center and Willowwood Arboretum.
As a result, the parks and trails at those locations will be closed to the general public on the following dates: Dec. 7 and 15, Jan. 11 and 18.
According to Chester Township, the hunting schedule varies depending on whether the park is run by the township, county, or state, with all hunters required to have a permit to attend.
Evans Family Forest Preserve, Tiger Brook Park, MacGregor Preserve, Highlands Ridge Park, Parker Rd. Preserve, and Tannersbrook Preserve are among the township parks.
The full hunt schedule can be found here.
The goal of the deer hunt is to keep deer populations low enough to allow for the restoration of native plant communities within the parks. According to the commission, studies have found that at high densities, deer browsing can hurt forest communities. Overbrowsing can eliminate understory herbaceous plants, shrubs, and saplings, leaving only adult canopy trees in the forest.
"In selected parks of this nature, the MCPC continues to work towards reducing populations to levels that will allow for successful habitat restoration, both natural and assisted. Other parks exhibit little damage from deer and contain lower-density populations. In these parks, the goal is to maintain the deer population at levels that allow healthy habitats to continue to thrive," MCPC said.
The white-tailed deer is a species with a high rate of population growth. Females can reach reproductive maturity as young as one year old and can give birth to up to three fawns per year.
The lack of natural predators in this area, combined with supplemental feeding by well-meaning homeowners, contributes to a constantly expanding population.
To limit the rapid population growth that deer are capable of, the MCPC applies continuous pressure on the deer population by allowing for limited hunting on an annual basis.
More information can be found on the Morris County Parks Commission website.
Patch is asking candidates for their views on issues in the West Morris Regional District. Here are candidate Natasha Chandler's answers: |Updated Thu, Oct 26, 2023 at 6:11 pm ETCHESTER, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Chester voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for a seat on the regional high school board.Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Natasha Chandler.Editor's Note: Patch emailed all candidates at the ...
|Updated Thu, Oct 26, 2023 at 6:11 pm ET
CHESTER, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Chester voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for a seat on the regional high school board.
Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Natasha Chandler.
Editor's Note: Patch emailed all candidates at the email addresses listed for their campaigns in the clerk's office. The responses will be revealed between now and the general election on November 7. These comments will be published with just minor stylistic changes. Candidates who wish to participate but did not receive an invitation should email [email protected].
Name: Natasha Chandler
Age: 52
Town of residence: Chester Township for 22 years!
Position sought: Chester Township representative for the West Morris Regional High School Board of Education
Family: My husband (Pete) and I have been married for 22 years and we have three daughters, who all went to Chester Schools since kindergarten. Victoria graduated from Mendham, where she played softball and is now a sophomore at Michigan State. Emilia graduated from the Mendham IB program and is a freshman at SMU Cox Business School in Dallas, Texas. Our youngest, Lily, is a junior at Mendham, where she is actively involved and plays field hockey and softball. They have all had a great education and experience at West Morris Mendham High School.
Education: I have two graduate degrees with a Masters in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and an MBA and B.S. in Marketing from Monmouth University, where I am currently on the Board of the Business School, leading the faculty curriculum advancement committee.
Occupation: Senior Partner at Korn Ferry (Human Capital Advisory) leading the North American Industrial and Energy Sector. I advise executives of top companies on how to build and evolve top-performing organizations through people.
Previous or current elected appointed office: West Morris Regional Board of Education (since 2020) and chair of the Personnel Committee and member of the Education and Referendum Committee. I have also been actively involved on the budget and finance committees.
Why are you seeking to run for school board?
I want to ensure West Morris Regional High School District remains a top district and to do this, my focus is on student engagement, teacher effectiveness, and parent involvement. Student engagement should be at the center of everything we do to ensure our students thrive in a positive learning environment that fosters their interests and curiosity and uncovers their fullest potential.
Teacher effectiveness is the key to unlocking student potential and as Chair of the Personnel committee, I am confident that we hire, develop, and support our teachers so they can be great. PARENT INVOLVEMENT to help as advocates and partner with the school in social and educational development and to be involved in key decisions affecting their children is also important.
What, in your opinion, is the most pressing issue in the school district?
Frankly, I have been disturbed about the political and state regulatory overreach impacting our district and students. Since I have been on the board since 2020, I have been committed to following state laws while also ensuring we represent the needs of all students in the communities where we live.
There have been lots of heated board meetings across New Jersey with parents voicing strong concerns about NJ laws and their impact on districts on topics like: COVID Mask mandates, Curriculum, gender identity, parent rights, and what is appropriate reading material for high school students.
In all cases, my approach is to listen to all points of view and then make a decision based on what I think is in the best interest of students (and families in my district). Being that most of our students are children (under 18 years old), in most cases, I still have a bias that the school must consider the parents and inform and involve them in matters impacting their child.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
EXPERIENCE. I am a proven leader who has been successful in improving the West Morris Regional High School District. I have a good reputation and strong relationships with board members, administration, and the superintendent. Having served on all the board committees, I understand the issues and policies and where we need to focus to continue to evolve and remain a top district. ADVOCACY: I show up and speak up for families in Chester and deeply understand education and what skills are needed for students to be successful in the "real world." I am approachable and have parents reach out to discuss topics they are concerned about – and I listen and support them. COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP: I am very active in Chester and have been the VP of the PTO, a Girl Scout Leader, a Co-founder of the Chester Baroque Orchestra and a volunteer and donor to countless organizations. I am also a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church.
What special qualifications do you bring to help meet the challenge?
Proven Leadership focused on District Excellence
What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?
Thank you very much for reading this and for considering me. If you would like more information or to speak with me, please go to my facebook page "Natasha Chandler for WMMHS BOE"
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Charming and quaint are two words synonymous with the bucolic, historic, nostalgic aura of Chester. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance MediaThough governed independently, Chester Borough and Township come together like the sundry ingredients of a recipe passed down for generations to produce a fine-spun, folksy flavor that stands the test of time. The township is the doughnut around the “hole” of the borough, the center more lovingly referred to as the jewel in the crown of this rural gem on Morris County’s southern border...
Charming and quaint are two words synonymous with the bucolic, historic, nostalgic aura of Chester. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
Though governed independently, Chester Borough and Township come together like the sundry ingredients of a recipe passed down for generations to produce a fine-spun, folksy flavor that stands the test of time. The township is the doughnut around the “hole” of the borough, the center more lovingly referred to as the jewel in the crown of this rural gem on Morris County’s southern border.
Centuries in the making, Chester remains true to its agricultural origins while keeping pace with its consistent forward motion.
“Chester’s been creating itself since the 1700’s,” Borough Mayor Janet Hoven said. “It’s a place that evolves and continues to evolve; but it’s important that we remember its history, honoring the legacy of families who have shaped the town that we all enjoy today. I see myself as a steward in what will be its continuing history.”
Here’s an inside-out look at the borough and township; 12 hours to make a day of it in Chester that’ll surely be one for the history books.
A Borough Borrowed from the Past
Stroll down the brick sidewalks of Chester Borough’s Main Street, and you might imagine a stagecoach pulling ’round the next bend. The streetscape harkens yesteryear, pure Americana with well-preserved historic storefronts, complete with creaky painted porches and old glass windows.
It’s impossible to walk past Main Street’s myriad boutique shops and eateries without stepping inside, each one unique, inviting, independent mom-and-pops stocked with lovingly curated and hand-crafted wares.
Antique shops are a main attraction on any historic Main Street, and there are certainly abundant treasures to be discovered here. Antiques by Chester Crafts & Collectibles (28 Main St.) offers an ever-changing collection of antique furniture, artwork and vintage housewares, and provides custom refinishing to renew your old furniture. Find fine and stylish vintage furnishings, jewelry and designer handbags presented with artistic passion at Grouse In Pearls (54 Main St.). Or visit the Dainty Dandelion (58 Main St.) for painted Made-in-America vintage furniture and rustic resurrections.
Fill your basket and your belly with foodstuffs from merchants, like Mercantile on Main (76 Main St.), for artisan foods, DIY food kits, gifts, and sensational sauces, spices and rubs; The Olive & The Stone (58 Main St.) for specialty and infused olive oils, aged balsamics, gift baskets and accessories; or dip into The Maple Shop (105 Main St.) for pure Vermont-made maple syrups and even learn how it’s made.
Everyone is a kid in a candy store at Black River Candy Shoppe (44 Main St.), where a sugar rush of nostalgia leaves you giddy among the baskets and jars and boxes of every candy you can imagine or remember, including a head-turning wall of Pez dispensers. But if ice cream is your pleasure, it’s just a lick down the road to Taylor’s Ice Cream Parlor (18 Main St.), scooping out 48 flavors of homemade creamy goodness.
Don’t fly past A World of Birds (15 Perry St.) without stopping in to visit Katie the green-wing macaw and Elvis the yellow-naped Amazon, two old-feathered friends perched center stage in this bird lovers’ paradise that carries everything a bird owner needs, so you don’t have to wing it.
There’s so much more going door to door on Main Street — you’ll find hand-crafted jewelry, hand-poured candles and soaps, handmade woodworks and more along the way. If you need a dose of modern retail, the Streets of Chester mall is just one left turn away onto Route 206, with White House Black Market, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and Talbots among the high-end shopping options.
Saving your visit for a special occasion? The Chester Craft Shows in spring (June 4-5, its 24th annual) and fall (Sept. 10-11, its 48th annual) are rated among the Top 50 in the nation; and the 21st Annual Classic Car Show is coming up on May 14.
Encircled by Nature, Steeped in History
Chester Township is nature’s embrace on the borough, not only surrounding but also sharing its parks, farms and outdoor pleasures without drawing boundaries. Township Mayor Marcia Asdal presents “just one Chester,” but proudly noted the bountiful assets under her governance.
“If you’re not from around here, you don’t really appreciate what Morris County is,” Asdal remarked. “I recommend a hike at Hacklebarney State Park, an extremely picturesque, 2-mile loop that gives a sense of New Jersey through a different lens. We are close to major highways, but we have a lot of green, open space, parks and farmlands. You can get your 10,000 steps in on our trails, and you won’t even realize you’re doing it because it’s so pretty.”
Carving out a few of your 12 hours in Chester for hiking is highly recommended, and there are countless options for stepping out. The flat, 5-mile West Morris Greenway Trail parallels the Black River and has its trailhead at the Black River Wildlife Management Area, accessible from North Road (Route 513). Prefer something a little shorter? Try the 1.5-mile Orange Trail at Kay Environmental Center (200 Pottersville Road), where you’ll be enchanted by meadows of flowering trees, shrubs and wildflowers in season.
Stream fishing, lounging and wildlife observation make Hacklebarney State Park perfect for year-round outdoor enjoyment. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
The Black River runs through Hacklebarney State Park, portions of which lie in neighboring Long Valley. Hiking, biking and equestrian trails (with waterfalls visible from high trails), stream fishing and wildlife observation make for year-round outdoor enjoyment.
Listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, the Cooper Gristmill is the last remaining water-powered mill in New Jersey. Built in 1826, it continues to produce flour and cornmeal and conducts scheduled tours of the mill’s inner workings, with guides in period costumes to demonstrate the process. The 14-acre site has several hiking trailheads and invites stream-side picnics, fishing poles optional.
Alstede Farms is a 600-acre farm-apalooza, producing a huge variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media
Harvesting ‘Just One Chester’
Farms and food unify Chester Township and Borough. Everyone loves Jersey Fresh; everyone loves great food. Chester is home to both, in abundance.
It’s believed that “pick your own” originated in Chester at Riamede Farms (122 Oakdale Road), when a worker shortage in the mid-1970s inspired the owners to open the apple orchard to the public to pick their own bushels and save the harvest. That eureka moment created a favorite fall outing for all, as families come from near and far to pick the apples, sample the cider and savor the doughnuts while grabbing other farm-fresh goodies from this intimate and authentic farm.
Alstede Farms (1 Alstede Farms Lane) is a 600-acre farm-apalooza, producing a huge variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers — including pick-your-own just about everything. It hosts numerous seasonal festivals and family activities and serves farm-to-table breakfast and brunch in season.
April through December, the Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill (104 State Park Road) is a relaxed and relaxing family farm open for delicious cider, pies and doughnuts — and the simple pleasures of an autumn hayride, corn maze challenge or s’mores by the fire on cool afternoons.
And now for a final foodnote. Chester’s bounty ensures you won’t go hungry. Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and a serving of homemade quiche or baked goods at Marie’s Coffee Shop (56 Main St.); mangia authentic Italian for lunch at Artista Salumeria (423 Main St.) and take home a little something for later from its pantry or prepared food selection; or relax with a spot of tea at Sally Lunn’s Tea Shoppe (15 Perry St.) and steep yourself in Victorian splendor while nibbling a buttermilk scone.
The Old Mill Tavern (55 Route 24) is a long-standing local tradition for American pub classics with tap beers in a rustic setting, just across from Cooper Gristmill. On the other side of town, just a quick 2 miles down the road, the modern rustic Redwoods Grill & Bar (459 Main St.) just celebrated 25 years as a go-to place in Chester where wood-grilled dishes are a focus of its cuisine and craft cocktails, beers and infused spirits make for a lively bar, made livelier with live entertainment on Saturday nights.
Only two words remain to describe Chester’s appeal, incredibly unspoken until now but synonymous with the bucolic, historic, nostalgic aura of Chester: charming and quaint. Two words you’ll conjure just two minutes into your 12 hours in Chester.
Susan Kronberg is a freelance writer and Jersey girl. A married mother of two, she’s worked in insurance, transportation, marketing, newspapers and private education. Writing is but one thread that connects the patchwork of her professions.
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2022 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
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