Exploring the Downtowns
Embracing a Rich History,
Forging Ahead Toward
a Bright Future
By Matt Beardmore
Morris County’s importance to the founding of our country cannot be overstated. Neither can the variety of cultural venues, community events and businesses that exist today in this picturesque region in northern New Jersey.
To learn more about why Morris County is such a wonderful place to live, visit, work and play, here’s what is happening downtown in Morristown, Madison and Chester:
Morristown
Settled around 1715, Morristown – the county seat of Morris County – is known for being George Washington’s winter headquarters during the Revolutionary War. In 1778-79 and then again in the infamous terrible winter of 1779-80, his 3,000 troops sheltered at Jockey Hollow while Washington lived in the Ford Mansion, home of Jacob Ford.
Washington’s first Morristown winter was spent at his headquarters, Arnold’s Tavern on the Green. The Morristown Green is a 2 ½-acre, privately-owned historical park in the center of town that hosts community events.
The Morristown Partnership hosts Morristown Restaurant Week (each April), the Morristown Farmers Market (Sundays, June through November), Morristown Festival on the Green (each September/October) and the Christmas Festival on the Morristown Green (each November/December).
Along with a variety of dining options, Morristown “offers a range of unique entertainment options including a state-of-the-art golf simulator at Topgolf Swing Suite, a retro arcade at Morristown Game Vault and a fused art glass studio at Glassworks Crafting Studio,” said Jennifer Wehring, executive director of the Morristown Partnership.
Per the Town of Morristown, “96% of the town’s 1M square feet of retail space is occupied, by a mix of small business entrepreneurs” and “new larger scale retailers.”
Recently, significant corporate headquarters have planted roots in town, including Deloitte, Valley Bank and Sanofi.
No surprise there given all Morristown offers: a rich history, a family-friendly community, a strong business environment, a walkable and beautifully landscaped downtown, a passion for the arts (see the Mayo Performing Arts Center), having one of the nation’s top hospitals (Morristown Medical Center) and the transportation options (including the Morristown Airport).
Visit the Morristown Partnership at https://www.morristown-nj.org for more information.
Madison
Twenty-five miles from Manhattan, Madison is home to quality academic institutions, a variety of cultural venues and community events, pocket parks and scenic recreational areas, and a charming downtown that is open for business.
“I’ve lived here for more than 40 years,” said Lisa Ellis, director of business development at the Borough of Madison’s Downtown Development Business Commission. “Madison is a unique place to me – you can’t beat it.”
Madison’s quaint, retail district along Main Street is bustling with activity. “There are a number of new businesses setting up shop, various redevelopment projects at different levels of completion and an influx in the number of residential units built in the downtown area over the last several years,” Ellis said.
The transportation options – including the New Jersey Transit train station near the Hartley Dodge Memorial building, State Route 124 and private commuter bus line service by Boxcar Transit – have also made the borough a desirable place, said Karen Giambra, executive director of the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce.
Madison is about four square miles in size, but there are more than 50 food establishments in the borough. “You could eat your way around the world in Madison,” Ellis said.
A favorite spot for nearly three decades is Shanghai Jazz Restaurant and Bar, once named among the “Top 100 Jazz Clubs in the World.”
The Taste of Madison next February will also draw many as more than 30 local establishments will join for this “annual fine food and drink tasting extravaganza.”
Madison’s vibrant cultural scene includes The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts and the Madison Community Arts Center.
Highlights on Madison’s community calendar are the Madison Farm & Artisan Market (Saturdays through December 14) and Bottle Hill Day, “a family, entertainment, and community celebration” that draws upwards of 20,000 people. The 49th annual event is October 5, the same day as the chamber’s 29th Annual Madison Car Show.
Learn more at https://www.rosenet.org and
https://www.madisonnjchamber.org.
Chester
Danielle Hester and her family have opened a number of boutiques in Downtown Chester over the last several years to add to the shopping experience for both locals and tourists on the quaint, very walkable Main Street.
“Downtown Chester is the place where people walk their dog, enjoy coffee with friends, shop for gifts and say ‘hello’ to store owners,” said Hester, whose family owns Comfortably Chic, Mercantile on Main, Chester Candle Company, Steam Soapery and Serendipity Toys & Books.
Thousands are also drawn to Chester each year for the Spring Craft Show (early June) and the Annual Fall Show (Sept. 7-8, 2024). Municipal Field hosts both events.
Not far on Main Street is the renovated Publick House Hotel, a former stagecoach stop transformed into a boutique hotel that some say is haunted. Also within the Public House of Chester is PH Tavern & Steakhouse, a favorite dining spot.
Sally Lunn’s Tea Room & Restaurant has authentic teas and “world famous scones,” said Hester, President of the Historic Chester Business Association. “And if you’re looking for a taste of France, fifth-generation French baker Laurent Carratie has a treat at NinaLou Pâtisserie.”
Fresco Mexican Restaurant and Aztec Authentic Mexican Restaurant serve delicious, authentic Mexican food, while Fresco Mexican’s gift boutique is a must visit.
For fine Italian dining, Benito’s Trattoria has been “offering the most authentic and elegant Italian experience possible since 1992.”
Chester has a suburban feel, “but it also has a lot of farms and preserved open space areas,” Hester said.
Patriots’ Path is a popular outdoor area, while a series of trails connects Bamboo Brook, Cooper Gristmill, the Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center and Willowwood Arboretum.
Other points of interest in Chester include the Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill, Bakery and Farm Store, and Alstede Farms and Stony Hill Farms, where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables and enjoy mazes, hayrides and other family activities.
Visit Historic Chester Business Association at
https://www.ilovechester.com to continue exploring Chester.
