Top 3 Things to Do in Chester, Virginia

Are you exploring or moving to the Richmond suburbs? Just south of the city is our town of Chester, close to the Appomattox and James Rivers. You can enjoy the balance of the quiet suburbs with the city only 20 minutes away. And since we are surrounded by Virginia’s vast beauty, we also feature a wealth of outdoor activities for you and the family. Check out our guide to the area to stay in the know about Chesterfield County events and to explore the region’s popular attractions!

Chester Station Replica by James Shelton lic CC BY-SA 4.0

Experience the Heart of Chesterfield County: Chester, Virginia

Are you looking for activities to keep the kids entertained while the weather is nice? Ocean Storage has compiled our top things to do in the Chester area, so you can discover new favorite spots as you move into town.

Step Back in Time

Steeped in American history, Chester is home to several historical landmarks. Begin your journey at the Henricus Historical Park, the site of the second successful English settlement in the New World, founded in 1611. It’s more than just a park; it’s a living history museum where costumed interpreters recreate the life of early English settlers and the Powhatan Indians. Visitors can see interactive exhibits and demonstrations that allow them to learn about life in the early colony.

Don’t miss the Magnolia Grange, a Federal-style plantation house built in 1822, now a museum exhibiting period furnishings and artifacts. It has housed numerous public officials over its years, and now the Chesterfield County Historical Society has the museum and other programming teaching visitors about the county’s important local history. Chester’s historical trail would also be incomplete without mentioning the Chesterfield County Museum, where you can explore the rich history of the county from prehistoric times to the present day. See the replica of the 1750 courthouse, as well as exhibits on the early settlement of the land and the Native American culture of the region.

Dive Into Virginia’s Great Outdoors

For the nature enthusiasts, Chester offers many opportunities to reconnect with the great outdoors, especially thanks to the James River. It is one of the most historic rivers in the country, holding thousands of years of artifacts and continuing to serve a significant purpose for its residents. Stroll the beautiful trails at Dutch Gap Conservation Area, Pocahontas State Park, or R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks to get out into the sunshine. There are plenty of opportunities nearby for hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and kayaking.

Create a Bucket List of Local Restaurants

After indulging in the historical and natural wonders of Chester, discover the town’s impressive selection of eateries.

1. Riptides Seafood Restaurant: A family-owned and operated restaurant, Riptides is known for serving some of the freshest seafood in town. From crab legs to oysters, you’ll find a wide range of delectable seafood dishes on their menu.
2. Howlett’s Restaurant & Tavern: A local favorite, Howlett’s is famous for its American fare, especially the comfort food. It also boasts a full bar, making it a great place for both dining and socializing. Check out what is new after its July 2023 reopening!
3. The Village Grill: Offering a diverse menu, including burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and more, The Village Grill is known for its warm, friendly atmosphere and attentive service.
4. I Don’t Know Sports Grille: Whether you relate to the name of the restaurant or you are a die-hard fan, this spot has something for everyone. The restaurant and sports bar is a go-to spot for Chester residents who want to watch the big game while enjoying a delicious meal. Choose from classic bar food like burgers, wings, and nachos. Keep an eye on the calendar for live entertainment.
5. Sibley’s Bar-B-Q: A heaven for barbecue lovers, Sibley’s offers mouthwatering smoked meats, hearty sides, and a casual, inviting atmosphere. Their Southern-inspired dishes pack a flavorful punch.
6. Pietro’s Italian Restaurant: For those craving Italian cuisine, Pino’s is a great choice—located right off Route 1. It serves a range of traditional Italian dishes, as well as New York-style pizza.
7. La Reina Mexican Grill: In the mood for Mexican? La Reina boasts generous portions for their lunch and dinner specials. Pick from sizzling fajitas, signature burritos, seafood options, and more!
8. Peking Chester: For the last 30 years, Peking Chester has been serving the community their favorite Chinese dishes. Dine or take out.
9. Chester Junction: Check out the nightly burger specials at Chester Junction, featuring flavors to satisfy every set of taste buds. In addition to American fare, you can stop in for breakfast at any time.
10. Saffron Indian Cuisine: Chef Parminder serves up authentic Punjabi cuisine, supported by his roots in Punjab, India. Tailor your dish to your taste, and enjoy the best of Saffron.

Move in with the Help of Ocean Storage & Bay Storage

As your premier storage solution in Virginia, Ocean Storage & Bay Storage offers unbeatable convenience with our 10 strategically located facilities near Richmond and Norfolk. We’re proud to be leading the way in Coastal Virginia’s self storage sector. Stop into our Chester, VA, storage facility to find self storage to support your move!

Rent Online with Ocean Storage on Greenyard Way in Chester, VA

We offer a diverse range of storage amenities, such as temperature-controlled storage units and drive-up options. Consider the needs of your stored items as you are choosing an environment to hold them. Some may require additional protection from changing temperatures and fluctuating humidity levels. Regardless, you can rest assured that your belongings are kept under careful watch under 24/7 camera surveillance—in addition to our on-site managers that regularly monitor the grounds. This year, put your mind at ease by entrusting your personal items to us at Ocean Storage and Bay Storage. Reach out to us today via call or email, or even drop by to meet our team of storage experts in person. We’re here to help simplify your move!

Find the Ocean Storage or Bay Storage facility closest to you to start browsing our available storage units. Then it just a few minutes, you can have the information to move into your new self storage space. Use our handy storage calculator for help choosing a storage unit size, and check out our other assistance resources. Find your storage solution here!

Katie Mest

About the Author: Katie Mest is a Content Marketing Specialist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. She specializes in writing about the self storage industry, including storage tips and helpful resources. Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors and snuggling in with a crochet project and her cat, Billie.