Explore Chester

Visit our wide range of businesses, learn about their story and why they are grateful to be in business in Historic Downtown Chester

Point 5 | non-alcoholic sips

We offer a range of stores to meet the needs of every client. Every store was opened with great intention, curated with passion and grateful to meet all of their shoppers! In addition to a tasting bar, we offer seasonally curated cocktails. Stay and sip in the shop or on our porch, or take your beverage to go while you continue your shopping journey. 

  • The space was perfect, it had everything we were looking for, including ample free parking, and neighbors with a similar ethos of curated, high quality wares for sale. We enjoy walking through Chester's collection of unique shops, and thought that what we offered would complement our neighbors nicely. 

  • As the world of non-alcoholic options rapidly expands, very few people understand the beverages that are coming to market. In the age of social media, people who are curious about health and wellness are being targeted by all sorts of ads. Rather than buy online, they come to us for our honest opinions and advice. For every product on our shelves, there's between six and eight that did not make the cut in our highly curated selection. We want people to have a positive experience with non-alcoholic beverages, and thus offer free tastings, education, and guidance.

  • As New Jersey's first stand-alone, non-alcoholic bottle shop, we are a destination for locals and travelers alike. When we walked into Point 5 RVA, we said to the owner "we've never seen anything like this before!" Now, people say the same to us. 



  • Our store has three co-owners, and depending on the day and who's working, you'll get different answers. Tom tends to lean towards things that are more bitter (like The Pathfinder or Wilfred's), Nicolette goes for spicy-sweet (Three Spirit's Nightcap) or sour-sweet (Aplos Mandora Negroni or Sober Carpenter Cider), while Tara is an expert our functional drinks, especially our selection of kava beverages. 

  • The story we hear over and over is "I saw X online, bought it, and it was terrible." Another comment is "I saw this product at the local liquor store, but no one could tell me about it." What sets us apart is our deep knowledge about our beverages and our highly curated selection sourced from around the world. Everything is vetted for quality, with a special emphasis on unique items that are hard to find elsewhere. With around 300 products (and new products introduced monthly), our selection of beers, wines, spirits, botanicals, functional beverages, and ready-to-drink options is unmatched. 

 E. Christopher and Sons, Metalsmith Studio

we curate our own unique jewelry designs, custom design, and expert repair service offered in our Metalsmith Studio, E. Christopher and Sons. in addition, we offer premium knife and scissor sharpening services. Are your tools as sharp as they could be?  Come in and see what a difference it makes!

  • E. Christopher and Sons opened it’s first brick-and-mortar store in Chester because of the quaint, old-world charm of the downtown. We had done 20 years of fine, juried, craft shows and were looking for the same kind of feel, a place where unique designs and high-quality craftsmanship would be appreciated. Chester has that feel with its plethora of small, independent, high quality shops.

  • When we decided to open our Metalsmith Studio in Chester, we wanted to offer the community access to services that are rare in the country today. Chain stores may send your repairs to a central location, but when you come to E. Christopher and Sons you are talking directly to the Smith who will be working on your precious possessions.  When you redesign a cherished family heirloom, you want to speak directly to the designer so the meaning and intention can be accurately conveyed. Personal service is a rarity these days, and that’s what we always try to bring to our customers.

  • Accidents happen, and when a family heirloom gets damaged, some people can feel that all hope is lost. When they find us, and find out there’s hope of repair, it’s very gratifying to see their relief. And when their piece is returned to them, looking like they always remembered it, the emotions can be overwhelming. We’re very proud to be able to help people restore their cherished treasures.

     

  • Custom designed jewelry is a very personal service. It’s wonderful to work with customers to design and make something that is uniquely theirs. When someone has the opportunity to have input into what their jewelry will look like, they have a greater appreciation for it.

  • When you support a business like ours, you’re not only helping the local economy but you’re helping to keep alive the skills of true craftsmanship. We enjoy working with our hands to create something beautiful, and hope to inspire other Makers. We give back to our community through demonstrations and by educating people about the arts, and the many opportunities for craft education in our area.

The Black River Candy Shoppe

My journey has taken me to many wonderful places, but my story truly began during the years my family spent

in Chester in the early 1980s. Starting in fifth grade, I attended the Chester/Mendham school system. My

passion for working with people eventually led me to college, where I earned a BS in Recreation Studies with a

minor in Special Education.

Throughout my career, I’ve embraced a wide range of roles across both large corporations and small businesses,

spending 20 years in Hunterdon County. Following life and love, I returned to Chester six years ago, and it felt

like discovering a home I hadn’t realized I’d been missing, marking the beginning of a joyful new chapter.

Purchasing the beloved Black River Candy Shoppe was a leap of faith. A cherished Chester landmark for 25

years, the Shoppe holds a special place in our community—and I’m deeply committed to carrying on its

tradition of joy, sweetness, and warm welcomes for everyone who walks through the door.

Sharing this new chapter with our incredible community has been a gift. I look forward to continuing this story

for many years to come.

  • On the last working day of May 2024, my boss laid off all the employees except me and one other person. That moment pushed me to take stock of what I truly wanted. I typed “stores for sale in Chester” into Google—and by November 1st, the Black River Candy Shoppe was mine. While the timing may have felt sudden, the dream wasn’t. I had always wanted to own my own business, and this opportunity felt like the perfect fit at exactly the right time.

  • My mission is to honor the tradition of the Black River Candy Shoppe by offering a place where people of all

    ages can step back in time, savor familiar favorites, and create new memories. I want the Shoppe to continue

    being a warm, joyful space that brings people together.

  • A classic Cadbury’s Dairy Milk—simple, nostalgic, and perfect.

  • The Black River Candy Shoppe isn’t just about candy or chocolate. It’s about connection—walking down

    memory lane, sharing stories, and creating moments that last. Local businesses like ours are the heart of New

    Jersey; supporting them keeps our towns vibrant, unique, and full of life.