Things to do & places to visit in Exeter, New Hampshire, United States

Exeter city in New Hampshire, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 22:14.

Top things to do (18)

Top places to visit (29 attractions)

5.0 Phillips Exeter Academy (39 reviews)
- Accessible high school in pretty town.
Educational sites

We stopped here today to see the Academy Library built in 1971 and designed by Luis Kahn. He works in International Modernism and this structure is a bold cube of bricks 111’/side and 80’ tall. We especially wanted to see its dramatic central hall and interior double staircase but a sign outside said the pathways and facilities of the academy were closed due to Covid. We did see the exterior of the 1914-1930 Academy Building, the 1895 Phillips Church and the 1856 Town Hall in this very pretty and accessible historic town. See more..
5.0 Art Up Front Street Studios & Gallery (12 reviews)
- See art and meet artists
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lessons & Workshops

Local working artists' studios and gallery with art in progress and art for sale. Original paintings, digital art, prints, landscapes, abstracts, jewelry, assemblage, photography, watercolors and drawings. From very large work and to very small. See the works of all 8 artists plus take a peek through the doors to the artists' working studios to see what's on the easel. We are proud to be the first working artists' studio collective in Exeter's growing art scene. We have been featured on New Hampshire Chronicle, Creative Guts Podcast, New England art publications and in local newspapers. We are open on a regular basis to the public, hold exhibitions, and have two huge open studios each year as well as organize individual artist exhibitions. We are super easy to spot in Uptown Exeter (a rising arts and culture district). Look for the dark gray building with the yellow trim and flower murals. Come in, take a breath and a moment to absorb the energy. See more..
5.0 Soleil's Salt Cave (6 reviews)
- Incredibly Relaxing!
Spas
I have been to the Salt Cave on four different occasions; three times in the main cave and once in the smaller, private cave. I find both caves to be amazing. The experience at Soleil's is just one of peace. You come out of the cave feeling calm and relaxed; almost like you are floating. I have a lot of people ask me "what do you do in the cave" and the answer is simple: nothing. you do nothing for almost an hour. No talking. No cell phones. No worrying. You just sit and breathe and be calm and still. And it is so wonderful. If you have never tried a salt cave, give it a chance. You might be surprised just how great you feel when you finish your session. As a word of precaution, I believe the main cave can hold 7 or 8 adults, so if you don't like groups try to reserve the smaller, private cave. See more..
5.0 Exeter Bowling Lanes (6 reviews)
- The Perfect New England Experience for All
Saturday: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Bowling Alleys

12 Candlepin Bowling Lanes, Video & Pinball Arcade and Exeter's Best-Hand Made-Pizza! A great family atmosphere at very reasonable prices. We have Wi-fi. See more..
5.0 Exeter Fine Crafts (1 review)
- LOVELY SHOP WITH MANY BEAUTIFUL CREATIONS
Paint & Pottery Studios

Founded in 1966, Exeter Fine Crafts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to keeping traditional handcrafted art a visible and vital part of our community. For over 50 years we have promoted craft and craftspeople alike with our retail gallery, educational programs and artist demonstrations. To learn more about EFC, visit our gallery at 61 Water Street in downtown Exeter, NH. See more..
5.0 The Chocolatier (1 review)
- HIGH-QUALITY, DELICIOUS CHOCOLATES
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Heading into Exeter, I was lucky to find a parking space practically in front of The Chocolatier. I’d been wanting to go there for some time. Inside, the aroma of high-quality chocolate filled the air. I browsed all the beautiful confections. The shop was in spirit of fall with a Halloween-themed display of goodies. And, even though it was only mid-October, there were Thanksgiving items, too. I decided on and got one Chocolate Fudge Cream and one Maple Cream. I got both coated in dark chocolate. With tax, the total was $2.91. The shopkeeper was very nice. I took my chocolates home to enjoy over the next couple of days. The Chocolate Fudge Cream was first. The soft fudge center was silky smooth and slightly creamy but still fudgy. And, of course, it was delicious. The Maple Cream filling had a delightful maple flavor. As expected of a cream, the filling’s texture was very soft and very smooth. That, too, was delicious. Of the two, the Chocolate Fudge Cream was my favorite taste-wise as I’m very partial to dark chocolate. But, for something fun, it was definitely the Maple Cream. I was very impressed with the chocolates from The Chocolatier. I rate it at 5.0 and highly recommend stopping by for a chocolate treat...or two. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
5.0 Water Street Bookstore, Inc. (1 review)
- ONE OF THE SEACOAST REGION'S LARGEST & BEST INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

Water Street Bookstore is an independent bookstore. It has two doorways on Water Street. One is closed as they want everyone coming through the main entrance as part of COVID-19 procedures. The shop had a wide selection of books and gift items such as tote bags, youth T-shirts, journals, notebooks, some puzzles, and calendars. A good part of the side room held children’s books. Another section of that room had cookbooks. I noticed one titled “The Official Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Cookbook.” It was $25.00. I put that on my Wish List. Others that caught my attention included cookbooks for plant-based diets, breads, and salads. There was a section with holiday cards. The sizable fiction section featured Stephen King’s “If It Bleeds” at eye level. There was a tall shelving unit with books about New England. The Sports section featured “The TB Method” by Tom Brady and “Hockey’s Greatest” from Sports Illustrated. There were some discounted books. The shop offered phone and online orders with curbside pick-up and free shipping also available. I rate Water Street Bookstore at 5.0. If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below. See more..
5.0 Whirlygigs Toy Shop (1 review)
- AWARD-WINNING TOY STORE
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

Whirlygigs Toy Shop has won the award for Best Toy Store in New England from Yankee Magazine and the Best of New Hampshire award from New Hampshire Magazine five times. The shop had everything from toy fire engines to Gund plush items. Products included US brands such as Mattel, Crayola, and Crayola as well as brands from Italy, Denmark, Malta, and Germany. There was a small annex side room with puzzles. Most of the ones I looked at were from White Mountain and Ravensburger. The staff was friendly and helpful. The shop also offered free gift-wrapping. Later, when I was leaving the Water Street Bookstore a few doors down, a passerby was carrying three sizable wrapped gifts she’d just purchased at Whirlygigs. I saw that the wrapping job was well done. I rate Whirlygigs Toy Shop at 5.0 and highly recommend shopping there. If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below. See more..
5.0 The Congregational Church In Exeter UCC (1 review)
- HISTORIC 1798 FEDERAL-STYLE CHURCH ~ PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN ATTENDED
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

The Congregation Church in Exeter’s history goes back to the congregation’s establishment in 1638 by Rev. John Wheelwright after he was expelled from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The building we see today was built in 1798. That’s 1798, not an 1800’s date. This church is well preserved. President Abraham Lincoln attended a service at this church when he went to Exeter to visit his son Robert when Robert was a student at nearby Phillis Exeter Academy. Besides its history, it is a fabulous example of Federal architecture with its symmetry, fanlight windows above the windows on the second floor and above the window in the clock tower, the moldings around doors and windows, the columns in several places on the façade, the octagonal belfry with its open arches, a domed octagonal lantern room, and a fairly ow steeple. In short, the millwork involved in constructing this church is magnificent. While I was taking in the style details, a couple walking their dog came along. They commented on the church’s classic beauty. They liked to take their walks in this direction mainly to see the church. I said that, if I lived in Exeter, I’d do the same thing. Later research at home revealed that the church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Given the year it was built, it was no surprise. For its history back to 1798 and its classic Federal architecture, I rate The Congregational Church in Exeter at 5.0 and highly recommend stopping by to admire it. While there, take in the history of the area that includes a state historic marker across the street and the Town House Common which is a nice small park. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL See more..
5.0 The Powder House (1 review)
- IMPORTANT HISTORIC SITE & A WALKING TRAIL
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

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5.0 Gilman Garrison House (1 review)
- A one-of-a-kind colonial house
Speciality Museums

The Gilman Garrison House is a rare surviving example of a First Period garrison house, built with a number of clearly defense-related features. Built in 1709 by Councillor John Gilman, a proprietor of sawmills and member of a prominent family involved in shipping, the 2 1/2-story T-shaped structure with a gabled roof and clapboarded exterior is located at 12 Water Street in Exeter, New Hampshire. It stands near the eastern end of Exeter's historic waterfront commercial district. Today, it is owned by Historic New England, which operates the home as a house museum. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. In constructing his home, Gilman fortified it for protection. The oldest portion has a frame of oak timbers with heaving wooden planking forming its walls. The upper floor projects over the ground floor and there is evidence that the overhang originally had firing portholes in its floor. There also are wall structures indicating that part of the house could be isolated by means of a wooden portcullis. See more..
4.5 Swasey Parkway (63 reviews)
- Quiet riverside park
Parks

Enjoy a shady stop by the river, right downtown. The view upstream towards the Exeter River and the old mill buildings is excellent. See more..
4.5 American Independence Museum (54 reviews)
- Packed with history
Speciality Museums

A small museum but packed with history. There is significance even with many everyday-looking items in the museum so we highly recommend a guided tour. Pam was our guide and she sets the bar very high! She is very knowledgeable and makes the information quite interesting. Kudos also to Emma for seeing us wandering the grounds on the back side of the museum wondering if it was open. She came outside and called to us to say that it was open. See more..
4.5 Phillips Exeter Trail (31 reviews)
- A walk in the woods
Biking Trails

A 30-mile loop beginning (and ending) at the posh prep school, Exeter, passing through several small towns along the way. See more..
4.5 Exeter Historical Society (13 reviews)
- Genealogy comes alives
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

My great niece needed to do a school project about her ancestors and she decided to do it on her father’s side of the family. Her great grandmother and the AMAZING women at the Exeter Historical Society helped her uncover some exciting information and complete her report, while learning so much. With the Historical Society’s assistance, she was able to trace her ancestors back to England and the ship that they sailed on and when they arrived in the US in 1638. She also found that though them, she is related to two of the founding families of Exeter, NH, and that one of her ancestors signed the Declaration of Independence! The guardians of the treasure trove of information and artifacts at the Exeter Historical Society are knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. Make an appointment today to find out more about your family history or to learn more about Exeter’s history. Well worth a visit!! See more..
4.0 Gilman Park (12 reviews)
- Hidden jewel
Parks

Park located on the edge of Exeter River and a great place for picnics, walks and fishing. See more..
4.0 Krypton Comics And Pop Culture (1 review)
- COMIC BOOKS, VINTAGE TOYS, & MORE
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Shopping in downtown Exeter, I came to Krypton Comics and Pop Culture. I went in to see what the Pop Culture part of the business was. First, I looked at the comic books which were all individually sealed in plastic. The store had a wide selection. The Pop Culture part had vintage toys, such as Farrah’s Glamour Center, antiques, and some new collectible figures. I thought the store had a good blend of old and new merchandise. I rate Krypton Comics and Pop Culture at 4.50. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
4.0 The Willow (1 review)
- SHOP WITH GIFTS & HOME DÉCOR
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Shopping in downtown Exeter, I came to The Willow. It was a combination of a gift shop and a home goods store. Inside, I found a number of wall décor items from clocks and mirrors to paintings and prints. All could be gifts or items for one’s own home. Because it was November, the tableware, drinkware, and miscellaneous décor items on display were geared to Thanksgiving entertaining. I saw two seasonal couch throw pillows. One had the word GATHER on it; the other had THANKFUL. The shop had greeting cards and notecards, too. Something really cute was the orange candle in the form of a small pumpkin. The Willow also carried jewelry. I admired several pairs of earrings, plus some bracelets, and necklaces. Like many other shops in Exeter, I thought that it was a very nice store stocked with tasteful, quality items. I rate The Willow at 4.50 and can recommend stopping in to look around. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
4.0 Antiques, Etc. (1 review)
- ANTIQUES & VINTAGE ITEMS
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Antique Shops

Shopping in downtown Exeter, I came Antiques, etc. Inside, I found that the shop had some vintage items besides the expected antiques. Browsing the store, I saw paintings, glassware, two old-fashioned seltzer makers, some vintage handbags and shoulder bags as well as some small evening bag clutches. One curiosity was a mysterious painting that featured a spherical object and something behind it. It wasn't clear if it was a person or something else. There was an antique urn that was quite pretty. The Pillsbury Doughboy cookie jar was a cute piece of nostalgia. Like other stores in Exeter, I thought that it was a very nice shop with quality items. In all my years of shopping in downtown Exeter, I’ve never seen anything junky in any of the shops. I rate Antiques, etc. at 4.50 and can recommend stopping in to look around. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
4.0 NH Marker #97 ~ Exeter Town House (1 review)
- NH MARKER COMMEMORATING CREATION OF A STATE SEPARATE FROM ENGLAND
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

The New Hampshire Historical Highway Marker #97 for the Exeter Town House at the corner of Court Street commemorates the original Town House where, on January 5, 1776, the Provincial Congress signed the first state constitution. New Hampshire was the first of the original thirteen colonies to create a separate state with such a document. That happened almost six months to the day before the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. I think that it was a pretty bold action for that time. For the historic event it commemorates, I rate the marker at 4.50. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
4.0 Town House Common (1 review)
- NICE SMALL PARK NEAR DOWNTOWN
Spent < 1 hour Parks

En route to another park farther away from downtown Exeter, I came upon Town House Common. It looked like a nice park, so I decided to visit. I found a small parking lot around the corner from Bow Street which is off Court Street. There were two main paths through the park. Several benches provided places to sit and enjoy the outdoors in a quiet atmosphere away from the busy downtown. The park a lot of trees to provide cool shade in the summer and colorful foliage in the fall. The park is also a good place to have a picnic with friends or family. I enjoyed my walk in the park and up to the corner of Court Street to the New Hampshire Historical Highway Marker for the Exeter Town House for which the park was named. I also went across the street to admire the architecture of the historic The Congregational Church in Exeter. I rate Town House Common at 4.0 and can recommend a visit to the park and its surroundings. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
4.0 Robert H. Stewart Waterfront Park (1 review)
- NICE RIVERFRONT PARK NEAR DOWNTOWN
Spent < 1 hour Parks

On a daytrip to Exeter, I was in the area of the Farmer’s Market at Swasey Parkway and found the Robert H. Stewart Waterfront Park out behind Phillips Exeter Academy: William G. Saltonstall Boathouse and Stillwells Riverwalk Ice Cream. Near the sign for the park was a large tree and a plaque that gave details about the tree which was an elm. A branch was cut from the original Liberty Tree in Boston, MA from the American Revolutionary War. It was propagated multiple times by The Elm Research Institute in Keene, NH which distributed several descendant trees. In 2008, Exeter received that one. It was especially meaningful to Exeter because the town is home to the American Independence Museum and Folsom’s Tavern where a chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati meets, plus it became the state's capital during the American Revolutionary War. Situated along the shores of the Squamscott River with a boardwalk, this waterfront park provides scenic views of the river and the historic mill buildings on the opposite side. During my visit, I walked most of the boardwalk. On my walk, I met a nice couple from Hampton who’d just returned from Weeks State Park up in Lancaster, NH which was a place I wanted to visit, so I paid close attention to their account of the trip. I had a nice visit to this park; and, now that I know it’s there, I’ll return for more walks along the river. For its scenic value, accessibility, and convenient location close to the Swasey Parkway and the downtown srea, I rate the Robert H. Stewart Waterfront Park at 4.75 and highly recommend a visit. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
4.0 Founders Park (1 review)
- QUIET PARK ADJACENT TO THE LIBRARY
Spent < 1 hour Parks

Founders Park is a strip park along the Squamscott River and next to the Exeter Public Library. There is free on-street parking. This park was created to mark Exeter’s 350th anniversary in 1988, he year I moved to NH’s Seacoast Region. There are two paths in the park. Both are flat and level. Near the entrance close to the library, there is a sculpture of arches with plantings around the base. The park had several benches for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. At the time of my visit in mid-October, I found the roses still in full bloom. During my walk, I came to a tree with red berries that I believed to be a Cornelian Cherry Dogwood. Walking to the park’s end at High Street, I found a Town of Exeter historical marker for The Great Dam which was removed in 2016. Although not stated on the marker, there had been two significant floods in the nearby downtown area in recent years that may have had something to do with the decision to remove the dam. The nearby Great Bridge on High Street that connects to Water Street had been rebuilt in 2003. Although relative small, I rate the well-maintained Founders Park at 4.0. The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews. If you found this review useful, please click HELPFUL. See more..
4.0 St Michael Parish Church (1 review)
- MID-CENTURY RENDITION OF GREEK REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE
Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

St. Michael Roman Catholic Community Church was built in 1957 and dedicated in 1958. It is built of red brick and is a fine example of a mid-century version of the classic Greek Revival style of architecture with its symmetrical shape, pilasters, columns, a porch entry, triangular shape of the front entrance, and decorated cornices and friezes. I happened upon this church when I visited the Gale Park War Memorial & Park across the street. It was a pleasant surprise to find it. For its well-executed modern version of Greek Revival architecture, I rate St. Michael Roman Catholic Community Church at 4.25. If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below. See more..
4.0 Gale Park War Memorial & Park (1 review)
- SMAL PARK WITH A SCULPTURE BY EXETER-BORN DANIEL CHESTER FRENCH
Parks

Gale Park War Memorial & Park is a small park across from St. Michael Roman Catholic Community Church. The most striking thing about the park is the sculpture there. The sculpture of a soldier with an ethereal figure hovering slightly above and behind him was done by Daniel Chester French, who was born in Exeter. French is best known for the sculpture of Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. Alice Gale Hobson donated the land for the park in memory of General Stephen H. Gale, her father. The park and memorial were dedicated on July 4, 1922 to commemorate the men and women of the World War ~ which was World War I. At the time, they had no idea that there would be a World War II. Along the walkway, I noticed a plaque indicating that The Bicentennial Committee had buried a time capsule on May 30, 1977 to be opened in 2076. The paths here are firmly-packed dirt and fine gravel. They are very even. They have low retaining walls on the sides to keep the paths level. Handicapped access that can accommodate a wheelchair is at the crosswalk in front of St. Michael on the corner of Lincoln Street. Mostly for the sculpture, I rate Gale Park War Memorial & Park at 4.0. I recommend a visit even if it’s just to see an example of a Daniel Chester French sculpture. If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below. See more..
4.0 Exeter Area Chamber Of Commerce (1 review)
- VERY GOOD RESOURCE FOR EXETER & SEACOAST AREA VISITORS
Saturday: Visitor Centers

The Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce has an office in the heart of Downtown Exeter near the bandstand. Its area encompasses Newfields, Brentwood, East Kingston, Kingston, Epping, and Kensington. Individual businesses form neighboring areas such as Portsmouth and The Hamptons are also members, so the chamber has some info on other cities and towns outside its area as well. Although small, the chamber has a number of pamphlets, rack cards, and restaurants menus for travelers covering the Greater Exeter area. It also has a large rotating rack with information for people relocating to the area. The official “Discover Exeter” booklet has the usual listings of attractions, shops, parks, restaurants, and lodging, plus sections on farming and local history. There is information on the American Independence Museum and the Historic New England property, the Gilman Garrison House, dating from 1709. Both historic attractions are connected to Colonial times. I was glad that I took the time to go through the rack cards and restaurant menus. I found two restaurants that I didn’t know about because they were off the main roads in town. There were also booklets on The White Mountains and Portland, ME. Pamphlets on Henderson-Swasey Town Forest and three other conservation areas - all in Exeter - were available. The gal who let me in and talked to me was very nice and helpful. There was a lot of good travel information to be had there. I rate the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce at 4.50 and can recommend a visit. TIP: Even when the office is closed, one can still get some brochures and pamphlets from the lobby during the daytime when that front entrance door is unlocked. If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below. See more..
4.0 Exeter Commons (1 review)
- STRIP MALL WITH THREE GOOD RESTAURANTS & SHOPPING
Shopping Malls

Exeter Commons was one of my stops on a daytrip. For shopping, Exeter Commons had Dollar Tree, On the Vine Marketplace, and Rite Aid. Dollar Tree is great for travelers to get snacks and beverages, replacement toiletries mid-trip, forgotten items, and other incidentals. On the Vine Marketplace can best be described as a gourmet grocery store with a butcher shop, local fresh produce, and a bakery. The main draw here for travelers is the dining options that include Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant, Moe’s Italian Sandwiches of Exeter, NH, and New Pine Garden Chinese Restaurant. My main purpose in going there was to shop at Dollar Tree for an item that was sold out at the other Dollar Tree stores closer to Dover where I live. Afterwards, I went into New Pine Garden Chinese Restaurant for a takeout menu and a look around. The décor was above average for attractiveness. I noticed that the wall behind the cash register had a lot of “Best of the Best” awards hanging there. I’ll be returning to get takeout as I'm not dining in much during the COVID-19 time. I rate Exeter Commons at 4.25. If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below. See more..
LunaChics (0 review)
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

LunaChics is a contemporary clothing boutique that has a wonderful selection for ages 12 and beyond! We specialize in denim and have fits and styles for every "body" and budget. You will love the large variety of tops, jewelry, accessories and more. All of the "non-shoppers" will be thrilled with the TV, couch, toys, and snacks. Stop by! You will be glad that you did! See more..
Seacoast Artist Association (0 review)
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Galleries

Art association and gallery/non-profit See more..

Things to do & places to visit in Exeter, New Hampshire, United States

Top things to do (18)

Top places to visit (29 attractions)

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