In Exeter, different reasons to visit are close together: the Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern each tell a different story about the time of the Revolutionary War. At Swasey Parkway, recreational opportunities follow the Squamscott River, while the market and concerts offer regular seasonal events. Which experiences you put at the center of your visit also determines whether a particular day of the week or an event date is important for your plans.
History at the Museum and Tavern
Two historic sites meet on the grounds of the American Independence Museum. The Ladd-Gilman House was built as a private residence in 1721 and now serves as a history museum. Its exhibits cover New Hampshire’s role in the Revolutionary War. Folsom Tavern dates back to 1775 and offers an interactive, immersive experience of an 18th-century tavern. Visitors can imagine life in a tavern during the Revolutionary War.
The two experiences have different emphases: the exhibits and New Hampshire’s role are central at the Ladd-Gilman House; at Folsom Tavern, the focus is on experiencing what life in a tavern was like at the time. If you are interested in the history of the Revolutionary era, you can explore the subject through these two different approaches. The dates place the buildings in context: the house was built in 1721, and the tavern in 1775.
Walk Along the River and Explore Exeter on Foot
Swasey Parkway follows the Squamscott River and is lined with trees and park benches. It is suited to walking, jogging and picnicking. These three options range from a stroll to a jog to a break outdoors. The river, trees and benches define the setting, without requiring you to settle on just one activity.
Trail brochures are available for Henderson Swasey Town Forest, Raynes Farm and Little River Conservation Area; they can be downloaded and printed for free. Check whether the brochures are available before your visit. Another way to explore Exeter on foot is the Exeter Historical Society’s digital walking tour. It includes photos and stories and works on iPhone, Android and Windows smartphones. You should also check its availability before your trip.
Market, Concerts and Kayaking
The Exeter Farmer’s Market runs from May through October on Thursdays from 2:15 to 6:00 p.m. at Swasey Parkway. Exeter Brass Band concerts are scheduled for Monday evenings in July at the downtown bandstand; they have been a town tradition since 1847. The events therefore follow different schedules: the market runs for several months and takes place on Thursdays, while the concerts are concentrated on Monday evenings in July. If either event is important to you, check the current market dates and hours or that year’s concert schedule.
You can also explore Exeter by kayak from Stewart Park. This adds kayaking to the activities available at Swasey Parkway. You can choose among history, riverfront activities, a walking tour and exploring on the water during your stay.
Getting There by Train
Exeter has one of the busiest rail stations in New Hampshire. The Downeaster connects the town with North Station in Boston and Freeport in Maine. Check schedules and connections before setting out if you plan to travel by train. These destinations give you a concrete guide to the rail route; choose the exact connections to suit your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Atkinson, Hampton, Sandown, Rye, North Hampton, Hampton Falls, Portsmouth, Seabrook.
View the regional travel guide: Rockingham.
