New Hampshire has many great towns just waiting to be explored. One of the best day trip destinations in the state is Exeter. This old mill town on the seacoast is full of history. Phillips Exeter Academy, a boarding school, gives the town a college feel, full of independent shops, great restaurants and activities. All in all, Exeter is a perfect day trip destination.
Exeter is an old mill town, nestled where the Exeter River meets the Squamscott River. Just a few miles from the seacoast, the town has beautiful waterways.
Tony Baldasaro/flickr
Exeter’s biggest claim to fame is that it is home to Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the oldest prep schools in the country.
Mauxs/trip advisor
However, that isn’t the only historically significant part of Exeter. The town, which was founded in 1638, has a rich history for New Hampshire and the whole country.
Doug Kerr/flickr
You can learn about that history at the American Independence Museum, where you can read original drafts of the constitution and even catch a historical reenactment.
American Independence Museum/lfacebook
For lunch, head to Green Bean on the Water, a great restaurant spot that is right on the river.
Shelby D./Yelp
Downtown Exeter is perfect for shopping. The college town feel lends itself to small shops that are great for browsing.
Doug Kerr/flickr
The Water Street Book Store is a local favorite.
Don W./Yelp
After an afternoon of shopping, head to Blue Moon Evolution for dinner.
Aviva H./Yelp
In the evening, stroll the grounds of Philips Exeter.
Aiden Wakely-Mulroony/flickr
On your way out of town be sure to enjoy stunning views of the bays, marshes and rivers that shape New Hampshire’s seacoast.
Ann/flickr
Looking for more seacoast fun? Check out New Hampshire’s smallest town, made entirely of islands!
Tony Baldasaro/flickr
Mauxs/trip advisor
Doug Kerr/flickr
American Independence Museum/lfacebook
Shelby D./Yelp
Don W./Yelp
Aviva H./Yelp
Aiden Wakely-Mulroony/flickr
Ann/flickr
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