There’s something undeniably charming about getting out into the rural countryside of New England during fall foliage season—particularly when the trip centers around quaint and historic towns. Exeter is one of the best destinations for a fall getaway. Not only are there plenty of fantastic things to do in Exeter, NH, in the fall, but it’s also close to so many fantastic ways to experience the breathtaking beauty of the season.
As autumn unfolds, Exeter, New Hampshire, transforms into a vibrant canvas of fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep oranges. The town’s tree-lined streets and the surrounding hills and coastal areas offer an exquisite display of fall foliage, making it the perfect destination for leaf peepers and history lovers alike. With so many great things to do in Exeter, NH, there’s something here for everyone. From quiet walks on scenic nature trails and scenic drives in the countryside to exploring the town’s rich heritage through its well-preserved architecture and local museums, there’s much to love about fall getaways here.
Perhaps the best reason to make Exeter your go-to destination this fall is the chance to stay at our elevated Boutique Inn. Whether you’re here to visit your student at the famed Phillips Exeter Academy or are just looking for a romantic, beautiful place to unwind for a few days, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better New England Getaway than our elegant, historic boutique hotel in Exeter. Our beautiful, restored and maintained Inn is located in the heart of downtown Exeter, across from the famed bandstand, affording our guest’s easy access to all the best things to do in Exeter, NH, and beyond.
Apart from offering exquisite accommodations and exceptional, personalized hospitality, our Inn also houses one of the finest dining establishments on the Seacoast. In short, our upscale hotel offers our guests the perfect setting to unwind and fully appreciate the magic of fall in New Hampshire. Book your room today!
The Best Things to Do in Exeter, NH, This Fall
If you’re looking for an enchanting and captivating experience this fall, look no further than Exeter, New Hampshire. Exeter is a charming, historic community on the Seacoast of New Hampshire. For such a small town, there is a surprising number of things to do in Exeter, NH. But, truly, in the fall, trips are all about the vibrant fall foliage outside. Exeter offers the perfect chance to breathe in the crisp fall area and explore the area’s scenic natural beauty, all while enjoying a charming town as a historic backdrop to your getaway.
The coastline, with its panoramic ocean views, is just a short drive away and provides a striking contrast to the brilliant colors of the season, too. Inland, the quaint towns and picturesque countryside offer a delightful array of fall activities, including scenic drives, hikes, orchard visits, and more. Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite things to do on the Seacoast in the fall.
- Though there are plenty of things to do in Exeter, NH, in the fall, no trip to New England would be complete without at least one scenic drive. Popular routes include Portsmouth/New Castle on Route 1b, Hampton Beach to Hampton Falls and Exeter, and the Coastal Byway.
- If you don’t want to drive through the countryside aimlessly, consider planning a tour of New Hampshire covered bridges. They are always charming to see but never more so than when surrounded by fall foliage.
- If you want to get up close to the season’s best fall foliage, get outside for a hike. Great fall hikes include the Stratham Hill Fire Tower, the trails at Pawtuckaway State Park, and the Hillzilla Trail and Red Loop in Exeter. There’s also a great trail network on the grounds of the Phillips Exeter Academy.
- Biking is another excellent way to immerse yourself in the vibrantly colored rural landscapes. Rural roads are great for biking, but you can also head out on the Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail.
- For some quintessential and old-fashioned fun on the Seacoast this fall, head to local orchards for some apple picking. This fall, orchards and farms worth visiting include Vernon Family Farm in Newfields, Applecrest Farm Orchards in Hampton Falls, and Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury.
- Enjoy seasonal, farm-to-table fare at the leading restaurant in Exeter, NH. Ambrose, located at our Boutique Hotel in Exeter, offers small, shareable plates in an intimate dining room or outdoor garden patio.
- Don’t forget to spend plenty of time in Exeter, admiring the historic buildings in town, taking a walk on the Swasey Parkway, and popping into the charming boutiques and shops along the way.
- Admire the seasonal bounty at the Exeter Farmers Market. It’s open until October 31 and is a great spot to pick up a few provisions for a romantic fall picnic!
- Another one of our favorite things to do in Exeter, NH, is attending small-town festivals and events. There are plenty of them in the fall, including the Exeter UFO Festival over Labor Day Weekend, the Powder Keg Beer and Chili Festival in October, the annual Exeter Halloween Parade, and so much more.
- Don’t miss the chance to explore Exeter’s museums and galleries. For a small town, there’s an impressive range of exhibits to enjoy.
The Best Place to Stay in Exeter, New Hampshire
Of all the fantastic things to do in Exeter, NH, this fall, nothing outshines the chance to stay in luxury at our top-rated Boutique hotel in Exeter. It’s rated as the best place to stay in Exeter, NH, and for good reason. Not only are we one of the few AAA four-diamond properties in New England, but our boutique hotel offers a sophisticated blend of historic charm and modern luxury. The hotel is housed in a Federal-style mansion dating back to 1809 and exudes elegance with its meticulously decorated rooms, each featuring antiques and fine art.
Our many accolades aside, what truly sets us apart as the best place to stay in Exeter, NH, is the personalized service you’ll enjoy while you’re our guest. We offer just eight unique guest rooms, meaning we can dedicate the time needed for exceptional, detail-oriented hospitality. Each of our guest rooms is decorated with period furnishings, antiques, and fine art, and all offer a nod to Exeter’s rich history. In seven rooms, guests will enjoy fireplaces, creating an ambiance that perfectly complements the autumn season.
In addition to providing an exceptional guest experience, we also host Ambrose, one of the finest restaurants on the Seacoast. Our dining room and garden patio offer limited seating, ensuring a spectacular, intimate meal experience. Our chef uses locally sourced ingredients that are transformed into delightful and creative small plates. The menu is a fusion of cultures, and the plates are designed to be shared. We also have an extensive wine and cocktail list to enhance the experience.
Located in the heart of historic Exeter, the Inn by the Bandstand places you within walking distance of all the best things to do in Exeter, NH. Whether exploring the local shops and galleries or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets, the Inn is a luxurious base for your fall getaway. Book your room today!