Exeter Travel Guide

A detailed travel guide offering information on the places to visit, things to do, and other important details about Exeter, Rhode Island.


Introduction to Exeter

Exeter is a town in South County, Rhode Island, located in New England, United States of America. The town is famous for its rich colonial history and scenic beauty. It has a small population of approximately 6,500 residents, but it attracts a significant number of visitors every year. Exeter is known for its peaceful surroundings, natural landscapes, and outdoor activities. This tour guide will provide you with essential information and highlights of the best things to do, places to see, and local cultures of Exeter.

List of Places to Visit in Exeter

Exeter offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors. Here is a list of popular places to visit.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Smith-Appleby House Museum
  2. Tomaquag Museum
  3. Samuel E Perry Grist Mill

The Smith-Appleby House is the oldest house in the town, dating back to the colonial era. The Tomaquag Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Narragansett tribe, while the Samuel E Perry Grist Mill is an example of the area’s rich industrial history.

Natural Attractions of Exeter: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Arcadia Management Area
  2. Yawgoog Scout Reservation
  3. Carolina Management Area

Exeter is home to beautiful and serene natural landscapes, which are perfect for outdoor adventures. The Arcadia Management Area offers scenic hiking trails and fishing opportunities, while the Yawgoog Scout Reservation provides activities including kayaking, swimming, and archery. The Carolina Management Area is a popular spot for horseback riding and hunting.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Exeter

Exeter offers several hiking and biking routes that provide scenic views of the town. Here are some popular routes.

  1. The Ben Utter Trail
  2. The Pachaug Trail
  3. The North-South Trail

The Ben Utter Trail winds through the forests and rocky terrain. The Pachaug Trail offers a variety of landscapes, including forests, meadows, and ponds. The North-South Trail stretches for 78 miles, starting from Massachusetts and ending at the southern coast of Rhode Island.

Best Things to Do in Exeter: Activities and Tours

  1. Rhode Island Outdoor Adventures
  2. Schartner Farms
  3. Kendall Pond Conservation Area

Rhode Island Outdoor Adventures offer kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Schartner Farms is a popular destination for apple-picking and hayrides during the fall season. Kendall Pond Conservation Area is a nature reserve that offers hiking, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities.

Week-Long Itinerary for Exeter

A week-long itinerary for Exeter could include the following activities.

Day Activity
1 Visit the Smith-Appleby House Museum
2 Explore the Arcadia Management Area
3 Take a kayaking tour with Rhode Island Outdoor Adventures
4 Experience apple picking at Schartner Farms
5 Hike the Ben Utter Trail
6 Check out the Tomaquag Museum
7 Relax at Carolina Management Area

Food and Drink Scene of Exeter

Exeter has an excellent food and drink scene that offers delicious and authentic flavors.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Stuffies (Stuffed Quahogs)
  2. Clam Cakes
  3. Lobster Roll

Rhode Island is known for its seafood, and Exeter is no exception. Stuffies are a local delicacy that consists of minced clams, bread, and other spices, while clam cakes are fried dough balls that are filled with clam meat. The lobster roll is also a popular and delicious dish.

Local Beverages

  1. Narragansett Beer
  2. Gray’s Ice Cream

Narragansett Beer is a local brew that has been around since the 1800s and is a classic Rhode Island beer. Gray’s Ice Cream is a local dessert shop that has been serving delicious ice cream for over 90 years.

Where to Stay in Exeter: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Exeter has a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the popular choices include:

  1. Jacob Hill Inn
  2. The Inn at Exeter
  3. Lantern Hill Inn

Jacob Hill Inn is a bed and breakfast that offers luxurious rooms and suites. The Inn at Exeter is a boutique hotel that features cozy rooms and a garden. Lantern Hill Inn is a historic bed and breakfast that offers a unique and comfortable stay.

What to Buy in Exeter: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Apple Cider Donuts
  2. Maple Syrup
  3. Local Art

Exeter offers a variety of souvenirs and local products that are perfect for bringing home. The apple cider donuts from Schartner Farms are a must-try local delicacy. The maple syrup from the nearby farms is also a popular souvenir. Additionally, there are many local artists in Exeter, and their work is a great way to remember your trip.

Local Culture and Customs of Exeter

Rhode Island is known for its water-loving culture, and Exeter is no exception. Visitors can embrace the local culture by taking part in outdoor activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking. Additionally, the town is steeped in colonial history, and there are many museums and historical places to explore.

Best Time to Visit Exeter

The best time to visit Exeter is during the fall season (September-November) when the weather is pleasant, and the foliage is at its peak. This season also offers apple picking and other fall activities. The summer season (June-August) is also an excellent time to visit for those who want to engage in outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Exeter

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs.
  2. Take advantage of the natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
  3. Be courteous to the locals.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or damage the natural environment.
  2. Ignore the local cultural norms and traditions.
  3. Be rude or disrespectful to the locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Exeter

Exeter is generally a safe town, and visitors need not worry about any major safety concerns. However, it’s always a good idea to take general safety precautions, such as locking your doors and keeping valuables safe.

Health in Exeter

Exeter has a few medical facilities that offer basic medical care. However, for more severe ailments, visitors should visit the nearest hospital, which is located in South Kingstown.

Getting to Exeter: Transportation Options and Logistics

Exeter is easily accessible from other parts of the country. Here are some transportation options.

Airports Near Exeter

  1. T.F. Green Airport, Providence
  2. Logan International Airport, Boston

Both airports offer shuttle services and car rentals that visitors can use to reach Exeter.

Bus Stations Near Exeter

  1. Peter Pan Bus Lines
  2. Greyhound Lines

Both bus lines offer services to and from Exeter and neighboring towns and cities.

Other Options

Visitors can also use car rentals or personal cars to get around in Exeter.

How to Get Around in Exeter

The best way to get around in Exeter is by car or bike. Alternatively, visitors can also use ride-hailing services such as Uber or Lyft.

Where to Go Next from Exeter: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Exeter is located in a prime location that offers easy access to several scenic towns and cities. Here are some nearby destinations.

  1. Newport
  2. Westerly
  3. Providence

Newport is known for its scenic ocean views, historic mansions, and yacht culture. Westerly is home to beautiful beaches and stunning natural landscapes. Providence is a bustling city with a thriving arts and culture scene.

Conclusion

Exeter is a charming and delightful town that offers visitors a variety of attractions, activities, and local experiences. Whether you’re interested in learning about local history and culture, exploring the natural landscapes or indulging in delicious food, Exeter has something for everyone. Use this tour guide to plan your trip and make the most of your visit to this beautiful town.

Mercy Brown's gravestone in the cemetery of the Baptist Church in Exeter Mercy Brown's gravestone in the cemetery of the Baptist Church in Exeter