Scenes From Exeter, New Hampshire
A closer look at the historic river town of Exeter, New Hampshire, from photographer Mark Fleming.

Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine
Photo Credit : Katherine KeenanJust eight miles from the coast and 20 minutes from Portsmouth, the historic river town of Exeter, New Hampshire, is ideally situated. Here you can enjoy memorable meals, great shopping, and leisurely rambles past centuries-old buildings, all the while soaking up the vibe of a coastal retreat without tourists or traffic.
Among the leading claims to fame of Exeter, founded in 1638, is Phillips Exeter Academy — the venerable prep school (c. 1781) immortalized in John Knowles’s classic novel A Separate Peace and the alma mater of Daniel Webster, John Irving, and Mark Zuckerberg, among others. The school melts 672 beautiful acres into the downtown, with walking trails, colonial-era buildings, and a hefty allotment of academic brick.
On busy Water Street, you’re apt to overhear students talking about their academy activities, possibly over a perfectly brewed chai latte at D²Java, or under a red umbrella at Laney & Lu Café with an Epic Egg Sammie in hand. Follow Water Street down to Swasey Parkway, and you can stroll the half-mile path that hugs a riverbank once lined with docks and wharves — you can almost hear the creaking of wooden ships.
The following are some of our favorite images by Yankee senior photographer Mark Fleming for the “Exeter, New Hampshire | Could You Live Here?” feature in the March/April 2018 issue.Scenes From Exeter, New Hampshire

Photo Credit : Mark Fleming

Photo Credit : Mark Fleming

Photo Credit : Mark Fleming

Photo Credit : Mark Fleming

Photo Credit : Mark Fleming

Photo Credit : Mark Fleming

Photo Credit : Mark Fleming

Photo Credit : Mark Fleming

Photo Credit : Mark Fleming

Photo Credit : Mark Fleming

Photo Credit : Mark Fleming

Photo Credit : Mark Fleming

Photo Credit : Mark Fleming

Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
I believe the architect’s name is Louis Kahn, not Lewis.
Thanks for pointing that out, Linda. We’ve made the correction.
I grew up next to Exeter in Kensington and seeing this wonderful article brings back a million wonderful memories of life and celebrations in lovely Exeter. LOVED it… thank you!
Hello, I went to school ( a long time ago 1960’s) to Emerson School in Exeter. Does anyone remember the school or attended there? It was a great start to my education.
Jeff P, I attended Emerson 1966-67.
I attended UNH, class of 1974, and had a car. I visited Exeter several times while I lived in Durham. One semester I had the “ideal schedule”: classes at 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am and 11:00am M, W & F (every afternoon off and all day Tu and Th). Boy did I have fun that semester!!!!!!!! I’m a history buff and a friend of one of my cousins had an antiques shop in Kennebunk, ME on Main St., after moving there from Boston, MA, where she also had shops. I visited her frequently there and bought a lot of really nice things from her over a period of time. I didn’t know “Mr. Z” went “there”; not surprising he is “so smart”. I’m glad he is helping people with his fortune; that makes me very happy about him.
Called on local businesses in Exeter for years, love the town and it’s people. Especially the Curtain shop on water street.
I love Exeter but, miss Loaf&Ladel restaurant. Great soups and sandwiches!
Mara, you should check out Hemingway’s restaurant a few doors down from us. They’re now featuring Loaf & Ladle breads in some of their dishes!
Thank you so much for spotlighting my Beloved HOMEtown of Exeter, NH. I have such fond memories. I was blessed to be able to work at PEA and Gerry’s Luncheonette during my High School years. Though I’ve lived in PA longer than I lived in NH, EXETER will ALWAYS be HOME for me.
Does no one recall The Real Diary of A Real Boy. Which described Exeter, NH over a period of years in the mid 19th century?
Exeter also has a great, and increasingly rare, downtown music store. Will put Laney & Lu on the “Go To” list. Thanks for the excellent Exeter primer!