Downtown Area Commercial District

The Downtown Area Commercial District - What Is It?

The Downtown Area Commercial District is located in the heart of Exeter and includes businesses along Water Street, Front Street, Court Street, Center Street, Bow Street, High Street, and Franklin Street. Businesses may find the downtown area particularly appealing for many reasons:

History - Much of the downtown area adjacent to the Squamscott River is one of Exeter's Historic Districts, which were established in 1970 to preserve the town's heritage. Significant history abounds in Exeter: see the birthplace of the modern republican party at 24 Front Street where Amos Tuck held his famous meeting in 1853, visit the Powder House located across the Squamscott from Swasey Parkway (accessible via Jady Hill avenue), see the Town Hall, where Abraham Lincoln stopped on his Cooper Union Tour of 1860. Visit the Exeter Historical Society at 47 Front Street and see Exeter's beginnings, including the original deed to the Town (the 'Exeter Combination').
Location - The Squamscott River provides the downtown area with beautiful scenery and stunning views. Swasey Parkway provides a local attraction for jogging, walking, picnics, community events, bird watching, and weekly farmers' markets.
Free Parking - There is no charge to park in downtown Exeter. Two hour parking limits may apply in select areas.
Foot traffic - The downtown area draws pedestrians who aim to walk, shop, eat, and relax.
The Downtown Exeter experience: Exeter has many options for visitors downtown: breakfast at the Big Bean, the historic Town Hall built in 1855, catch the views of the Squamscott River from String Bridge, visit the Town library built on the Squamscott River, rest and relax in Founders Park, walk along the river at Stewart Park, grab lunch at a number of different downtown eateries. Stop for a drink and dinner at Street, Sea Dog Brewing, Cornicello, Vino e Vivo, or Otto. In the mood for Asian food? Try Capital Thai or Szechuan Taste, both located downtown. Looking for something sweet? Try Stillwell's for ice cream or head to St. Anthony's Bakery or D Squared Java for pastries and coffee. Exeter has a little bit of everything.