Founded in 1638, Exeter is utterly quiet on July 4. But on the second Saturday after the 4th, this small town celebrates Independence Day two weeks after the rest of the country. The spirited American Independence Festival brings out the whole town (seemingly) dressed up in Colonial garb for 18th-century-style celebrating.
The procession, led by George Washington, and the reading of the Declaration of Independence take center stage. But there are loads of other events, from Colonial cooking to militia drills to gunpowder races. Add fireworks and a night of rock-and-roll and you'll be reminded that reenactments are fun.
To reach Exeter, take I-95 to exit 2, then NH 101 west. Turn left on Portsmouth Ave/NH 10 and right on Water St.
