Quirky Collectibles

After supporting the Academy and its students for nearly 200 years, it’s hard to believe there is anywhere in the town of Exeter that has yet to be discovered and popularized. For new students, it is important to immediately discover a private place to study. Equally as vital are those special spots to enjoy a meal when the dining hall is underwhelming and you’ve already ordered twice this week.Although it may seem like every spot is crowded or cliché, Exeter has a wide variety of special locations to offer. These are the places where studying, eating and relaxation overlap with the added bonus of a hint of secrecy and seclusion. The hidden gems of the Academy.The first few weeks of Exeter poses a serious academic challenge to new students. As the workload steadily begins to increase, the excessive distractions of dorm and social life can cause one’s dormitory to become a center for procrastination. It is vital to explore other study options, else see one’s grade point average slowly devoured by new friendships and cheap pizza.The library is the classic alternative to the dorm. It is filled with helpful proctors, study carrels and comfortable couches. What makes the library special though, and why it is included in the top hidden gems of Exeter, is the unique benefit it offers each student: the ability to find your own secret spot. Be it the periodicals room, which has arguably the most comfortable seating, or the basement, which boasts square study tables, the library is so vast and varied that every student can discover their own hidden gem within.Unfortunately, the library’s popularity removes any secrecy and the presence of a multitude of other students can kill the study benefits. Luckily, the science building offers a secluded lounge on the third floor, recently redone to accommodate chic leather chairs and an eagle-eye view of the academic quad. The daunting staircases act as a ward against the unfocused masses, leaving only a determined select few to grace its borders.Realistically (parents, skip ahead), the typical Exeter student does not spend all of their time studying. The town of Exeter willingly accepts those students who choose to combine work with other pastimes, such as eating. Restaurants such as Me & Ollie’s keep the crowds away from our local shops, like St. Anthony’s bakery. Although it offers a noticeably more limited menu than Me & Ollie’s, St. Anthony’s provides quick and enjoyable breakfast and lunch options to students and the always-friendly face of Anthony himself. The side room is filled with tables and chairs that are rarely occupied, leaving it as a perfect place to munch and study when Ollie’s is filled.The students who choose to finish (or forsake) their work early often seek alternatives to the dining halls. Fortunately, fresh scenery and food is readily available. For example, take lunch on the average full day of classes. Wetherell is packed and has lines, sometimes quite literally out the door. Being one of the students to actually receive a bacon cheeseburger, much less finding a table with seats for you and your friends, is unheard of. Very few students seem to know about the upstairs tables at Wetherell dining hall. Along with a much cleaner and more private restroom than the one downstairs, there are completely private tables that hardly ever see the excitement of cafeteria trays.Logically, a change of scenery is sometimes not enough to satisfy the taste buds when new cuisine is desired. On Thursday afternoons, the students with the most elite palates find themselves pursuing the Exeter Farmers’ Market, home to nearly forty stalls each week. A wider array of options can not be found anywhere else in Exeter, and it is conveniently located on our next hidden gem, Swasey Parkway.Exonians often have to choose between the three S’s: sleeping, studying or socializing. Swasey Parkway is one of few locations which accommodates all three. During the early fall months and most of spring term, the sun warms the grass and creates a tantalizingly pleasant sleep spot. The parkway is river-adjacent, offering waterfront views for no cost. A well-placed gazebo allows for snacking while watching crew boats row past or terrified geese feed. Swasey is the perfect place to have a picnic with friends, take a nap, do some homework or just sit and relax with the beautiful weather New England offers year round.Alas, after a couple weeks of toiling away at the Exeter workload, one might find themselves overwhelmed—so much so that not even comforting food or scenic parks can calm one’s mind. The Answer? Henderson-Swasey Town Forest, better known as Fort Rock by locals. After just a quick walk past Swasey Park and down Newfields Road, you will find yourself at the entrance to this secluded, leafy forest sprawling over more than 200 acres of rolling hills. Not only will you rarely see another soul on the park’s many trails, but the options are endless! After a day of hiking, running, mountain biking or even cross-country skiing in the winter, one is sure to return to campus happy, composed and stress-free.Each of these places have already been discovered, and although it may seem unlikely, there are certainly more hidden gems to be found.