Portsmouth, New Hampshire is a type of nice little New England coastal cities that ranks proper up there with Portland, ME and Windfall, RI, making it superb for a weekend getaway. Portsmouth is thought for its nice meals, historic buildings, and tax-free buying. Whereas many merely go by on a New England street journey as much as the Maine coast, there are sufficient issues to do in Portsmouth NH (and nice meals to eat) that it deserves its personal journey!
I’m a type of those that used to simply go by Portsmouth on my strategy to Maine in the summertime months, pondering it was a type of “blink and you’ll miss it” cities. After lastly stopping just a few occasions for lunch and a wander by means of Market Sq., I found how completely charming downtown Portsmouth was. We have been lastly capable of spend a weekend in Portsmouth NH not too long ago and I acquired to see that it was simply as cool within the low season.
If in case you have been contemplating a weekend in Portsmouth, or perhaps a day journey, cease contemplating and begin planning! It’s time to uncover this New Hampshire gem! On this information I’ll share the finest issues to do in Portsmouth and the close by Seacoast, the place to remain in Portsmouth, the finest time to go to, and a few of the tastiest native eating places within the metropolis of Portsmouth. It’s undoubtedly one of many finest locations to go to in New Hampshire!
Finest Time to Go to Portsmouth, NH
If you’re in search of historic properties, museums, and outside actions similar to visiting the Isles of Shoals, you’re higher off coming within the hotter months, particularly if you’re bringing the entire household. Through the summer time the climate is good and all of the points of interest are open for the season. Prime season is Might by means of October.
The winter months could deliver shorter days and colder climate however additionally, you will discover cheaper resort charges and fewer vacationers, and loads of locations to heat up and get cozy even when a few of the museums are closed or have shorter hours. You could even get to see how the small-town appeal of Portsmouth when it snows. With most of the particular vacation occasions round city, I feel it is without doubt one of the finest locations to go for Christmas on the East Coast.
Attending to Portsmouth, NH
Attending to Portsmouth, New Hampshire could be very simple, as it’s a direct exit off of Interstate 95. If you’re flying in, the Portsmouth Worldwide Airport at Pease (PSM) affords service between Portsmouth and Florida, Myrtle Seaside, Hilton Head, and Savannah by means of Allegiant Air. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is positioned about 50 miles west of Portsmouth, however the largest airport is Boston‘s Logan Airport (BOS), which is about an hour south of Portsmouth, offering service from main nationwide and worldwide cities.
Most guests to Portsmouth NH will drive in from the Northeast or close by New England states. Portsmouth is lower than one hour north of Boston, MA, one hour south of Portland, ME, and fewer than 5 hours from New York Metropolis. Whereas it’s best to remain in a single day, we did even meet some fellow Rhode Islanders from Windfall who have been visiting Portsmouth on a day journey. Portsmouth is actually a well-liked day journey from Boston.
The place to Keep in Portsmouth, NH
Be aware: Our keep was hosted by AC Resort Portsmouth Downtown and Colwen Hospitality. All opinions are my very own. This put up could include affiliate hyperlinks. Should you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee.
With the rising reputation of Portsmouth NH for weekend getaways, new inns have popped up in recent times, offering some nice choices for enterprise vacationers, households, and {couples} on a romantic getaway. We not too long ago stayed on the AC Resort Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront and we liked it. The situation close to the waterfront is a 5-10 minute quick stroll to Market Road, making it simple to get round on foot and never must take care of discovering road parking.
The resort opened in late 2019 and has a contemporary, fashionable look with stunning public areas, together with a two-sided glass hearth within the foyer and bar and cozy enterprise work areas. The fashionable, city design is certainly well-suited for {couples}, buddies, or enterprise vacationers. It additionally has a pleasant 24-hour health room that includes a studio the place you may take part in on-demand on-line lessons.
These touring with households could favor the Residence Inn Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront or the Hampton Inn Portsmouth Downtown.
We stayed in a spacious suite with a king mattress and a separate residing space. The room provided a number of good TVs with streaming apps, a piece space, and a cushty sofa for enjoyable. One in every of my favourite issues in regards to the AC Resort is the Hydration Stations on every flooring for simple entry to ice and filtered water to refill bottles. There was additionally infused water within the foyer for friends.
The AC affords a full European-style breakfast buffet for comfort for those who don’t wish to stroll into city (not included.) The true gem is the Rooftop at The Envio, which serves dinner, mild bites, and cocktails from a rooftop setting. This indoor/outside area options a big bar and a rooftop patio with harbor views. Within the winter the outside area is residence to heated igloos with couches and cozy chairs, which will be rented out for a enjoyable night time with buddies or a romantic date night time.
Finest Issues to do in Portsmouth, NH
Whether or not you’re in search of historic landmarks, artwork galleries, cute boutiques, dwell leisure, or nice eating places, Portsmouth has you lined. Simply strolling alongside the cobblestone and brick-lined streets and alleys, previous Seventeenth-century historic landmarks such because the North Church and Portsmouth Athenaeum is a delight. Begin with these enjoyable issues to do in Portsmouth:
1. Eat on the Finest Eating places in Portsmouth
With a whole bunch of eating places, Portsmouth is a foodie vacation spot. And no, it isn’t all New England seafood. The primary time we stopped in Portsmouth we didn’t make it too far past the Previous Harbor eating places just like the Previous Ferry Touchdown that line the Piscataqua River and provide your typical seafood choices in a touristy setting. It was okay, however then I discovered for those who wandered round downtown, yow will discover wonderful meals from quite a lot of ethnicities — far more and significantly better than only a fried fish plate from a vacationer restaurant.
Breakfast Spots in Portsmouth
The Pleasant Toast
The Pleasant Toast is a New England chain serving up scrumptious, made-from-scratch brunch choices. You’ll usually see a line outdoors or folks ready on painted benches, however here’s a professional tip: be a part of the waitlist on Yelp to keep away from the wait. The Pleasant Toast is positioned at 113 Congress Road, Portsmouth, NH
Popovers on the Sq.
Serving up its signature popovers with maple butter and all-day brunch, this spot in the midst of downtown is one other nice breakfast spot. Popovers on the Sq. is positioned at 8 Congress Road, Portsmouth, NH
Lunch Spots in Portsmouth
Shalimar India
If you’re in search of a hearty and warming meal, Shalimar India serves up a scrumptious and filling lunch particular with Mulligatawny soup, Basmati rice, the primary course, and chutneys. Because the oldest Indian restaurant within the area, Shalimar is an establishment for these looking for genuine Indian delicacies. Shalimar is positioned at 80 Hanover Road, Portsmouth, NH
The Works Cafe
If you need scrumptious sandwiches, quinoa bowls, soups, and salads, The Works Cafe is the place to go. Whereas that is one other New England chain, it has an area vibe and is ideal for a fast and informal lunch. The Works Cafe is positioned at 9 Congress Road, Portsmouth, NH
Flatbread Firm
Flatbread Firm is one other New England chain (we frequent the one right here in Windfall), serving up artisanal wood-fired pizzas that incorporate substances from native farmers. Flatbread Firm is positioned at 138 Congress Road, Portsmouth, NH
Should you want a mid-afternoon snack or pick-me-up, cease into the French-style Elephantine Bakery for breakfast, lunch, bread, or espresso. La Maison Navarre is a Parisian-style patisserie and wine bar with a beautiful show of macarons.
The place to go for Dinner in Portsmouth
Row 34
We’ve got really had lunch at Row 34, nevertheless it works even higher for dinner. They serve up contemporary oysters and seafood in a smooth and fashionable setting, with an excellent native craft beer choice. The contemporary, native oysters and seafood are scrumptious and that is the place to go if you’re craving seafood. Row 34 is positioned at 5 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH
Sol Southern Kitchen & Bar
I’ve by no means had such good southern meals this far north. For a restaurant that does all the things from a low nation boil to New Orleans cajun and Alabama white bbq, I don’t know the way they handle to do all of it so properly and authentically. Sol Southern is positioned at 111 State Road, Portsmouth, NH
Toscana Chop Home
If you’re craving scrumptious steak or Italian meals, head to Toscana. Positioned in a historic financial institution constructing, Toscana is a good alternative for an important day or date night time. Toscana is positioned at 3 Nice Road, Portsmouth, NH
2. Go Procuring
Portsmouth is brimming with cute boutiques, beckoning tax-free buyers. In fact, cut price buyers flock throughout the Maine border to the Kittery Retailers, however yow will discover these nearly wherever. Portsmouth has some acquainted manufacturers, like Maine Sea Luggage and Stonewall Kitchen, in addition to native favorites just like the Portsmouth Cleaning soap Firm.
A lot of the buying is centralized round Market Sq., the place Daniel Road turns into Congress Road, and Nice Road angles throughout to Market Sq.. This space has been the middle of commerce in Portsmouth because the Seventeenth century. That is additionally the place strolling excursions start. Close by you’ll discover artwork galleries, bookstores (together with Portsmouth E-book & Bar), vintage outlets, clothes boutiques, salons, and shops promoting pure magnificence merchandise.
A number of distinctive outlets to not be missed embrace:
- Off Piste – this quirky reward store is residence to all the things irreverent, satirical, and statement-making together with video games, books, socks, mugs, and different enjoyable residence merchandise.
- Jane Gee – options magnificence merchandise made in-house by a licensed Grasp Holistic Esthetician together with lotions and tub salts, made out of pure merchandise.
- Gus & Ruby Letterpress – this practice design and print studio is a delight to browse and the right place to select up a particular card. Their customized designs are printed by hand on an vintage press.
- Cork & Curds – this small wine and cheese store has an excellent collection of specialty native cheeses and high-quality wines.
- La Cascade du Chocolat Chocolate Room – this chocolatier affords truffles and chocolate bars that use high-quality substances sourced from sustainable, accountable merchandise
3. See Stay Music
There are two venues on the town recognized for bringing in high-quality artists for dwell leisure. Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Membership on Congress Road is positioned in a beautifully-restored 1905 constructing that serves up jazz and blues together with southern-inspired delicacies. In the meantime, The Music Corridor brings in performers from musicians to comedians to on-screen programming. One other spot for arts and tradition is 35 Artspace, which is an interactive efficiency middle, artwork gallery, and restaurant area rolled into one.
4. Strive Native Craft Beer
Portsmouth isn’t an enormous brewery city the best way that Portland is, however that doesn’t imply yow will discover good beer. Many guests go to Portsmouth Brewery, which is New Hampshire’s authentic brewpub. Whereas they brew their very own beer, in addition they serve up different native favorites. Whereas Portsmouth Brewery has vacationer pub vibes, Earth Eagle Brewings has the craft brewery environment that locals like (plus good beer and a surprisingly scrumptious scorching pretzel.)
5. Tour the Strawbery Banke Museum
The Strawbery Banke is a residing historical past museum that brings to life 300+ years of historical past to the current day. You’ll be able to tour an English settlement with costumed interpretative guides demonstrating genuine crafts and presents in traditionally correct gardens. Whereas this museum has seasonal hours, within the winter you may get pleasure from outside ice skating on the Puddle Dock pond and join candlelight strolls.
Should you get pleasure from stunning gardens, you also needs to go to the Prescott Park Flower Backyard in the summertime, which options native crops and flowers.
6. Take a Guided Tour
Relying on while you go to, you may both stroll the Portsmouth Black Heritage Path on a guided strolling tour to be taught the historical past of the African-American neighborhood in New Hampshire or take a self-guided or Bus/Trolley tour. One other strategy to discover Portsmouth’s native historical past is to find out about its darkish aspect on a New England Curiosities ghost tour. In season you may even take a motorbike tour with Port Metropolis Bike Excursions. Lastly, the Portsmouth Historic Society affords each day guided strolling excursions in season, which cowl the streets, buildings, tales, and structure of downtown Portsmouth.
7. Take a Boat Cruise
If you’re visiting in the summertime, you may take a ship cruise within the Portsmouth Harbor previous Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse for a sundown and lights cruise, or within the fall you may take an Inland River and Fall Foliage cruise. The Isle of Shoals Steamship Firm additionally takes guests out so far as the 9 islands of the Isle of Shoals, simply off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine.
8. Go to the USS Albacore Museum
Anybody thinking about army or maritime historical past would possibly wish to take a look at the USS Albacore Museum and climb aboard an actual submarine. The USS Albacore is the primary Navy-designed vessel with a real underwater hull of cylindrical form that has change into the usual for at this time’s submarines. Constructed within the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the USS Albacore Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Albacore served as a sea-going take a look at platform from 1953 to 1972.
9. Prescott Park
Prescott Park on the Piscataqua River close to the Strawbery Banke Museum affords fairly views of Memorial Bridge, which you’ll be able to stroll throughout into Maine if you need. You may also stroll over to Peirce Island for a take a look at the “My Mom the Wind” statue or views of the harbor from the Cliff Overlook.
10. Tour Historic Houses
There are a selection of historic properties in Portsmouth, together with the John Paul Jones Home, which was inbuilt 1758 and is on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. You’ll be able to tour the house from Memorial Day Weekend by means of Indigenous Peoples Day. Throughout this time you too can tour the Moffatt-Ladd Home, one other Nationwide Historic Landmark.
Issues to do Close to Portsmouth, NH
Kittery Retailers
The Kittery Retailers in Maine have over 120 in style brand-name outlet shops and naturally the well-known Kittery Buying and selling Submit. Close by is my favourite spot for fried clams and lobster rolls — Bob’s Clam Hut.
Fort Structure Lighthouse
You’ll be able to tour the historic grounds of New Citadel Island and consider the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. As soon as residence to an organization of U.S. artillery, at this time it makes a pleasant spot for a picnic on a pleasant day.
Seacoast Science Heart
The Seacoast Science Heart in Odiorne Level State Park is a pleasant cease for households visiting Portsmouth. Right here guests can expertise first-hand the earth’s many alternative ocean and coastal environments together with sandy seashores, rocky shores, tidal estuaries, various freshwater habitats, and woodlands.
Fort McClary State Park
Fort McClary is a former defensive fortification of the USA army positioned on the coast south of Kittery Level. At present you may climb on the outdated fort and get nice views of the Harbor and Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.
Planning a Journey to New England?
- New Hampshire: Issues to do within the White Mountains, Lumen Nature Retreat, Huttopia White Mountains
- Close by cities: Issues to do in Gloucester, MA, Issues to do in Salem, MA, Weekend in Portland, ME
- Highway journeys: Boston to Bar Harbor street journey, New England street journey, The place to cease on the Kancamaugus Freeway
- Getaways: Weekend getaways from Boston, Finest locations to go for Christmas, Romantic getaways in New Hampshire
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