Prime 10 Issues to do in Portsmouth, NH on a Weekend Getaway

Portsmouth, New Hampshire is a kind of nice little New England coastal cities that ranks proper up there with Portland, ME and Windfall, RI, making it excellent for a weekend getaway. Portsmouth is thought for its nice meals, historic buildings, and tax-free procuring. Whereas many merely cross by on a New England highway 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 kind of people who used to simply cross by Portsmouth on my option to Maine in the summertime months, considering it was a kind of “blink and you’ll miss it” cities. After lastly stopping a number of occasions for lunch and a wander by way of Market Sq., I found how completely charming downtown Portsmouth was. We have been lastly in a position to spend a weekend in Portsmouth NH not too long ago and I received 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 among the tastiest native eating places within the metropolis of Portsmouth.

Greatest Time to Go to Portsmouth, NH

If you’re on the lookout for historic properties, museums, and outside actions reminiscent of visiting the Isles of Shoals, you might be higher off coming within the hotter months, particularly if you’re bringing the entire household. Throughout the summer time the climate is good and all of the sights are open for the season. Prime season is Might by way of October.

The winter months could carry shorter days and colder climate however additionally, you will discover cheaper lodge charges and fewer vacationers, and loads of locations to heat up and get cozy even when among the museums are closed or have shorter hours. Chances are you’ll even get to see how the small-town attraction of Portsmouth when it snows. With most of the particular vacation occasions round city, I feel it is among the finest locations to go for Christmas on the East Coast.

Attending to Portsmouth, NH

Attending to Portsmouth, New Hampshire may be very straightforward, 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 way 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

Word: Our keep was hosted by AC Resort Portsmouth Downtown and Colwen Hospitality. All opinions are my very own. This submit could include affiliate hyperlinks. For those who click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll 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 cherished it. The placement close to the waterfront is a 5-10 minute quick stroll to Market Avenue, making it straightforward to get round on foot and never must cope with discovering avenue parking.

The lodge opened in late 2019 and has a contemporary, fashionable look with lovely public areas, together with a two-sided glass hearth within the foyer and bar and comfy enterprise work areas. The fashionable, city design is unquestionably well-suited for {couples}, mates, 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 dwelling space. The room supplied a number of sensible TVs with streaming apps, a piece space, and a cushty sofa for stress-free. One in all my favourite issues in regards to the AC Resort is the Hydration Stations on every ground for straightforward entry to ice and filtered water to refill bottles. There was additionally infused water within the foyer for company.

The AC affords a full European-style breakfast buffet for comfort in case you don’t wish to stroll into city (not included.) The actual gem is the Rooftop at The Envio, which serves dinner, mild bites, and cocktails from a rooftop setting. This indoor/outside house options a big bar and a rooftop patio with harbor views. Within the winter the outside house is house to heated igloos with couches and comfortable chairs, which may be rented out for a enjoyable evening with mates or a romantic date evening.

Greatest Issues to do in Portsmouth, NH

Whether or not you might be on the lookout for historic landmarks, artwork galleries, cute boutiques, reside 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 Greatest Eating places in Portsmouth

With lots of 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 Outdated Harbor eating places just like the Outdated Ferry Touchdown that line the Piscataqua River and provide your typical seafood choices in a touristy setting. It was okay, however then I discovered in case you wandered round downtown, you will discover superb meals from a wide range of ethnicities — far more and a lot better than only a fried fish plate from a vacationer restaurant.

Breakfast Spots in Portsmouth

Colby’s

Anticipate finding a line exterior the door at Colby’s on the weekend. This breakfast and lunch joint is small however fashionable, particularly within the morning (gotta attempt that cinnamon swirl French toast.) If the road is simply too lengthy otherwise you simply need a easy breakfast, head subsequent door to Kaffee Vonsolin for espresso and a German-style strudel. Colby’s is positioned at 105 Daniel Avenue, Portsmouth NH

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 exterior or folks ready on painted benches, however here’s a professional tip: be part of the waitlist on Yelp to keep away from the wait. The Pleasant Toast is positioned at 113 Congress Avenue, Portsmouth, NH

Popovers on the Sq.

Serving up its signature popovers with maple butter and all-day brunch, this spot in the course of downtown is one other nice breakfast spot. Popovers on the Sq. is positioned at 8 Congress Avenue, Portsmouth, NH

Lunch Spots in Portsmouth

Shalimar India

If you’re on the lookout for 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 Avenue, Portsmouth, NH

The Works Cafe

If you would like 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 a neighborhood vibe and is ideal for a fast and informal lunch. The Works Cafe is positioned at  9 Congress Avenue, 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 elements from native farmers. Flatbread Firm is positioned at 138 Congress Avenue, Portsmouth, NH

For those who 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

Now we have really had lunch at Row 34, nevertheless it works even higher for dinner. They serve up contemporary oysters and seafood in a modern and trendy setting, with an amazing 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 effectively and authentically. Sol Southern is positioned at 111 State Avenue, Portsmouth, NH

Toscana Chop Home

If you’re craving scrumptious steak or Italian meals, head to Toscana. Situated in a historic financial institution constructing, Toscana is a superb selection for a special day or date evening. Toscana is positioned at 3 Nice Avenue, Portsmouth, NH

2. Go Buying

Portsmouth is brimming with cute boutiques, beckoning tax-free buyers. After all, cut price buyers flock throughout the Maine border to the Kittery Shops, however you will discover these nearly anyplace. Portsmouth has some acquainted manufacturers, like Maine Sea Luggage and Stonewall Kitchen, in addition to native favorites just like the Portsmouth Cleaning soap Firm.

Many of the procuring is centralized round Market Sq., the place Daniel Avenue turns into Congress Avenue, and Nice Avenue 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 find artwork galleries, bookstores (together with Portsmouth Guide & Bar), vintage retailers, clothes boutiques, salons, and shops promoting pure magnificence merchandise.

Just a few distinctive retailers to not be missed embrace:

• Off Piste – this quirky present store is house to all the things irreverent, satirical, and statement-making together with video games, books, socks, mugs, and different enjoyable house merchandise.
• Jane Gee – options magnificence merchandise made in-house by an authorized Grasp Holistic Esthetician together with lotions and bathtub salts, produced from pure merchandise.
• Gus & Ruby Letterpress – this tradition 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 amazing number 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 elements sourced from sustainable, accountable merchandise

3. See Reside Music

There are two venues on the town recognized for bringing in high-quality artists for reside leisure. Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Membership on Congress Avenue 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 house rolled into one.

4. Attempt Native Craft Beer

Portsmouth isn’t a giant brewery city the way in which that Portland is, however that doesn’t imply you 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 ambiance that locals like (plus good beer and an incredibly scrumptious scorching pretzel.)

5. Tour the Strawbery Banke Museum

The Strawbery Banke is a dwelling 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 items in traditionally correct gardens. Whereas this museum has seasonal hours, within the winter you may take pleasure in outside ice skating on the Puddle Dock pond and join candlelight strolls.

For those who take pleasure in lovely gardens, you must also go to the Prescott Park Flower Backyard in the summertime, which options native crops and flowers.

6. Take a Guided Tour

Relying on once 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 option 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 all in favour of army or maritime historical past may 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 turn into the usual for at present’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 in order for you. You can even stroll over to Peirce Island for a have a look at the “My Mom the Wind” statue or views of the harbor from the Cliff Overlook.

10. Tour Historic Properties

There are a selection of historic properties in Portsmouth, together with the John Paul Jones Home, which was in-built 1758 and is on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. You’ll be able to tour the house from Memorial Day Weekend by way of Indigenous Peoples Day. Throughout this time you may as well tour the Moffatt-Ladd Home, one other Nationwide Historic Landmark.

Issues to do Close to Portsmouth, NH

Kittery Shops

The Kittery Shops in Maine have over 120 fashionable 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 Fortress Island and think about the Fort Structure Lighthouse. As soon as house to an organization of U.S. artillery, at present it makes a pleasant spot for a picnic on a pleasant day.

Seacoast Science Middle

The Seacoast Science Middle 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, numerous freshwater habitats, and woodlands.

Fort McClary State Park

Fort McClary is a former defensive fortification of the US army positioned on the coast south of Kittery Level. Right now you may climb on the previous fort and get nice views of the Harbor and Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.

Often Requested Questions

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