The DL: Portsmouth, New Hampshire is a cute coastal town just an hour from Boston and a few hours from the City. The town is so walkable with hundreds of shops and restaurants. Its small but feels pretty large, definelty enough to do for a couple days. There is also a lot of historical spots to check out. I wish we would have stayed longer this little city really suprised me! The downtown is mostly pedestrian.
Where to Eat:
Breakfast/Brunch in Portsmouth:
- The Friendly Toast – Brunch
- La Maison Navarre – breakfast french pastries
- Elephantine – probably one of the most popular in the city
- Popovers
- Wentsorth by the Sea
Lunch/Dinner in Portsmouth:
- Black Trumpet – date night spot and one of the best in the city, 2 floors – main for date night , second floor wine bar more lively environment. International food that changes seasonally
- Moxy Modern American Tapas – sister restaurant to the Franklin
- The Franklin – seafood, try the grilled oysters
- Watering Hole
- Spring hill tavern
- Dolphin Striker
- Bonefish House
- Street and Co
- Cava – find it down a cute little alley (also a wine bar)
- Cure
- Bow street cantina
- The River House
- The Kitchen – diner – featured on drive in and diner show
- Martingale Wharf – fresh seafood on the water, tons of gluten free options
- Surf seafood – really good sushi, sat on the little outdoor rooftop and overlooked the water
Where to Grab a Drink in Portsmouth:
- Portsmouth Book & Bar is a funky secondhand bookstore that features a great coffee bar by day and an actual bar at night.
- Raleigh Wine Bar – panorama views of the bridge
- Portsmouth brewery
- Jimmy Juice at Old Ferry Landing – overlooks the ferry of course
Dessert:
- Annabelles for ice cream – all natural and has a following
- Elephantine
- Popovers
What to do in in Portsmouth:
- Prescott park – on the water which is a bonus
- Take a boat tour/cruise on the harbor
- Shop in Market Square: Stock and spice, flower kiosk, coastal shop I liked, Pickwick’s Mercantile, inside out, Gus & Ruby Letterpress, Salt Cellar
- Visit the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
- Strawberry Banke Museum – around 10 acres of 30+ buildings from the 17th century to the 19th century. Make sure to check out the gardens.
- Visit a nearby beach – Wallis Sands State Beach, Jenness State Beach, and North Hampton State Beach.
- Walk around the downtown
- See a show at the Music Hall
Where to Stay:
- Ale House Inn
- Water Inn – technically this isn’t in Portsmouth and its across the bridge, we stayed here and it was great. A short walk or uber into the downtown. Boutique style hotel.
- The Hotel Portsmouth
- The Sailmakers House
A little fun fact was that in 2017 Travel + Leisure Magazine called Portsmouth the Christmas Capital of North America, so I will be planning a Christmas time trip up there in the coming years!
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