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Portsmouth, NH, is a charming coastal New England city

Article by Eric H.
Photographer:
NHDTTD/Morang

From a distance, the majestic church steeple rising above a sleepy looking, small New England town belies the vibrancy of this New Hampshire seacost city. While Portsmouth does have the leanings of a small town, it also has a city feel, minus the traffic, and high crime. Market Square is of particular interest. Locally owned shops, great restaurants with a water view, narrow streets, tree-lined streets with fine old homes and an overflow of eclectic University of New Hampshire students make this section seem like a miniature version of Boston. For starters, check out the historical Strawbery Banke Museum, a 10-acre historic waterfront neighborhood, with homes dating back to 1650. Although modern amenities beckon around the corner in Market Square, Strawberry Banke takes you out of the modern era and into another period of time. Across the street is Prescott Park, with its scenic waterfront, spectacular flower displays and diverse music performances. It's also a great place to sit on a bench and people watch. For great food, try the Stockpot, on Bow Street, with its scenic indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, a great lunch menu and some excellent light dinners. It is a great place to take the family, (the downstairs section, not the smoky upstairs bar). For the younger crowd, bars and trendy eateries line the waterfront, while older crowds will enjoy restaurants like the Oar House, which serves fine, traditional steak and seafood dishes. The great news is once the day is done and you leave the parking garage, your wallet will only be a few dollars lighter--compare that to the $20-plus parking fees in some parts of Boston. Whether single, married, young or old, Portsmouth makes for a great day, filled with fun, a sense of history and a great mix of the old and new. A day trip is great, and if you decide to stay longer, plenty of bed and breakfasts, inn and motels await you. There's even a Sheraton Hotel, just a minute's walk to Market Square and five minutes to Strawbery Banke. All in all, Portsmouth is a great representation of New England, perfect for those who are looking for a great introduction to the region.

Visit the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce for more information

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