LLNE Spring 2010 Meeting: Local Attractions
Experience the best of coastal New England in Portsmouth, NH!
Whether you’re coming for the day or staying through the weekend, this historic yet vibrant seaside city has something for everyone. There are museums to rival any in the country, quaint shops of every kind and description to while away the hours tax-free, and, best of all, an array of restaurants to entice every palette and compliment every budget.
There is far too much to do in and around Portsmouth to list it all here, but there are several websites to visit which will help you plan your itinerary and get the most out of your visit (be warned – you cannot see all there is to see in one visit – just pick and choose a few attractions to get the most out of your time here):
Entertainment
In addition to what you find highlighted here, look on the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce calendar to find any special events going on in Portsmouth during your stay.
The USS Albacore is a submarine museum. It has winter hours. A little history – one of our staff, Kathie Goodwin, was living in the area when they brought the Albacore to Portsmouth. She said it was a superhuman undertaking. They had to literally close part of the roadway (known as Market St.) from the 95 on/off ramps to where the Portsmouth Visitor Center is (about a block away from the hotel) and dig the whole section up to drag/pull/push the Albacore into place. An amazing feat, and a vessel steeped in American history!
The Music Hall is offering Jazzmouth, on Saturday, April 24th, at 8:00 p.m. This is just off of Congress Street (about 2 to 3 blocks from the hotel as the crow flies).
The ‘Rep’, or Portsmouth Repertory Theatre, is offering Proof, on Friday, April 23rd, at 8:00 p.m. Located on Bow Street. You would leave the hotel's front door, bear right, then left down Bow, straight up the hill (the Old Cemetery is elevated - pretty neat in itself - on your right), and around the curve where the theatre is on your left. There are some great restaurants and shops along the way!
The Portsmouth Athenaeum (a library/museum) is offering Treasures of The American Independence Museum thru Saturday, April 24th. Hours of operation vary from buildings on Saturday. Best bet: 1-4 pm, when all buildings should be open. This is right on Market Street!
Though the famous islands will be closed for another week, those with a taste for history may want to visit the Pontine Theatre at 959 Islington St. to view a presentation on the legend and lore of The Isle of Shoals -- a fascinating group of islands off the coast and cloaked in mystery. Dates/times are 4/23 – 8 p.m., 4/24 – 4 and 8 p.m., and 4/25 – 2 p.m. Additional information is available here.
For those with a taste for mystery and adventure (and possibly ghosts!), one might want to consider one of the many tours given through New England Curiosities. The folks who run these fascinating walks through Portsmouth are engaging and offer an intimate Portsmouth experience second to none. They have won many awards and have been recognized nationally! My personal favorite!
Shopping
There is no friendlier environment than Portsmouth for those of a mind to shop! From Celtic Crossing to G. Wiliker’s Toy Shop, from Stonewall Kitchen to Serendipity, there is something for everyone! One can find a decent list of retail establishments at this site:
There is also the Fox Run Mall (including The Crossings) in nearby Newington, and one can visit all the outlet stores in Kittery, Maine as well.
Dining
Whether you’re here for the day or the weekend, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the culinary treats of Portsmouth, with plenty of options to suit your tastes. A light breakfast, a cozy lunch or relaxing dinner surrounded by the sights and sounds of Portsmouth – there are so many to choose from.
Here’s just a sampling of some of our favorites. The Library (of course, a favorite among librarians) is located on State Street, just up from the corner. Situated in the historic Rockingham building, flanked by two lions at its entrance – this cozy restaurant offers a variety of unique lunch ideas, surrounded by a library of books. In fact, your check is presented in a book! They also boast a wonderful bar with dark wood, European embellishments and plenty of books!
Another favorite, with locations throughout New Hampshire, is The Common Man Restaurant. Located at 96 State Street, locally known as the C-Man, the ambience, the rustic charm, and the fireplace (hopefully, it’s lit!) all add to a great setting for lunch or dinner. From the incredible crab cakes (This writer has eaten at The Common Man many times.) to a yummy sandwich called “The Nightmare” to their delicious comfort foods, you’ll want to sit awhile and eat much!
Portsmouth is dotted with restaurants and pubs that have been around awhile – The Dolphin Striker and Puddle Dock Pub (downstairs), The Oar House and the Portsmouth Gaslight Company to new favorites – The Green Monkey (great martinis!), Café Mediterraneo and Jumpin’ Jays Fish Café. So, relax with a delicious dish or fresh drink and enjoy.
For more information on the Portsmouth area’s great restaurants go to www.portsmouthchamber.org/restaurantweek.cfm. For information on each individual restaurant, simply click on the logo of each restaurant featured above and it will take you to their website.
So enjoy this fine city during your stay and make the most out of your LLNE meeting. Your own Portsmouth adventure awaits!
