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Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Memorial Bridge |
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Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Memorial Bridge |
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, while not only being my home, is one of New Hampshire's most revered areas. It serves as the hub of arts and culture in the Seacoast region, if not the entire state of New Hampshire. Tucked directly between the larger (and more metropolitan) cities of Boston, MA and Portland ME, Portsmouth is an escape from big city life without losing many of the cosmopolitan amenities like art, music, fine dining, and way-off-Broadway shows. It is the perfect day trip destination for those who wish to enjoy a day away. It's limited size, historical attention to detail, influx of UNH students and ideas, preservation ideals, and generous residential support have kept Portsmouth from being completely overwhelmed by mindless Hotel and soulless development companies. As of now she retains most of her Historical charm downtown and in the many parks and public areas Portsmouth is famous for, constantly changing (for both good and bad) as economic pressures compete with historical interests.
Each weekend in Portsmouth is packed with activities regardless of season. Most are daytime events, primarily geared toward families and couples. Check out Portsmouth's most robust website calendar @ PortsmouthNH.com for a detailed lineup of activities as well as another great Portsmouth resource.Come in the AM, see the sites, cruise down Rt 1A for some Ocean glimpses, and return for drinks, maybe a play or a museum stroll, and a great (though pricey) meal. Shopping is another one of Portsmouth's drawing points, the downtown blocks chock full of unique and locally owned shops, stores, and galleries. Check my Dining in Portsmouth section for great reviews on Portsmouth's finest before you arrive so you know exactly where the perfect meal awaits!
Portsmouth Harbor
Single? Looking for nightlife? Portsmouth tends to be lesser known for it's partying scene. If ever known at all..Summertime heats up with some action on the waterfront (Poco's for the 'be seen crowd', also try The Galley Hatch or the Stockpot),a beer at the brewery, or top-40 dancing and such at Bananas is about as crazy as you can get. Live music becomes popular in summer as well. The legendary venue The Press Room offers Live music every night of the week, free except for weekends. Other local music venues: Muddy River, the Spring Hill Tavern at the Dolphin Striker, and the outdoor Patio at the Portsmouth Gas Light Company are all favorite places to see and be seen. This city, however, remains very conservative, and shuts down early so be prepared. You'll also have a difficult time finding much cutting edge or 'club' type environments. It's New Hampshire after all.
Portsmouth Arts and Diversions
Bona Dea
206 Market St., Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 431-9437
The Button Factory (Artist's Studios,
not always open to the public)
855 Islington St., Portsmouth, NH 03801
Constellation Arts
Local Artist's co-operative on the rise.
Dan Blakeslee
One of Portsmouth's most talented and well known artists. His work can be viewed
at the Blue Mermaid restaurant as well as on many Portsmouth menus, T-Shirts,
and posters.
Gallery 33
111 Market St., Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 431-7403
Kennedy Studios
41 Market St., Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 436-7007
Lucky 7's Gallery
Interesting collection of Kitsch and local artisan wares. Small and cute.
Nahcotta, Inc.
110 Congress St., Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 433-1705
New Hampshire Art Association
136 State St., Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 431-4230
The
Music Hall
28 Chestnut St. Portsmouth, NHBox office: (603)
436-2400 | 24-hour film line: (603) 436-9900 | Business Office: (603) 433-3100
E-Mail: info@themusichall.org
NJM Gallery
8 Bow St., Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 433-4120
The Players
Ring
Aside Prescott Park
Plays written, acted, and produced by local talent.
Small, extremely personal productions that range in format and themes. Not to
be missed for anyone who enjoys live acting.
Pierce Gallery
105 Market St., Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 436-1988
Pontine
Movement Theatre
Well known and established for original productions ranging from musicians to
puppeteering.
McDonough Street Studios, 135 McDonough St., Portsmouth NH.
Portsmouth Athenaeum
Historical collection of Portsmouth-centric documents,
books, and history. Strange hours but a must for anyone doing research or interested
in Portsmouth history.
9 Market Square, Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 431-2538
Portsmouth Blue Ribbon Committee on Arts
& Culture
c/o City Hall, One Junkins Ave., Portsmouth, NH 03801
Prescott Park
Offering beautiful gardens, River walks and views, and
Live summertime theatrical performances, the park is a wonderful stroll to wind
down your visit.
Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery
136 State St., Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 431-4230
Salamandra Glass Studios
Off Market St, Portsmouth
Wonderful hand blown glass gallery featuring numerous local glassblowers.
SSeacoast Repertory Theatre
Bow St. Portsmouth
Live performances of classical live theatre. Leaning toward musicals. The theatre
itself is small, quaint, but very professional.
Strawberry Banke Museum.
Well done remake of 'Olde Portsmouth.' Actual historical homes were moved here
and restored to preserve the ole time Portsmouth feel to become an interesting
museum.
Across from Prescott Park
67 Bow St., Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 436-1038
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