Portsmouth is the Treasure Trove of NH
Blend of History, Food, and Activities Make for Perfect Destination
Oct 6, 2008
Ranked as the third oldest city in the nation, Portsmouth sits at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, dividing New Hampshire and Maine. Often selected as one of the best places to live in the US, Portsmouth is also a popular vacation destination, offering visitors a charming, friendly, and culturally rich city with a historic downtown, craft shops, sidewalk cafes, and distinctive boutiques, not to mention a fantastic array of restaurants and a plethora of sport and leisure-time activities.
Rich and Long History: Records indicate that Portsmouth was first mentioned in 1603 and subsequently settled in 1630 under the name of Piscataqua, due to its proximity to the river. After that it was known as Strawberry Banke because of the abundance of wild strawberries growing along the river banks. Incorporated in 1653, the town was given the name of Portsmouth, in honour of founder John Mason who had been captain of the Portsmouth harbor in England.
Center for Shipping: A long history of shipbuilding and an active port characterize Portsmouth, which was an important shipping industry center on the Eastern seaboard until eventually being eclipsed by railways and overshadowed by other towns as a result of the Industrial Revolution. The ship of John Paul Jones, the “Ranger”, was built here, as well as the “Raleigh”, which was the first sea-going vessel to go into battle flying an American flag. The country’s first naval shipyard, aptly named “The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard” was established across the river on Seavey’s Island in Kittery, Maine in 1800 and as such is the oldest continually operating shipyard for the US Navy. Many submarines were built here from World War I until 1969, with the main present-day activity being the overhauling, modernization, and re-fitting of naval vessels.
Plenty of Beautiful Architecture: Several fine examples of Colonial and Georgian style houses populate Portsmouth, many which have been turned into museums or inns. In the historic center, ringing Market Square, is a preponderance of Federal-style buildings, dating back to the early 19th century when devastating fires triggered the adoption of an emerging construction method of choice favoring brick walls and slate roofs. Additionally, the Federalist furniture produced here is very well-known.
Amazing Selection of Food and Restaurants: Portsmouth boasts one of the highest concentrations per capita of exceptional restaurants. Try Jumpin Jay’s for fresh local fish and seafood, Victory for creative and inspired New England cooking, or Black Trumpet Bistro and Wine Bar for delicious inventive cuisine and remarkable wine list in a lovely historic setting. For international fare, choose from Caribbean food at Blue Mermaid to Latin food at Brazo to French food at Café Mirabelle or Thai at Chiangmai Thai.
Accomodation Full of Character: Portsmouth has a combination of hotels, such as the Hilton Garden and Sheraton Portside, as well as a multitude of charming colonial inns, including Inn at Strawberry Banke or Sise Inn, the former home of a local ship merchant. There is the fantastic Portsmouth Harbor Inn and Spa across the river in Kittery, Maine that is full of good cheer and adoring, informative hosts.
Multitude of Leisure Activities Available: Listed as one of the top 100 walking cities in the US for 2008 by Prevention Magazine, many other activities are available, such as boating, sailing, golf, and fishing. If your activity preferences lead to more indoor pastimes, there is plenty of outlet shopping across the bridge in Kittery, Maine.
Portsmouth is a culturally rich town with an excellent geographic location and a wealth of distinctive architecture, a must-see on a visit to New England.
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