Visit The Uss Albacore Museum
Did you know that a submarine sits right in Portsmouths Albacore Park on Market Street? Did you also know that the submarine vessel, which was designed by the Navy, is also the first of its kind to have the cylindrical shape?
The USS Albacore served as a prototype for the first boat built to operate underwater. The vessel was used for research from 1953 to 1972, and was maintained by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Today, it serves as an educational vessel for self-guided tours where you can learn about its history directly from the people who manned it so many years ago.
Best Things To Do & Days Out In Portsmouth Hampshire
Fascinated by the sea? Any boat or maritime lover will be happy with the great things to do in Portsmouth.
Walk through 800 years of British Naval history at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Entry ticket includes the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, HMS Alliance and much more. See where Nelson celebrated the HMS victory and learn about how they built the ships and why they docked there.
If the museum has given you a taste for life at sea then go over to the Miniport Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for a ride in an electric powered ship. No ticket required, sail around this 70m square pond, surrounded by history of the seafarers that have come before you during Portsmouth family days out.
Back on dry land get the best view of the harbour from the top of the Spinnaker Tower. At 170 metres tall, youll feel like youre floating above the world on the glass-bottomed deck. Theres also a café and an open air viewing deck right at the top for the very brave!
When your feet are finally back on the ground you can choose between the Blue Reef Aquarium where you can watch sharks swimming above your head and meet amazing animals, or take a trip to Portsmouths Natural History Museum, which tells the story of all the things that live along the riverbank.
Alternatively, continue your exploration into history and dive into the Royal Navy Submarine Museum to discover life beneath the waves!
See The Next Tony Award
The Players Ring, aka The Ring, is nestled on the grounds of Prescott Park and owned by the City of Portsmouth to support local art at a low cost. With its black box style theater seating only 75 people, your show experience will be intimate and memorable.
Since its opening in 1992, this little theater has been the start for many local playwrights who have gone onto win Tony Awards with their original works, like G. Matthew Gaskells Sharp Dressed Men trilogy and Billy Butlers Gay Bride of Frankenstein and Bitter Pill. Other shows that have graced the stage have been brought to your living room screens, like David Mauriellos Just Say Love and Todd Hunters Summer Blink.
From Stranger Than Fiction comedy shows to Shakespeare and original works, The Ring has something for everyone at a price that wont break the bank. Plus, the money is given right back to the local arts community.
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Earth Eagle Brewing Portsmouth New Hampshire
Earth Eagle Brewing is a local brewery and gastro pub known for its wide selection of microbrews. Earth Eagles selection of beer varies based on season and availability, and the on tap options are regularly updated on the Brewerys website and social media.
The gastro pub features an eclectic menu that includes a variety of comfort food and classic pub favorites as well as a selection of unexpected choices. The Brewery also hosts special events, live music, and various festivals throughout the year, and its warm interior is decked out with laidback décor and subtle lighting to create a relaxed ambience.
165 High St, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Phone: 603-817-2773
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Day 3 Soak Up Concords Culture
Today is all about the quirky side of Concord! Its time to discover the citys antique market, its community movie-house and local brewery.
Start with the Concord Antique Gallery, which is renowned throughout the state! Its just off Main Street and a seven-minute walk from the New Hampshire State House. Its the perfect place to pick up some unique souvenirs.
Afterward, stroll two minutes up the street to the Concord Craft Brewing Co. The citys first nano-brewery is a great place to grab a refreshing drink, as well as explore the actual brewery.
Finish off your day by catching a local film at the Red River Theater. This indie movie house is just off Main Street, a five minutes walk from the Concord Craft Brewing Co. Its a wonderful place to relax, support local artists and enjoy some New Hampshire wine. Cheers!
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Tips For Visiting Portsmouth New Hampshire In The Winter
We 100% recommend visiting Portsmouth in the winter months, and we also are huge proponents of outdoor adventure. During your stay, plan to spend time meandering Portsmouths historic streets, hiking the local trails, and ice skating . Youll have plenty of time to warm up in a cozy coffee shop and browse in the many downtown stores.
To make your trip memorable for all the right reasons, you need to be prepared for winter conditions. The average temperature in Portsmouth hovers around freezing in January and February, and the ocean breezes that we love all summer long, are harsh and unforgiving in the winter.
Explore The New Hampshire Historical Society Museum
Felix Lipov
As the New Hampshire capital, Concord is home to a number of important state institutions like the Historical Society. For tourists, this means that you can explore the Historical Society Museum, one of the most interesting Concord, NH attractions!
This museum is the perfect place to learn more about New Hampshires history which extends from the Native Americans to the present-day. This story is told through historical items including an Abenaki dugout canoe and an early Snowmobile. The museum also has a beautiful exhibition of landscape paintings that were inspired by the states iconic White Mountains.
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Learn About Local Marine Life At The Seacoast Science Center
Located within the boundary of Odiorne State Park in Rye, New Hampshire, the Seacoast Science Center features interactive exhibits, touch tanks, and live ocean critters. Its a great place to delve into ocean ecology and marine life. To make a visit even more enticing, the center sits right on the shores of the ocean, with incredible views of the crashing waves.
The Seacoast Science Center is a 5013 nonprofit organization, and is open Saturday through Monday in the winter, and daily in the summer. Educational programs are offered for kids and adults throughout the year with a rotating cast of cool educational displays.
We loved stroking the skates in the touch tank, watching the seahorses flit around in their aquarium, and learning about Tofu, the humpback whale who was hit by a ship, and whose skeleton was donated to the center. For more about their special events and exhibits, visit the Seacoast Science Center website.
Its one of the best things to do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with kids. We left ours at home, and we still loved our visit!
Salt Cellar Portsmouth New Hampshire
Inspired by a trip to Europe and the variety of beautiful and functional salt products available throughout international markets, a local Portsmouth couple opened Salt Cellar, an educated and resource-backed shop designed for the distribution of high quality salt products. Salt Cellar provides over 50 variations of salt for usage in food preparation, bath and body products, health related purposes, and as salted confections.
The store, aesthetically designed to capture the elegance and beauty the two noted while visiting salt shops in Europe, has educated staff members who are able to provide helpful advice and guidance on the variety of salt products available.
7 Commercial Alley, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Phone: 603-766-1616
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Watch A Show At Capitol Center For Arts
If youre looking for a glitzy night out, then the Capitol Center for Arts, one of the most iconic Concord NH attractions, is your go-to destination!
This gorgeous theater first opened in 1927 and has been lovingly restored. As the largest performance venue in New Hampshire, it hosts a number of shows. You can choose a touring Broadway production, a live broadcast of the New York Opera, a stand-up comedy show or a music concert.
Be A Pirate For A Day And Climb Aboard The Portsmouth Tall Ships
Sailing into the Portsmouth harbor on July 25th are the Oliver Hazard Perry and the Roseway ships for the Tall Ship Festival, which will kick off with the Parade of Sail open to the public.
Following the parade, the Oliver Hazard Perry tall ship will dock at Prescott pier and will be open for tours Thursday, July 26th through Sunday, July 29th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Roseway, which technically isnt a tall ship despite its tall sails, will be docked in New Castle at the University of New Hampshires pier and will set sail for two-hour tours so you can live out your pirate dreams.
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Discover The Pierce Manse
Jeffrey M. Frank
Visiting The Pierce Manse is one of the most popular things to do in Concord and for good reason!
New Hampshire can only boast one American president, Franklin Pierce, and this manor house once belonged to him. Although hes often thought of as one of Americas worst presidents, youll get to see a different side to him at this attraction.
Since its only open from June to October, add it to your list of things to do in Concord in summer.
Explore The New Hampshire State House
The New Hampshire State House is the oldest state capitol building in which both legislative houses still meet in the original rooms. This is the kind of history and tradition that you get in abundance at the State House and for free!
New Hampshires often called the Granite State so its no surprise that its State House is built of granite, too. You can learn more about the architecture and history on one of the free guided tours that regularly take place.
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The Music Hall Portsmouth New Hampshire
The Music Hall is a nearly 1,000-seat venue in Portsmouth considered to be the oldest theater in New Hampshire and the 14th oldest theater in America. For nearly five generations, the Music Hall has been graced with performances by many notable characters, including multiple Tony, Grammy, and Pulitzer Prize winners.
The Music Hall is known for hosting and featuring a variety of performance mediums, including musical performances, dramatic, interpretive, or author readers, dance recitals, and cinema exhibits. Currently, the venue welcomes nearly 90 thousand visitors a year. The Hall offers a calendar on its website that outlines upcoming performances as well as ticket purchasing options. If you are looking for romantic date night ideas, watch a performance at the Music Hall.
28 Chestnut St, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Phone: 603-436-2400
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Strange And Satanic Spots In New Hampshire
What is it with New Hampshire and the Devil?Since the time of European settlement, Satan seems to have lurked around every corner of the Granite State. In the era of witch hunts, terrified townspeople accused their elderly neighbors of speaking with the Devil, and local lore has it that the stones around a frothing waterfall in the woods once served as Satan’s kitchen, where he cooked a pot of beans with the flames of Hell.Perhaps the Devil got his best turn in The Devil and Daniel Webster, a 1936 short story by Stephen Vincent Benét. The story features real-life lawyer and politician Daniel Webster fighting for the soul of a down-on-his-luck New Hampshire farmer who, in a moment of desperation, made a deal with the Devil. In the tale, the Devil uses every legal and supernatural means possible to outwit Webster, who battles to spare New Hampshire from further demonic meddling. Any Hades we want to raise in this state, we can raise ourselves, without assistance from strangers, Webster remarks. But for those who still do want to raise a little hell, New Hampshire has plenty of spots for devil-dealing.As the pandemic continues, we hope this virtual trip helps you explore Americas wonders. If you do choose to venture out, please follow all guidelines, maintain social distance, and wear a mask.
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Stroll Through Market Square Day
Since 1978 on the second Saturday in June, Market Street in Portsmouth is shut down from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the annual !
The festival was the first fundraiser put on by Pro Portsmouth, a non-profit that helps support the beautification of downtown Portsmouth. Each year the festival brings between 60,000 and 80,000 people throughout the day to enjoy the 150+ vendors, food, live music, and fun!
Browse Around Concord Antique Gallery
Shopping for antiques is one of the most popular indoor things to do in Concord . Even if youre not buying, its still worth visiting the Concord Antique Gallery to admire its many treasures!
With two floors and 150 dealers spanning 10 000 square feet, Concord Antique Gallery is a sprawling Aladdins Cave! You can expect to find a variety of items, such as first-edition books, vintage jewelry, antique furniture, and vinyl records.
If youre in Concord, New Hampshire, during early December, look out for the Midnight Merriment event. The gallery stays open till midnight and everything is discounted!
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How About A Beer
A huge part of Portsmouth is the brewing industry, so it would only make sense to go on a brewery tour while youre here.
You can certainly take yourself on a self-guided tour through the many breweries in downtown Portsmouth, but youd be missing a lot of breweries outside the downtown walking range. To check out some that are a short drive away, make sure you have a designated driver, like the NH Beer Bus or the Best Brew Tours. These local touring companies help you customize your beer trip to suit your tasting needs while sharing the history of the brewing companies along the way.
Prescott Park Portsmouth Nh
Prescott Park is a ten-acre urban green space posed on the edge of the Piscataqua River just blocks from downtown Portsmouth. The Park is composed of manicured gardens, wide lawns, three boardwalk piers, and two public boat docks with 26 public slips. Paved walkways weave their way throughout the space, and picnic tables, grills, and shelters are dotted throughout the grounds.
The park is open year round, and in warmer months, Prescott Park is home to the Prescott Park Arts Festival. During the warm months of summer and spring, this expansive space is host to various music performances, theatre shows, big screen movies, and other special events. If you are looking for things to do in Portsmouth NH with the whole family, this is a great place to visit.
105 Marcy St, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Phone: 603-431-8748
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What To Pack For Your Winter Trip To Portsmouth Nh
You know the saying, theres no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing? Well, this definitely applies to winter in Portsmouth! Dont get nervous looking at the weather forecast as your trip to Portsmouth comes closer. Youre going to be well prepared! Here are some must-haves for winter travel to Portsmouth, NH.
Take Out A Paddle Board Or Kayak
Tired of being cooped up in historic theatres or need to walk off some sweets from La Maison Navarre? Put on your adventure pants, rent a kayak or paddle board, and head out to the bay! You can go with a partner or sign up for a tour.
Portsmouth Kayak Adventures has summer camps for kids, classes for all ages, and tours that go around the harbor and to the beaches where you can do yoga, see the full moon, watch the sun go down, or even see fireworks.
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