New Hampshire
New England's Hidden Culinary Gem
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Portsmouth is New Hampshire's only seaport and one of New England's oldest cities, founded just three years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. Its compact downtown packs 400 years of history into walkable streets lined with Colonial, Federal, and Victorian architecture.
But Portsmouth has evolved far beyond a historic curiosity. Today it's a culinary destination with more restaurants per capita than nearly any city in America, from James Beard-nominated establishments to hidden ramen shops. The creative economy thrives here, with theaters, galleries, and a vibrant music scene.
Strawbery Banke Museum preserves ten acres of the original settlement, with restored homes spanning 300 years. Market Square anchors downtown, surrounded by independent shops, craft breweries, and cafes that spill onto brick sidewalks in warmer months.
Ten-acre living history museum with homes spanning four centuries
Heart of downtown with restaurants, shops, and year-round events
Over 100 restaurants in a small downtown—one of America's best food towns
Waterfront gardens with summer concerts and the annual Prescott Park Arts Festival
Portsmouth is located on the New Hampshire Seacoast, about an hour north of Boston. It's a year-round destination with summer festivals, fall foliage, holiday celebrations, and a cozy winter restaurant scene.