Stefano Mancini ‘18
EE Staff Writer
As the holiday season fast approaches, it may seem counterintuitive to go north. Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is one of the best places one could visit. A short three-hour drive from Trumbull, Portsmouth is a perfect weekend destination, and a very inexpensive one at that. New York Times travel writer Ethan Gilsdorf said that Portsmouth is a “surprising little city of contrasts: touristy and local, cultured and blue collar, historically preserved and scrappy.”
Located at the the junction of the Pisatacqua River and the Atlantic Ocean, Portsmouth is a nearly 400-year-old city. But don’t let that discourage you from visiting; Portsmouth has a young population revitalizing the downtown with urbane, sophisticated charm.
No trip to Portsmouth can be complete without visiting the heart of the city,the Market Square. Portsmouth’s vibrant center was described by Chicago Tribune writer Josh Noel, as having “cozy downtown streets [that] curve just so, with rows of adorable shops bending out of sight with the promise of more adorable shops.” Here lies a maze of streets lined with colonial-style brick buildings, the streetscape dominated by coffee shops and boutiques, each one containing its own unique version of the local flavor.
With the holidays coming soon, the Market Square’s Vintage Christmas celebration is a memorable way to spend the season, full of artisanal crafts and winter decorations. 2014’s Vintage Christmas celebration is being held every day December 6 with its last day on the 31st.
However, the food seems to be the one attraction which draws thousands to Portsmouth every year. Hundreds of restaurants of every style can be found throughout Portsmouth, from the Flatbread Company, known for their unorthodox and delicious pizzas, to local favorite Lexie’s Joint, an eclectic yet traditional sandwich shop.
For history lovers, Portsmouth definitely is a great destination. Those willing to brave the cold can visit Strawbery Banke, a collection of colonial houses and gardens where one can learn about culture in all facets of American society spanning four centuries.
So for those searching for a weekend on a budget, look no farther than the New Hampshire coast; Portsmouth is an impressive destination for all. Travel and Leisure’s Peter Jon Lindberg described it as “New Hampshire’s most alluring city,” and you should go see it for yourself.