Portsmouth

Portsmouth was a significant colonial seaport, prized for its deep harbor and convenient access to an endless supply of tall, straight pine trees for Royal Navy masts. Portsmouth's lengthy and colorful history is the basis of many of its current attractions.

There aren't many sites with that much of their past remaining preserved. The 10-acre Strawbery Banke Museum, which bears the name of the first village that was here in 1623, should be visited first. The historic port neighborhood's restored and preserved homes and buildings, which include a 1770 tavern, wealthy merchants' homes, and a local market filled with World War II-era foods, represent four centuries of the neighborhood's history. You can observe the construction of traditional boats, watch cooking demonstrations to use an open hearth and a woodstove, and visit herb gardens from the colonial era and a World War II Victory Garden.

Portsmouth's compact downtown is full of historic homes, all of which are close to Market Square. The plaza, which is overlooked by North Church's tall steeple, is where four streets that make up the center of downtown Portsmouth come together. Market Street, which is bustling and dotted with little specialty shops, is very appealing to shoppers. Follow it through the shops to find the elegant Moffatt-Ladd House, built in 1763, with its original furniture and beautiful period gardens.

For those who are less interested in history, Portsmouth offers a lot more activities. Attend a live or simulcast performance at The Music Hall, or take a boat to see the lighthouses and Fort Constitution in Portsmouth Harbor. Instead, take a longer cruise to the Isles of Shoals, a group of islands shared by Maine and New Hampshire. Portsmouth is regarded as having the best dining options in the state, so don't leave without trying some of its restaurants.