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Travel

Travel Guide: Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth, NH

August 8, 2021

Another week, another travel guide, and this time we’re going to Portsmouth, NH. This seaside city is not only picturesque, but it also has something for the whole family, it’s only about an hour and 15 minutes from Boston, and it’s easy to spend an entire day getting lost in the area’s shops and enjoying the bustling restaurant scene. Here is my travel guide to Portsmouth, NH. 

Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire

When to Go

Though it’s gorgeous all year round and is beautifully decorated at Christmastime, Portsmouth, NH is hopping during summer. Not only are the restaurants and shops in full swing, but the port is busy with day cruises and during our latest jaunt up the coast, we even caught part of an outdoor performance of, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” 

Strawbery Banke
Strawbery Banke
Strawbery Banke
Strawbery Banke

What to See 

The downtown is like something out of a Frank Capra film, so make sure you take the time to stroll through the main streets. You can also take a day cruise or walk along the water. 

Now that Covid restrictions are lifting, theater and live music has returned to this coastal treasure. The Seacoast Repertory Theater and The Music Hall have performances throughout the year, while The Prescott Park Arts Festival has events during the summer.

This last time that I visited was actually my first walking through the Strawbery Banke district, a collection of preserved historic homes, and now I can’t wait to return to actually check out the Museum. 

Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire

Where to Shop

The downtown is full of adorable little shops and boutiques. Pickwick’s Mercantile popped up a few years ago and I am obsessed with this themed destination. You can get everything there from old-fashioned cosmetics and toiletries to Harry Potter memorabilia, to keepsakes and books. The moment you step in the door you feel like you’ve entered a different time. Even the shopkeepers dress like they’re from Dickensian London (which makes sense because The Pickwick Papers was a Dickens’ work). If you’re into the otherworldly, stop into Deadwick’s Ethereal Emporium for a tarot reading. Part of the Pickwick Mercantile family, this store focuses more on the mystical and that is right up my alley. 

Wear House is one of my favorite thrift stores in New England. You can find everything from Free People to Christian Louboutin to Givenchy here and at amazing prices. Ganesh Imports has beautiful handmade clothes, home decor, and gifts that cater to a bohemian crowd, while Bliss Boutique has some classic nautically-inspired wear. 

Bull Moose Record Store is a blast from the past. You can find pretty much any record imaginable. If you have children or if you’re a child at heart, a visit to G.Willikers! Books & Toys, is a must. And new boutiques seem to be opening every year! 

Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire

Where to Eat

If you want to combine your shopping and lunch experience, check out Portsmouth Book & Bar. Here you can pick up your newest read while enjoying a sandwich. Another part of the Pickwick Mercantile group, Fezziwig’s Food & Fountain has a beautiful tea room where you can get little sandwiches and pastries. But they also serve beer and bubbly. During our most recent visit, they had set up a window to serve those who are on the go or you could sit outside at one of their little tables. It was lovely! 

If you’re looking for heartier fare, I’ve visited both the Portsmouth Brewery and Portsmouth Gaslight, Co. which are right next door to each other, and both have a great selection of beers. Vegans will feel right at home at The Friendly Toast and right next door The District has an amazing brunch. For a romantic night out, try The Rosa. It has delicious Italian food. And next time I go, I have to stop into Elephantine Bakery. It’s only been in downtown Portsmouth since late 2018 but it’s already been named one of the best coffee shops in the city. 

Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire
Portsmouth New Hampshire

For more ideas for day trips in the New England area, check out fantastic day trips North of Boston and Travel Guide: Concord.

What are some of your favorite day trips in New England? We’re always looking for somewhere new to explore so please DM me your travel tips!

Portsmouth New Hampshire
White Cropped Flare Jeans gifted from OSAY Boutique (subscribe to their newsletter to get 20% off your first purchase), Rose Gold Sandals from Target, White Raglan Tee from Madewell, Scarf from Dior (similar here), “Beach Please” tote from The Merry Lion

*As always, check state and local guidelines regarding Covid procedures. 

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Kate Andrews

Travel, Fashion & Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Kate, the founder and editor of Fashionably Kate & Co., a website that encompasses fashion, travel and how to live life to the fullest.

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Gloucester, you absolute dreamboat! ✨ Our whir Gloucester, you absolute dreamboat! ✨ 

Our whirlwind 3-day family adventure was pure magic – think enchanting castles, that irresistible coastal charm, and seafood feasts fit for royalty! 🦞🍦🎳

From our stylish digs at The Cape Hedge House with @AtlanticVacationHomes to unforgettable bites at @TonnoGloucester & @MinglewoodHarborside, plus adventures galore at @HammondCastleMuseum & @MaritimeGloucester – it was non-stop fabulous! 🤩

We also had so much fun bowling @capeannlanes!

Want the full scoop on our escape? If you want me to send you this itinerary, comment ITINERARY below and that’ll land straight in your DMs! 💌

A huge thank you to @DiscoverGloucester for hosting us on this incredible trip! ❤️ Couldn’t have asked for a more memorable getaway.

#KatesTake #GloucesterMA #FamilyTravel #DiscoverGloucester #NewEnglandTravel #TravelItinerary #TravelWithKids #Massachusetts #VisitMA #Hosted #ChicTravel #TravelReel #FamilyGetaway
Okay, darlings, what a weekend this has been! My h Okay, darlings, what a weekend this has been! My heart is just soaring after watching my amazing Arielle shine.

Seriously, Arielle was just incredible at her dance recital! ✨ 

Her ballet was so graceful and sweet, and her tap performance was pure energy and fun – I couldn’t stop smiling. Seeing her up on that stage, so confident and happy, was truly one of those perfect mom moments.

It definitely brought back so many memories of my own dancing days. I loved performing, but I also remember dealing with some mean-spiritedness back then, and I’m so determined to make sure Arielle’s experience is different. I really think we’ve found such a wonderfully supportive and kind dance studio for her. It feels like a true dance home, and that means the world to me.

And hold onto your hats, because the dance adventure continues! My little Aurora was so captivated by Arielle’s performance (she was practically trying to climb onto the stage herself!), so I just had to sign her up for the 2-year-old class next year! 🎀 

Oh my goodness, I can only imagine the adorable chaos, but I am so ready for it. Two tiny dancers in the house – get ready!

And as if that wasn’t enough excitement, after the recital, we celebrated Arielle graduating from preschool! 

From her beautiful dances to her little graduation, it was a weekend packed with milestones and so much pride.

It’s been such an emotional and wonderful few days, a beautiful reminder of how quickly they grow and how important it is to soak in all these precious moments. So much joy, so much to look forward to! So incredibly proud of my girls. 💖

#DanceRecital #ProudMom #BalletAndTap #PreschoolGraduation #MyGirls #FamilyLove #DanceLife #MakingMemories #StylishFamily #NextChapter #LittleDancers #SoMuchJoy #girlmama #honestmotherhood
Darlings, a little heart-to-heart for Mental Healt Darlings, a little heart-to-heart for Mental Health Awareness Month? My soul sighed relief for this reminder. 🌸

With my therapist, I shared my ‘grand plan’: track every minute to find more time...for more doing! (Life’s a whirlwind with school events, Arielle’s graduation, birthdays, a trip – you know the beautiful chaos!) Bless my ever-striving heart. 😂

Her kind revelation: what if that ‘extra’ time was a gift to myself? My mind yelled, ‘But how, darling?! So much to do!’, but my heart whispered, ‘Yes.’

This led me to reflect on 2022’s tender wounds: two silent heartbreaks, goodbyes that marked my soul. Then, learning the shadow I carried was PPD (yes, even without a baby home then – a shock). Our precious Aurora Rose, our rainbow, arrived like a sunbeam. I hoped she’d mend everything, but true healing, I’m learning, is a gentle pilgrimage inward, even amidst her joy. ✨

I see now my whirlwind of ‘doing’ was often a dance to avoid unprocessed grief & depression. My ADHD is part of my sparkle, but it also shielded a heart not yet ready to be still and feel.

So this May, I’m tenderly rewriting ‘self-care.’ It’s more than appointments; it’s nurturing my inner landscape: a joyful novel, a quiet coffee, the radical act of being. Understanding that asking for help is strength. Am I giving my loved ones my best, or just what’s left from an empty cup?

My heartfelt desire: be a joyful, present mother, a loving partner, and kind to myself. It’s not a quick-fix, my loves, but a gentle journey home to myself, one heartfelt step at a time.

What tender acts of self-kindness are you embracing this month? I’d be so honored to hear your heart on this.

#MentalHealthAwareness #HeartHealingJourney #MaternalMentalHealth #SelfLoveIsKey #miscarriage #PPDRecovery #AnxietySupport #GriefAndGrowth #RealMomTalk #FromTheHeart #EmbracingStillness #momselfcare
Date night perfection in Boston! 🌃✨ Kicked Date night perfection in Boston! 🌃✨ 

Kicked off our evening with delicious Tacos Gobernador & innovative “Socktails” (genius!) at the new @democracybrewingboston 🌮🍹 before being completely swept away by the breathtaking Spring Experience at @bostonballet.

Three distinct ballets graced the stage, from the pure classical magic of Raymonda to the thought-provoking modernity of 27’52” and the striking elegance of Petite Mort. 

What an absolutely unforgettable immersion in art and beauty! Such a perfect way to spend an evening. ✨

Make sure to use my code, FASHIONKATE45 to get your tickets. Spring Experience is on stage until May 25!

Thank you, @bostonballet, for the magic!

Fashionably Yours, 
Kate 🩷

#KatesTake #BostonBallet #DemocracyBrewing #BostonDateNight #SpringExperience #BalletLover #BostonArts #CitizensOperaHouse #FashionablyYours #BostonMA #theater #balletislife #bbspringexperience #bostonblogger
✨ An evening of pure Gloucester gourmet delights ✨ An evening of pure Gloucester gourmet delights at the one and only @tonnogloucester! ✨ 

Kicking off our @discovergloucester staycation here was an absolute dream come true.

From the most COLOSSAL shrimp cocktail I’ve ever laid eyes on 🍤 to dreamy grilled swordfish, Alex’s heavenly Sunday Sauce that tasted like a hug from an Italian nonna, and even kid-approved spaghetti that got a ‘best ever’ rating from my little Arielle – every single dish was a showstopper! And that Tiramisu Martini? A perfect nightcap for this happy mama! 🍸

But beyond the incredible food (and trust me, darlings, it’s out-of-this-world!), the heart of Tonno’s truly shines with its warm, impeccable service. A huge, heartfelt shoutout to our server Tayia who was an absolute angel with our girls and made our dinner truly extra special! 💖 She even sent them home with coloring goodies for our hotel stay – how thoughtful is that?!

Mamas, you know how we search high and low for those special spots that feel like a sophisticated treat for us but also welcome our little adventurers with open arms? Tonno’s is IT! Perfectly upscale yet wonderfully kid-friendly – it’s our kind of paradise, and so hard to find! 🌟

If Gloucester is on your travel itinerary (or even if you’re a local looking for an exceptional meal!), Tonno’s is a MUST-DINE. Trust me on this one, and be sure to book that table in advance – this gem is popular for a reason!

A massive thank you to GM Joe and the entire team at @tonnogloucester for such a memorable evening, and especially to the lovely Tayia for making us feel like royalty!

➡️ What’s your go-to dish when you find a fantastic Italian spot? Let me know below! 👇

Fashionably Yours, 
Kate ❤️

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Darlings, Gloucester is an absolute GEM for family Darlings, Gloucester is an absolute GEM for family adventures, and I’m spilling all the tea on our top 5 must-dos!

1️⃣ Stage Fort Park: Let your little pirates conquer the amazing playground! 🏴‍☠️ 
2️⃣ Maritime Gloucester: Dive into wonder with fascinating touch tanks! 🐠🦀 
3️⃣ Hammond Castle: Explore a real-life fairytale (stroller tip in the Reel/blog!). 🏰 
4️⃣ Cape Ann Lanes: Strike up some fun with candlepin bowling – so kid-friendly! 🎳🦖 
5️⃣ Good Harbor Beach: Dream of sandy toes and seaside bliss! 🏖️☀️

We had the most divine weekend exploring all that this charming New England town has to offer! A huge, heartfelt thank you to the incredible @DiscoverGloucester for hosting us on this unforgettable adventure.

And massive kisses to our wonderful partners who made our trip so special:
* @MaritimeGloucester for the educational fun!
* @HammondCastleMuseum for the magical moments!
* @CapeAnnLanes for the strikes, spares, and sips!
* @VisitNorthofBoston for the lovely afternoon
* And to the beautiful Gloucester beaches for their timeless allure!

A special thank you to the ever-so-lovely @AtlanticVacationHomes for providing us with the most perfect home base at the Cape Hedge House – it was pure bliss! ❤️🏡

For all the divine details, more tips, and our full Gloucester itinerary, check out my link in bio! Don’t forget to hit that follow button for more stylish family adventures!

Fashionably Yours, 
Kate 💋

#KatesTake #GloucesterMA #GloucesterWithKids #FamilyActivitiesGloucesterMA #DiscoverGloucester #AtlanticVacationHomes #StageFortPark #MaritimeGloucester #HammondCastle #CapeAnnLanes #GoodHarborBeach #NewEnglandFamilyTravel #TravelBlogger #MomBlogger #FamilyFun #MassachusettsTravel #newengland #newenglandtravel #newenglandigers

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