In March, Mom needed to do an errand in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It being pleasantly warm for early spring, I decided to tag along. Little did I realize this was also a rare sunny day this spring. So in light of being rained out of other adventures in more recent weekends, here are a few highlights from my walk about Portsmouth.
Settled in 1623, Portsmouth was originally called Strawbery Banke, which today is the name of the outdoor history museum. Behind me is the Sherburne House. Built in 1695, it is one of the oldest wood-framed houses in New Hampshire. Originally slated to be torn down for an Urban Renewal project in the 1960s, it became the inspiration for preserving this historic waterfront neighborhood. Please note that dogs are NOT allowed on the grounds of Strawbery Banke museum when it is open.
Another local landmark not to be missed is the Portsmouth Music Hall. Opened in 1878 as a Vaudeville theater, the Portsmouth Music Hall has hosted world famous celebrities; local musicians, authors and actors; and countless performances. Fun fact: The Music Hall claims to be the oldest operating theater in New Hampshire and the 14th-oldest in the United States! However, as with Strawbery Banke, dogs are NOT allowed inside this historic theater.
The real heart and soul of Portsmouth is Market Square. Bustling with activity Market Square offers shops, restaurants, galleries, and is also the meeting place for many gatherings and events. Behind me is the Portsmouth Athenaeum. It is an independent membership library, gallery, and museum incorporated in 1817. The research library is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, and their archives contain a broad range of documents and artifacts relating to local and New Hampshire state history. However, once again dogs are NOT allowed. Oh and in case you’re wondering, Prescott Park, with its waterfront views, gardens, and summer events, also does NOT allow dogs.
I think you’re starting to see the pattern here. Although Portsmouth is a great place for humans to visit, it isn’t exactly dog friendly. There is a dog park, some restaurants allow dogs for outside dining, and on the outskirts are dog friendly hiking trails. Overall though there are better places to visit with dogs in New Hampshire. However, in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, it is an interesting place to take a walk. But my favorite part of my visit to Portsmouth, New Hampshire was heading back over the World War I Memorial Bridge into Maine! The original bridge was built in 1923, and replaced in 2013.
