My Maine vacation is now a New Hampshire vacation
About This Page:

krisk11 · 06-09-2006, 04:18 PM

[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] We were suppose to be going to Portland Maine from July 3rd - 9th for summer vacation and then a hockey tournament at the end of the week but I just got an email from the team manager and the rinks we were playing at had a problem so they moved our tournament to Portsmouth New Hampshire. I quick booked a room in NH because everyone is going to be scrambling to find rooms but didn't cancel the room in Portland. I was disappointed since I have been looking forward to seeing Maine. I finally got a hold of dd's dad and he suggested we still go to Maine from 7/3-7/6 then move down to NH which sounds like a good plan to me. Now I need information on Portsmouth NH. Anyone have info on beaches, restaurants and sightseeing?????

**Eeyoresmom** · 06-09-2006, 04:33 PM

I've visited both. If I recall, you still shouldn't be too far from Maine - you should still be able to enjoy some time there. I thought both states were really beautiful.

**Colexis Mom** · 06-09-2006, 04:56 PM

Portsmouth is right on the border with Maine. It's just right over the bridge! Haven't been to Portsmouth in quite some time, but I've heard they've done up the downtown area quite nicely!

lynbarsim · 06-09-2006, 06:09 PM

I loved both states when we vacationed there. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img]

**CRCrazy** · 06-09-2006, 07:25 PM

Oh - Portsmouth is a fun place! My in-laws live in Hampton, which is not far from Portsmouth. It's a really nice city - but I'm not super familiar with the downtown (port) restaurants any more. They do have some really nice ones though. Strawbery Banke is a re-enactment of a Colonial port village, that is a fun take in for the kids. There's also a water park just outside of the main city - almost into Rye. The Seacoast Science Center is in Rye, which is a phenomenal take in- guided tours of the tide pools - and all kinds of neat exhibits.

After a day at the Rye beaches - you can finish off with a pizza at the Bratskellar (underneath the Dinnerhorn) on Route 1 - MMMMMM!!!

I'm sure I'll think of lots more - but don't feel sad - NH's coast may be small - but it's beautiful!

iamgrumpy · 06-09-2006, 10:29 PM

Have a great time!

Only thing I remember seeing in NH was Clarke's Trading Post which had these bears there were trained to do tricks and ate ice cream cones. I had gotten my favorite teddy bear there and named it after one of the bears that we had seen the year before but had passed on. They had a train ride that had a whole show to it. not sure if its still in NH but i had fun.

MaryPoppinsFan · 06-11-2006, 09:25 AM

You'll have a great time in Portsmouth. There are a lot of great restaurants (especially on the waterfront) and tons of things to do. Water Country is one or two towns over and on the other side of the bridge is Kittery with outlet shopping. Also Portsmouth is not too far from the Kennebunks - about 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour, so you'll still be able to make a day of it! What rink are you playing out of?

simbarel · 06-11-2006, 09:37 AM

Like everyone said, Portsmouth is very close to Maine and it's a really nice town. Nice shopping, nice dining.

KrisLuvsDisney · 06-11-2006, 12:41 PM

Have a great trip! Sorry your plans had to change.

Huntermom · 06-11-2006, 02:08 PM

Portsmouth is a great small city. There's tons to do.

I think every NH 4th grader does a field trip to Strawberry Banke- for which your DD seems just the right age.

There's also the Prescott Park Arts Festival, a great mix of art, music and theater. www.artfest.org

As Marie said, the Science Center at Ordiorne Point is great. They have tons of very low cost activities for kids and even without a tour, it's a beautiful place to explore. Wallis Beach in Rye, is just down the raod, and is a nice family beach.

If your in the mood for a more honky tonk experience, you can head down to Hampton Beach, which has a boardwalk but can be very crowded and appeals to teens.

The NH coast is only 12 miles, so you can be in Maine or Massachusetts in a couple of minutes. Newburyport is a great small city and Plum Island is beautiful.

If you get totally bored-and I really think you could easily spend all your time in Portsmouth- you can even get the Downeaster (a train that runs from Portland to Boston)from Durham or Exeter and spend a day in Boston without worrying about driving and parking.

Water country is actually in Portsmouth, just on the outskirts. It is a fun day but gets crowded on hot days. You can usually pick up coupons for a few dollars off-I beleive Burger King has consistently had them.

Canobie Lake Park, an old fashioned amusement park is in Salem NH, maybe a half hour to 45 minuts south west. It is ride all day for the entry price and reasonably priced (under $30.) and they also have a special if you enter after 5:00 p.m. There are also usually coupons out for a few dollars off.

And if you want to explore a little more, head up to the White Mountains.

Have fun.

Diane

Philly · 06-12-2006, 11:06 PM

you are only going to be a half hour to portland, and 45 min to ll bean

Big Baloo · 06-13-2006, 08:20 AM

Portsmouth is absolutely beautiful, and chock full of history. The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company offers trips out to the Isles of Shoals. Newcastle Commons is a gorgeous beach (small entry fee, but a CLEAN, carry-in carry-out park). Wentworth-by-the-Sea is a restored Victorian area hotel (think Grand Floridian), that offers a wonderful view of the marina (and all the VERY large, VERY expensive yachts). Newcastle is the next town over from Portsmouth, and is a "seamless" transition to it.
Our favorite restaurant (for pizza) is the Gaslight. Brick oven style, with lots of variety.
The outlet shopping in Kittery is amazing--be prepared for crowds, though. If you're into cooking, the flagship store of Stonewall Kitchen is worth the trip. Great cafe, and free samples (for tasting) throughout the store.
I think you'll enjoy Portsmouth--it has a lot to do, and people are very friendly. Oh, and the "Friendly Toast" is a great breakfast stop! Hope you have a great time--

Bert & Sully · 06-13-2006, 08:27 PM

Great ice cream in New Hampshire and outlets!

debsta922 · 06-14-2006, 02:24 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Have a great time!

Only thing I remember seeing in NH was Clarke's Trading Post which had these bears there were trained to do tricks and ate ice cream cones. I had gotten my favorite teddy bear there and named it after one of the bears that we had seen the year before but had passed on. They had a train ride that had a whole show to it. not sure if its still in NH but i had fun.

[/ QUOTE ]
It's still there Amy, but no where near Portsmouth. Clarks is in the White Mountains

**CRCrazy** · 06-14-2006, 06:18 PM

Yep - like Deb said - Clark's is definitely still there - it's in North Woodstock (Lincoln area)which is about 40 minutes south of me in the White Mountains. This is still family owned - and they are a really nice family too! (It's a very small place up here in the North Country)

We'll be heading over this July with my extended family - since my little sister is obsessed with bears - her house is decorated in bear stuff, like mine is with disney stuff!