Portsmouth, NH Travel Guide
September 1, 2020
Portsmouth, NH

If you are looking for a New England fall getaway (or honestly any time of the year), Portsmouth, New Hampshire should be added to your list! This was my second time visiting (you can read about my first here) and Matt’s first. We were headed up to pay a long overdue visit to Matt’s aunts who live in Boston, so decided to stop here for a couple days on our way.

Portsmouth Travel Guide

Honestly, there are so many beautiful spots up this way, the first time I visited Portsmouth, I tacked on Kennebunkport, Maine as well! On another trip with Matt right after we found out we were pregnant with Logan, we did Portland and Bar Harbor! Linked up all those travel guides for you guys as well incase you have any interest in those spots!

Where we stayed…

A lot of you always ask hotel vs. AirBNB and I truly think it is such a personal preference. Ever since having Logan (he him not napping on the go anymore), we opt for an AirBNB because it makes traveling more enjoyable for everyone. He can have his own room and during nap and bedtime Matt and I have other areas to hangout and be instead of sitting in a dark hotel room. We just always look for AirBNBs that are walkable to town so we can explore and get back and forth quickly and easily. Also, dog friendly always needs to make our list as well.

Restaurants…

Elephantine Bakery – You all really hit it out the park with your recs for Portsouth. We came here our last morning before heading out and I wish we bought extra pastries to go! For sure try the almond croissant and we also shared the greek yogurt bowl with homemade granola and fresh fruit.

The Green Room (breakfast/lunch) – Adorable little spot to grab a juice, smoothie or bowl! Logan sucked down The Green Room Smoothie and when I could steal a sip or too it was so good.

AF Sherpa Jacket

Row 34 (lunch/dinner) – The yummiest seafood options and it sounds silly, but I was a BIG fan of the kids menu as they offered baked salmon in a small portion in addition to your typical fried food selections. Logan loved it! What I would recommend from what Matt and I shared: Tuna Crudo, Blue Crab Cake, Oysters and Lobster & Short Rib Pappardelle.

Popovers on the Square (we went for breakfast) – They are known for their popovers (surprise surprise) and offer a fresh baked popover stuffed with scrambled eggs and your choice of meat. Basically a glorified breakfast sandwich that is super yummy! This is what I had for breakfast, Matt had the avocado toast with egg and we got Logan a mini popover and side of scrambled egg.

The Friendly Toast – Such a fun spot, especially if you have a little because there is so much funky decor for them to look at. Super casual spot we went for breakfast with delicious pancakes and homemade maple syrup (and lots more)!

River House – A MUST!!! First off, they had a mini lobster roll on the kids menu, enough said there 🙂 Also, their chowder is TO DIE FOR and they have a great combo option of a smaller lobster roll, chowder and fries. My mouth is still watering for that meal.

What to do…

Take a drive to Newcastle – Just a few minutes outside of Portsmouth with the most adorable homes and waterfront. It was a cloudy day so we drove all around during the morning.

Wentworth by the Sea – A charming seaside resort, but also has a lovely waterfront restaurant you can dine at or just walk all along the dock and water and soak in the views (that is what we did). Just a beautiful property and worth checking out.

Cisco Brewers – We were so excited to discover Cisco in Portsmouth! We love going to the one in Nantucket and always find it to be a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere with live music, great beers and yummy food. This one has a big lawn area where we played with Logan for about 30 minutes to tucker him out so then he would sit and listen to the music and we enjoyed a beer. They are also pet friendly!

Prescott Park – This was a great little area to take Logan for him to run around, etc. They also had a beautiful garden filled with flowers and fountains that is worth checking out.

Traveling with Logan and as a family has been so much fun. Hectic, crazy and exhausting at times, but worth it for the memories! I feel bad Matt is always snapping the photos, so we didn’t grab a family shot while here (so weird not being able to ask others to snap a photo like before), but was such a blast spending time together and would highly recommend.

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