Trip with me and my husband on our adventures together!
A travel guide to help you with tips, places to visit, good global eats and anything else that comes with taking a trip away…. let’s start the trippin’!
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Since CV19 hit the US hard in the last couple of months….all of the trips we had planned this year (and there were several) were cancelled. But, my husband and I always make the best of any situation and on Sundays, when we both have off from work, we take mini day trips to surrounding areas, just to ‘get away’. A few weeks ago, we decided to go to Portsmouth, NH’s downtown area for some outdoor dining on the water. We have been to PM before, but not for the outdoor dining experience. And since NH was one of the states around us that opened up first during CV19 times for outdoor dining ONLY, we said hell, let’s give it a try. It only took an hour from us which the drive is actually very nice and a straight shot on I95. Super easy and convenient and not a ton of traffic which was a total bonus.
PM is a cute little quaint city that has a lot to offer. The heart of downtown or the ‘Square’ (what I like to call it…..actual name is Market Square), has tons of boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and unique stores, all with that seacoast-y vibe https://www.goportsmouthnh.com/ . I love little hidden gem cities like this because you literally can shop, eat, & relax within a couple of blocks radius. Win win if you ask me. 
Earlier in the week, I made reservations at Martingale Wharf https://www.martingalewharf.com/ for dinner on their spacious patio deck. Reservations are a requirement ATM due to limited seating, but the view and the ambience is so worth the experience. You literally are sitting on the water, so it does get a little chilly there especially in the shade, but they do offer tables with a fire pit so that’s a very cool feature. The oysters and lobster salad are a MUST here. Reasonably priced, great atmosphere, romantic ambience and top notch hospitality. I give it five stars all around.
For a more lax atmosphere and for delicious comfort food & handcrafted local beer, check out NH’s original brewpub, The Portsmouth Brewery https://portsmouthbrewery.com/. 
Very pub like feel to it, but very friendly and welcoming. What I liked about this restaurant is that they offer gluten free and vegan friendly dishes. Try their Falafel Burger with a Guest Beer. Magnificent! For great pizza, live music, and awesome nightlife, check out The Portsmouth Gas Light https://www.portsmouthgaslight.com/. These two PM staple places are no joke side by side neighbors. You can’t miss them, nor, do you want to. 
Need a boost of caffeine after eating all that yummy food? Check out Tuscan Market http://www.tuscanbrands.com/Market/Portsmouth/ for a frothy cappuccino, flavorful gelatos, and authentic Italian pastries and treats. This bakery is literally right in the middle of the square with lots of cafè tables for your use. Sitting at a table, taking in the organized chaos with the hustle and bustle of the streets, all while sipping on that satisfying lattè, one could daydream of being in a European city. I felt like I was sitting in a piazza in Italy. Just amazing & my cappuccino was so good!
Another known coffee joint to check out with a casual feel to it, away from the craziness of the square, is Cup of Joe https://www.cupofjoenh.com/. 
An architectural’s dream coffee shop….very cute but with that rustic vibe inside, they offer anything from Cold Brews to Panini, to Desserts, to Espresso. The baristas are extremely friendly too!
If you are in the mood for some homemade ice cream and/or fudge, you need to visit Kilwin’s https://www.kilwins.com/. Oh My God…..I have entered into SWEETS HEAVEN…..literally. Offering anything from candied apples to chocolate dipped pretzels & nuts, to various homemade fudge and cold treats, this place is the mecca of Chocolate Connoisseurs. In business since the 1940’s, the Kilwin family knows ‘Sweet in Every Sense’. If you like your sweets like me, you have to check this place out. Added plus, they had a no sugar added ice cream that I could enjoy since I am on Keto, so kudos to them for that.
And finally, with all this food talk, what about the shopping you ask? One shop you have to go into for their cute little knick knacks coveting blunt but tasteful (& obscene, but who doesn’t say the ‘F’ word know a days) humor, is Off Piste right on Congress Street near the ‘Square’ https://www.facebook.com/Off-Piste-233938993466386/ . I knew I had to go into this store when I saw the sign on their door that read “Come In, We’re Awesome”….and they are. You can most likely come out buying something from this cute little gift shop. 
PM has a lot of boutiquey shops and one worth visiting is Pretty Little Things http://www.prettylittlethingsnh.com/. Their clothes are adorbs and very trendy for that fashionista in mind. Oh you know I had to go inside this one lol. From cute dresses, to rompers to jeans to stylish tees to accessories, they offer a wide selection to brighten up your closet. Definitely worth a check out.
And after all your walking around you can enjoy Prescott Park https://www.prescottpark.org/, to take in views of the water and numerous boats and to ease your mind of the busy day you had taking in all of downtown PM’s offerings. A perfect ending to a perfect day IMO. 
Side note: Parking is available street side (metered) or off of the main strip there is a parking lot for dirt cheap. I think we spent $5 dollars for a five hour window. 
Hope you enjoyed what I shared with you for our mini day trip series! Until the next trippin’ with us!!
