Portsmouth is one of the three oldest cities in America, which strikes visitors by its rich cultural and historical heritage. The city was founded in 1623; many old buildings and beautiful mansions have survived till our days. It seems that the atmosphere of the city does not change with time. Small streets of the city are always calm and quiet. They are more like English quarters of the last century rather than streets of a modern city.
As Portsmouth is rather small, one can easily get around on foot and see all major attractions of this place. One of the attractive spots is the home of Warner built in 1716. It's a beautiful building made of red brick, which is decorated with fine wall paintings. The residence of John Longdon is located nearby. This building was founded in 1785. This house is famous by one fact - George Washington himself stopped in it.
The most beautiful parks and alleys can be found on the banks of the Piskataqua River. Here are also located excellent restaurants opened in the buildings of past centuries. Besides the fact that you will be served delicious food, the decor of restaurants is simply delightful. Everything is chosen with great taste and all details emphasize the welcoming atmosphere of this place. Shops and shopping centers can be found near the coast, here are also located a network of popular restaurants and cafes. During warmer months, the beaches become the location of colorful festivals and parades. Here are organized performances for children, and on evenings tourists can enjoy fireworks or attend a music concert featuring local bands.
St. John's Episcopal Church has always been an important symbol of the city. The one-story building is remarkable for its beautiful bell tower. For local residents, this ancient church is one of the main national landmarks. During the years of various wars and disasters, they used the church building as a hospital.
Nearby you can see another historical symbol - the old court building, which is among the oldest buildings in Portsmouth. Since its construction, this building is used exclusively for its intended purpose - sessions are held here even today. The richly decorated court building retains ancient marble staircases and columns, and one of the main adornments of the city court is a sculpture called "Hands of Justice".
The city is famous for its picturesque parks, and Prescott Park is among the most beautiful ones. It features an incredible landscape design: beautiful walking paths are laid, flowerbeds are formed and various ornamental plants are planted throughout the park. During warmer months, the park is decorated with several picturesque operating fountains. In the park, there is a small stage where interesting open-air concerts are held in summer.
Fans of the foamy drink will be interested in visiting the historic Red Hook Brewery, which has been producing beer according to secret recipes for many years. Visitors to the brewery will go on an exciting tour, after which they can relax in a cozy beer restaurant and try the best varieties of the amber drink. In addition to special types of beer, in the restaurant, you can also try popular national dishes.
In Portsmouth, you will find several great art galleries. An old brick building houses Piscataqua Fine Arts Studio and Gallery. Inside you can admire some interesting paintings by local artists and buy any works you like.
If holidays in Portsmouth falls on a warm season, nature enthusiasts should explore the charming Celia Thaxter's Garden located on a small hill near the coast. By the end of spring, dozens of wildflowers blossom in this garden. Some of its areas offer a wonderful view of the coast, it would be hard to find a more beautiful place for walking.
