Weekend in Portsmouth, N.H., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: Portsmouth is a water town — surrounded to the west by the Great Bay, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and connected by the Piscataqua River, a tidal estuary. The nation's shortest coastline offers more than a dozen noteworthy beaches — Hampton being one of the most popular. The town is a foodie's delight with one of the highest concentrations of restaurants per capita in the nation. Trip planning: www.portsmouthnh.com.
Getting there: Portsmouth is roughly an hour north of Boston, an hour east of Manchester, N.H., and an hour south of Portland, Maine. Advance purchase Southwest Airlines one-way rates range from $170, $156 and $230, respectively.
BUDGET
Stay: Independently owned and operated Port Inn is a walk or a short drive to downtown restaurants and cultural attractions. Modern, boutique-style guest rooms from $89, including continental breakfast. 505 U.S. 1 Bypass. 603-436-4378, www.portinnportsmouth.com.
Eat: BG's Boathouse Restaurant might be just the place for lunch on one of two outdoor decks overlooking Sagamore Creek. Go for a famous lobster roll ($17) or seafood prepared as you like. Entrees, $15-$26. 191 Wentworth Road. 603-431-1074, http://bgsboathouse.com.
Experience: Make time to visit the downtown Market Square, close to the waterfront, and full of colorful shops, boutiques, restaurants, and a great place for strolling or people watching. Take a tour of one of America's largest craft brewers, Redhook, established in 1996. One-hour daily guided tours ($5) include a sampling session with three to four samples of beer and a souvenir pint glass. On site is the Cataqua Public House, serving pub grub and exclusive brews. 1 Redhook Way. 603-430-8600, www.redhook.com.
MODERATE
Stay: The Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel is in the heart of the downtown historic waterfront district and opposite the docks to catch a harbor cruise. The lobby offers sweeping views of the Piscataqua River. Stay two or more nights and get your second night at rates equal to your birth year (born in 1968? Pay $68.) First night rates from $119 (refer to promo code NBR). 250 Market St. 603-431-2300, www.starwoodhotels.com.
Eat: Moxy offers the Fab 5, a five-course dinner highlighting Spanish-style tapas with seasonal New England ingredients; $30 per person (optional $20 with beer or wine pairing). 106 Penhallow St. 603-319-8178, www.moxyrestaurant.com.
Experience: Prescott Park stretches along the Piscataqua River and is an ideal spot to enjoy more than 10 acres of flower gardens (a summer garden is planted with more than 500 flower varieties), fountains, and tree-lined walkways. Summers are lively with music, art and theatrical events. 105 Marcy St. www.prescottpark.org. Downtown's Strawbery Banke Museum is a 9.5-acre living museum with restored homes from four centuries exhibiting a slice of life from a bygone era. Archaeological and crafts work continues on the grounds by experts and artisans; $17.50. 14 Hancock St., 603-433-1100, www.strawberybanke.org.
SPLURGE
Stay: The Hotel Portsmouth completed an elaborate restoration in the spring. This classic Queen Anne Victorian is located steps from Market Square and a short walk to shops, dining, historic sites, and waterfront attractions. The family-friendly Penthouse Suite (750 square feet) features a living room, twin bunk bed in an alcove and a king bed with rates from $369. King rooms from $239. 40 Court St. 603-433-1200, www.thehotelportsmouth.com.
Eat: Join the "Best of Portsmouth" walking and tasting tour — a leisure afternoon to enjoy history and chowder, potato pizza and Mediterranean-inspired salad from five award-winning local restaurants. The two-hour tour is $40 per adult (meeting point provided during ticket purchase). 603-571-3287, www.portsmouth-eats.com.
Experience: The picturesque and history-filled Isles of Shoals are located 6 miles off the New Hampshire coast. The Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. offers a variety of cruises aboard the Thomas Laighton, a 90-foot vessel with two enclosed cabins and an open-air sundeck for up to 275 sightseeing passengers. Narrated island and harbor tours delve into the lore of one of New England's oldest ports. You'll see lighthouses, forts, a naval shipyard, Colonial architecture and more. Rates are $15 for a two-hour sunset cruise; $21 for the Portsmouth Harbor Tour to $35 for a guided Star Island Walking Tour. 315 Market St. 603-431-5500, http://islesofshoals.com.
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