Looking Up: Portsmouth, NH

I love Portsmouth. If I ever move from Boston, this is at the top of the list of places I'd like to live. It has the perfect combination of urban cool, preserved history, maritime charm, coastal scenes, and easy access to some of the most beautiful areas of New England. It's just a really nice place to be.

For now, Portsmouth is an easy day-trip. Or a stop-over on the way to the White Mountains. I can get there easily for sunrise, wander through waterfront architecture or colonial homes for an hour, do some grocery shopping, and be home by noon! Or I can explore the surrounding area. Great Bay, just east of the city, is a huge saltwater bay which attracts waterfowl. Odiorne Point State Park and Newcastle Island are southeast, and offer opportunities to explore the natural and cultural landscape of coastal New Hampshire. Beaches and marshes stretch along the state's 17-mile shore, and historic villages dot the countryside.

Back to the city - Portsmouth has the perfect balance of cool and comfy. The cafes surrounding Market Square provide java and a meeting place for the locals. The shops on Market Street do not include the usual chain stores. On Bow Street, waterfront restaurants offer trendy food with a view. House museums offer a glimpse into the past. The waterfront offers harbor cruises and trips to the Isles of Shoals, a perfect way to spend a hot summer day. And Prescott Park hosts concerts, art festivals, and the most beautiful pocket garden in the universe.

I recommend Portsmouth to everyone - it's a really fun place to visit!