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!

North Church in Market Square

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Fishing boats and Memorial Bridge

The historic South End waterfront

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The Moran fleet of tugboats

Tugboat Alley

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Market Street shops

North Church

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Prescott Park fountain

Prescott Park Garden gate

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Prescott Park being watered

NH Lakes and Mountains

Last week's road trip took me to New Hampshire's Lakes and White Mountains. I stayed in Ashland, which is a very convenient location to explore from. The first day I drove up to the Kancamagus Highway, through Bear Notch, over Crawford Notch, to Jefferson, and back to Ashland. Day two was lakes day - sunrise in Meredith, then on to Holderness, Chocorua, Ossipee, Eaton, and Conway before going home to Boston.

These are two of my favorite routes year-round, and I'll probably repeat them in autumn. But the lakes are a special place in summer, so I try to visit every year.

The first picture here is a mill in Ashland. It's right on Route 3, just north of town. It would be better with a kayak, so that piece of sky wouldn't be pulling your eye away from the mill. This is a spectacular scene in autumn and winter. A red mill - how could it not be a winner?

Next come several pictures from the lakes - Winnipesaukee, Squam, Chocorua, Crystal. Marinas, villages, reflections, maple-covered hillsides. Lots to play with here. There are also a couple of shots from Jefferson, which is becoming one of my favorite places. There's a meadow there... Lupines in spring, and I think I missed fireweed in July! Can't wait to see what October brings.

1) Eaton NH 2) Sunrise at a Meredith marina 3) Meredith-Church Landing
4) Meredith Town Pier 5) Mt Chocorua 6) Holderness, hazy sunset
7) Jefferson meadows 8) Holderness marina 9) Jefferson meadows