Have you ever thought man I need a vacation? Well of course you have but I’m sure if you’re like me (a wanderlust obsessed college student) you also looked into your wallet and saw tumbleweeds rolling as you heard crickets chirping in the background. Whether you’ve got the funds or not, the most overlooked solution to craving adventure is to explore where you live! I decided to focus on a place that continues to prove itself a great staycation to me every single day, Portsmouth, New Hampshire!
Now of course this post is summer-centric but how can you blame me? Being a native of the seacoast area I have a natural affinity for small beaches and quaint downtowns and I’m deciding to give my home city a little love and here’s why you should too:
1. The Shopping
From the funky and weird to the hip and chic Market Square all the way to
Bow Street is filled with quirky shops. The number of local businesses easily outnumbers chains making for a shopping experience you wont find anywhere else. Whether you want to peruse some old records, buy a cheeky birthday gift or do some trendy consignment shopping it’s all here. You can even stop in at local hot spot, Book and Bar, where you can grab a drink and buy a new book to curl up with at the same time. P.S. if you’re thinking “Didn’t she just say she had no money?” Reminder: There is no sales tax in lovely New Hampshire. So if you’re going to stretch your money somewhere, it might as well be here.
2. The Eats
I could eat all day and night in Portsmouth and never run out of places to go. Whether you want fish, an all natural smoothie, a generous ice cream or the worlds best comfort food then you’ve come to the right place. To start your day try any one of the adorable cafes that line Congress Street or stop in at the Friendly Toast, famous for it’s eclectic atmosphere and all day breakfast menu. As for other eats, what are you in the mood for? Because we’ve got Japanese, Mexican, French, Italian, seafood, gourmet pubs and a whole spot dedicated to global street dishes so you’ve prett
y much got your pick. And don’t even get me started on drinks for the 21+ crowd. If you want a brew from a local brewery, a wine bar where you can paint or some classy cocktails down by the water just head downtown and you will get your fill. Oh and always end your night at Gilly’s – no description needed, it’s like your mom would say, “Because I said so!”
3. Prescott Park
Having worked here for 3 summers I know the ins and outs of this place better than my own college campus. Prescott Park may very well be one of the best draws for a staycation in P-Town. 
The park is a great place to go for a walk or picnic during the day, plus come here on a summer evening and this place is bumpin’. Every season there is a play that runs 3 nights a week, outdoor movies, art shows and chowder fests and to top it all off a concert series that pulls acts from all over the the world. The best part? It runs on a donation only policy, yup you heard me, so no need to reserve tickets just support the arts!
4. SEAcoast
Because there’s a natureful bohemian
hiding underneath in all of us. Portsmouth is a seacoast city and thats part of what makes it so great for that adventure itch. Whether you want to try a Portsmouth Harbor Cruise, go biking from the Harbor to Odiorne Point, take a day trip to the Isles of Shoals or just watch the tugboats on the bay there’s tons to do by the water. And being from the coastal town of Rye (right next door) of course I have to plug heading to one of the beautiful beaches in Rye. Maybe even try a paddleboard lesson from one of the hippest surf shops on the seacoast, Summer Sessions.
5. Cool Factor
Lastly this city is New Hampshire’s ultimate destination because it is just plain 
cool. In 2009, Forbes Traveler listed Portsmouth as one of America’s Prettiest Towns and in 2008, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Portsmouth to its list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, calling it “one of the most culturally rich destinations in the country.” Yes you can get your yoga on, get a super trendy haircut at the salon of your dreams, enjoy jazz music or cigars from all over the world or just sit in Market Square and watch the street performers do their thing. 
I mean come on how many other cities can you go to where the cobblestones are nearly 400 years old, the parking is free after seven and every corner you turn you can find awesome graffiti?
Simply put, Portsmouth is wicked cool. Oh and if you’re not from here come visit, despite the New England stereotype we’re friendly I promise!
Lilliana Chalfant 