Portsmouth New Hampshire is a perfect place for a winter getaway! I’ve spent several years going there for a girls weekend. The hotels in the area are all great; the many restaurants are fantastic and the holiday shopping is phenomenal. I love walking along the water, window shopping and filling myself with holiday cheer. Here are some of the ways I’ve spent a holiday weekend in Portsmouth, NH.

Day One

I’ve only ever stayed one night, driving up early on a Saturday and leaving later on Sunday. Therefore day one includes driving up early in the morning, usually having breakfast on the road. The downtown area of Portsmouth has several public parking lots and we’ve never had trouble finding one to park at. We leave the car there for several hours, the city is very walkable.

Mid day and afternoon are spent eating light bites and holiday shopping! There are several great coffee shops for light eating and snacking. I honestly haven’t met one that wasn’t great.

Behind the Rio Tequila Cantina restaurant, next to the Old Ferry Landing, you can find this city seal below imprinted in the sidewalk and have a few moments of peace watching the boats.

As the sun goes to bed the city lights come alive!

I highly recommend making dinner reservations for Toscana Italian Chophouse and Wine Bar. It has been our favorite for years and is even better in their newer downtown location on Pleasant St. We usually check into our hotel after dinner and spend time watching holiday movies, playing games and chatting.

Day Two

After getting a local breakfast, usually at the hotel, the family and I drive up to Maine for some shopping. Everyone I know loves shopping at the Kittery Maine outlets and the Kittery Trading Post. I have bought many Christmas presents here! Every single year I have to have a lobster roll at Bob’s Clam Hut, it is seriously the best in New England no matter what time of year it is. The place is always packed and that is exactly why, all the food is amazing.

After lunch we usually start driving back home to Connecticut. Last year it started snowing on our drive home and it took us forever to get back! Tis the season for snow messing with your plans. Portsmouth New Hampshire is an enjoyable destination for a girls holiday weekend away!