A Rainy Day in Portsmouth, NH

The day after our 'snowstorm,' there were some heavy coastal rains.

Of course that's the day Amanda and I had plans to drive up to

Three Graces Gallery in Portsmouth, N.H. to pick up her remaining artwork.

(this particular photo was taken by me in 2009 during another rainy day in Portsmouth!)

 

Sadly, this beautiful gallery where Amanda has exhibited her artwork for the past several years will be closing at the end of December. Kim, the gallery owner, has decided to spend more time working on her own art. And since she was at the gallery just about every day, that didn't leave a lot of time for her to pursue her own passions. So although we're very happy for her, our trips to Portsmouth just won't be the same without stopping in at The Three Graces. (Good luck, Kim!!)

 

Normally we wander around Portsmouth (even on rainy days like this), but on this particular day we were in a bit of a hurry, so after loading up Amanda's art we left the van in front of the gallery and just ran across the street to Fat Belly's to grab a quick bite.

 

 Someone told us we didn't have to put money in the meter because it was still the holiday season.

 

I still wanted to keep my eyes on the van 'just-in-case' we were misinformed and a meter reader or tow truck happened along! So how lucky were we to get the one table right by the window, with a clear view of the van!

 

I love tables with a view, and even in the pouring rain, Portsmouth is a fun place to people-watch. We saw people with umbrellas, people with dogs, people hurrying along, and people taking their time and enjoying a lovely, rainy afternoon (probably saying prayers of thanks that it wasn't snow or sleet! I know I was!)

 

The meals were delicious! Amanda ordered a grilled cheese with lobster...

 

.. and I ordered a veggie burger with a side salad. Delicious!!

 

All in all, a fantastic way to spend time with one of my two favorite girls in the whole wide world!

 

I hope you're all enjoying this week between Christmas and New Year's.

 

Donna

Downtown Portsmouth, NH = Halloween Central

If you find yourself in New Hampshire between now and Halloween, you should make it a point to visit the quaint and colorful seaside city of Portsmouth! Amanda and I were there the other day to pick up some of her artwork from a downtown gallery, so we decided to make an afternoon of it.


Both the city and the shop owners go all out to welcome you. The New England /Autumn / Halloween decorations are everywhere and, while there, you might even run into some colorful characters!

You'll find the CUTE:

(I just had to get a closeup of the frog boots!!)

And you will find the SPOOKY:

You will also find the downright SCARY!

The shop owners have gone all out with their beautiful window and storefront displays:

(Okay, this one is not autumn related, but I had to include my beloved Beatles!!)

(I absolutely LOVED the bright blue storefront and the rainbow array of cookware on display in this Kitchenware store!!)

And if the gorgeous window displays aren't enough, you'll find yourself drooling over the many windowboxes, all so unique and beautiful!

Portsmouth is such a beautiful city!


Everywhere I looked, there was a picture-perfect photo opportunity... From this white spired church steeple...


To this bright blue wagon filled with flowers.


Even the fire hydrants are cheerful and colorful, totally in keeping with this city! (Speaking of fire hydrants, Portsmouth is a VERY dog-friendly city! Tons of people were walking their doggies and I noticed several kind shopowners had water bowls on the sidewalk outside their shops for the furry visitors to the city!)


There are signs to point you up picturesque alleyways...


... and signs that offer to teach you a new language :)


There are also signs that make you stop and think (click the photo to enlarge it so you can read the sign)...


After all your walking, shopping, oohing, and ahhhing, you'll surely want to grab a bite to eat, and Portsmouth does not disappoint in this area! You will find a HUGE selection of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries to choose from - there is something for everyone!


Amanda and I decided to brave it and eat at a sidewalk table (it was a tad chilly, but it was a GORGEOUS autumn day that we wanted to spend every minute outside! I'm sure in the warmer weather every outdoor seat is taken at this lovely restaurant!)


We ate at Popovers Bakery & Cafe and oh my gosh -the food was SOOO yummy! I had turkey pot pie in a popover and Amanda had tomato basil soup with a popover. Not a speck was left when we were done!


Amanda and I split a dessert. I wish I could remember the official name, but it was a lemon and caramel dessert and it was absolutely decadent!!! And look at the presentation - the perfect ending to our meal and to our afternoon in Portsmouth!


Before heading home, I picked up this beautiful New England postcard at one of the shops (Amanda picked out a cute one, too) to send to this lovely little girl, Reagyn (if you'd like, you can click on her name to read about her Postcard wish, and then the POSTCARDS tab on her website for her address). I heard about her through Tammy at Stitching & Shipping.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!

Donna