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Discover Our Amazing Seacoast
Local Farmer's Markets
Farmer's markets are the best! Support your local farmer this season in the following locations:
Durham: Mon 2:15 to 6pm , Pettee Brook Lane
Dover: Wed 2:15 to 6pm, McIntosh College
Exeter: Thurs 2:15 to 6pm, Swazey Parkway
Hampton: Tues 3 to 6 pm, Sacred Heart Church
Portsmouth: Sat 8am to 1pm, City Office Complex
Portsmouth Harbor Cruises
Maybe it is the Pisces in me, but nothing brings me more peace and relaxation than a cruise in Portsmouth Harbor. Here are two Portsmouth traditions to choose from:
The Heritage is a smaller boat that offers cruises several times per day. They go up and down the Piscataqua River all summer and into the fall for some lovely foliage cruises. Check out their website at www.portsmouthharbor.com .
The Thomas Laighton is a larger ship that offers a variety of excursions including trips out to the Isles of Shoals, where you can get off, eat lunch and explore. It also offers evening cruises with live music for the dancing crowd. For more info check out www.islesofshoals.com .
Hampton Beach Sandcastle Contest
The most amazing sandcastles you'll ever see. They celebrate the 20st anniversary of this event in 2010. Taking place June 19-30, for more info visit: www.hamptonbeach.org.
American Independence Museum - Exeter
Discover the stories behind America's revolutionary past and how they relate to your experiences today by visiting the American Independence Museum. Located in historic Exeter, New Hampshire, the museum features stories of the brave men and women who overcame their uncertainties about freedom from Great Britain and established our country. Tours, exhibits and a great gift shop. To learn more visit: www.independencemuseum.org .
Hampton Beach Fireworks
Hampton Beach Fireworks displays are held every Wednesday night beginning at 9:30 between June 23rd and October 10th. Check their website for holiday schedule: www.hamptonbeach.org.
Hampton Beach Seafood Festival
Another great Hampton event is the Annual Seafood Festival which takes place September 10-12, 2010. Event details can also be found on www.hamptonbeach.org.
The Music Hall - Portsmouth
Designated an "American Treasure" by the National Historic Trust and National Park Service, The Music Hall is a gem of a Portsmouth venue. Offering live music of many genres, dance, plays, film and the wonderful "Writers on a New England Stage" series. Another favorite is the annual Telluride By the Sea Film Festival. For more info visit www.themusichall.org .
Hampton Club Casino
Do you love live music? You have to check out the summer lineup that this place has to offer. If you can't find an act worth seeing on this schedule, then you don't like music! For the entire lineup visit www.casinoballroom.com .
Prescott Park Arts Festival - Portsmouth
Prescott Park Arts Festival is an annual must! Located on Portsmouth's Waterfront, the festival features live theater, music, dance, art and more. Visit www.prescottpark.org .
While you are there, be sure to visit the award winning gardens of Prescott Park! Other events you won't want to miss at Prescott Park are the Annual Chowder Festival and the Annual Chili Festival. See the website for dates and times of all events, including the Rhythm & Roots, Jazz, Folk and Country Music Festivals.
Strawbery Banke - Portsmouth
Discover New Hampshire's first settlement, Strawbery Banke. Settled in 1630, it got its name from the lush and abundant wild strawberries the settlers saw when the arrived here. Learn about the establishment and history of this colony. For more info visit: www.strawberybanke.org.
Phillips Exeter Academy - Public Events
Phillips Exeter Academy, in the heart of Exeter, invites the public to many of its activities including guest lectures, art exhibits and music and theater performances. For information call the public events hotline at 777-4309 or visit www.exeter.edu .
Portsmouth Criterium - September Event
Velo News describes this event as "Charming Northeastern historic scenery meets eye widening speed." Typically held the third Sunday in September, the Portsmouth "Crit" is a colorful exciting bicycle race with age and ablity groups for everyone, including an adorable kids race. Held in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, grab a cup of coffee and head to Market Square for a great day of exciting events. I'll be there cheering on my son! Visit www.portsmouthcrit.com.
Pittsfield's Annual Hot Air Baloon Rally - August Event
Okay, so I've drifted from the Seacoast on this event, but I actually went to high school in Pittsfield. While it is a sleepy little town, it comes alive every August when these balloons hit the skys. A great event for kids of all ages! Visit: www.pittsfield-nh.com/publicinfo/balloonfestival/index.htm
