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Go native! 25 great things to do this summer
By Nancy Cicco
Posted: July 20, 2006
Don’t let the mid-summer blues take hold! Sure, there’s been a lot of rain, but the forecast looks much improved of late, so if you’re stuck for things to do on the Seacoast, our “Discover the Coast” editors have come up with their favorite picks for you. Enjoy! Emily Bailey’s top 5 summertime picks:1. Great Island Common A 31-acre ocean side park, Great Island Common is the Town of New Castle’s recreational centerpiece. The common boasts a small, but beautiful beach of soft, white sand. One end is perfect for with families with kids, but walk a little further and privacy and space is yours alone. There is plenty of playground equipment, clean public bathrooms and grassy areas for picnicking, sports and gatherings. The parking fee is $3 per adult per car, children and seniors free. Daylight hours, Memorial Day to Labor Day. 2. Hush, Hush, Sweet Harlot at The Red Door Ever get annoyed when you go out to hear live music and the crowd just talks right over the performance? The Red Door is one of the few local venues that is “all about the music,” at least on Monday nights during the “Hush, Hush, Sweet Harlot” music series. “Hush, Hush” brings in indie bands and artists from here in the Northeast as well as national touring acts on their way through Boston and Portland. Shows run from 8-10 p.m. Mondays and there is a $5 suggested donation that goes directly to the performers. 3. Flo’s Hot Dogs Flo’s was opened in 1959 by Florence Stacey and her son and daughter-in-law continue the tradition of steamed dogs with the sig-nature Flo’s relish. These dogs are world-famous and even rumored to induce labor in overdue expecting women. Flo’s is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed Wednesdays. 4. The Goldenrod This 100 year-old luncheonette in the heart of York Beach’s Short Sands, is famous for its club sandwiches, penny candy, homemade ice cream and fresh-faced staff. But most importantly, it’s the home of the Goldenrod Kiss, saltwater taffy made right on the premises. The process always draws a crowd of onlookers, so watch out for the clusters of kids and their parents lined up on the street. 5. Peirce Island Pool This gorgeous, huge (398 by 33 yards) pool is one of the city’s best kept secrets of summer. The facility was recently upgraded and surrounding the pool are also picnic areas, restrooms, parking, fishing and a boat ramp. Portsmouth residents: kids free, adults $1. Non-residents: $1 kids, $2 grown-ups. Open from June 26-Aug. 27 Adult swims from noon to 12:55 p.m., Monday through Friday. Open swims from 1 to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on weekends. Evening swims are held on Tuesday and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. — Emily Bailey, community editor Jenn Stevens’ top picks:1. Odd Showroom Amity Joy Armbruster opened this funky shop on Christmas Eve 2003. It features vintage wears, customized T-shirts, and some very sweet looking crocheted tops. If you want something one-of-a-kind from Portsmouth, it will be here. 2. Players’ Ring Late Night Summer Series shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission and $8 for students and seniors. If you don’t feel like rushing through dinner to get to the theater on time, consider the “Late Night” option. This series, begun in 2000, takes advantage of this cozy little theater in normally dark hours. Nine plays — all originals — will take the stage for three nights each after the noise at neighboring Prescott Park has died down. As a bonus, you’re allowed to bring cups of Joe into the theater with you from the Ring’s mismatched mug collection. 3. The Press Room Most music starts at 9 p.m. Music seven nights a week? No, you haven’t gone to band camp, you’ve gone to the Press Room Here you’ll find solid blues acts, singer/songwriters, jazz galore (Sundays 6-9 p.m., Mondays 7:30-11 p.m. and Tuesdays 5:30-9 p.m.), and one heck of a Hoot Night that kicks off at 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. And if you have any questions about the blues, direct them toward the band booker named Bruce. 4. The Daniel Street Tavern This unassuming tavern is snuggled right near Portsmouth’s tattoo parlor. It comes complete with a jukebox, pool table, and rambunctious karaoke on Sunday nights starting about 8:30 p.m. and ending early the next morning (about 12:30 a.m.). If you’re looking for yuppies, don’t look here. 5. Dover This city, about 12 miles north of Portsmouth, has gone through a renaissance of late. You’ll find hopping live music at places such as the Barley Pub, Dover Soul and Dover Brick House; yummy food at Crescent City Bistro, Thai Cuisine, and The Barn; the Cochecho Arts Festival full of con-certs and kids’ events and some very cool shops. Best of all, you’ll find policemen on horseback. Beware, however, parking tickets are $15. — J.L. Stevens, Spotlight editor Michael Keating’s top 5 picks:1. Ogunquit Beach Without a doubt, one of my favorite beaches in the world — clean, fun and friendly. Although crowded in July and August, you can always find a relatively private spot to call your own while sunbathing, people-watching and body-surfing. Great to just walk the three-mile beach at water’s edge. The Village Food Market in downtown Ogunquit has all your picnic needs covered, and the Blue Water Inn offers outdoor a shady spot to sip a frozen cocktail or two when your day is done. Free/parking costs vary. 2. Mount Agamenticus Far from the maddening crowds and traffic, you can see the four corners of Southern Maine/New Hampshire from atop this mountain where the Abenaki Indians are said to have held their last stand against the European settlers. Interesting history, great foot trails from the bottom, or drive up (slowly!). 3. Prescott Park Kicking off June 3 with the 22nd annual WOKQ-FM Chowder Cookoff festival, the Prescott Park Arts Festival is a huge summer-long series of events drawing huge crowds of locals and tourists alike. This year’s highlights include a New Hampshire Art Association Art Exhibit and Sale, June 22 to Aug. 20; Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival, July 9; Wednesday night concert series, June 28 to Aug. 16. The BIG EVENT this year is the theatrical production of “Oliver!,” running June 24 to Aug. 20. And don’t miss the flower gardens. They’re real, and they’re spectacular! 4. Newburyport Less than a 1/2-hour from Portsmouth (assuming the traffic ain’t bad), lies the cool little town of Newburyport, Mass. A haven for street performers, both of the comical and musician variations, you can think of it as Harvard Square north. Lots of cool little shops, antiques, confections and fantastic restaurants. Whenever I find myself bored, and still have half a wit, I head to Newburyport and always find a good time. Free/ample parking. 5. The Stone Church This is the place that legends are made of, and where musical legends often come out to play and be heard — Odetta, June 9; Hot Tuna, June 27. Sitting high atop Zion Hill in the old mill town of Newmarket, The Stone Church is as intimate a club setting as you will find for top notch enter-tainment anywhere in New England, dare say I the world. Musicians love this room, and so do their fans. New shows are constantly being added so check out the updated schedule on the Web at www.thestonechurch.com. Prices vary, $5 to $30. — Michael Keating, features editor Nancy Cicco’s top 5 picks1. Lobster and steamers in the rough Whether you go to Brown’s Seabrook Lobster Pound in Seabrook, N.H. or head to Maine to Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier in Kittery, or Foster’s Downeast Clambake in York, don’t miss your chance to go native and order up a piping hot “lobsta” with a side of steamed clams. Both are New England specialties and both are acquired tastes (and once you’ve acquired them, you won’t give them up). All of these restaurants (and still others) allow patrons to eat outdoors. Waitstaff will help landlubbers learn how to crack lobsters and shuck steamers to earn their dinners. Don’t forget the hot, melted butter. Enjoy. Various Seacoast restaurants. Prices vary. 2. Ellis Park Concert Series Year-round residents, summer folk and tourists alike turn out for the Ellis Park Concert Series, so pack your lawn chairs, a blanket and a picnic basket and head to the gazebo at Ellis Park for these outdoor, nightly concerts. You’ll get to enjoy performances on warm summer nights as kites fly above and the surf rolls in behind you. Ellis Park is located in front of Short Sands Beach in York, Maine. Free. 3. Read local authors this summer: Barnes & Noble Booksellers RiverRun Bookstore Sure, you can re-read “The Da Vinci Code” and compare the book to the movie version this summer, but Rye resident Dan Brown isn’t the only noted author from these parts. If you’re looking to branch out, pick up the New England-inspired coming of age story, “Snow Island,” and the second book in the series, “Evening Ferry,” by Portsmouth author Katherine Towler. If you love thrillers, Cape Neddick, Maine’s Michael Kimball has offered up novels such as “Mouth to Mouth” and “Green Girls,” which feature local landmarks and Maine life in their plot lines. Ghost hunters, lighthouse lovers and those who adore folklore will do well to read any of several offerings by Maine author and historian William O. Thomson. Barnes & Noble is open; RiverRun is open 8 a.m.- 11 p.m. everyday; RiverRun is open Mondays -Saturdays 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 4. Treasure hunting You can’t call it “antiquing” because what you buy might not actually be an antique, but funky antiques, vintage and collectibles shops dot the Seacoast, beckoning you to buy a hidden heirloom or two. If you’re looking for fresh flowers and furnishings that capture the feel of a Victorian summer cottage, head to Appledore Arbor in North Hampton, which is also an outlet for Rachel Ashwell’s Simply Shabby Chic product lines. Appledore Arbor is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Tuesdays, )May through September only), closed Sundays. 5. Brown’s Old An ice cream stand with good ice cream and better views, Brown’s always draws a crowd. It should — it’s practically a stone’s throw from Cape Neddick Lighthouse, one of the country’s most frequently photographed beacons. Complete your pilgrimage to this spot (and work off those calories) by walking through the neighborhood on the two streets — Broadway and Nubble Road — that rim the spit of land (known as “the Nubble”) in front of the lighthouse. The walk is about a mile of topsy-turvy terrain, and it’s a showcase for modern-day trophy homes, more modest summer shacks and Victorian “gingerbread” houses. The best of the old and the new. Brown’s is open every day noon to 7:30 p.m. — Nancy Cicco, special sections editor Rachel Forrest’s top 5 picks:1. The American Independence Festival Nothing beats a good Revolutionary War re-enactment! Unless it’s some great festival food with cheese steaks and cotton candy. Colonial troops camp by Swazey Parkway, craftspeople abound with ye olde granite splitting and searing and you can even ride on a helicopter or a gundalow. Meet George Washington and throw on your tricorn hat for a ride back to our Colonial heritage. Many activities are free, access to events on museum grounds is $5, or $4 with advance purchase of a festival sticker. Call or e-mail the museum for info on where to buy stickers. 2. Sunday brunch and spa treatments Jazz, interactive cooking stations, ice sculptures, fountains and champagne at this spectacular Sunday brunch should always be followed by a good relaxing massage and then maybe a nap. What the heck, get a room for the night and have dinner, too. It’s the ultimate luxury weekend. Prices vary. Brunch is Sunday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., spa treatments are by appointment. 3. Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom Oldies but goodies and newbies but goodies come to the open space at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom each summer. It’s a rocking spot for acts like Ashlee Simpson, Candlebox, Cinderalla and KC and the Sunshine Band, as well as great comedians like George Carlin and Brian Regan. Prices vary. Shows start in the evenings. 4. Gilley’s cheeseburger after midnight Gilley’s double cheeseburger cravings can come at any time of the day or night but there’s noting like a juicy, just a bit greasy burger oozing with mayo and ketchup after you’ve dancing at the Portsmouth Gaslight Co.’s Third Floor nightclub for a few hours or sipping martinis at one of the many cool downtown watering holes. It’s at midnight of after that Gilley’s is at its most lively, with lines out the door of the little red train car that is the city’s classic burger and dog joint. 5. Prescott Park Chili Cookoff The 17th annual Chilifest will heat up on Sept. 30. Bring your Rolaids and your sense of fun! |
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