PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE
New England has discovered Portsmouth, New Hamphire! This small naval
base city was on its way downhill after the cold war. Something had to
be done to bring people and commerce back. Though, there was also a
small tourist trade for the historical structures of Portsmouth, they
needed a major focus to get on the map.
So, they took the oldest neighborhood in town, known as Strawberry
Banke, and turned it into a restoration attraction. Admission is
charged to tour the 18th century homes and new buildings are added
each year.
As descriminating tourists seek out Strawberry Banke, there is more to
this town than its colonial arhcitecture. It's downtown has become a
beehive of activity as writers and other virtual workers have
discovered the charm and cost savings over living in nearby Boston.
Coffeshops, vegetarian cafes, and Apple Computer shops fill the old
fashion downtown storefronts.
Parking is easy in their municipal parking garage that charges about
1/10th what a Boston parking garage gets away with. The downtown is
very compact and the whole town is within walking distance.
One connection to Cambridge, Mass is Portsmouth CyberCafe, one of the
first in the nation. It does more business selling gourmet lunches
than access to the Internet these days. This is because owning one's
own computer has become so popular these days. But, in the beginning
the CyberCafe was revolutionary for its computers.
Portsmouth also has lots of style. The two statues above are just
sitting on the lawn in front of a colonial house. Down the street are
captians' homes with their widow's watch rooftops. Like much of New
England, any building more than 175 years old displays a plaque telling
the historical name for the building plus its date of
construction.
Besides the recent gentrification, Portsmouth is still best known for
its naval shipyard. It's history goes back to colonial times. You can
see a decommissioned submarine north of town. Across from Strawberry
Banke there is a harbor side park where you can liesurely watch the
ships, Coast Guard cruisers, and lobster boats go by. The Drawbridge
is raised many times during the course of a day.
Portsmouth spends a great deal on tourist brochures. So, finding your
way around shouldn't be too hard. Trying to stay away once you've
visited may be harder.
