Today's Peace of Truth: Top 5 Reasons to Visit Portsmouth!

As times get tough this summer, long distance vacations take a back seat, and we must look more closely at our hometown for more affordable entertainment. In fact, it is a destination in and of itself, and a pretty high ranking one at that! Portsmouth is an art-loving, coastal New England town, complete with a beautiful downtown area, full of restaurants and original shops. There are so many fun things to see and do, and this is the list of my top 5:

1) FOOD! I recommend eating at Pesce Blue, Flatbread Pizza, The Wellington Room, Joes NY Pizza, The Black Trumpet and Gilleys!

~Pesce Blue: Fresh & creative fine Italian dishes including seafood, homemade pastas, premium meats, and house specialties. Everything is made from scratch by a very talented chef, the atmosphere is clean & modern, and servers are knowledgable and accomodating. It is open seven days a week with weekend brunch. They receive my highest rating!

~Flatbread Pizza: Organic, rustic, hand-stretched pizzas cooked in an awesome open hearth! If you want a fun night with the family, go here!

~The Wellington Room: Romantic evening for two, please! I wrote a whole article about this place, check it out!

~Joes New York Pizza: Best pizza around, hands down! There's something in the water...;)

~The Black Trumpet: Lovely little restaurant by the harbor, with delicious, detailed dishes.

~Gilleys: This is a greasy spoon spot, where you can get a great burger after hitting the bars to fill your beer belly! Right across from The Coat of Arms, it has a history too, check it out!

2) COFFEE! I talk to some people who have never had a latte and I'm in awe! I just cannot imagine not ever experiencing this delicious combination of steamed & frothed milk, rich espresso and whatever flavoring agent you choose to add to it! Go to Breaking New Grounds and order a Coconut Mocha Latte, it's heavenly! Also, check out Cafe Kilam for some strong organic coffees in a chill shop.

3) HISTORY! I drive through New Castle's little village and see houses dated to the late 1700s, and it amazes me! This is one of the very first coastal towns to be settled, and it has the history to back it up. Strawberry Banke not only offers beautiful gardens by the harbor, but it also is home to many preserved buildings that characterize this seacoast town. You can take a guided tour, or just walk the streets to see this. In the Dunaway's back yard there is actually one of the oldest apple trees in the US, with rootstock that crossed the Atlantic back in colonial times and was planted here! I've tasted the apples!!! Go explore the past!

4) MUSIC! Art and music thrive in Portsmouth. I love to hear the local jazz bands at The Press Room, while drinking beer and chilling out with friends. You can dance to the DJs toons at The Red Door, too, while enjoying specialty martinis in a secret location. ;) Ask a friend if you don't know where it is....;) There are lots of live concerts in the area too. Last summer I attended a music festival at Red Hook Brewery and it was one of the best concerts I've ever been to! With the smooth sounds of the Press Project, jam bands, reggae bands & bluegrass music, we danced into the night, beers in hand! When it rained, we danced more!!! Nothing like singing and dancing in the rain! :)

5) DOWNTOWN! Lots of towns can't boast about their main street, but we can! It's the kind of place that never gets old. I love to duck in and out of shops, seeing whats new, whats happening, and visiting with locals. There are a multitude of stores branching out from Market Square. From art shops, to hippy stores, to music shops, to skateboard spots, to gift shops & kitchen stores, there is something for everyone. I love the Water Monkey and Ganesh- two places to find sweet hippy duds! :)

So go have fun in Portsmouth, and let me know your favorites places to go!