Springtime in Portsmouth: Best of Events
It may feel like a jinx to even think it, but May has arrived and spring might just be here to stay. While there may be countless jazz sounds of springtime in Paris and poems of springtime in New York City, all who have ever been know there’s no place quite like New England in spring – and for anyone who’s been up the coast, no place in New England quite like Portsmouth. Striking architecture, thriving culture, and that kiss of salt air make it a destination all year round. But in spring, as the tree-lined streets are covered in blossoms and a hint of bright blue summer skies is just beginning to tease, our historic city truly thrives. Create your favorite memories for the season with the best events in town!
For the architecturally inclined, Portsmouth never disappoints. Any walk will provide stunning examples of genius throughout the centuries; but a walk with the Historical Society & Discover Portsmouth will provide brilliant insight and tantalizing details about the stories, preservation, and future of these illustrious homes and structures – all while taking in a gorgeous spring day.
If architecture is an interest, but interior design a passion, Portsmouth is still the place to be. Curated by the Society and hosted by Discover Portsmouth, their dual exhibitions this summer showcase over four hundred years of furniture craftsmanship and industry history unique to our own town. With outstanding antiques put in conversation with exciting contemporary works, this display is not one to be missed for those with a love of creating a full design experience in their home.
Architecture naturally doesn’t always reflect our own home or experience, either: it can be even more breathtakingly magnificent. While everyone might want to believe such of their house, there were a few people who once could truly say it without hyperbole, even if in scale alone. A landmark as spectacular and distinctive as any skyscraper, the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is one of the classic New England traditions that makes our shores such a wonderful sight. Beautiful as it may be, and pragmatic its purpose, the life the Lighthouse once had as a home remains fascinating as well – all things to explore and treasure when visiting their open house events any Sunday this season.
Viewing architectural and design greatness can be thirsty work. Luckily, this town of ours has the perfect solution: the Portsmouth Brewery Tour. With a personal, in-depth tour of the brewery on May 5th, visitors can learn about the riveting process – and even more riveting rewards – of the first 7-barrel craft brewery in the entire state of New Hampshire. And if you prefer your hops with a side of athleticism and charity, Redhook Brewery is hosting the “fun, fast, and flat” 20th Annual Runner’s Alley/Redhook Memorial 5k Road Race on May 28th. With a delicious feast and free beer afterwards, and all proceeds going to Kremples Center, a springtime Sunday afternoon could rarely be better spent.
From visiting grand architectural sights to wandering new-to-you historic neighborhoods, delighting in extraordinary works of art or sipping on the ideal cold beer, springtime in Portsmouth has everything you could possibly need to welcome the best of the season with the best of New England.
