One of the many great things about Portsmouth is the abundance of delicious options to eat & drink.  This spring/summer, Congress Street welcomed a new establishment in the Worth Block – The Portsmouth Baking Company.  It took me a while to finally make it inside, but once I did – I instantly knew this place was something special. The design inside is simply beautiful.  I had peeked inside a couple times this past week, and was surprised to see a flat screen TV with a live feed to the bakery visible from the street.  It’s a neat feature that allows people to see what’s going on in the kitchen as the staff makes the delicious bread.

The massive wooden table at center in the shot above is a sight to behold.  The seating along the wall towards the front is comfy with a unique patterned fabric.  Every little detail has been carefully thought through.  To top it all off, there is an overhead train that brings fresh bread samples from the kitchen in the back to the massive cupboard in the front, so that patrons can try the multitude of offerings.  The fact that their cupcakes are delicious and ridiculously tempting solidifies this as a must visit location, so head on over and see for yourself.

A unique perspective on the deteriorating Memorial Bridge. The paint of the railing can be seen peeling away to its rusted undercoating…along with the clearance heights on the abutment. Kittery, Maine can be seen on the other side of the river with its homes and docked fishing/lobstering boats.

There’s a new gallery in town (on State Street across from Agave and Dos Amigos)…and I had the pleasure of stopping in to explore some of the work from Latin artists featured in the gallery.  Visit WireNH for a great article on the new establishment and its founder, Catherine McLaughlin-Hills (who was very kind and helpful as I meandered around).  It only took a matter of seconds upon walking in to realize that this wasn’t your typical seacoast gallery, which was a welcomed surprise.  As someone who has very clearly made his practice photographing the beauty that surrounds us here on the New Hampshire seacoast, I most certainly appreciate more diversity in our art scene.  Also, as someone who is marrying into a Cuban and Colombian family, I think I’ve developed a greater appreciation for art outside what I’m typically seeing/enjoying.

I strongly encourage you to stop in and explore for yourself.  The gallery is full of fascinating and vibrant pieces of work…well worth a few minutes of your day on a stroll towards Prescott Park.

(Be sure to click the image – I really dig how this one looks on the black background)

The Press Room is one of Portsmouth’s most longstanding establishments – and is unquestionably the destination for live music in Portsmouth.  The place has a phenomenal vibe, and live music every night of the week…with rustic exposed wooden beams, a cozy bar, and a friendly atmosphere. Next time you’ve got a hankering for music and a pint…head over to Daniel Street. The architect of the institution’s rich music history and culture, Bruce Pingree, was recently interviewed by Gossip Lady over at SeacoastOnline.com.

It was trash day downtown…the recycling bins and trash cans sit out on the sidewalk after Public Works did their thing.  It brings a real tangible dynamic to the otherwise picturesque storefront.

Portsmouth has no shortage of places to eat and drink, ranking as the city with the most bars per capita in the State of New Hampshire.  The Coat of Arms Pub on Fleet Street is a pretty unique spot, with a distinct feel and look inside and a great menu featuring traditional English items – and the Seacoast’s only snooker table. Check it out sometime…but in case you don’t get there for a while, today’s shot gives you a feel for it.  This visit was spent with two fellow photographers who happen to be great at what they do – and also hilarious and a blast to hang out with…check out their work at Brian Matiash or Chris Lazzery.

Familiar parts create a new scene…a freighter heads out to Portsmouth Harbor from its stop upriver…the Memorial Bridge is up, the Moran Towing tugboats are at work instead of at rest in their usual spot…and the Martingale Wharf is unobstructed and in plain view with its new brick skin.  A heavy vignette creates a nice dark circular frame around the image…all of which make this a shot that I totally love.  Hope you do too.

It has without question been a ridiculous New England winter…and this image of Sanders Fish Market on Marcy Street provides further evidence.  The pastel buildings lining the waterfront along Marcy Street are a favorite of mine…and I especially like the fact that you can stroll into the market and pick up some fresh locally caught fish.  The snow and the icicles make this frigid scene feel a bit less welcoming, but if you make the trip you won’t regret it.