This alleyway between Ri Ra and Bank of America is drenched in brick.  As the sun set tonight, it just reached above the Ri Ra building (the oldest bank building in the United States – according to the plaque on the front of the building) to graze the wall of the taller building.  I love the grates that cover the windows on the building to the right – reminding me of what things might have looked like when Portsmouth was a dicier place to walk around.

The leading lines of the street bring your eye to the blooming trees lining Market Street, and to the notorious North Church.

Portsmouth’s unique alley behind the tugboats and en route to the Decks is known as Ceres Street, which will soon be getting a facelift courtesy of the City.  Last time I featured Annabelle’s on the site, people commented that they never knew there was a giant ice cream cone hanging above the door.  This view is easily one of my favorites in the city with the different nuances among the brick colors on the rowhouses.

Ceres Street is the cozy alleyway near Portsmouth’s infamous decks, a must-visit summertime destination.  The alley is home to several local restaurants including The Oar House, Annabelle’s Ice Cream (which recently was named one of the best places for ice cream in the country!), The Black Trumpet, The Dolphin Striker, The Blue Claw, local art galleries and more.

Saturdays will now feature shots of some of my favorite places during the day and during the night, to capture the essence of the changing moods of the city.