Our Perfect Week at the Beach
Submitted: October 16, 2010
Stayed: October 2010
Just returned home, reluctantly, after celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary at the beach house. Property is immaculate. Owners checked in with us to make sure we were setlled and called again after an infamous daylong Noreaster. Just 39 steps between the deck and the sand of one of the most private beaches in Rye. Rooms are larger than they appear. Ample closet and storage space. Made use of everything except the outdoor shower. (Too cool for swimming but there were dozens of surfers most days.) Big screen TV in the family room for college football and DVDs. Fire in fireplace took edge off the early morning and late evening chill. Friends drifted in and out during the week. Once they saw the place they wanted to stay..and did. House accommodated 7 easily. We fixed seafood dinners in the kitchen and adjacent grilling area. Portsmouth is 15 minutes North. It is a breathtaking trip along coast. On one jaunt around dusk we saw deer cross from the Seacoast Science Center to the marsh across the street. Top Porstmouth restaurants: Green Monkey, Jay's Fish Cafe, Oar House and Popovers. Breaking New Grounds is the place for coffee and people watching. Geno's chowder house is off the beaten path (find Prescott Park gardens and ask) but this is where all Republican presidential candidates must pay homage. Political photos are worth a stop plus the chowder is good! Golden Egg is old breakfast favorite at the Portsmouth/Rye border. The Music Hall features classic old movies and interesting music mix. Missed a show at Seacoast Rep by two days. Harbor tour aboard the Heritage on our last day. Magnificent color. Wentworth Douglas House worth looking for, was royal governor's residence. Former Rockingham Hotel now houses Library Restaurant and wonderful fireside pub. Free yoga classes at the Porstmouth Heath Food Store and great organic products. Great little shops in Market Square. Info booth in center of town. Just over the line is Maine. Walked across the Memorial bridge and found spa services in converted barn at Portsmouth Harbor Inn and Spa, KIttery. Got mani/pedi/massage while ocean-gazing. Newcastle, NH is an island wedged between Rye and Portsmouth. Try Latitudes at Wentworth by the Sea for lobster rolls. Perfect dining vista. Rent kayas nearby. South to Newburyport is 30 minutes along coast. Try Michael's Harborside, Cafe di Siena and a long stroll on Plum Island preserve. Three Sisters shop had great gifts. We will definitely return!
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Girls Getaway,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Families with Young Children,
Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 20/20
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