Treat Yourself to Portsmouth, NH

Coming out of the holiday season high and jumping back into the real world can be a hard way to start the year, but it doesn’t have to be. Let 2024 be the year that you prioritize to not only take care of yourself, but to treat yourself - after all, you deserve it. That being said, you may find that the selfless act of treating someone else is just the treat to make you feel happy and warm, so share the love.

While everyone is clearing the cobwebs from their head and getting back to work, take some time to treat yourself (or someone else) to a few of our favorite Portsmouth things.

Something Sweet

Elephantine 

Elephantine does it again with another must try item on their already deliciously stacked menu - the French drinking chocolate is a rich, decadent and smooth ‘hot chocolate’ that puts the traditional Swiss Miss to shame. The seasonal offering is inspired by the idea of a wintery walk around Paris that leaves our spirits full but our noses cold, thus finding warmth in a ‘chocolat chaud’ which we sip slowly. 

Maison Navarre

If you are not familiar with the Affogato, here’s the scoop - creamy vanilla ice cream with an espresso poured over top for a sweet, sugar and caffeine pick-me-up infusion. If you’re not familiar with Maison Navarre, here’s your reason to stop in today! The owners are a couple from France who made their dream a reality here in Portsmouth, so in addition to many other pastries and treats made fresh daily, they specialize in crepes, a gourmet wine bar, and a selection of authentic groceries and goodies from France as well.

Health & Wellness

Flōte

Find your sanctuary for wellness at Flōte - a soul gym where people train not only their bodies, but their spirits. Floating, or floatation therapy, is a sensory deprivation practice involving a pod filled with a foot of water and over 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt. The Portsmouth location is home to four floatation spaces—two pods, one starlit room and one open, double float room—perfect for a couples float together. Try a float to get in touch with your physical, psychological, and spiritual self, relax your body, and still the chatter in your mind.

Blush

Blush is an intimate boutique spa nestled in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, offering everything from facials, waxing and massages down to lash and brow services. With a team of award winning lightworkers, motivators, and inspirers ready to make you look and feel like the best version of yourself, you are in good hands with the folks at Blush. Allow Blush to pamper your mind, body and soul to give you that glow you’re looking for to start the cold, wintery season.

Local Gifts

Scallops Mineral & Shell Emporium
Scallops is a metaphysical gift shop full of wonderfully different items to browse and choose from. You are greeted by a variety of seashells, healing crystals and fossils in natural and crafted settings, but the shop also carries an array of holistic and spiritual self help books and CDs, numerous tarot card decks and more. The selection is uniquely different for the New England Seacoast, and you’re sure to walk away with a beautiful and stylish piece of jewelry made of sterling silver and semi precious stones - the perfect gift for yourself or someone special this Valentine’s Day!

NW Barrett Gallery

NW Barrett Gallery has to be one of the most interesting galleries in town. It’s curated with incredibly talented and creative artists showcasing glass and metal sculptures, wood carvings and artwork, and pieces that are sure to grab your attention as it is always a pleasant surprise what you may find in their collection. The gallery was established in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1985, selling designer jewelry, sculpture, furniture, and handmade crafts. The Upstairs Gallery is dedicated to fine art but is an extension of the gallery below. Absolutely worth stopping in to browse their jewelry and art if you are trying to find a unique gift, or are simply perusing the various galleries in town.