3 Days in Portsmouth to Enjoy Foliage Season
Here's a three-day itinerary for viewing fall foliage in New England, with a stop in Portsmouth, New Hampshire:
Day 1: Arrival in Portsmouth
Morning: Enjoy a pastry and specialty coffee at Elephantine.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local spot on Portsmouth’s waterfront like "Genos" for a lobster stew, egg salad or the perfect blueberry pie.
Afternoon: Explore downtown Portsmouth and its charming shops and historic sites.
Check in to The Sailmaker’s House
Dinner: at “Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe”
Day 2: Portsmouth and Coastal Foliage
Morning: Visit Strawbery Banke Museum to learn about local history.
Late Morning: Take a scenic drive along Route 1A towards Rye and Hampton Beach, enjoying coastal views and early foliage.
Lunch: Grab lunch at "The Beach Plum" for fresh seafood with ocean views.
Afternoon: Continue your coastal drive or relax at Wallis Sands State Beach.
Dinner: Return to Portsmouth for local New England tapas at Moxy.
Day 3: Inland Foliage and Heading South
Morning: Check out of The Sailmaker’s House.
Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at the Friendly Toast.
Late Morning: Begin your journey inland toward New Hampshire's Lakes Region, driving through areas like Lake Winnipesaukee.
Lunch: Find a local eatery in the Lakes Region, like Moulton Farm in Meredith.
Afternoon: Continue your foliage tour through scenic routes in the Lakes Region.
Dinner: Head south toward Massachusetts and dine at a cozy restaurant in the charming town of Newburyport.
Evening: Consider spending the night in Newburyport or driving back to your starting point, depending on your travel plans.
Day 4: Exploring Massachusetts Foliage (Optional)
If you have an extra day, explore more of the fall foliage in Massachusetts, perhaps visiting historic towns like Newburyport, Ipswich, Essex or Salem.
Remember to check foliage reports and maps as you plan your trip to ensure you catch the peak foliage colors. New England's fall foliage season is highly dependent on the weather, so flexibility in your schedule can be beneficial for the best viewing experience. Enjoy the breathtaking autumn scenery!