A Walking Photo Tour of Portsmouth, NH

Nestled on New Hampshire’s short coastline, Portsmouth is a quaint little town full of history. Being only a short drive from Boston, It is a great day trip for lovers of seacoast scenery and family fun. In Portsmouth’s cozy inlet, working lobster boats share the tide with private sailboats. And while you admire the clapboard shutters and the bright autumnal hues of the houses, the locals smile and wave. Clearly, I’m describing my dream lifestyle aesthetic. However, I’m overjoyed to confirm- this place is real.

As children, we had field trips to the Strawbery Banke museum- a restored European settlement from the 1600s that now boasts tours, art exhibits and beautiful gardens. As an adult, I love Portsmouth for endless other reasons. it is home to great breweries, quaint shops filled with local artisan goods, and of course locally run boutiques.

One of these boutiques- Madeleine’s Daughter– is know very well to natives of New Hampshire. From prom to wedding dresses – everyone has a sentimental connection to this salon. Everyone in New Hampshire knows someone who got their dress at madeleines. Don’t believe me? Just ask.

This past week I was invited to meet the owner and tour the salon. While I currently have no business trying on a wedding dress, the owner and PR team set up a magical day of Portsmouth fun and a little insight into what its like to be a Madeleine’s Daughter bride.

After a boat tour of the harbor admiring the history of the tiny lighthouses and waving to a submarine, we stopped in to meet Elizabeth, the owner of Madeline’s daughter. Each suite at the salon was adorned with dresses pulled by the consultants to match our individual Instagram aesthetic. I’d show you my favorite, but the world will just have to wait.

After our nuptial jaunt at the salon, we walked around Portsmouth. In my map below i highlighted places to capture the perfect ‘gram. While any of the stone streets and wooden houses are sure to suit your photogenic fancy – here are some can’t miss spots:

photography walking tour of Portsmouth, NH

Strawberry Banke Museum

Prescott Park

Hotel Portsmouth

Sheafe Warehouse

Wentworth Lear historic homes

the view from Esther’s marina

John Paul Jones house

and many more… for more information click on the ‘dot’ on the map and it will lead you to the website for more information on location, hours, and tours.