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Fall in Portsmouth, NH

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:49:10 GMT

Ready for a fall escape? Book your stay at Martin Hill Inn and discover Portsmouth at its coziest.

There’s something especially magical about Portsmouth in the fall. The air turns crisp, the trees begin to glow with color, and the city settles into a cozier rhythm—while still offering plenty to see, taste, and explore.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a girls’ weekend, or simply craving a change of scenery, fall is one of the best times to experience Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Here’s your sign to pack a sweater, head to the Seacoast, and make a weekend of it.

Take a Fall Walk Through Historic Portsmouth

One of the simplest—and best—ways to experience Portsmouth in the fall is on foot.

Begin in Market Square, where brick sidewalks, historic buildings, independent shops, and cafés create the perfect setting for a leisurely autumn morning. From there, wander toward the waterfront and continue through the South End, one of Portsmouth’s most picturesque neighborhoods.

Tree-lined streets, colorful window boxes, historic homes, and glimpses of the Piscataqua River make this an especially beautiful walk during foliage season. Prescott Park, Four Tree Island, and the waterfront paths around Peirce Island are all easy additions to your route.

For a quieter walk surrounded by nature, visit the Urban Forestry Center on Elwyn Road. Its woodland trails and open fields offer another beautiful place to enjoy Portsmouth’s changing leaves.

Because New England foliage timing varies from year to year, check the New Hampshire Fall Foliage Tracker as your trip approaches.

Explore Strawbery Banke Museum

Fall feels especially atmospheric at Strawbery Banke Museum , a nearly 10-acre living-history museum in Portsmouth’s historic Puddle Dock neighborhood.

Visitors can explore centuries of local history through preserved homes, gardens, landscapes, demonstrations, and exhibitions. General museum visits continue into October, and guided tours are offered on select dates.

One of Portsmouth’s most anticipated family traditions also returns this season: Ghosts on the Banke . This family-friendly Halloween experience invites visitors to trick-or-treat among “spirits” from Portsmouth’s past while exploring the museum’s historic neighborhood.

2026 Ghosts on the Banke dates:

October 16 and 17
October 23 and 24
5:00–8:00 p.m.

Tickets are popular, so purchasing them in advance is recommended.

Later in the season, Strawbery Banke’s Thanksgiving Guided Tours explore how families observed the holiday during different periods of American history. The first 2026 Thanksgiving tour is scheduled for November 7.

Set Sail on the Piscataqua River

A harbor sail is not only a summer activity. The Gundalow Company offers public Portsmouth Harbor tours into October aboard the Piscataqua, a traditional reproduction of the flat-bottomed cargo vessels that once traveled the region’s waterways.

Daytime sails offer views of local forts, lighthouses, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and the working waterfront. Sunset sails provide an especially memorable perspective as the evening light settles over the river.

Guests may even be invited to help raise the sail or steer the vessel. Bring an extra layer—the autumn breeze on the Piscataqua can be brisk!

Experience the New Hampshire Film Festival

Film lovers should plan their visit around the New Hampshire Film Festival , taking place October 15–18, 2026 .

The four-day festival brings independent films, documentaries, shorts, panel discussions, and special events to venues throughout downtown Portsmouth. The complete lineup is traditionally announced in September.

Even if you are not a dedicated cinephile, the festival brings an exciting energy to the city and is a wonderful reason to enjoy a fall weekend filled with films, dinners, and evenings downtown.

Shop the Portsmouth Farmers’ Market

Spend a Saturday morning shopping for seasonal produce, baked goods, local meats, cheeses, flowers, prepared foods, and handmade products at the Portsmouth Farmers’ Market .

The 2026 market takes place every Saturday through October 31 from 8:00 a.m. to noon in the Portsmouth City Hall parking lot at 1 Junkins Avenue.

Fall market mornings are particularly lovely, with apples, squash, pumpkins, cider, and other flavors of the harvest season filling the vendor tables. Pick up treats for a picnic or bring something delicious back to enjoy during your stay.

For more farms, orchards, and seasonal destinations around coastal New Hampshire and southern Maine, browse the Seacoast Lately Farm Guide .

Shop the Portsmouth Farmers’ Market

Spend a Saturday morning shopping for seasonal produce, baked goods, local meats, cheeses, flowers, prepared foods, and handmade products at the Portsmouth Farmers’ Market .

The 2026 market takes place every Saturday through October 31 from 8:00 a.m. to noon in the Portsmouth City Hall parking lot at 1 Junkins Avenue.

For more farms, orchards, and seasonal destinations around coastal New Hampshire and southern Maine, browse the Seacoast Lately Farm Guide .

Celebrate Portsmouth’s Arts and Culture

Cooler evenings are made for live music, theater, films, comedy, and author events. Check the calendar at The Music Hall before your visit for performances at both the historic theater and the more intimate Music Hall Lounge.

On the first Friday of each month, downtown Portsmouth also celebrates Art ’Round Town . Local galleries open their doors for an evening of new exhibitions, artist receptions, and creative inspiration. It is free to explore and pairs perfectly with dinner or cocktails downtown.

Additional concerts, exhibits, workshops, and community events can be found through the Go Portsmouth calendar and Seacoast Lately .

Join the Portsmouth Halloween Parade

Portsmouth embraces Halloween with plenty of personality.

Every year on October 31, the independently organized Portsmouth Halloween Parade marches, dances, and makes its way through downtown. Elaborate costumes, music, puppets, performers, and plenty of surprises have made it one of the city’s most beloved traditions.

The 2026 parade begins at 7:00 p.m. on October 31 . Everyone is welcome to watch or dress up and join the procession, which gathers at Peirce Island near Prescott Park. There is no registration required to march.

Arrive downtown early, as street closures and parking restrictions begin before the parade.

Families visiting earlier in the day can also look forward to Portsmouth’s Fall Family Fun Fest, scheduled for October 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Community Campus.

Make Martin Hill Inn Your Fall Home Base

After a day of exploring, return to the quiet gardens and historic character of Martin Hill Inn.

Our contactless boutique inn is located close to downtown Portsmouth while offering a peaceful place to unwind. Guests enjoy complimentary parking, convenient digital check-in, secure keypad access, and thoughtfully appointed rooms in our historic Main House and Guest House.

Sip your morning coffee before setting out for a foliage walk, relax in the gardens after an afternoon downtown, or turn Restaurant Week, the New Hampshire Film Festival, or Halloween weekend into a complete Portsmouth getaway.

Fall weekends can book quickly—especially around major events—so reserve your stay early and experience one of the most beautiful seasons on the Seacoast.

Ready for a fall escape? Book your stay at Martin Hill Inn and discover Portsmouth at its coziest.

*Portsmouth images credit: depositphotos / media.gettyimages*

Your Perfect Fall Weekend in Portsmouth Starts Here at Martin Hill Inn

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 14:53:22 GMT

Consider This Your Sign to Plan a Fall Weekend in Portsmouth

Stay Somewhere with Character

After a full day of exploring, return to a stay that feels like part of the destination.

Martin Hill Inn offers nine individually designed guest rooms across two historic buildings, each blending original character with thoughtful modern comforts. Our contactless experience makes arrival simple, while secure digital entry allows you to settle in on your own schedule.

Guests can also enjoy complimentary on-site parking—a true Portsmouth perk—along with in-room coffee bars and access to our peaceful seasonal gardens. It’s a cozy and convenient home base for experiencing the best of Portsmouth and the surrounding Seacoast.

Explore Downtown Portsmouth

Spend the day wandering through Portsmouth’s charming downtown, where historic brick buildings are filled with locally owned shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants. Stop for coffee, browse the boutiques, admire the changing foliage along the waterfront, and enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner at one of the city’s celebrated restaurants.

Fall’s cooler temperatures make it the perfect season to explore on foot—and you never know what inviting shop, cozy cocktail bar, or hidden side street you’ll discover along the way.

Enjoy The Seacoast Scenery

A fall visit to Portsmouth also places you within easy reach of some of the Seacoast’s most beautiful destinations. Take a scenic drive along the coast, visit nearby beaches without the summer crowds, explore the historic homes and gardens at Strawbery Banke Museum, or cross the bridge into Kittery for shopping and dining.

For an especially beautiful afternoon, pack a warm layer and head toward the water. The combination of coastal views and New England foliage is hard to beat.

Make Time for Portsmouth’s Food Scene

Portsmouth may be small, but its food scene is anything but. From relaxed neighborhood favorites to elevated dining experiences, there’s something for every craving.

Start the morning with a locally roasted coffee and a fresh pastry, stop for oysters or seafood at lunch, and end the evening with dinner and cocktails downtown. One of the best parts of a fall getaway is slowing down—and letting your next meal become part of the experience.

Slow Down and Make a Weekend of It

The beauty of a fall weekend in Portsmouth is that it doesn’t need an elaborate itinerary. Take a long walk downtown. Order another cup of coffee. Browse the shops. Sit by the water. Return to your room for a little downtime before dinner.

Fall invites us to slow down, and Portsmouth provides the perfect setting to do just that.

Ready to plan your getaway? Book your stay at Martin Hill Inn and experience Portsmouth during one of New England’s most beautiful seasons.

The History of Martin Hill Inn | A Historic Boutique Inn in Portsmouth, NH

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:03:20 GMT

The History Behind Martin Hill Inn: Nearly Two Centuries of Portsmouth Charm.

When guests arrive at Martin Hill Inn today, they're greeted by beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and the charm of one of Portsmouth's oldest neighborhoods. What many don't realize is that the story of this property began nearly 200 years ago with a local merchant, an empty lot, and a vision for a new home.

Our Main House, located at 404 Islington Street , has stood as part of Portsmouth's rich history since the early 1830s. While today's guests enjoy thoughtfully updated accommodations, seamless contactless check-in, and modern comforts, the home itself has witnessed generations of Portsmouth life.

A New Beginning on Islington Street

For many years, it was believed that the house at 404 Islington Street was built around 1815. However, extensive historical research completed in 2025 revealed a more accurate story.

In September of 1833, Samuel Mendum purchased a parcel of land on Islington Street from members of the Martin family. At the time, the property was largely undeveloped, with only a small barn standing on the lot. Over the next two years, Samuel and his wife, Adeline, built the beautiful Greek Revival home that still welcomes guests today.

Samuel was a Portsmouth trader who sold cigars, snuff, and groceries, and like many early Portsmouth residents, he invested in creating a home that reflected both practicality and pride.

"The House is New..."

One of the most exciting discoveries uncovered during the property's historical research was an original newspaper advertisement Samuel placed in October of 1835 when offering the home for sale.

In the advertisement, he described the property as:

"...the House and Land now occupied by me on Islington Street... The House is new... The Land is under the best garden cultivation."

Nearly two centuries later, those gardens remain one of Martin Hill Inn's most cherished features. Guests often enjoy their morning coffee surrounded by seasonal flowers or relax in the gardens after a day exploring Portsmouth's historic downtown.

The Dame Family Years

Just a few months after advertising the property, Samuel sold the home to Portsmouth brick mason John T. Dame , whose family would leave a lasting mark on the neighborhood. Over the following decades, Dame acquired neighboring properties and expanded his footprint along both Islington and Union Streets.

The neighboring home at 12 Union Street , now part of the Martin Hill Inn property, was built by John T. Dame and his wife, Mary Ann, in 1863. Originally located on what was then called Anthony Street, the home later became part of the historic inn property guests know today.

Two Historic Homes Become One

After John T. Dame's death in 1873, the two homes were divided among family members and remained under separate ownership for more than a century.

In 1977 and 1978, the properties were reunited under a single owner, bringing the two historic homes back together for the first time in over 100 years. A few years later, in 1980, the combined property officially became Martin Hill Inn , beginning its next chapter as one of Portsmouth's distinctive boutique accommodations.

Historic Character Meets Modern Hospitality

While much has changed since Samuel and Adeline Mendum first built their home, the spirit of the property remains remarkably similar.

Guests still arrive after a short walk through Portsmouth's historic streets. The gardens continue to provide a peaceful escape. The original architecture still reflects the craftsmanship of early nineteenth-century New England.

Today, Martin Hill Inn blends that timeless character with modern hospitality. Our thoughtfully renovated guest rooms, contactless arrival experience, complimentary parking, and walkable location allow visitors to enjoy the best of Portsmouth while staying in a home that has welcomed people for nearly two centuries.

Become Part of the Story

Every historic building has a story, and we're honored to be the caretakers of this one.

Whether you're visiting for a romantic getaway, a wedding weekend, a business trip, or simply to experience Portsmouth's rich history, your stay becomes part of the continuing story of Martin Hill Inn.

We look forward to welcoming you—and helping write the next chapter.

Summer Has Arrived in Portsmouth, NH!

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:29:19 GMT

There’s something special about Portsmouth in the summer.

The gardens begin to bloom, the outdoor patios fill with conversation, and the city takes on an energy that feels both exciting and effortless. Whether you're strolling through Prescott Park, catching a show under the stars, exploring Strawbery Banke, or simply enjoying dinner on a waterfront deck, summer is when Portsmouth truly shines.

At Martin Hill Inn, we're fortunate to be just a short walk from many of the experiences that make this season so memorable. Guests can leave the car parked and spend their days discovering local shops, waterfront views, live music, outdoor dining, and the historic charm that makes Portsmouth one of New England's most beloved destinations.

Summer favorites include:

Outdoor performances at Prescott Park Arts Festival
Harbor walks along the Piscataqua River
Dining on Portsmouth's patios and rooftops
Exploring Strawbery Banke Museum
Day trips to nearby beaches in Rye, New Castle, and York
Boutique shopping throughout downtown Portsmouth
Summer markets, festivals, and community events

Of course, some of our favorite summer moments happen right here at the inn. Morning coffee in the garden, a quiet afternoon on the porch, or returning after a day of exploring to relax beneath the trees with a glass of wine.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, attending a wedding, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a relaxing escape on the Seacoast, summer is a wonderful time to experience Portsmouth.

We look forward to welcoming you and helping you make the most of the season!

Happy Summer from all of us at Martin Hill Inn.

Why Stay at Martin Hill Inn in Portsmouth, NH?

Wed, 13 May 2026 20:56:13 GMT

A Boutique Portsmouth NH Stay, Reimagined

Portsmouth, New Hampshire is known for its historic charm, award-winning restaurants, waterfront views, and vibrant downtown atmosphere, but where you stay can completely shape your experience. At Martin Hill Inn, we believe your accommodations should feel just as memorable as the city itself.

Located just steps from downtown Portsmouth, Martin Hill Inn offers a thoughtfully modern boutique stay experience rooted in historic New England charm. From seamless self check-in and personalized digital guest communication to peaceful perennial gardens and beautifully renovated guest rooms, every detail is designed to make your stay feel effortless, comfortable, and uniquely Portsmouth.

Unlike traditional hotels, Martin Hill Inn combines the warmth and character of a historic inn with the convenience today’s travelers expect. Guests can enjoy secure contactless access, complimentary parking, high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, in-room Nespresso coffee bars, eco-friendly bath products, and thoughtfully designed spaces that feel both relaxing and refined.

One of the things guests love most about Martin Hill Inn is our outdoor garden spaces — a rare hidden retreat just minutes from Portsmouth’s restaurants, boutiques, music venues, and waterfront attractions. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee in the garden, relaxing by the fire pit after dinner downtown, or unwinding after a day exploring the Seacoast, the inn offers a peaceful atmosphere that feels tucked away while still remaining close to everything.

Every guest room at Martin Hill Inn has its own personality and design style, blending historic Portsmouth character with modern comfort. Thoughtful renovations, curated details, natural light, and cozy touches create spaces that feel welcoming, elevated, and intentionally designed for relaxation.

Staying local is also an important part of the Martin Hill Inn experience. Our team is always happy to share favorite Portsmouth restaurants, coffee shops, local events, beaches, and hidden gems to help guests experience the city like a local. From fresh seafood and waterfront dining to art galleries, live music, and seasonal festivals, Portsmouth offers something special year-round.

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, a relaxing New England road trip, a wedding weekend, or simply a peaceful escape near the coast, Martin Hill Inn offers a boutique Portsmouth stay experience that combines historic charm, modern comfort, and personalized hospitality in one of New Hampshire’s most beloved destinations.

We look forward to welcoming you to Portsmouth.

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Fall in Portsmouth, NH

﻿ Ready for a fall escape? Book your stay at Martin Hill Inn and discover Portsmouth at its coziest.

Take a Fall Walk Through Historic Portsmouth

Explore Strawbery Banke Museum

Set Sail on the Piscataqua River

Experience the New Hampshire Film Festival

Shop the Portsmouth Farmers’ Market

Shop the Portsmouth Farmers’ Market

Celebrate Portsmouth’s Arts and Culture

Join the Portsmouth Halloween Parade

Make Martin Hill Inn Your Fall Home Base

Your Perfect Fall Weekend in Portsmouth Starts Here at Martin Hill Inn

﻿ Consider This Your Sign to Plan a Fall Weekend in Portsmouth

Stay Somewhere with Character

Explore Downtown Portsmouth

Enjoy The Seacoast Scenery

Make Time for Portsmouth’s Food Scene

Slow Down and Make a Weekend of It

The History of Martin Hill Inn | A Historic Boutique Inn in Portsmouth, NH

The History Behind Martin Hill Inn: Nearly Two Centuries of Portsmouth Charm.

A New Beginning on Islington Street

"The House is New..."

The Dame Family Years

Two Historic Homes Become One

Historic Character Meets Modern Hospitality

Become Part of the Story

Summer Has Arrived in Portsmouth, NH!

There’s something special about Portsmouth in the summer.

Why Stay at Martin Hill Inn in Portsmouth, NH?

A Boutique Portsmouth NH Stay, Reimagined

Ready for a fall escape? Book your stay at Martin Hill Inn and discover Portsmouth at its coziest.

Consider This Your Sign to Plan a Fall Weekend in Portsmouth