New Hampshire might not be on the map in a lot of people’s brains, particularly for a bachelor party, but don’t knock it till you try it. If you don’t live close, New Hampshire is that skinny state on the coast that’s 69ing Vermot (and yes I do have to clarify where it is because I once used my NH ID to get into a bar and the bouncer told me he knew it was fake because “New Hampshire’s not a real place”).
The Location: For the winter lovers and skiers, Winnepesauke is a blast and the skiing is some of the best. But, what really stands out in New Hampshire in my unbiased opinion, is the town of Portsmouth. New Hampshire’s beaches are so good, that people from Massachusetts say “fuck our 1,500 miles of coast line, we’re going to NH”. So if you’re looking for a lowkey but wicked fun place to party before your big day, look no further than this pretty harbor town.
The Hook: If you’re staying in Portsmouth, the beach is only 10 minutes away. Head to Rye, NH for a relaxing day in the sand. Wallis Sands Beach and Pirates Cove Beach are my recommendation because they are the closest. Head down a little further to Hampton, NH for some more beaches. Hit up the boardwalk for some fried dough and arcade games. There are also great places to do some rentals for water sports. Rent some paddle boards from Cinnamon Rainbows or try your hand at surfing
The Time Wasters: Look it up, Portsmouth is the best place in America to be an artist, so it stands to reason that Portsmouth is FULL of art. Music, plays, stand-up, fashion, and actual galleries if that’s your thing. Where there are artists, there is great nightlife. Hit up The Music Hall for anything from stand up or concerts, to screenings of independent films. After that, head on over to The Goat or The Thirsty Moose for some drinks and watch the latest Noah Kahan wannabe absolutely crush his set. Walk about 50 feet and go to Legends for some pool or a few more blocks and you’re at Lazy Jacks for cheap drinks on a deck over the water. There’s even booze cruises you can take around the harbour and out into the Atlantic where, in the right month, you’ll undoubtedly see some seals.
Go on a tour of literally the best seafood in New England, stop by The River House for their award winning chowder or grab a Lobster Roll at The Beach Plum and make sure to visit Surf for some damn good sushi.
If the bar scene isn’t your thing but music is, mosey to where the (cobblestone) sidewalk ends at Prescott Park. Every Summer Prescott Park throws free concerts almost every single night. Entry is donation only! And no it’s not some weirdo on a stool with a single guitar. Some bands I’ve seen there are: The Head and the Heart, Iron and Wine, Shakey Graves, and Courtney Barnett.
Tips for the perfect Trip: If by now, you’re so enthralled with Portsmouth you’re willing to fly there, head into Boston Logan and take the C&J directly up to Portsmouth. It’s only about 30 minutes and very reasonably priced. Renting a car would be a really good idea if you want to go to the beach every day but if you’re just chillin’ in Portsmouth, walking and biking is your best friend. Parking is limited in this town but it doesn’t matter because everything worth doing is within a stone’s throw of each other. Do some research before picking your weekend. Portsmouth has so many fun activities like Chowder Fest, The Summer Concert Series, Market Square Weekend, and more; see what’s going on by checking Seacoast Online before you plan.
The Golf:
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Breakfast Hill (~$125) – #17 Couse in the state by Top100
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Most of the better ones are private or far away
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Pease Golf Course (~$60) – Unranked BUT Cheap and close
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No Topgolf in NH, but they have a pretty cool sim called TOUR downtown
Not sold on New Hampshire? Click HERE to view the entire catalog of BachTix Bachelor Party Guides!