We are noticing a very sad pattern on the Seacoast of New Hampshire that so many of our favorite places are announcing they are closing their doors for good.
Over the last few months we have heard that Stonewall Kitchen, Earth Eagle Brewing and The Franklin Restaurant will be no longer.
Read More: Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Community Devastated that this Downtown Store is Closing after 26 Years
What do all these places have in common? They are all located in Downtown Portsmouth where rent prices continue to increase and these businesses, that have become staples in our community, can’t keep their heads above water. For people that love downtown Portsmouth and consider it home, it is very disheartening.
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Stroll is the latest downtown Portsmouth business to announce the sad news that they are closing.
I always loved Stroll’s downtown location. It’s so inviting! Right when you walk in there are brightly colored local products and to-go items adorably arranged to greet you.
They team up with other local businesses which we love to see. Sometimes they serve donuts from Donut Love. Everything is made fresh daily, including pastries from their own baker, Gusti.
They serve La Mulita coffee, which is locally roasted in Rye, NH.
They also have a great selection of fast to-go food as well as hot sandwiches, soups and empanadas (yum)!
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AND they offer a wide variety of wine, beer, and specialty cocktails, along with specialty coffee and espresso drinks.
A must-try item was the vegan tuna fish sandwich. It tastes EXACTLY like real tuna fish, and is rumored to be absolutely delicious. Stroll prides themselves on having plenty of gluten free and vegan options for both breakfast and lunch.
Another crowd pleaser is their maple latte, made with real April’s maple syrup. If you know, you know.
You still have a few days to grace their downtown Portsmouth location at 15 Portwalk Place, their final day is Sunday March 9th.
Their second location will remain open at 75 Portsmouth Boulevard in the Portsmouth Office park.
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You have to bring your kids to one of these playgrounds. These are the best playgrounds for kids on the seacoast of Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Gallery Credit: Logan Sherwood
Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting New Hampshire
Whether it’s trying to pack too much in to one trip (figuratively and also literally ion their suitcase) or choosing to dine at the tourist traps over the mom and pop shops, people who visit New Hampshire deserve to experience all our fine state has to offer. Let the mistakes of tourists from our past help shape your visit in the future.
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
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At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
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