Going in August w/husband and maybe another couple - would like to stay in or near Portsmith. Any suggestions as far as lodging and restaurants and sights - any information will be appreciated. Price in lodging isn't important - I realize that August will be a busy time there. But nothing extremely highly priced. Could be b & b or motel/hotel. Thank you.

I can't help you with lodgings, but have suggestions for sightseeing. There are tour boats that go from the wharf on the Piscatauqua River out to the Isles of Shoals, a fascinating archipelago about 9 miles off the New Hampshire Coast. You can just take the tour, or take a day trip to Star Island, where there are the remains of an old fishing village, and what used to be a historic grand hotel but is now a conference center. The morning boat stops there, where you can get off for a 3 or 4 hour layover. Take a picnic, explore the island - there is a tour you can take that leaves from the porch of the hotel - the island is wild and beautiful, like another world. You get picked up by the afternoon boat and continue the tour around the islands. They also have sunset cruises, etc. Be sure to make reservations in advance, though.
Another great attraction in Portsmouth is the Strawbery Banke Museum, especially if you like history. It's an entire historic neighborhood that was saved from being razed, and the buildings have been restored to different historical eras to reflect the changing face of the neighborhood over time, from the Colonial era to the 1950's. You also learn about the inhabitants of the houses at the times that are represented. it's very well done, and has lovely gardens as well.

While Portsmouth is beautiful and has much to do, you are just across the bridge from the southern tip of Maine. Kittery (outlet shopping), York (large coastal homes and a wonderful lodging with great restaurant -the York Harbor Inn. Just across the street is a waterfront park and a path along the ocean in the rocks-beautiful. Continue north to Ogunquit and quaint Perkins Cove-stop for luch or dinner at Hurricanes-fabulous; path along the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Nearby the Tavern at Clayhill Farm in Ogunquit is a wonderful restaurant in an old house. When you cross the bridge to Kittery take rt.103? coastal route and watch for Cap't. Simeon's, a charming restaurant overlooking lighthouses and harbor at Kittery Point. Have a great time.

I have never been to Portsmouth, but I am going this May. I reserved lodging from www.portsmouthnh.com. This web site had several links to B&B and Inns in the city. good luck, Greg

I go to school at the Uiversity of new Hampshire (10 minutes from Portsmouth)...lodging will really depend on what kind you are looking for. there is a Sheraton in downtown Portsmout that is right near the water....also over in newington, there are a number of econo-hotels (residence inn, marriot etc.) I would recommend going up to York Beach during the month of August. I have a summer home up ther and it is spectacluar. York Beach is a family type crowd, nice beaches. Moving farter up north, Ogunquit is very nice, have for homosexuals (which is a problem to some), but it is also very nice. The beaches in Ogunquit are much like that of York. I would recommend looking in the York area, but book soon, since the summer is very busy.

hope this helps

We stayed at a beautiful place in town, the Sise Inn. Highly recommended.
As for pastimes, I know this wouldn't be everyone's idea of a worthwhile thing to do on vacation, but we went on a tour/tasting at the Red Hook Brewery, and whiled away a pleasant afternoon there. (In the words of Homer Simpson, "Mmmm, beer.")
Also, Prescott Park is beautiful and offers concerts in summer.