The Seacoast of New Hampshire has a LOT, including the Largest Drum Store in The World!
Drum Center of Portsmouth is situated in lovely North Hampton, New Hampshire, about a 12 minute drive from our old home of downtown Portsmouth. New Hampshire is a Sales Tax Free state, which can be beneficial to those buying a lot of drum equipment. You can be on the water in about 3 minutes, or deep in the White Mountains in an hour. Such environmental diversity is rare; especially for such a small state! New Hampshire is very small business friendly, and as a result, you will find what I consider to be the heartbeat of America here; a group of hardworking, creative people expressing their artistic vision through business, and providing good quality jobs for people in the meantime. For those of you who are looking to visit this lovely town, consider this page to be a resource for you.
Portsmouth has been recognized by MSN as one of the "Most Romantic Cities in America." If you are looking to create a retreat for yourself and a loved one, and at the same time make a pit stop at the largest display of high end snare drums in the country, Portsmouth is your place. We are less than an hour from Boston, and about 5 minutes away from the Kittery Maine Shopping Outlets.
There are many other things to do; Portsmouth caters to the foodies. The 2010 census showed a population of just over 20,000. Interestingly enough, there are 22,000 restaurant seats in Portsmouth. Simply put; if you like food, this is the place. Below is a list of our favorites.
For eclectic, upper end fare: (Think Yamaha PHX)
Shane's pick for Italian. The service, ambiance, the food, is just awesome. It's a really great experience.
If you want fish, this is the place. The highest quality ingredients. There isn't a heck of a lot of creativity here, but if you want the finest quality, their execution is flawless, and the cocktails are great too.
Surf:
Surf has amazing cuisine that does not talk down to you. If you like to keep it simple, but are curious to spread your wings just a bit, Surf is great. Be sure to request the Surftini, which is no longer on the menu but will be made upon request.
You will not find better architecture in Portsmouth, or most places for that matter. The lounge is absolutely incredible. The Library serves the upper mid Steakhouse experience, but we suggest having the Chocolate Cake here, (make sure you request the homemade vanilla ice cream with it) The cake will be something you continue to talk about. For the steak itself…check out the place below.
Shane's pick for steak. High end atmosphere, food, and prices. Smack dab in the middle of Market Square. Nice Place. There are seafood offerings as well.
If you want fish, this is the place. The highest quality ingredients. There isn't a heck of a lot of creativity here, but if you want the finest quality, their execution is flawless, and the cocktails are great too.
For Mid End: (Think Mapex Saturn or Tama Walnut/Birch)
Right down the street from DCP, you'd think their building had the same builder as ours. They just may have. Farm to table experience with some great food, and their own beer too. We love it. Psssst....Please bring back the Sausage Sandwich with a Pretzel Roll!
Have you ever had Nepalese food? This is a staff favorite. The momo's are great. We eat here a lot.
Right next to the old DCP, this has Shane's absolute favorite pizza: the hot honey cup and char. If you go to Portsmouth, and you want pizza, this is where you need to go.
Located across the street from the old DCP, Street is the ticket. Korean-esque with Southern Flair; Street is funky, creative, and delicious. I've yet to have a cocktail I have enjoyed, but the food, and the imported beer makes up for it. If you want a memorable meal like one you've not had before, Street is a solid choice, and they use all local ingredients.
For the "New England" Experience: (Think old Ludwigs)
We get it. You want some Lobsters and seafood. You also want to make sure the seafood is local too. Here's a list of our suggestions.
A few minutes away from Drum Center of Portsmouth, Al's has the traditional New England Seafood experience. Nothing fancy, just fresh, delicious seafood with good old fashioned New England hospitality. We send a lot of people here.
I admit, I LOVE Warrens once in a blue moon. It's got a big 'ol belly up to the salad bar, with homemade pumpkin bread that's dynamite, and it's RIGHT ON THE WATER. We suggest going here for STEAMED LOBSTER. Get that with the salad bar, and you will have had the New England experience.
Everything else: (Think Slatwall Accessories)
High end cocktail with the best view:
This place is right under Surf. Great food and drinks with a KILLER view of the harbor.
Gilleys IS Portsmouth. I've never eaten here without a few toddies in me, but I love it. Greasy burgers and dogs, and the Guinness book of world record holder for the most parking tickets.
(The cart part of Gilley's was on Market square before the depression)
Burgers, Dogs, and Poutine!
The Toast is always busy. It has all day breakfast, and a mile long menu. Major hipster hangout.
It's not quite pizza; it's the eco-friendly flatbread. The pizza here will blow your mind. It's really amazing. It's a bit loud in there too though, as it's ALWAYS busy.
At first, I was put off by the 4 oz burger. Then I realized that for flavor, it was the right size. If that concerns you, get 2. And get a Shake. And the fries. And whatever it is chocolate that they do at the end. It's a great, funky, inexpensive, chef owned spot right downtown.
Awesome food and awesome people a few minutes away from the shop. If you want great soup, salads, sandwiches, or take home dinners, we strongly suggest SS. You'll likely run into one of us there when you go.
Music:
A national treasure of the arts! The Hall has some incredible acts pass through. DCP is a proud supporter of the Music Hall.
The goal for Jimmy's was to build one of the best Jazz rooms in the United States. They absolutely accomplished this, and then some. Top name acts from all over the world appear here weekly, we've seen Stanton Moore, Dennis Chambers, Brian Blade, Cindy Blackman, Antonio Sanchez, Keith Carlock, and plenty more here, and there's more to come. The food and drink is top notch, as is the service. Jimmy's procured an entire Gretsch Drums USA Custom Shell bank for their artists. That's the kind of place this is.
The Press Room has been serving the Jazz community since 1976! We LOVE the Press Room! They do live music 7 nights a week. The Tuesday night open jam is always a treat to watch, as there are some smoking locals from Portsmouth's robust Jazz community.
In the Summertime, the patio at the Gas Light has some cover bands and beer. It's one of those places you just wind up at.
Accomodations:
Admittedly, I don't have much experience here, since I live here. There are some Bed and Breakfasts downtown, and for the chain experience, there is a Sheraton and a Hilton right downtown. For economy, the Port Inn is right near DCP at the best rates. The prices are great, and it's locally owned. http://www.theportinn.net/ Also, the Best Western, Holiday Inn, and Americas Best Inn are all right near DCP at good rates, and you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the Roundabout Diner, and it's great.
If you REALLY want to impress someone, check out the Wentworth by the sea: http://www.wentworth.com/
One of the old "Grand Hotels" of the old days. It's class.
We've had great reports of this place. Near downtown, lovely lobby.
York Harbor Inn: Our pick!
Want a romantic weekend away? This is a strong contender. Arguably the greatest view you will get in Maine, the York Harbor Inn is about 15 minutes away from DCP and well worth it. Great food and atmosphere, you also get to see live music there. Rodney Holmes is known to play there annually. The owner is a drummer, and proud supporter of DCP, and Shane himself got married here. It's a very special place.
Other notables:
We used to share a wall with Gary. If you want to talk to one of the most knowledgeable cats about all things guitars, Gary knows his stuff. Master repairs as well.
If you want a history lesson, go here. DCP is a proud sponsor of Discover Portsmouth. They feature some great historic exhibits.
Want to spend a few bucks and walk through a USS Submarine? It's worth the 40 minutes. Really, really cool.
There are no tours of this place, but it's visible from all over Portsmouth. Take a boat cruise during the day, and getting near the place will blow your mind. I've done more googling on this place than I care to admit. It's fascinating.
The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company:
Better known as the "Booze Cruise", this seasonal jaunt along the harbor is a weekly occurrence for DCP alumni. The view, the music, and overpriced cheap beer is perfect. Watching the sunset along the Shoals is a great romance moment too. Just ask Tom.
If you, or someone you know wants clothes, this is the place. It's in Maine, so there is sales tax, but the savings can be steep.
We hope this page is helpful to you. If you fly into Manchester, NH, we are about 45 minutes away, and about one hour from Logan. Enjoy your stay!