Exploring Culturally Rich Portsmouth

Culturally rich Portsmouth, NH is a perfect walking city. Filled with jazz clubs, dining, boutiques and historic architecture there is so much to fill all the senses. Terry and I decided we would check out some local boutiques since we were only a stone's throw away from the hotel. 

Our fist stop was Prelude, who is best known for carrying the finest skincare and body products. We met the owner, Holly, who gave us the background on the Dr. Hauschka skincare line. All products are certified natural, containing the highest-quality plant and mineral ingredients. Each ingredient is based on its individual effects on the skin, as well as the way it interacts with other ingredients.

Holly, who is in her 60's, has been using the line for 20 years. You'll have to trust me when I say she had better skin than most women in their thirties. She gave us some samples and my favorite products are the Regenerating Day Cream and the Regenerating Serum.

Usually only sold in spas, you can call Holly to order, or ask her specific questions about which products are best for your skin type. 603-431-0694

Our next stop was Puttin' on the Glitz, which is a colorful and fun little boutique specializing in hats, jewels, handbags, and accessories.

The boutique has some really cute beaded handbags and some fun scarves - two things a girl can never have enough of. If you are a hat person, then this is most definitely your type of shop.

Liz-Ology was a really cool boutique with prices that are affordable. You don't have to break the bank to get a really stylish outfit here.

Trendy décor: Check. Beautiful summer dresses: Check. Need to return? Check check. This is now a must-stop boutique for me each time I visit the city.

We stopped for lunch at Popovers on the Square, it is a cute little café serving all day brunch, salads, soups, and sandwiches. They are have a bakery and specialize in wedding cakes, which is convenient for anyone planning to host their wedding at the nearby Wentworth by the Sea Hotel + Spa.

Terry and I were so pumped for this trip that we dubbed it the Thelma + Louise trip, (sorry no clean cut Brad Pitt, pre-Angelina, to be found anywhere). Sigh.

So, there we are walking through the parking lot and what do we spy with our little eye? Yup. The perfect Thelma and Louise car. 

Me: "Oh, we NEED to take a photo of it!"

Terry: "Okay. We definitely should."

I set up camera accordingly. We decide we'll snap a quick shot since no one is around.

Me: "We totally should hop in for a second."

Terry: "No way. When I modeled, the owners of cars like these were beyond fanatical."

Me: "You only live once..."

We met somewhere in between my crazy antics and her more sensible behavior. 

If you are the owner of the vehicle, I'm sorry. My bad. If I left a fingerprint, just let me know and I'll come wash it for you. -Thelma xoxo

Wanderlust Explored: Wentworth by the Sea Hotel + Spa

I had the privilege of visiting Wentworth by the Sea Hotel + Spa, in New Castle, NH last week. This Historic Hotel of America is the crowning jewel of New Hampshire's seacoast.

Constructed in 1874, it is the only grand resort that remains on the New Hampshire coast. The property majestically overlooks the Atlantic, giving one the feeling of having stepped back into time.

A few of it's many awards include:

Conde Nast Traveler's ,"Gold List for top 100 hotels in the US" consistently since 2009
Travel + Leisure, "Best Hotel in the World" 2013, 2011
Fodor's Travel, "Choice Gold Award: Top 10 Best Destination Wedding Hotel"

It's Victorian architecture resembling a wedding cake of a building, along with it's grand ballroom, makes a graceful and glamorous backdrop for destination weddings.

Amongst it's many amenities are, charming historical gardens to explore, guest privileges for golf at the resort's country club, an outdoor pool, sports court, guest privileges at the property's marina, and my personal favorite: the spa!

Portsmouth, NH is a short distance away and enchants visitors with it's sidewalk cafes, historic architecture, galleries, boutiques, and scrumptious dining choices.

Upon arrival, Terry and I were greeted by Mark, a gracious Bellman, who made us feel right at home. A cozy fireplace performed it's flickering dance, entrancing us to sit and warm ourselves, on a rather chilly June afternoon.

Throughout our stay, the entire staff continued to go above and beyond. The staff was efficient, friendly, knowledgeable and spoiled us to the point that we started looking over our shoulders, to see if there was royalty in the room.

The highlight of the hotel is the newly renovated restaurant, SALT,  which just reopened it's doors on June 3rd. The design is the brain child of, Truex Cullins, from Burlington, Vermont. The gorgeous mill work is credited to, Bar None Designs, from Canada.

Below is the lounge area where you can try a handcrafted cocktail or sommelier-selected wines, while  relaxing with friends or that someone special.

The décor was done in a color palette that not only compliments it's Atlantic surroundings, but gives one a real sense of being near the sea.

The newly-accented 19th century dome ceiling, with it's Lourve-worthy mural, is the original artwork of J.M. Hoxie.

Forgoing the expected floral centerpieces, the tables are accented by fresh herbs, creating a bit of unconventional fun.

I ordered Beef Tenderloin, Rosemary Sea-Salt Dusted Balsamic Fries (worth every calorie),  and Grilled Asparagus. It was delicious.

Terry ordered the Lamb, which she also raved about.

I highly applaud Executive Chef, Kenneth Lingle, and if I'm ever as rich as Oprah, I plan on luring him away to become my personal chef.

In addition to a private dining area, there is also a very hip and well-stocked wine bar.

With full bellies we walked down to the Spa for a bit of pampering. I opted for the Warm Stone Massage. If you book a touch therapy, make sure to request Crystal. Not only did she make me feel comfortable, she broke up more trigger points than Taylor Swift's record number of heartbreaks.

Terry had the Seaweed Detoxifying Body Wrap, and she said her skin felt as soft as a newborns.

A nice soak in the outdoor jacuzzi would have been the perfect ending, but the rainy weather made it too chilly for us to consider.

We stayed in one of the oceanfront Hotel Marina Suites, which was the ultimate waterfront experience. The suites are two levels and feature sitting / dining room areas, full kitchens, separate bedrooms and private seaside balconies. The suites are big enough for families and allow for parents to watch older children swim in the nearby pool, while relaxing from their balcony.

The bed was pleasantly comfortable with pillows galore, the bathroom was huge and stocked with toiletries, and there was a pleasant abundance of fluffy white towels.

all photography: mine

For reservations, corporate functions, group travel, weddings or special events call 1-888-252-6888 or 1-603-422-7322. 

I'd like to extend a warm heartfelt thank you to the hotel for providing me with such luxurious accommodations and for pampering me like a queen. I had a wonderful time and can't recommend the property enough.

I'd like to also say thank you to Stephanie Seacord, Media, who was a delight to work with / Allison Graham, SALT Restaurant Manger who was a sweetheart / Scott Luper, Regional Director of Food + Beverage, who pleasantly provided me with details on the renovation of SALT / Sara George, Server at SALT,  who was just so darn cute that I wished servers everywhere had her personality / and Michael O'Shaugnessy, General Manager.  

Last but not least, I want to thank Terry for being my travel companion, friend, and kindred spirit who  shares the same visions as I do, but also believes that the dreamers are the doers of tomorrow.