The Museum of Dumb Guy Stuff is the sort of museum even the most museum-averse person will love. In fact, I’d say it feels more like entering a clubhouse that, if the founders were still boys, would say “No girls allowed.” Luckily, everyone is welcome. Clayton Emery founded the museum in his basement when he took his love of making things to another level. Much of his work involves converting action figures into historical characters for his various dioramas. Co-creator Rod Hildebrand, and Harvey the dog came a bit later. When I met up with them, they were working on four different dioramas to help showcase Portsmouth’s history, proving this place is about more than just “dumb guy stuff.”

Imagine being able to chat with your local assistant mayor at her own cafe/bar? That’s the case with Portsmouth’s assistant mayor, Joanna Kelley, and her Cup of Joe Café and Bar. Opened in 2018, Joanna wanted to create a space that would foster a community spirit and allow her to be front facing to the public. Cup of Joe is there whether you want a quick pick-me-up or have a longer group meeting, and even elements of the interior decor are nods to local Portsmouth establishments.

When it comes to evening activities in Portsmouth, Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club is a must. Located in a former YMCA building, Jimmy’s aims to do two things. The first is as a community connecting point for arts and culture. The second is to be a world class venue for both music lovers and artists. When I came by to enjoy a cocktail, I had the chance to listen to Nate Smith, Timothy LeFevre, and Jason Lidner.

Inland from Portsmouth is the very first planned city in the United States – Manchester. Over at the Millyard Museum, I met with its former executive director, John Clayton, to learn more about what on earth “industrial utopia” could mean and how denim manufacturing created the culture of the city. After all, denim created here would go on to be in some of the most historic Levis around.

Nothing can make a former theater kid happy that getting to be in a theater! And The Palace Theatres isn’t just your regular, old community theater. Built in 1914 and modeled after the Palace Theatre in NYC, it’s considered one of the most beautiful venues in New England. Back in the day it saw the likes of Bob Hope, Harry Houdini, and many other big names. Despite its world-class reputation, president and CEO, Peter Ramsey emphasized to me how important it was to maintain its community roots. Not only do tickets sell for only $45, they make sure to host their own professional company as well as youth and teen programs. The goal is always to encourage local talent.

Alright, cat lovers, this spot is for you. While you probably won’t see any stray felines roaming about Cat Alley, you will see a series of beautiful murals and motifs that all have one common theme – cats! One of the muralists, Dave Hady, as well as the metalsmith responsible for the cat bike racks, Vivian Beer, led me down the alley while we discussed how this project came to be and why public art is so important.

Dover is known for its slew of Asian restaurants but none have proven so popular as Hong Asian Noodle Bar. Opened recently, it’s become a fast favorite with diners lined up out the door for their authentic noodles and broth. The three co-owners, Joey Lin, Tin Zhang, and Vivian Lin, came up with the idea after all were laid off from their restaurant jobs during the pandemic. With restaurant experience and time on their hands, they spent the time perfecting their culinary skills before buying this property. From there they did everything they possibly could by themselves. The way Joey puts it, if it didn’t require a permit, they DIYed  it.

Only minutes from the ocean, North Hampton is known for its farmlands. Founders of Throwback Brewery, Annette Lee and Nicole Carrier channeled this fact into everything they do. Not only is Throwback a brewery but it’s also a restaurant and a farm. Everything is as local as possible and they utilize the farmland surrounding them. They even grow their hops on their farm! The whole goal is to show that farm fresh food, farm fresh beer, and this way of life isn’t just a relic of a bygone era but wholly doable right now.

Growing up in New Castle, I always dreamed of staying at the iconic Wentworth by the Sea. It’s been on the Seacoast since 1874 and is one of the few grand hotels in New Hampshire that survived after the Gilded Age ended. In fact, it’s so historic that it was this very hotel that housed both Russian and Japanese delegations while they signed the Treaty of Portsmouth to end the Russo-Japanese War. While I visited, I got a chance to chat with concierge Mary Carey Foley about her family’s long history in New Hampshire. After all, her grandmother was the first female mayor of Portsmouth and her mother would later become the longest serving mayor.

For even more of my home state, check out our Season 2 episode “The Lakes and Mountains of New Hampshire”