Between Salem And Portland Is New Hampshire's Charming City With River Fun, Parks, And Local Eats

Charm emanates from many small New England hamlets and towns, with dense thickets surrounding historic architecture, longstanding legends shared by locals, and communities full of colorful personalities. With only around 12,000 residents but plenty of amenities often associated with bigger cities, Somersworth, New Hampshire, is among these quaint communities found along the East Coast. Spread over 10 square miles against the Salmon Falls River that separates Maine and the Granite State, and situated between Salem and Portland, Somersworth is rich with outdoor recreation and restaurants to fill you up after a full day of fun.   

Dense copses of native trees landscape this riparian city. Multiple parks pepper little Somersworth, offering swaths of green space to relax in or stroll through within the city limits. Once a bustling industrial center with factories and mills lining the river, it has morphed into a scenic, modern destination that happens to have been settled in the 1700s.

Mature maples, birches, and elms, among myriad other trees, surround the striking historic architecture in Somersworth, adding to the city's charm. Homes built in Victorian, Cape Cod, and Colonial Revival styles are scattered throughout town, with some rarities dating to the 18th century. In between the structures and forested areas are several public parks, such as the small Ash Street Park marked by a monarch butterfly sign and a working sundial in the center, the 2.5-acre Jules Bisson Park boasting a playground and sports fields, and Stein Park with its Veteran's Memorial paying homage to those who served in the military.

Perhaps the pinnacle of Somersworth parks is the 10-acre Riverwalk that meanders along Buffumsville Road and the Salmon Falls River. A trail travels alongside the flowing water with spots to fish or rest by the riverside. Park in the dirt lot across from 19 Buffumsville Road to conveniently access this park.

As with many areas in New England, wandering along the Riverwalk is especially magnificent when the green leaves on the deciduous trees turn fiery hues each fall, generally around late October. However, you can even start leaf-peeping in September, before visiting Somersworth, by traveling New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway, one of America's most spectacular fall foliage destinations, located 60 miles away.

While Somersworth may not be the "undisputed culinary capital" of America like San Francisco, many restaurants around town have Google reviews hovering right around five stars – impressive for such a small city. Among the highly rated eateries is Anatolia Mediterranean Restaurant, with a Google rating of 4.9 and nearly 900 reviews to date. The restaurant serves dishes ranging from kebab, tabouli, and lavash bread to falafel and many other Mediterranean specialties, made from farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients. One local shared, "Outstanding restaurant! Every time I go, I am more impressed! Food was awesome for all four people. Their signature cosmo was great. Service was a 10+. Love this restaurant!" Visit on Thursday evenings and watch the weekly bellydancing show over dinner. 

Equally excellent, per the hundreds of five-star Google reviews, Fold'd Community Diner is part of a nonprofit that assists people in varying stages of recovery. Breakfast and lunch items are the highlight here, which include corned beef hash, crepes, smashburgers, and salads. For a pub-style meal and freshly poured local brews, visit Earth Eagle Tavern – North. "You will find no better beer, no better hot dogs, and certainly no better people in any other corner of the universe," raved one Google contributor.  

The closest major airport to Somersworth is the Portsmouth International Airport (PSM), just 15 miles away. Another nearby option is Portland International Jetport (PWM) within an hour's drive of Somersworth. For lovers of the region who want to keep their trip going, check out nearby Dover, another underrated New England city with outdoor fun.