Shopping

Portsmouth's historic district is home to dozens of boutiques offering unique items. The fine contemporary N.W. Barrett Gallery, 53 Market St. (tel. 603/431-4262), features the work of area craftspeople, with a classy selection of ceramic sculptures, glassware, lustrous woodworking, and handmade jewelry. The Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, operated by the New Hampshire Art Association, 136 State St. (tel. 603/431-4230), frequently changes exhibits and shows and is a good destination for some quality fine art produced by New Hampshire artists.

Chaise Lounge, 104 Congress St. (tel. 603/430-7872), has a wonderfully eclectic range of home furnishings -- sort of Empire meets modern -- including wonderful photo lamps made in Brooklyn. Nahcotta, 110 Congress St. (tel. 603/433-1705), is a gallery purveying high-end paintings and sculptures, many of which are quietly edgy and entertaining.

Bailey Works, 146 Congress St. (tel. 603/430-9577), is an offbeat choice but young people might like to have a look. The company makes rugged, waterproof bike messenger-style bags in several styles and colors. The attention to detail is superb; the "253" style is quite popular.

Paradiza, 63 Penhallow St. (tel. 603/431-0180), has an array of clever greeting cards, along with exotica such as soaps and bath products from Israel and Africa. Macro Polo, 89 Market St. (tel. 603/436-8338), specializes in retro-chic gifts, toys, dolls that will make you laugh out loud (Wedgehead and OX? LOL!), magnets, and gadgets. It also recently opened two annexes, including a pet-accessories store next door called Macro, Unleashed (tel. 603/436-8887).

Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Bull Moose Music, at 82-86 Congress St. (tel. 603/422-9525). There's nothing glamorous about this cavelike space, but it is the place in northern New England to pick up new and used CDs, vintage (gasp) vinyl records, and rock memorabilia -- often at special prices, and it's open until 11pm daily! I can't count the hours I've whiled away here, but I'd never call them wasted.