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, offering 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 fine art produced by New Hampshire artists.
Bibliophiles and collectors of cartography should plan a detour to the Portsmouth Bookshop, #1-7 Islington St. (tel. 603/433-4406), which specializes in old and rare books and maps; it's open daily. The Book Guild at 58 State St. (tel. 603/436-1758) holds a more general, but very good, selection of used travel guides, geographies, sports books, poetry, novels, and more. Chaise Lounge, 104 Congress St. (tel. 603/430-7872), offers 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 that boasts "cool goods" (self-proclaimed), including high-end paintings and sculptures, many of which are quietly edgy and entertaining.
Bailey Works, 146 Congress St. (tel. 603/430-9577), makes rugged, waterproof bike messenger bags in several styles and colors. The attention to detail is superb; the popular "253" is billed as "great for students and briefcase haters."
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, magnets, and gadgets.
