A tax-free island located at the junction
of three states, Portsmouth is truly a
buyer's heaven.

Those visiting downtown Portsmouth for the first time may get the impression they've stepped into the 17th century. Many of the brick buildings lining the entry roads to Market Square haven't changed in centuries, giving the appearance of some popular western European cities like London and Amsterdam.

If it weren't for the cars and more contemporary store fronts, you could almost imagine running into George Washington, John Hancock or some of the other historical notables who visited Portsmouth in their time.

While monstrous mega-malls have drained the vitality from many American city centers, Portsmouth enjoys a healthy and vibrant downtown business climate. Boutiques and specialty shops have made Portsmouth a virtual cornucopia of styles and tastes. A stroll down Bow, Market or Congress Street will help you to discover some true treasures for every member of the family. For the kids, stop in at G. Willikers! If you're looking for a memento of your visit, stop by Tugboat Alley or sample the unique art and other treasures at Kennedy Studios or Celtic Crossing.

After a long day of shopping or sight-seeing, most visitors like to settle down for a rest and a bite to eat-and Portsmouth has a veritable smorgasbord of eateries to suit every taste. A stop for cappuccino, espresso or hazelnut coffee and a fresh French pastry on the patio at Breaking New Grounds in Market Square or Starbucks provides a rest to your weary feet and a sample of the local culture.

If you have a real sweet tooth, try Byrne and Carlson Chocolatiers and Confectioners on State Street for everything from world-class gourmet Belgian chocolates to bricks of rich chocolate fudge, or stop by the Stonewall Kitchen Store on Pleasant St. for some of their yummy fruit confections.

For those visiting in the warm summer months, stop in at Annabelle's Ice Cream or the favorite of stars Robin Williams and Billy Joel-Izzy's Frozen Yogurt. Both are located along Ceres Street.

Antiquarians will find a treasure trove of collectibles in Portsmouth at M.S. Carter, Inc. on Market Street and Ed Weissman Antiques on Chapel Street or European Home at Warehouse West in Portsmouth's North End, all offer fine reproductions of early American antiques. And throughout the summer, Prescott Park offers two daily arts shows to the visiting public.

For a look at some really unique handcrafted jewelry visit, Alie Jewelers in Market Square, or nearby Springer's Jewelers, Paradiza, Springers' and Summerwind Jewelers.

The summer also brings a number of outdoor festivals, where you can find the city's retailers and crafts people displaying a wide variety of unique wares. Market Square Day in June, and the Bow Street Fair held the second Saturday in July, are popular events. (Market Square Day draws more than 100,000 people to the city).

If you want to try a different kind of grocery shopping, visit Portsmouth's Farmer's Market, held every Saturday from May through October on the hill overlooking the South Mill Pond, just 300 yards from the city center. Also during the winter months, Portsmouth hosts a full schedule of holiday crafts fairs.

For bargain hunters, the nearby Kittery Outlet Association provides more than 100 shopping choices. Explore a wealth of stores featuring name brands like Timberland, Cole Haan and the Lindt Factory Store.

The Portsmouth area also sports a number of malls that house just about every major retailer. The Fox Run Mall, located on Woodbury Avenue in Newington, offers tax-free shopping at more than 100 stores, including anchor chains like Macy's, Filene's and Sears.

For a more complete listing of the stores and boutiques in the Greater Portsmouth area, call the Chamber at (603) 610-5510, or click here, to request a copy of our Guide the Seacoast. Or just check out our online business directory under the following categories:

• Antiques & Estate Jewelers
• Antiques & Reproductions
• Art Gallers
• Bicycles
• Book Stores
• Candy
• Chocolate
• Clothing
• Craft Galleries
• Department Stores
• Farmer's Markets
• Formal Wear
• Frame/Print Shops
• Furniture
• Gift Baskets
• Gifts
• Gourmet Foods
• Home Furnishings
• Jewelers
• Leather Goods
• Party Supplies
• Pharmacies
• Photo Supplies & Services
• Shopping Malls
• Sporting Goods
• Supermarkets
• Video Equipment Sales & Service
• Wine Stores