Seacoast spots have something for everyone

By Amy Ray
NH Mirror Contributor

Everyone knows about the Seacoast’s beautiful beaches, but there are other hidden gems along New Hampshire’s 18-mile coastline that can be enjoyed before the summer season gets underway.

Fuller Gardens
10 Willow Ave., North Hampton
964-5414 • www.fullergardens.org

A trip to the Fuller Gardens, nestled behind a row of grand mansions lining the coastline, is a must for gardening enthusiasts. While visiting this turn-of-the-century estate garden, you can wander amongst the tulips then meander into the Japanese Garden and gaze into the Koi pond.

According to Garden Director Jamie Colen, the first to bloom are the rhododendron, tulips, azalea and wild flowers. The gardens’ 1,700-plus rose bushes begin blooming at the end of June and continue into October.

On May 9 and 10, the annual plant sale will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the sale is free.

Fuller Gardens is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily beginning in mid-May. Admission rates are $6.50 for adults, $2.50 for children, with special rates for seniors, students and groups.

Odiorne Point State Park
Route 1A, Rye
436-7406 • www.nhstateparks.com/odiorne.html

For explorers, there is Odiorne Point State Park in Rye. Once the sight of Fort Dearborn, remnants of military bunkers remain to be explored, along with natural wonders such as tide pools, a pebble-covered beach and a rocky shoreline.

Visitors can hike on trails that wind throughout the wooded park or bike on the paved bicycle path. Children will enjoy playing at the oceanfront playground. The 2008 park entrance fee is currently being set.

Also onsite is the Seacoast Science Center featuring aquariums, an indoor tide pool touch tank and the new Gregg Interactive Learning Studio. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children and free for members and children younger than 3.

Portsmouth Harbour Trail
www.seacoastnh.com/harbourtrail/

History buffs will want to linger in front of historic houses as they walk the Portsmouth Harbour Trail. The Portsmouth Harbour Trail Guide and Map contains descriptions of more than 70 points of interest in the city and is available for $2 from the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, 500 Market St., Portsmouth.

The trail, marked by bright blue signs, will lead you to Strawbery Banke, the John Paul Jones House, the Governor John Langdon House, the Moffat-Ladd House and other historic landmarks in the city.

Great Island Common
Wentworth Road, Route 1B, New Castle

The perfect place for a picnic is Great Island Common, a waterfront park with lighthouse views and the passing of an occasional ship headed for Portsmouth. There is plenty of open space for tossing a football or flying a kite, and the park is adjacent to New Castle beach. There is also a playground for children. The entrance fee is $3 per person, free for seniors and children younger than 16. Beach and park hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Petey’s Summertime Seafood and Bar
1323 Ocean Boulevard (Route 1A), Rye
433-1937 • www.peteys.com

Didn’t pack a lunch? You can still eat outside on the ocean view deck or in the picnic area at Petey’s. Owner Peter Aikens Jr. said the most popular dish is lobster, and it is available fried, steamed, stuffed and baked, grilled, in bisque and in lobster rolls. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 10 p.m.