Portsmouth in 1 Day for Couples - 90-minute Historical Tastings experience inside the iconic Rockingham building
In Collaboration with The Library Restaurant. Updated on February 1, 2026.
A relaxed, romantic 1-day plan centered on the Historical Tastings experience at the Rockingham (Library Restaurant). Includes a leisurely Market Square stroll, a golden-hour riverside moment at Prescott Park, and the 90-minute tasting and history tour inside the iconic Rockingham building.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with The Library Restaurant, inspired by the tour Historical Tastings at the Iconic Rockingham. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- 90-minute Historical Tastings experience inside the iconic Rockingham building
- Three-course tasting menu by Chef Cody Finch paired with locally crafted NH wines & spirits
- Sunset stroll and golden-hour views at Prescott Park
- Charming Market Square walk — boutique shops & cozy cafés
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening itinerary built around the Historical Tastings Tour at the Rockingham (Library Restaurant). Designed for couples seeking a romantic mix of history, waterfront ambiance, and an intimate food & wine pairing.
Market Square stroll — arrive early, browse boutique shops
Start your evening with a relaxed walk through Market Square's historic heart: window-shop local boutiques, pop into a cozy café if you like, and enjoy the small-town New England charm before golden hour.
Tips from local experts:
- Parking & arrival: If driving, use the nearby Deer and Parrott parking garages (short walk) to avoid street-parking stress; Market Square can be busy in summer evenings.
- Romantic moment: Pause at a bench near the square's lamp posts for a quiet toast — bring a small blanket if you want to sit and linger.
- Comfort & accessibility: Market Square is mostly flat and paved; wear comfortable shoes and note there are public restrooms inside nearby businesses (ask politely).
Prescott Park — golden-hour waterfront stroll
A short walk from Market Square to Prescott Park for an intimate riverside stroll. This park faces the Piscataqua River and offers flowered paths and benches perfect for a sunset moment together.
Tips from local experts:
- Best spot for two: Walk down to the waterfront benches near the pier for unobstructed water views — ideal for a quiet photo together as the sun lowers.
- What to bring: Summer evenings can cool; bring a light layer or shawl for comfort during the sunset.
- Accessibility: Paths are paved and mostly flat; if you need step-free access follow the main park entrances from Market Street for the easiest route.
Historical Tastings at the Iconic Rockingham — three-course tasting & guided history tour
Core experience: A 90-minute guided tasting inside the historic Rockingham building presented by local history and beverage experts. Enjoy three tasting courses from Chef de Cuisine Cody Finch paired with locally crafted New Hampshire wines and spirits; hear the building's stories, jazz-era links, and ghostly anecdotes while seated in the restaurant's atmospheric rooms.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrival & meeting point: Check in with your guide when you arrive; per the operator note, meet at the back of the building on Porter Street near the golden lions if instructed — arrive 10–15 minutes early for check-in.
- Age & dietary notes: Alcoholic tastings are only for guests 21+. If one partner is under 21, they'll receive non-alcoholic pairings. The kitchen accommodates vegetarian and gluten-free requests — indicate restrictions at booking or on arrival.
- Romantic enhancement: Ask in advance (or on arrival) for a table in the Gold Room or mahogany-paneled Library Restaurant section if available — these rooms are atmospheric and especially intimate for couples.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 3 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Outdoor, Experience |