An incredible gem hidden away in the heart of downtown Portsmouth. I had no idea that SAACC existed…read moreuntil I did research on organizations that support the NH/Seacoast African American population and I came across it on Google. It is tucked into the same building as Discover Portsmouth so it is easy to miss but 100% worth the visit. Their current exhibition displays photos taken by President Barack Obama's presidential photographer, Pete Souza, over the course of Obama's eight years as president. The exhibition is beautifully curated and moving. SAACC also does a commendable job of highlighting figures in the local African American community through a permanent photo display and the books and additional materials that they have for sale. I will be telling everyone I know in the area to stop by for a visit!

From the owner: Come visit the former President Barack Obama - Pete Souza exhibit. read more

Quaint little venue to catch a good show. Stopped in to experience Bound and was pleasantly…read moresurprised with this venue! Small amount of street parking available or parking garage just down the street. Small lobby area which is where the box office is located as well. Once in you can take an elevator or the stairs to the second floor for concessions and theater access. One can enter the theater from the second floor or venture up another flight of stairs for entry towards the top of the seating area as well. Volunteer staff was great today, very friendly and helpful. Can't speak of concession as they were not open for this event. Bathrooms available in the second floor as well. Not sure how I have missed this venue with all the time spent in Portland, but don't take as long as I have see what's upcoming and experience a great time at the theater!

The Laugh Track is a fun, fast and fabulous 90 minute play about Madelyn Pugh and Bob Carroll…read morejr...the writers of the I Love Lucy Show. Taken from Ms Pugh's autobiography, but with some poetic license by the wonderful Playwright, Wendy MacLeod, it recounts scenarios from Madelyn Pugh's perspective both in and out of the writer's office. Her role back then was NOT always as an equal, though she was equally as funny a writer as her male counterpart. It also hits on the dynamic between all the people involved in making that show a groundbreaking hit as well as the ultimate end of the show in 1957.

The location of this onetime "almshouse" and later a public medical and psychiatric hospital is…read morestill active in some capacity. The campus is historically protected, leading to a bizarre mix of active buildings and crumbling ruins that they are apparently not allowed to do anything with. The building the museum is in looks like something that predates modern medicine, and the museum itself is a series of four-ish rooms which is across the hall from an active administrative office for a state agency. You can wander the museum itself, noting its limited hours, or you can get a tour and pay a reasonable fee for a ticket. Mine was administered by a former health department director. While the size of the space is not much, they have packed in quite a lot, and an hourlong tour by no means covers every item of interest. The history is regional and specific, and will reveal all sorts of complexities to a willing ear. Covered topics include infectious diseases, mental health, and nursing education. For someone who is not interested in healthcare or public service, it probably isn't going to be a fun hour, but anyone with a suitable background should find it fascinating. You can wander around the campus, though other buildings are not open as museums, they look cool. Notably, next to the medical campus lies the hospital's former graveyard, with a multitude of shallow graves whose markings had almost been lost to history. There's some interesting work going on there, and it's a brief trail walk you can take to expand your visit.

Small museum with a big heart. Our guide was knowledgeable. The museum has some Tewksbury Hospital…read morehistory and some public health history...I learned things I never knew. We took a timed, socially distanced tour - it worked! We hope to visit in the spring to take the outdoor tour next time.

When I moved to Westbrook, I never realized how much of a staple the community center would become…read morefor me. Living in smaller towns, I never had such a place, and since I have become part of this community I have been able to witness the Westbrook Community Center grow to offer so many programs to our community and beyond. My first introduction was the child care program they have there for before and after school. This used to be called Ready Kids, and now is called Westbrook Learns. This is an affordable and structured after school option that has been great for my son. They have activities, games, crafts, reading, etc to keep the children busy after school. If interested, contact the community center to see if they have openings and I highly recommend signing up early in the summer to secure your spot. My son also attends the summer camp, where they have scheduled activities, learning, field trips, swimming, and sports going on every day. My son comes home tired! Beyond the child care, the community center also hosts sports for children including, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, dance and much more. It really helps to keep children physically challenged all year around. For grown ups, there are a ton of exercise programs including zumba, boot camp, kettle bells, etc. I know I am missing so many services as I do not utilize them all. The next activity I plan to use is the swimming lessons. My son is an excellent swimmer and they offer lessons for all skill levels in their inside pool. Other activities and offerings include: Inside batting cages, full sized gym, historical society museum, senior citizen services, a community garden, music and dance lessons, a cafe, and much more. I hope others will share their reviews to let the people of our region know of all the services this excellent facility provides.

Westbrook Community Center is quite possibly the best community center I have been a part of. The…read morestaff is friendly and personable. The instructors are well informed and good mentors for community involvement and healthy living. There are activities for young and old, athletic or not! There is a pool, a dance studio and gymnasium! There are plenty of meeting spaces available for rent for parties or meetings. A community center would not be complete without a thrift shop! Checkout all of the great programs throughout the day!

After checking out the awesome murals in Salem, I searched for other places we could view outdoor…read moreart, and Beyond Walls in Lynn popped up! We drove over on a Saturday afternoon and easily found parking on Mount Vernon Street. The Beyond Walls website has an interactive map which we tried to follow, but it was a bit difficult, so we ended up just walking around the downtown area. We saw some really beautiful murals, and it got us out to a part of the state that I probably wouldn't have gone to otherwise. The streets weren't always the cleanest, but it was definitely worth the trek - I'd just recommend wearing close-toes shoes. After seeing a good number of murals, we hopped back in the car and parked nearer to the waterfront to walk along Nahant Beach. All in all, a really nice weekend afternoon outing in the time of COVID!

From the owner: Beyond Walls stands out as a unique nonprofit due to its integrated approach to urban…read morerevitalization through creative placemaking, with a strong emphasis on community engagement, public art, and safety improvements in our cities. Beyond Walls uses large-scale public art, such as murals, neon art, and light installations, to transform public spaces, reduce blight, and spark community pride. Unlike traditional beautification efforts, we: • Curate world-renowned artists while involving local talent. • Activate underutilized or unsafe areas (e.g., dark alleys, train underpasses). • Use art as a catalyst for economic and social change, not just decoration.

A renovated church tucked into a sleepy street in the South End, this cultural center/performance…read morespace has retained some serious spirit, and has hosted a myriad of cool, underground community events. Because of the sheer openness and shape of the space are acoustics are solid. The pulpit was converted into a sizeable stage with a broad audience area where the pews once were. There's also excellent views from the expansive two tiered balcony. When I first visited for Soul Revival in 2001 (a now defunct deep house party) the ceiling was painted midnight blue with stars, and people came together once a month to relive the reverence of its foundation through movement and sound. It was consistently one of the most beautiful experiences of my lifetime. Keepin' Jeebus proud, folks. I only wish they kept the organ.

I think this is an old church, which is now converted to a…read morerental space. ATMOSPHERE: Simply stunning space... the SPIRAL STAIRCASE that curves you from the top to the bottom floor makes for perfect photos! The STAINED GLASS windows are striking as well. THE DEAL: This is a hidden gem in Boston's South End. You can rent this superior space reasonably for the area.

In the smallest New Hampshire town by distance, only 10 square miles, you'll find the nation's…read morefirst non-profit Indonesian cultural center in Somersworth on High Street at the junction of Routes 9 and 236. This community center celebrates all aspects of Indonesian life and culture and is quickly becoming an important resource and gathering spot for the significant Indonesian population in this corner of the state. In addition to a cafe and retail store, the ICC is planning to offer job counseling and a food pantry to holistically serve the town and neighboring communities. Free events are being held weekends to introduce the center and the rich cultural fabric of Indonesian life. Come for the food and learn more!

I recently moved back to Hollis with my young family after a ten year hiatus in other cities. I…read moremust say, this is a wonderful treasure for Hollis. Wild Salamander adds a refreshing community center to our town where families can come together in a fun and inviting environment. The owners care deeply about art, community, and education; it's great to see the area support a business like this! I only wish it was here when I was young. I've been enjoying my class on pastels, and am looking forward to more classes in the future for me and my family. The teachers too are true professionals in the area equally devoted to sharing their passions. Also! I had not realized this until going: there is a small shop with local arts and crafts that's open to the public during the day. They have unique and thoughtful gifts for Christmas, birthdays, and other events. A great option when I'm looking for something with a little more character than what I'd find on Amazon :D (Full Disclosure: I copied this from my own Google Review).

The classes are so much fun. Teachers are always great and are offered in a lovely setting. For…read moreme, each class is a mini vacation. I am so glad Wild Salamander exists!

This review is just for the Kaffestugan on Saturdays from 11 AM - 3 PM. I know they have a whole…read morehost of cultural events, which I look forwrd to attending. I was delighted to find a place that has kannebuller (Swedish cinnamon rolls). First Saturday of the month is Danish, where they also serve open face sandwiches - including shrimp (yum), meatballs, and salmon. My only complaint is that I wished they had it on denser bread. They also had delicate waffles that they made to order with jam and whipped cream. Loved the snegels (Danish cinnamon rolls with just a drizzle of icing)! Looking forward to coming back!

This is well worth a detour if you are interested in contemporary art. Owner/curator, Mary Harding…read morehas a great eye and is a delightful hostess as well. A great opportunity to see regional artists as that is who she represents. If you enjoy fine contemporary art, this place should be on your radar when in the area. I will certainly be back when in New England.

Spectacular location! Very well curated. Highlights area artists, new and well established. I visit…read moreoften.