NH Heritage Museum Trail: USS Albacore Park

By: Pam Magrath, Radisson Hotel

 Manchester Class of 2006

Yesterday, Tony and I headed off with my 2019 Explore NH Passport to visit the USS Albacore Park. We had driven by many times, when visiting Portsmouth; but, we had never stopped to take the tour.

WOW! what a surprise! 

We so enjoyed the narrated/self-guided tour. Such a pleasure to see these things in your own way and at your own pace. We had no SCHEDULE so we took our time.

Listening to each personal narrative, seeing the sub thru the eyes of those who served, truly makes history REAL.  Just how the sailors could survive those close quarters is a mystery to me. Realizing the Albacore was constructed totally as a ‘model’ test sub, not for long term deployments, made it more reasonable.

As our day had no schedule, we headed to Newcastle for a quick stop at Henry’s Market, across from the Newcastle Post Office, for lunch. If you’ve never been there, be sure to stop.  Their yummy soups, quiches, meat pies, veggie tarts and sandwiches are always good, no matter the weather!

Next, our favorite spot on Newcastle, Great Island Common.

(Off season there is no fee! That means FREE and they have restrooms!)  We feel it has the best views–so do the tour buses! One pulled in while we were sitting on ‘our’ bench!

So much to see and the scene is ever-changing –boating traffic in and out of Portsmouth Harbor, the Isles of Shoals, the Coast Guard Lighthouse, Fort Constitution, the White Island Life Saving Station, the Kittery coastline, birds, seals, lobster fishermen checking their traps, etc. etc.  How can you beat all that from one bench?!! And—- it has a beach for walking!

Dinner? 

Take your pick of the many great seafood restaurants up and down the coast. 

Hint: Our favorite is Petey’s in Rye.

Our advice—Take a trip to the USS Albacore Park and turn it into another wonderful day in NH.