Cynthia - Click to enlarge Edition #28, 3 November 2008

Hello, my name is Cynthia, a mermaid from the cool waters of New England. Thank you for visiting my collection of articles on coastal New England. Please tell your friends about my web site.

Look for other articles in this series on the home page.

Rye, New Hampshire

Located just south of Portsmouth along New Hampshire's narrow coastline, Rye was the first settlement in the state. Originally named Pannaway, it was established in 1623 and was incorporated in 1726 as a parish of New Castle. The town includes four of the nine islands that make up the Isles of Shoals, approximately ten miles out from the mainland. Here is a map of Rye.

The Rye town museum, which opened in 2002, is operated by the Rye Historical Society. The museum displays documents, photos, and artifacts from Rye's past. The collection includes newspaper clippings, photographs, clothing, books, and many donated items. The museum building also houses a gift shop.

While Rye Beach is officially a part of Rye, its residents take special pride in living in the Gold Coast of New Hampshire. Once upon a time, Rye Beach was a busy Victorian summer resort. The hotels are gone now, replaced by comfortable family homes.

Rye Harbor One of the many historic markers in Rye is the location of the first totally undersea telegraph cable between the US and Europe. This was a development of the Rye office of the Direct United States Cable Company. This landmark is located along route 1-A between Jenness Beach and Rye Harbor. Read more about the Direct United States Cable Company at the Atlantic Cable web site.

This being November, you may not be thinking of the beach right now. When the temperature rises, make your way to Jenness State Beach in Rye. Jenness features ocean swimming, parking, bathhouse, and lifeguards. Other beaches in Rye include Foss Beach and Wallis Sands State Park. Wallis Sands features a sandy beach, restrooms, food, bathhouse, and parking.

Be sure to bring the kids to the Seacoast Science Center, located at 570 Ocean Blvd in Rye. The Science Center's goal is to create connections to nature through personal experience. The center is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Adult admission is only $4, and admission for children 3-12 is $2.

Located at 2263 Ocean Blvd at Rye Beach, The Carriage House offers casual dining with a spectacular ocean view. This restaurant is a local favorite, and you never know who you might see at the next table. The menu includes fresh fish, lobster, pasta, steaks, burgers, and Panini sandwiches. Visit their website for a 15% off coupon, good through November 30th.

After dinner, enjoy the best in homemade ice cream at Lago's Loan Oak, 71 Lafayette Road (Route 1) in Rye.

Another restaurant worth special mention is Saunders at Rye Harbor. Saunders is located at 175 Harbor Road in Rye, and is well known for their lobster, seafood, beef, and chicken. Also on the menu you will find The Chef's Table, daily specials from their chef's personal recipe collection.

Learn more about Rye and Rye Beach at www.town.rye.nh.us and www.johnnyjet.com. If you should see me in the water, be sure to wave!

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Photo Credits:
Cynthia at Sunrise: DSI Photo
Rye Harbor: Webshots

©2008 Gold Mermaid