Nobody knows for sure whether Newmarket, New Hampshire, was named after the Suffolk town of Newmarket, but it seems probable. To our ears, it has a much nicer ring than Lampreyville (an early name for the town which, like the river, came from good ol’ John Lamprey).

Whatever the case, Newmarket can certainly evoke the sense of a thriving but peaceful English village of a bygone age. However, the town’s rustic attributes and historical themes bely the modern influences at work.

From the Waterfront to the Mills, one can find a strong connection between Newmarket and the waters. Certainly, New Hampshire’s oceanside area is rather limited, and this may increase a NH resident’s appreciation of the proximity to Hampton Beach and Portsmouth. Simply enjoying the Great Bay views while chomping on gift baskets is worthwhile, and the water runs also essentially through the history of the mills (and therefore, the very spine of the town’s history).

Many who come to know Newmarket do so as students or faculty of the University of New Hampshire at Durham, our unofficial ‘twin city’ just a short drive (or a rather long but lovely walk) down Main. Don’t be confused, it technically becomes Newmarket Road for a while before it turns left, crosses a little bridge, and becomes Main once again. At that point, you’re nearly looking right at the school!

The real character of Newmarket can truly only be found via a leisurely, rambling excursion off the beaten path. The natural landscape of both land and water provide refreshing experience, as well as plenty of opportunity for photographers and other visual artists. I especially like the old farms and unexpected little shores and inlets from Great Bay, but my ramblings often place me at the mercy of trespassing laws — highly discouraged!