easy
2–3 hours
Suitable for most adults capable of walking moderate distances on uneven surfaces.
Pickwick’s Mercantile in Portsmouth fuses history and the outdoors with their Spectral Stroll Dinners. Walk the city’s shadowy streets and enjoy a unique dinner steeped in local lore.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, offers a rare blend of coastal charm and rich history, making it a compelling backdrop for Pickwick’s Mercantile’s unique outdoor culinary experiences. Far from a traditional hike or paddling trip, the Spectral Stroll Dinner and Deadwick’s Spectral Stroll invite visitors to engage with Portsmouth’s darker past through immersive, atmospheric walks paired with thoughtfully prepared dinners. These events transform the city’s historic streets into open-air theaters where shadow and story merge beneath gaslit lamps.
Pickwick’s Mercantile is not your standard adventure outfitter; rather, it thrives at the intersection of storytelling and the outdoors, crafting memorable night-time journeys that summon the local folklore and history haunting the streets of Portsmouth. Deadwick’s Spectral Stroll, in particular, highlights an eerie side of the city, setting the scene with gothic ambiance and thoughtful narratives that connect guests with the town’s 18th- and 19th-century heritage.
The strolls weave through Portsmouth’s cobblestones and brick-lined alleys, pointing out places where history’s echoes still feel alive. The holiday dinners add a sensory layer, offering seasonal, locally inspired fare that complements the chilling tales. Unlike standard outdoor excursions centered solely on natural landscapes, these guided strolls appeal to adventurers intrigued by the cultural fabric of a place—combining light physical activity with rich, sensory storytelling.
This experience offers a fresh way to engage with outdoor history, perfect for visitors wanting to mix physical movement with cultural immersion. Pickwick’s Mercantile integrates food, folklore, and the city’s atmospheric surroundings to create a standout experience in Portsmouth’s adventurous offerings.
Portsmouth evenings can get chilly, especially during fall and winter strolls—layer up to stay comfortable.
Expect uneven cobblestone streets on these walking dinners—comfortable shoes with good grip are recommended.
Plan to arrive ahead of time to absorb the setting’s ambiance before the stroll begins.
Identify any food allergies or restrictions when booking to ensure the dinner experience suits your needs.
Portsmouth is one of the nation’s oldest cities, founded in 1623, with a history rooted in maritime trade and colonial America’s early growth.
The city emphasizes preserving its historic districts while promoting sustainable tourism that respects both cultural landmarks and the coastal environment.
Necessary for navigating Portsmouth’s historic cobblestone streets safely.
Helps adjust to fluctuating temperatures during evening strolls.
fall|winter|spring specific
Useful for walking dark streets, especially in winter where daylight ends early.
fall|winter specific
Keeps pesky bugs away during warm summer evening walks.
summer specific