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While gathering stories for this Explore issue, I reflected on some of my cherished summer road trips. The soulful sounds of Ray Charles pleading with me to "Hit the Road Jack" swirled in my head, one of many tunes that filled the family station wagon during our annual summer pilgrimage to Prince Edward Island. Decades later, I continue this pilgrimage every summer with my family. It is an imprinted journey, one I can navigate blindfolded. I know every dip and turn along the way. But once on the island, one of my favorite things is to explore—find a red dirt road and see what farmland and ocean vistas it will reveal when the dust settles. It is a reminder that no matter how familiar a place, you can always discover something to frame it in a new light.
Revisiting another unforgettable road trip, this time in a 1976 royal blue Ford Maverick with mileage that defied logic, my cousin and I embarked on a journey of aimless wandering throughout the US and Canada.
Having graduated from college the year prior, we were still in that “now what” phase. We decided to “hit the road,” hoping that in the process of getting lost, we might find some direction. And so we set off, ready to embrace the unknown— including whether the car would endure the journey. With no set route, we had our share of amazing adventures and misadventures. While wandering off-thebeaten path, we discovered new things about ourselves and each other: the familiar shaped in a new light.
Inside, you will meet fellow explorers who share the adventures and discoveries that have reshaped their paths, like an engineer from the craft brew industry now using his skills to help others hit the road in their own style. An entrepreneur from the auto industry whose sole mission is to get people moving and commuting differently. And a local who ventured off to parts unknown but journeyed home to roost and revel in those perfect summer days exploring his hometown.
Whether your summer plans involve traveling to familiar or unfamiliar spots, we urge you to take a detour. When you hit that crossroads sign asking you to choose your course—North or South—take the road less traveled. You never know what you will discover.

TARA PHILLIPS, MANAGING EDITOR
PUBLISHER
Anne Moodey | anne.moodey@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Tara Phillips | tara.phillips@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Kim Piela | kim.piela@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lisa Leslie, Susan Gallagher, Ann Kathryn Kelly
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Melissa Koren Photography, Sarah J Bateman Photography, Courtney Mulvey, Joshua Gagnon, Melissa Lacasse Photography, Drew Hines, Raya on Assignment
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling















































































Steve
Spending
Exploring
Brett


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5:
the community skate park




The Huntington at Nashua, a Silverstone Living Community, started construction of its 16 new-build luxury apartments in May. The two-story expansion will feature 1-bedroom with den and 2-bedroom style apartment homes and will open in the Spring of 2025. Visit our community, meet residents who call The Huntington at Nashua home, and explore what active retirement living offers. Don't wait! Reserve your home today! For more information, visit www.silverstoneliving.org or call 603-821-1200.
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Amy Martinese sold her salon of 24 years in downtown Portsmouth to pursue her dreams of creating a mobile hair salon. This innovative concept brings the salon experience to your doorstep. Redhead Mobile Salon offers top-notch hair care in a mobile salon setting equipped with cutting-edge facilities, ensuring you receive the highest quality color, haircuts, and styles in an environment that suits your busy lifestyle. Call or text 603-766-2460 to schedule an appointment.
Join young entrepreneurs Nick Pitts and Grant Shambo at Fitness Together Portsmouth on Islington Street for personalized one-on-one training. They focus on fitness through strength training, customized workout plans, training for women, youth fitness, and nutrition counseling to meet client's health, weight loss, and wellness goals. Utilize their state-of-the-art InBody body composition scanner to track progress. Invest in yourself today! To get started, call 603-334-6333 or visit fitnesstogether.com/portsmouth







Check out these fun local adventures and unique properties within an hour's drive of our coast. Known for providing locals and visitors with top-notch customer service and hospitality, we've compiled some of our best picks for outings that might be on your mind this month as you explore this summer.
The Links at Outlook outlookgolf.com/ | 207.384.4653
Harvester Fishing Charters harvesterfishingcharters.com/ | 603.926.0264
Isles of Shoals Steamship Company islesofshoals.com/ | 603.431.5500
Portsmouth Paddle Co. portsmouthpaddleco.com/ | 603.777.7428
Seacoast Scooters seacoastscootersnh.com/ | 603.379.2482
Pickering House Inn pickeringhousewolfeboro.com/ | 603.569.6948
Hidden Pond Resort kennebunkportresortcollection.com/hidden-pond/ | 800.573.7186
Black Point Inn blackpointinn.com/ | 207.883.2500
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
GET IN TOUCH AT
Beauport Hotel Gloucester beauporthotel.com/ | 978.282.0008
Cliff House Maine cliffhousemaine.com/ | 207.361.1000






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STEVE GERHARTZ EXPLAINS WHY E-BIKING IS A GAME-CHANGER FOR COMMUNITIES
BY LISA LESLIE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA KOREN PHOTOGRAPHY


We hope to inspire more members of the community to see the value of e-bikes.
The first time Steve Gerhartz rode an electric bike (e-bike), he knew the experience would be life-changing for many, including himself. With over 40 years of experience in the retail and wholesale auto industry, he quickly understood how e-bikes could change people’s lives and the transportation industry, especially in older cities and communities where getting around by car is challenging.
After founding Dent Wizard (formerly Dentworks), a paintless dent repair business, Gerhartz took a couple of years off before becoming an auto dealer consultant from 2010 to 2017. After hanging up his consulting hat and giving retirement another go, Gerhartz encountered his first e-bike; the rest is history.
In June 2020, Gerhartz opened Seacoast E-Bikes in Newington—going full throttle on his mission to change how people of all ages get around and explore the Seacoast. With over 800 e-bikes, Gerhartz has created one of the largest e-bike dealers in New England, offering a wide selection for various uses—recreation, fitness, cargo, commuting, mountain biking, etc.
Whether you’re looking to ditch your second vehicle or need a more economical option for running errands, commuting to work or school, or getting out and seeing the area’s scenic trails and coastline, e-bikes offer a fun and convenient way for anyone to get moving. Riders can cruise along Route 1A, starting in Portsmouth and venturing south into Rye and New Castle or north toward Kittery and York Harbor. New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway (NHSG), a new rail trail, will open up 17.2 miles of primarily off-road riding for bikers looking for a more extended adventure through the area’s coastal communities. Bikers can also find additional routes to explore and local events to attend at seacoastbikes.org
E-biking is an excellent activity for retirees with more time and looking to take up a new hobby. “Our average customer is a middle-aged couple looking to get outdoors and exercise more,” Gerhartz said. “E-bikes make it possible for people to continue biking as they age.”
Aside from some of the more apparent benefits of e-bikes, such as reduced transportation costs and the physical and mental health benefits of exercising more, communities also experience significant improvements. Fewer cars on the roads lead to less overall congestion and reduced air pollution. Additionally, organizations with a high volume of commuters can alleviate traffic and parking problems by encouraging the adoption of e-bikes.
“Traffic at the Shipyard is a real problem,” Gerhartz explains. “Employees share that if they want to park on the base, they need to arrive by 5:00 a.m. and that it can take almost an hour to get off the base when leaving.” Many employees are purchasing or considering e-bikes as a better way to commute to the Shipyard year-round.
Gerhartz is also helping the Portsmouth Police Department test out the use of e-bikes with their patrol officers. Using e-bikes vs. a patrol car allows officers to access areas where it can be challenging to get to otherwise and respond faster, especially in the more congested areas downtown. They are also more cost-effective in the long term and make officers more approachable to pedestrians.
“E-bikes are and continue to be a catalyst for change in the transportation industry, but change is often difficult for people to accept,” explains Gerhartz. “We hope to inspire more community members to see the value of e-bikes as a viable, alternative transportation option that’s healthy and fun.”







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PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL VERSLUIS
Spending time outdoors and enjoying friends and family over good food and drinks is a great way to enjoy the season’s beautiful weather. From the fresh flower arrangements, produce, and herbs, this earthy spread is brimming with character and flavor. The earthy ceramic and clay vases give the perfect vessel to fill with organic cut herbs and handpicked wildflowers. We arranged a beautiful medley of Queen Anne’s lace, mint, sage, rosemary, lavender, lamb’s ear, nigella, buddleia, oregano, dill, feverfew, and geranium to name just a few of these beautiful blooms.
We love a good home-cooked menu mixed with a signature drink, so we paired our meal with a delicious craft cocktail. Buttermilk brined fried chicken was a must for this outdoor party. A delicious peach bread pudding with salted vanilla caramel cream rounded out our meal for the perfect sweet treat. We wanted to share a few of our favorite recipes for you to try at home. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS:
Dried spice mix
• 2 tablespoons white pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 5 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons fresh black pepper
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons cayenne
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 teaspoons onion powder
• Palm kosher salt
Buttermilk Brine
• 4 cups buttermilk
• 1 bunch fresh sage
• 1/2 of spice mixture
Dredge
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Whole cut up chicken or 2 bone-in breasts, 2 thighs and 2 drumsticks
To cook
• 4 cups shortening
INSTRUCTIONS:
Marinate chicken in brine for up to 24 hours. Place chicken in large Ziploc bag and pour marinade over top. Add fresh sage and store in fridge. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking rack with a sheet pan for raw chicken and one for cooked chicken. Add remaining spice mixture to flour mixture. Whisk together well. Heat shortening to 350 degrees. (Preference is cast iron Dutch oven) Pull chicken out of buttermilk mixture and let drip. Coat firmly in flour mixture and set on raw chicken rack. Complete each piece of chicken. Heat oil to 350 degrees. Place 2 or 3 pieces of chicken in oil and cook 3-5 minutes per side. Place on cooked chicken rack. Put cooked chicken in oven to complete cooking for 15 minutes. Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving!




INGREDIENTS:
• 1 loaf brioche
• 5 fresh peaches
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 eggs
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. Dice peaches into medium dice. Place peaches, white sugar, and butter in saucepan. Cook until sugar is dissolved and peaches are soft. Mix all other ingredients together. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan and add peach mixture with brioche pieces and then add milk mixture. Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes before cutting.
“Spanish for Smoky”
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 ounces Reposado tequila
• 1/2 ounce aperol
• 3/4 ounce lime juice
• 1/2 ounce agave nectar
• 1/4 ounces luxardo cherry syrup
• 1 spritz of Mezcal
INSTRUCTIONS:
Lightly sweet, pleasantly bitter. The Mezcal adds just a hint of smoke to make a beautifully balanced, interesting cocktail.






ARTICLE BY LISA LESLIE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA KOREN PHOTOGRAPHY
EXPLORING SCENIC BYWAYS, HIDDEN SPOTS, AND OFF-BEATEN PATHWAYS FROM THE COMFORT AND STYLE OF YOUR CUSTOM-BUILT VAN

Doug MacNair hasn’t always spent his days converting vans into homes for adventure-seekers. He worked over 35 years engineering and operating some of New England’s most beloved craft breweries, including the former Redhook Brewery, Smuttynose
“THE
In 2021, Mat Rice and Maryann (Mandy) King sought out MacNair to customize their 170-wheelbase Mercedes Benz Sprinter. As an executive in the aerospace industry, Mandy traveled worldwide for her work but felt she’d never fully experienced
Brewery Co., and Harpoon Brewery, while crafting quality furniture and other wood creations on the side.
MacNair's small but well-equipped shop, Downeast Custom Vans, marries his background in building functional systems and a life-long passion for woodworking, offering road trippers from the seacoast and beyond a way to hit the road in style.
While the business idea took shape well before opening in 2020, the timing couldn’t have been better. People were desperate to escape their homes and travel, but not in the traditional sense. They were opting to explore locally, get out into nature, or travel cross-country to find hidden gems they knew existed but had only dreamed of visiting.
“Many of our customers have retired, sold their homes, and live full-time in their vans,” says MacNair. Others take their vans out throughout the year for vacations or bucket-list trips. Each van runs off batteries independent of the vehicle battery, so even if those run-down, drivers can still return to civilization.
many of the destinations she visited in her corporate travels. Now enjoying their retirement, the Kings hop in their custom-outfitted van to visit their daughter in California each year, taking different routes to explore new areas, stopping at funky, off-the-beaten-track locations along the way.
Visiting a donkey rescue in Arizona wasn’t exactly on their bucket list, but they stumbled upon the idea while looking for a place to stop on the way to Kartchner Caverns State Park. Another route brought them to the public lands in California, just outside Joshua Tree National Park. “Life in a van means never knowing what experiences the day will bring,” says Mat. “We start with a destination in mind and figure out how to leapfrog to get there at the best time, often making decisions based on the weather.”
Downeast Custom Vans doesn’t only build vans for cross-country travelers. MacNair recently completed a mobile beauty salon complete with a shampooing station and has built mobile
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“IF YOU SEE A ROAD YOU WANT TO FOLLOW, YOU CAN TAKE A RIGHT AND SEE WHERE IT LEADS”
scientific laboratories to hold complex equipment for analysis and research. Next, the team is working on a mobile cat rescue van to house a couple that will use it to travel to the Southeast to pick up kittens and bring them back north to awaiting families. For this project, the team will outfit the van with crates, incubators, nursing stations, and refrigerators for meds and kitty formula.
Equipped with everything you need to live and work comfortably—but not with standard, cookie-cutter features—each van is wholly tailored for you—with a design and layout to match your preferences and lifestyle. The team can engineer electrical systems and solar arrays to support everything from low-power LED lighting systems to induction stoves, AC systems, propane or diesel heating, and even full bathrooms and showers. From custom countertops to counters and tables with unique wood inlay and subtle design features you won’t find in a pre-made van, their personalization and quality of craftsmanship is unmatched.
“You’re driving your hotel; you don’t have to make a reservation. If you see a road you want to follow, you can take a right and see where it leads,” says MacNair. “The journey is different for everyone, and that’s the charm of it.”






ARTICLE BY SUSAN GALLAGHER
Local Realtor Brett Mulvey Leads Us on a Morning to Nighttime Guided Tour of the Perfect Day on the Seacoast

From stunning seascapes and graceful sailboats to eclectic dining with gilded sunsets, the seacoast has much to offer locals and visitors alike. Rich with classic New England charm and brimming with hospitality, there is nowhere else quite like it. Realtor and Rye native Brett Mulvey shares his itinerary for a perfect family day exploring this captivating area from sunrise to sunset.
The day begins with a feel of France at La Maison Navarre in downtown Portsmouth. This bakery, bistro, and wine bar offers traditional French fare with a European flair in a bright, open atmosphere.
Brett’s Best: Indulge in a macaron and sip an iced mocha.
Next comes a Jenness Beach adventure of surfing, sunbathing, and—not for the fainthearted—bridge jumping at nearby Rye Harbor. This small State Park in Rye is a great place to be a kid or just act like one. Soak up the rays and savor the salty sea air.
Brett’s Best: Build a castle with a moat and defy the waves.
Take a break from the sun and cross the street to Summer Sessions for lunch. Adjacent to Rye Beach landmark The Dunes Motel, this surf shop and café serves up surfing lessons alongside lunch, snacks, and smoothies.
Brett’s Best: Bring on the carbs with a Nohli Rio smoothie and a Cable Beach bagel.
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Drive north to Kittery for an afternoon of scenic biking or walking through historic Fort Foster. This local treasure boasts serene trails and rocky beaches that lend a mid-coast Maine feel. An ice cream stop at Provisions at Pepperrell Cove is a must for a delightful blend of old and new with an ocean view.
Brett’s Best: Watch the sailboats glide by, and the lobstermen come in.
Dinner awaits at Kittery’s renowned Black Birch with a farm-to-table essence and warm, communal feeling. Choose the popular outdoor seating to enjoy the elevated American fare. There are no reservations, but the fabulous food is well worth the wait.
Brett’s Best: Make an outing of it and explore Kittery Foreside while waiting.
Top off the evening with a dazzling sunset at Four Tree Island. From Pierce Island, cross the gravel causeway to Four Tree Island. This hidden gem is a quiet oasis perfect for relaxing and reflecting on the day. From here, attend a show or concert at nearby Prescott Park. The 10-acre park features colorful gardens and plenty of green spaces for children to frolic.
Brett’s Best: Take in a Portsmouth sunset from a different vantage point and bask in the sea breeze.

Born and raised in Rye, Brett returned to his hometown in 2007 to raise his family. A fulltime realtor for more than a decade, he brings his extensive personal knowledge of the area to Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty. Mulvey specializes in Seacoast New Hampshire and southern Maine luxury properties. He values the seacoast’s quality of life and is committed to giving back to the community he loves.



Custom Framing • Framed mirrors, any size or shape • Installation (picture hanging)
Antique maps & nautical charts • Art restoration of canvas & paper
Antique frame restoration & gilding • Printing and scanning • Photo restoration, copying & printing Original art & prints • 100’s of pre-made frames in stock
603.964.9826
Hours: Tue-Fri 10:30-5:30 • Sat 11-3 • Closed Sun-Mon | www.dprattframer.com






Just on the outskirts of Austin, nestled on 400 acres of luscious and sprawling countryside, this fun-filled resort does not disappoint. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a family-friendly destination that offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Guests are transported to a simpler time where both adults and kids can be seen casually riding bicycles around the property or strolling along the Colorado River that hugs the resort. Open areas with yard games, outdoor game tables, sports courts and a mini golf course invite families to engage in activities that allow for quality time spent enjoying the outdoors.
Choose between an adventurous getaway or a serene escape, as Lost Pines Resort and Spa has something for everyone. Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more. Cool off poolside at one of the many pools, or float on the 1,000-foot lazy river. The expansive, 18-hole, 7,200 yard golf course designed by award-winning architect Arthur Hills, allows golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of this championship course.
A Texas ranch-style resort wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visit the Lost Pines corral for daily meet and greets with longhorns, miniature ponies, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas and pigs. Families can enjoy nightly movies on the outdoor movie screen. Scheduled kids activities are

available day and evening throughout your stay. The expansive grounds allows guests to spend time exploring the activities on the property.
The resort offers a variety of dining experiences for the culinary enthusiast including six different on-site restaurants, each offering unique bites and beverages. Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at Stories, where all food is sourced from local purveyors. They also offer an expansive selection of wines, scotch, and mixed drinks. For a unique dining experience, visit the renowned, exclusive 10-seat omakase, Sushi By Scratch, with Chef Philip Frankland Lee. This menu-free establishment boasts a private and unexpected experience that is sure to please. Advanced reservations are required and encouraged as dining spots fill up quickly. For a more casual dining experience, visit one of the other four on-site restaurants including Maverick’s Roadhouse, buffet style dining at Heartwood House, light bites enjoyed poolside at Old Buck’s Place or eat alfresco at Maude’s Bar and Terrace.
After a day of making memories, retreat to the newly remodeled and spacious rooms and suites. The views are breathtaking, and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the perfect vacation destination to recharge regardless of what stage of life you are in. For more information visit LostPinesResortandSpa.com



















SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
Shop Local Farmers’ Markets in Portsmouth and Kittery
1 Junkins Avenue | Portsmouth 10 Shapleigh Road | Kittery
Stroll at a farmers’ market as part of your July weekend routine. Listen to live music while shopping for produce, prepared foods, and artisan crafts. On Saturdays starting at 8:00, shop at the Portsmouth Farmers’ Market by City Hall, or Sundays beginning at 10:00, stop at the Kittery Community Market at Post Office Square. For more, visit kitterycommunitymarket.com or seacoasteatlocal.org/portsmouth/.
JULY 2ND, 9TH, 16TH, 23RD AND 30TH
Peirce Island Boat Ramp | Portsmouth | 5:30 PM
Are you looking to meet local paddlers, improve your technique, or get out on the water? Join Tuesday night Community Paddles with Seacoast Paddleboard Club. Paddles are led by SPC ambassadors and depart from the south side of the Peirce Island boat ramp. Registration is required, and all paddlers must attend a pre-paddle safety meeting. To sign-up, visit seacoastpaddleboardclub.com.
JULY 4TH
Strawbery Banke Museum | Portsmouth | 10:00 AM
Strawbery Banke Museum, along with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, celebrates Independence Day by welcoming new citizens in a Naturalization Ceremony on July 4th. The new citizens will take the Oath of Allegiance on Puddle Dock, the heart of the “neighborhood of newcomers” at the museum. The ceremony is free and open to the public. Visit strawberybanke.org for details.



IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.
2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.
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JULY 11TH, 18TH, 25TH AND AUGUST 1ST
Atlantic Grill Music by the Sea
Seacoast Science Center | Rye | 6:00 PM Summer heats up at the Seacoast Science Center with live music oceanside. The Atlantic Grill Music by the Sea concert series features some favorite New England bands. Bring your lawn chair and blanket, pack a picnic, or purchase food from a vendor on site. You can also buy beer and wine at the beverage garden. To purchase tickets, visit seacoastsciencecenter.org.
JULY 12TH AND AUGUST 2ND
at
Summerwind Jewelers & Goldsmiths | 49 Market Street, Portsmouth | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join Summerwind Jewelers for their monthly collaborative Ladies’ Night featuring locally-owned, women-led businesses from across the Seacoast offering their products, services, and experiences in a relaxed environment. Each event includes a different group of businesses, specials on our permanent jewelry services, cocktails, and light bites. This event is free and open to the public. Visit www.summerwindjewelers. com and follow on social media for events & updates!
JULY 26TH
Port of Portsmouth | 555 Market Street | 9:00 AM
Sail Portsmouth kicks off a weekend of maritime adventure on Friday, July 26th at 9:00 a.m. with a Parade of Sail. Visiting tall ships are escorted by private vessels and commercial fishing boats up the Piscataqua River to the Memorial Bridge. The ships are open for free tours on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10:00. For more details visit sailportsmouth.org.






