On September 28th and 29th of this year, I had the pleasure of experiencing my first weekend overnight trip in my new position as a recreation/family support director for The Arc of Opportunity. The main event the trip had to offer was the Portsmouth Maritime Music Festival, which was held in the heart of downtown Portsmouth. Portsmouth is an old maritime city rich with ports and the annual music festival is a great way to capture the sailing culture that this city has to offer. Our first destination on Saturday was to Kittery, Maine for some outlet shopping and to check in to our hotel, where everyone swam the night away in the hotel’s beautiful indoor pool. On Sunday we headed for York Beach to enjoy the serenity of the water as well as the great food. We were even fortunate enough to have beautiful, sunny weather!
Two brave souls, including Antonio, aka “Tony”, actually took the plunge into the waves of the frigid ocean at York Beach! Although their adventurous plunge into the deep blue didn’t last long, they sure did work up an appetite along with the rest 0f the crew! Shortly after we looked at some of the unique shops they have and ate at an authentic salt water taffy restaurant located right near the water. Our next destination was the Portsmouth Maritime Music Festival. It was also my first time in Portsmouth as well as many of the individuals.
The city’s downtown streets are occupied with exclusive shops and cafes with the abundant view of the port. The musicians and bands performed genuine maritime folk songs across various locations in the downtown area. The group really seemed to enjoy the culture of the city and the music. I had a good time with all that were a part of the trip while learning “the ropes” of my new position as the recreation/family support director. I look forward to the future trips that we will offer and the new adventures we will embark upon!