Here on the seacoast, we’re surrounded by a bustling, growing, and ever-changing landscape – new businesses are constantly popping up, and the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well throughout our many towns. This spring, many small businesses are swinging open their doors for the first time and this week, we celebrate their arrivals. Meet them below!

       

York Beach has a fresh new look with the addition of WHEAT! This coastal-chic boutique carries everything you never thought you needed – think adorable beach hats and swim suits, candles that are perfect for gifting, and pool floats that are fit for a festive pool party! Owners Molly and Huw are such a sweet couple – you can read more about their story in our blog post here!

      

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from WHEAT is The York Beach Bucket – a darling general store, coffee shop, and market with an upscale flare! Their donuts are out of this world!

      

Walk into Mint Boutique and your day will immediately become 100 times better. Why? Because Owner Courtney Davis is one of the friendliest, most positive, and welcoming people I have ever met. While Courtney is a fabulous person, her shop is a fashionista’s paradise! We love Mint’s colorful summer ensembles, chic workout wear, and the variety of locally-made jewelry – hello Estie Ott and Coconut Maple!

      

Ashley Stearns is a young woman on a mission! After working in the skin care world for years, she decided to open her very own business, Blush, in downtown Portsmouth. This one-room boutique studio sings “girly-chic” from every corner, and after your treatment – combined with Ashely’s sweet, cool-girl presence – you’ll leave feeling like a princess!!

      

You may recognize Birch Rose + Co.’s all-natural, botanical skin care products from big-league shops like Urban Outfitters and Pac Sun, but did you know that this company’s first retail outlet just opened right here in downtown Portsmouth?? Pop by Vaughn Mall to meet Cali-girl and Birch Rose + Co. Founder Beckah. Or hop over to Buff & File to try her scrubs during your next #manipedi!

      

Doug Palardy & Dan Innis have officially opened the doors to their quaint, upscale boutique property – The Great Island Inn – located in the charming island town of New Castle! We were giddy with excitement all winter and spring as we watched this historic building transform into a beautiful new New Castle landmark.

P.S. Did you know that Doug and Dan were also the founders of the Ale House Inn and The Hotel Portsmouth?

      

One of the seacoast’s most beloved restaurants is expanding! This spring, STREET will welcome three additional businesses to its family – STREET’za, b. Bar, and B’Zaar… stay tuned for more!

It’s so nice for our community to welcome many new businesses every season, and to celebrate and encourage what everyone has to offer. We all get better together, and together, the seacoast thrives!

xx

Maggie