Hampton Beach Seafood Festival — Local services in Hampton

I went there on a Saturday as a bus trip from Albany NY with two friends. We enjoyed ourselves somewhat, in spite of a few disappointments. The restaurant that we had lunch in (J&B's??? The music was way too loud too!!!) We had dry fried fish, NO low calorie/fat side options, and a cole slaw that was the BLANDEST, soggiest that we have ever tasted!!! Yuck!!! The stores there NEVER HAVE TSHIRTS in 3X plus sizes!!! The t-shirts are usually expensive, and only in DARK colors, not pink or purple or even tye-dye WHY?!?!? And then there's the weather, which I don't really blame them for. What I do blame the organization for, is the FACT that we had to wait FIVE HOURS FOR OUR TOUR BUS TO PICK US UP!!! AND THERE WAS VERY LITTLE SHETER AROUND IN THE POURING RAIN!!! AND VERY VERY LITTLE PLACES TO STAY DRY!!! (Poor planning on their part!!!) I realize there's a bit of a traffic issue there, but at least we could have waited in a music tent!!! And earlier, when it wasn't raining, the train conductor was very gracious and helpful. He deserves a raise!!! Last but not least, the beach was magnificent as always!!! (Although I didn't get to walk on it because of the rain and also my one friend wasn't allowed to go in by... security?) Anyway, see you all...

The music was used like a weapon to keep people away. Who set up the speakers!!? We had beer tickets and didn't use them because it was too unbearable to get close to the beer tent with the piercing pitch of the music. Even the clam shell stage was HORRIBLE. The crowd was full of smokers, which added to the overall unpleasantness. We shared a lobster roll and bisque for $35 and left a soon as possible. I'll probably never return to Hampton Beach - which is sad because it used to be a nostalgic place for me. Every time we visit it's a major disappointment. The vibes are all wrong and the people...

Crowded and pricey, the food was hit or miss. The music and fireworks were great. Overall, we had a good time. Will consider going back. Considering the entry fee, we expected the food to be cheaper. The portion sizes were the right size for a food festival - small so you can try many different things. If I do return, I'll be going for the experience and the oysters, and to possibly try one or two reasonably priced things. If you don't plan to spend $$$ (on potentially mediocre food) -eat...