Star Island
Once upon a time — almost a decade ago, I spent a glorious week on a small island off the coast of New Hampshire (which has a very small coast, in fact). The island, which was now being used for various retreats, is home to a late-19th century hotel, a small chapel, several cabins, and an art barn.
There are no televisions in the rooms, electric sockets are hard to find, and hardly anyone is glued to a computer or cell phone. It’s beautifully simple and quiet, the perfect place to exchange ideas and dreams. The meals are served family-style at long tables and the days stretch on without usual distractions. The island is staffed largely by college students for the summer, who have a very Dirty Dancing-esque culture with their own parties, dances, and other events.
When I sometimes feel too overwhelmed, I find myself thinking about this place, about the people I met there, the poetry I wrote, and how I long for more weeks spent laughing myself silly as I fail to row a boat properly, taking afternoon dives into artically cold waters, lying on a rock in the morning sun feeling my spirit swell, gathering around with new friends at night talking until sleep took us.
{more about Star Island}
Fine memories of a beautiful but rugged place. Thank you for sharing them, Brandi.
Are you kidding me? This is my dream spot and I had no clue it existed! A whole week would not be enough for me. I want to live there! And the photos are absolutely stunning. Now you got me dreaming.
Oh you said Dirty Dancing and my mind just ran away from me – sounds like a perfect setting for a novel :)
Oh my. I want to travel there right now. It’s absolutely beautiful, and the culture of the place sounds amazing. I haven’t seen the ocean in two years. That needs to change soon.
That sounds like such an amazing experience! I would love to go somewhere like that- what a beautiful space to write, dream and laugh in.
Beautiful looking place! I love planning getaways where there is no TV or internet or cell phones. Man, life is different! I like that it forces us to be TOGETHER more.