Star Island Corporation

New Hampshire Magazine names Star Island among Best of 2012

July 03, 2012

The editors of New Hampshire Magazine have honored Star Island with a prestigious Best of New Hampshire 2012 award, naming it the state’s top “Hidden Retreat” in the category of People, Culture, Arts and Music.

There’s much more to do at Star Island (owned and operated since 1915 by the nonprofit Star Island Corporation) than just swim and enjoy scenery. From June through September at this piece of the Isles of Shoals you can attend conferences that range from writing residencies and painting to spiritual topics and natural history. A short boat ride just a few miles off shore from Portsmouth transports you to a rustic and rugged world where you can leave technology behind to learn, grow and relax in a picturesque setting.

We’re excited to be selected and hope that you take the time to come out this summer and see what all the hubbub is about. See what else made the cut at Best of New Hampshire 2012.

History

History comes alive on Star Island

June 19, 2012

Ann Beattie knows a good story when she hears one, and historic Star Island is filled with them. From famous American authors to shipwrecks, ghosts and murder, the Isles of Shoals spins a fascinating yarn. Hear her tell of how this island off the coast of New Hampshire has captured her imagination and spirit.

Ann is the chairperson of the 2012 Historic Star program themed “Mystery and Mayhem on the Isles of Shoals and Beyond.”

Shoalers in the News

Star Island featured in Boston Globe

June 18, 2012

Sunday’s Boston Globe featured a lovely article detailing Star Island on the front page of its travel section.

“It’s completely different when you spend the night,” says Meredith Richardson of Kittery, Maine, who was so smitten by an earlier visit that she got married here last summer. “You have time to unwind. Day trips offer a nice little taste in terms of just exploring Star Island. But to actually experience it, you have to stay overnight.”

Read more at Boston.com.

Shoalers in the News

Hear why Shoalers give to Star in new video

June 15, 2012

Nobody knows the importance of giving to Star Island better than those who have already donated their time and money to ensure our spirit’s home is preserved for future generations. Hear from many Shoalers in this new video produced by Video Tapestry about their reasons for giving.

We encourage you to reflect on what your own reason may be. Share it with the Star community on Facebook and make a pledge today to help ensure Star’s future.

Shoalers in the News

British journalist visits Star Island

June 11, 2012

Jo Cooke, a travel writer and editor for two of the United Kingdom’s largest women’s magazines, visited Star Island recently. The visit was arranged by the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, who manages foreign media visits to the Seacoast region. Victoria Hardy, CEO of the corporation that manages Star Island, served as Cooke’s host for the day and introduced her to the island community.

Cooke was most interested in the British-related history of the Isles of Shoals, and especially the infamous Smuttynose murder. She was especially intrigued by the Literary Festival in August featuring Anita Shreve, who is quite popular in England with Cooke’s readers.

The trip included visits to the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, the Discover Portsmouth Center and various other sights in the region.

On the Island

Foster’s guide to Gosport Regatta available online

June 01, 2012

Foster’s Daily Democrat published a 24-page booklet about this year’s Gosport Regatta a few weeks back, featuring articles on the history of the race, ticket information, the menu of the day, and a look at the future of Star Island — both our immediate plans and upcoming season as well as long-term goals of sustainability and growth.

In case you missed it, we are now happy to present it for download.

Grab the Gosport Regatta 2012 guide (5MB, .PDF).

On the Island

Overnight stay offered at 2012 Gosport Regatta

May 31, 2012

Three local bands set to perform live June 8-10

The third annual Gosport Regatta at Star Island will feature an overnight island stay at the historic Oceanic Hotel and three live musical performances, June 8-10.

Guests are invited to board the official spectator boat the M/V Thomas Laighton operated by the Isles of Shoals Steamship Co., watch a sailing race unfold live on the water and attend the island party Saturday, June 9. Spectators and crew members may also stay for the weekend in one of the island cottages during the regional pursuit race, hosted by Star Island and the Piscataqua Sailing Association. The Shops on Star will be open to the public for regatta weekend offering books, gifts, regatta wear, and more. Tickets are now on sale at www.gosportregatta.org.
Read more…

Uncategorized

Literary Festival feat. Anita Shreve early registration discount extended

May 31, 2012

We’re extending our early registration offer for the inaugural Star Island Literary Festival. Register by June 16 and qualify for a $200 discount!

The Star Island Literary Festival welcomes you to participate in this inaugural event celebrating authors and the art of writing. In our first year, we will focus on the concept of islands in literature with Anita Shreve, author of The Weight of Water and other bestselling novels; Katherine Towler, author of the Snow Island trilogy; and Corwin Ericson, author of Swell.

With over 100 years experience hosting enriching programming and theme weeks, Star Island provides a unique, historic setting for this literary festival. As an inspiration to poets and novelists, including Celia Thaxter and Nathaniel Hawthorne, the Isles of Shoals will inspire all festival participants. Join us as we embark on a new venture this year just off the coast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Learn more about the Literary Festival.