You Can Live Off The Grid In This New Hampshire Town Considered One Of The Best In The Country
By Michelle|Published September 12, 2022
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Living off-grid in New Hampshire is a dream for many people. When life feels hectic and the daily grind becomes filled with things that seem inconsequential, getting back to simpler things can feel like the right move. These days, it’s not always easy to find a place filled with quiet, but we’re lucky that it’s not impossible in this state. While being completely off-grid might not be suitable for everyone, there are still a few places in the state offering a more straightforward approach to living. This is just one of them!
Located about one hour from Portsmouth, Star Island sits off the coast of New Hampshire as part of the Isles of Shoals. It sits within the waterways of the Wabanaki Peoples and there's evidence of Native Americans being here more than 6,000 years ago.
John Smith arrived in 1614, charting and mapping the nine islands that makes up the area. While many of the islands are small and uninhabited Star Island is something special.
While you might manage to find a cell phone signal here, things are fairly primitive. Most people come for the day to explore the history and the nature, but staying overnight is also an option during the summer through mid-September.
Today, there's just one place to spend the night. The Oceanic House is the largest building on the island and one of the most historic in the state. Dating back at least 100 years, the hotel offers a return to simplicity with unlocked rooms and modest room furniture and decorations.
While the island is simple and unhurried, there's still plenty to do here. If you love nature, you'll appreciate exploring the trails and coast. There's also a small science center with local information as well as quintessential cottages for photos.
Fishing and boating are also popular activities to enjoy. Booking a night at the Oceanic House is a great way to soak in the island, but you may need to book your trip to coincide with one of the conferences they host each year. From yoga to painting to writing, there are tons of different topics to learn here.
There are a variety of ways to get to the island, too. Private boats of no more than 14 feet can ties themselves up in the harbor and head to land. There's also a ferry from Portsmouth offering convenient trips from June through much of September.
For more information on getting to Star Island from Portsmouth, New Hampshire visit the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company website. To learn more about an overnight stay and see a schedule of conferences, visit the Oceanic Hotel website. For general information about your visit you’ll want to check out the Star Island website.
